Local churches to hold Advent and Christmas events

St. Peter's Episcopal Church posts Christmas Services

St. Peter's Episcopal Church's Christmas Services schedule is as follows: 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Family Service with Pageant; 7:30 p.m. - Candlelight Service with Handbells (7 p.m. prelude); 11 p.m. - Candlelight Service with Adult Choir (10:30 p.m. prelude); 9 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 25 - Holy Eucharist; 9 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 28, - Christmas Lessons & Carols. For more information, visit www.stpeterslewes.org or call the church office at 302-645-8479.

St. Jude's Advent Penance Service set for Dec. 17

St. Jude The Apostle Church will hold its Advent Penance Service at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17. There will be extra priests available to hear confessions. The regular confession schedule is 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., Saturdays.

St. Jude’s is on Route 1 north of the Route 9 intersection at Five Points, Lewes.

Providence UMC to hold Longest Night service Dec. 19

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult.

The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make some feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. They need space and time to acknowledge their sadness and concern; they need to know they are not alone.

For these reasons, Providence United Methodist Church on Shortly Road, Georgetown will offer a special Longest Night service at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19.

All are invited to come out and join in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music to acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God’s word comes to shine light into darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is welcome.

The short service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship. Those who have questions may contact Pastor Walt Reeves at 945-7262.

St. Edmond's to hold Christmas Concert Dec. 21

St. Edmond Church will host a Christmas Concert at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, just before the regular 4:30 mass. All are welcome to join parishioners Kevin O’Brennan and Mark Teesdale who will perform along with the adults' and children’s choirs. St. Edmond Church is in downtown Rehoboth Beach at the corner of Laurel Street and King Charles Avenue.

Conley's Christmas Cantata Dec. 21

The sweetest music this side of heaven will be heard at Conley’s United Methodist Church at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21. The Christmas Cantata, planned for both children and adults, will be performed by the combined choirs. The performance will be followed by a light supper.

Conley’s UM Church is at 33106 Jolyns Way off Camp Arrowhead Road. This is a half-mile from Peddlers Village shopping center on Route 24. Signs will direct visitors to the parking area. The church’s phone number is 302-945-1881, or visit www.ConleysChurch.com.

All Saints' and St. George's set Advent, Christmas services

The Episcopal Parish of All Saints’ Church and St. George’s Chapel will hold holiday services as follows:

Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, at All Saints’ Church with Bible readings, carols and hymns.

Blue Christmas at All Saints’ at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 22, with an ecumenical service of comfort and hope, and a light supper to follow.

Christmas Eve services at All Saints Church will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24, for a family service with choir and children; and 10 p.m. service with carol singing with choir at 9:30 p.m. At St. George’s Chapel, candlelight services with special music will feature choir and children at 4 p.m., and choir at 7 p.m.

Christmas Day services will begin at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 25, at St. George’s Chapel, and 10 a.m. at All Saints’ Church.

Epiphany Evensong will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at St. George’s Chapel on Beaver Dam Road near Harbeson. All Saints’ Church is at 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Share Christmas Story Dec. 21 at Groome UMC; Candlelight Service Dec. 24

Groome United Methodist Church of Lewes invites everyone to celebrate as they share the Christmas Story with a special service at 9 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 21. Immediately following the service, a delicious Christmas brunch will be served in Fellowship Hall.

The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 5 p.m, Wednesday, Dec. 24, with a service of Lessons and Carols, and special music. All are invited to attend.

Groome United Methodist Church is at the corner of Savannah Road and Dewey Avenue in Lewes.

Holy Spirit Anglican Mission invites all for Christmas Eve service

Holy Spirit Anglican Mission, currently meeting at Henlopen Grange No. 20, 1528 Savannah Road, Lewes will have a Christmas Eve Service beginning with a carol sing at 6:35 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24. All are welcome to come for the carol sing and stay for the service of Holy Eucharist at 7 p.m. For further information, call 302-251-8141.

Coolspring Presbyterian to hold Christmas Eve service Dec. 24

Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 28843 Log Cabin Hill Road, Lewes will hold a 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight worship service Wednesday, Dec. 24.

The church has Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m.  The office phone is 302-703-2545.

Epworth UMC offers variety of Christmas Eve services

Epworth United Methodist Church Christmas Eve services will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24, with a Children’s Musical; 7 p.m., A Celebration of Carols; 9 p.m., Contemporary Praise Worship; and 11 p.m., Midnight Service. A time for Holy Communion and Candlelight will be offered at all worship services. All are invited to share the story of the birth of Jesus in scriptures and songs.

Westminster Presbyterian to hold two Christmas Eve services Dec. 24

Westminster Presbyterian Church Christmas Eve Services will include a 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24 Family Friendly Christmas Eve Worship, and a 7:30 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship. All are welcome.

Westminster Presbyterian Church is at 301 King Charles Ave., at the corner of Laurel Street in Rehoboth Beach. An elevator is available on the north side of the building, off the parking area. For details, call the church at 302-227-2109.

St. Edmond sets holiday services

St. Edmond Catholic Church will hold Christmas Eve services at 4 and 10 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24, in the church, and at 4 p.m. in the parish hall next door and at Rehoboth Elementary School on Stockley Street Extended. Christmas Day Masses will be held at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 25. A New Year’s Eve service will be at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31, and New Year’s Day will be celebrated with services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 1. St. Edmond’s is at the corner of Laurel Street and King Charles Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.

LCOS to offer three services for Christmas Eve worship Dec. 24

The Lutheran Church of Our Savior will conduct three Christmas Eve services this year, at 4, 7, and 10 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24. All are invited to share this Christian celebration. The church is at 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach. For more information contact the church office at 302-227-3066 or go to lcosrehoboth.org.

Conley's UM Church to hold candlelight worship Dec. 24

Conley’s Church will have four candlelight worship services on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24. The services will be at 4:30  and 6:30  p.m. at the new church on Jolyns Way, and at 8:30  and 11 p.m. at the old chapel on Robinsonville Road.

Conley’s UM Church is at 33106 Jolyns Way off Camp Arrowhead Road, a half-mile from Peddlers Village shopping center on Route 24. Signs will direct vehicles to the parking area. Conley’s Chapel is at 22150 Robinsonville Road, one-half mile from the Angola traffic light on Route 24.  The church’s phone number is 302-945-1881, or visit www.ConleysChurch.com.

Conley’s UMC regular worship times are 6:30 p.m., Saturday nights and 8:45 and 10:30 a.m., Sundays. There are also active prayer and Bible study groups, as well as women’s, men’s and youth groups.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church to hold services Dec. 24 and 25

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, E. Pine and Academy sts. in Georgetown, will hold Christmas Eve services at 4 and 10 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24. Christmas Day services will be at 9 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 25. For details, call the church, 302-856-2894.

Long Neck UMC announces Dec. 24 services and Dec. 25 dinner

Long Neck United Methodist Church will hold a Family Candlelight Service at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24; a Traditional Candlelight Service with communion will take place at 9 p.m.

Church members also invite all to come and enjoy fellowship at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 25, at its  Christmas Day Covered Dish Dinner. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish to feed six to eight people. The main courses and beverages will be provided.

Long Neck UM Church is at 32051 Long Neck Road, Millsboro.

St. Jude the Apostle Church announces Christmas week services

St. Jude The Apostle Church announces the following Mass schedule during Christmas week:

Masses celebrating the Solemnity of Nativity of the Lord will be held at 4, 6 and 10 p.m., Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24. The 4 p.m. Mass will be the Family Liturgy. Masses will be held at 8:30 and 10 a.m., Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25.

Vigil Masses celebrating the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God are scheduled at 4 and 6 p.m., New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31. Masses celebrating the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God are scheduled for 8:30 and 10 a.m., New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.

Confessions will also be heard from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20.

St. Jude The Apostle Church is on Route 1 just north of the intersection of Route 9 at Five Points, Lewes.