Advent and Christmas Briefs
Blue Christmas/Longest Night service at Providence UMC Dec. 21
Providence United Methodist Church, 24969 Shortly Road, Georgetown, will host a Blue Christmas/Longest Night service at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21.
Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas after the loss of a loved one, or a time that has always been difficult. The sights and sounds of Christmas may only serve to remind people of what they have lost or never had. Those who are mourning or ill, those who have broken relationships or financial insecurities may feel alone amid all the Christmas celebrations. At the same time, the days are growing colder and shorter, accentuating the darkness that may be felt.
The church offers this service of prayers, meditations, scripture and music that seeks to connect attendees to God’s presence. This is a time and space to acknowledge one’s own sadness or the sadness of others, while allowing God to shine light into the darkness. All are welcome.
Unity to meet Dec. 23
Unity Spiritual Center will meet at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 23. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the theme is joy. The address is 98 Rudder Road, Suite 1-A, Millsboro, just off Long Neck Road in front of the Sea Esta Motel.
Epworth UMC offers three Christmas Eve services Dec. 24
Epworth United Methodist Church invites all to come and experience the Miracle of Christmas in preparation for the birth of the Christ Child. Worship will take place in three different settings this Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24. At 5 p.m., the Epworth Praise Team will lead worship in a contemporary setting which will include the traditional “Impromptu Children’s Journey to Bethlehem” drama. All children are invited to participate in the drama; simply arrive 15 minutes prior to the service and meet in the main lobby. At 7:30 p.m., Epworth’s Chancel and Handbell Choirs will lead worship in a Lessons and Carols Service, and at 10 p.m., worship will be held in a traditional setting with special music and lessons.
A special invitation goes out to the hard of hearing and deaf community to worship at the 5 and 7:30 p.m. services, which will include American Sign Language interpretation.
Epworth United Methodist Church is at 19285 Holland Glade Road, just north of Rehoboth Beach off Route 1. Epworth UMC is a church Exploring Faith and Embracing Community; truly practicing open doors, open minds, and open hearts as a member of the Reconciling Ministry Network, and it includes American Sign Language services. To learn more about Epworth, go to www.eumcrb.org.
Christmas Eve services begin at 3 p.m. at Bethel UMC
Bethel United Methodist Church will offer Christmas Eve Candlelight Services starting at 3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 24, with a Family Candlelight Communion Service. A Christmas Pageant will begin at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall featuring King’s Kids with music led by the Bethel Wind Ensemble. A Youth-led Worship Candlelight Service will start at 7 p.m. with songs by YM2, and a Candlelight Communion Service with the Chancel Choir will be held at 11 p.m.
Bethel UMC is at 129 W. Fourth St., Lewes; go to bethellewes.org or call 302-644-9246.
Advent and Christmas services set at St. John the Baptist
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Milton welcomes everyone to its Christmas services. Christmas Eve Masses will be celebrated at 7 and 11 p.m., with congregational carol singing at 10:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 24.
For more information, go to www.stjohnthebaptistmilton.org.
Conley’s UMC announces events Dec. 23-24
Conley’s United Methodist Church will offer only one service at 10 a.m. each Sunday during Advent, through Dec. 23, instead of the usual 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. services. Candlelight Christmas Eve services will be at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 24, at the church on Jolyn’s Way, and 10 p.m. at Conley’s Chapel on Robinsonville Road.
For more information, call the church office at 302-945-1881, or go to www.ConleysUMC.org. Conley’s United Methodist Church is at 33106 Jolyn’s Way, Lewes. Conley’s Chapel is at 22150 Robinsonville Road, Lewes.
Westminster Presbyterian to host two services Dec. 24
Westminster Presbyterian Church at 301 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, will hold two services on Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24. A family-friendly candlelight service of lessons and carols will begin at 5 p.m. The children will present a pageant during the reading of the Christmas story. All children are invited to participate. Costumes are available in the fellowship hall.
The second service at 8 p.m. will be a candlelight service with holy communion served to all. What better way to begin celebrating Christmas than to come to church and participate with others in the community to share the joy and love that Christ brings to all? For more information, call 302-227-2109.
Unitarian Universalists to meet Dec. 24
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, an inclusive religious community, will meet at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 24, at 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes. A Silent Night Together will be the Dec. 23 topic. The Rev. Michelle Collins said, “This year marks the 200th anniversary of the beloved carol, ‘Silent Night.’ Come and share Christmas Eve with your friends at UUSD as we sing carols, hear fantastic holiday music from our choir, share stories and celebrate the holiday together.” For details, call the church office at 302-313-5838 or go to www.uussd.org.
Christmas Eve service at Providence UMC Dec. 24
Providence United Methodist Church invites the public to its Christmas Eve service at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 24. The traditional service will include carols, scripture and candlelight as attendees celebrate the birth of the savior Jesus. The address is 24969 Shortly Road, Georgetown.
St. Peter’s to host services Dec. 24-25
St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes will offer four Christmas Eve services Monday, Dec. 24. At 5 p.m. is a family service with a pageant and carols. At 7 p.m. there will be a festal service with carols and special music from the handbell choir. At 9 p.m. in the parish hall next to the church will be an acoustic service featuring Celtic music. At 11 p.m. is a festal service with carols and special music from the choir.
One service will be offered at 9 a.m., Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25.
All are welcome to attend any or all of these services to celebrate the birth of Jesus. St. Peter's is on the corner of Second and Market streets in downtown Lewes. For more information, go to www.stpeterslewes.org.
Coolspring Presbyterian to hold Christmas Eve service Dec. 24
Coolspring Presbyterian Church U.S.A. will hold a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 24. The church is at 28843 Log Cabin Hill Road, Lewes. For more information, call 302-703-2545 or email coolspringpreschurch@gmail.com.
St. Edmond announces Christmas week services
St. Edmond Church will host Christmas Eve services at 4 p.m. and midnight, Monday, Dec. 24, in the church; at 4 p.m. in the parish hall; and at 4 p.m. at Rehoboth Elementary School. Christmas Day services will be held at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 25. New Year services will be held at 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31, and at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 1. St. Edmond Church is at Laurel Street and King Charles Avenue, Rehoboth Beach.
Two Christmas Eve services at St. Paul’s in Georgetown
