Fincastle Presbyterian Church Lessons & Carols service
Fincastle Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 10:30 a.m. The story of the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings, interspersed with singing of Christmas carols and music by the church’s Handbell Ringers and the choir.
Guest musicians for the service are Annmarie Kresge, violin, and Dennis Guthrie, recorder, both of Roanoke.
Kresge is a Vinton native and a graduate of Roanoke College. She has been a part of the freelance music community in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas for over 35 years.
Guthrie has been playing the recorder since his teens and is self-taught. He began studying music formally at age 20, eventually graduating with a B.A. in Music, also from Roanoke, College, with a focus on composition. He has collaborated with Rose Ann Burgess, the director of music/organist at Fincastle Presbyterian, for many years.
The minister of the church, the Rev. Dr. David Dickerson, and the congregation warmly welcome visitors for this musical event.
Glade Creek Baptist Church reschedules Christmas cantata
Because all church services at Glade Creek Baptist had to be cancelled for Sunday, Dec. 12, the Christmas cantata “Hope Was Born This Night” has been rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.
On Christmas Eve, the church will host a candlelight service featuring a special time of prayer and traditional carols. That service will begin at 6 p.m.
Glade Creek Baptist invites the community to these special services this Christmas season.
Advent sermon, Christmas Eve service at Springwood
Springwood Baptist Church invites the public to attend to an Advent Season sermon on December 19, with the topic “Love.”
A Christmas Eve service with the Rev. Mike Anderson will begin at 5:30 p.m. and all are invited.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Christmas Eve service
Pleasant Hill Baptist will be hosting a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on Friday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. All are invited to attend.
Springwood Food Pantry open December 18
The Springwood Baptist Food Pantry will be open on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 9-10:30 a.m. (note new hours of operation. The pantry is located at 88 Copps Hill Road, Buchanan. Clients are asked to remain in their cars and food orders will be delivered to them. Additionally, clients are asked to wear masks, practice social distancing, and use proper hand hygiene while visiting the pantry. These measures will help to keep everyone safe as food is picked up. The pantry is a partner with Feeding America Southwest Virginia and distributes USDA food on the third Saturday of each month to clients.
Fincastle United Methodist Advent and Christmas events
The Advent and Christmas season will see a full schedule of services and events at Fincastle United Methodist Church.
The December 19 morning service will feature special music with several anthems from the choir and music ensembles, a joyous and inspiring occasion.
On December 24, the late Christmas Eve service at Fincastle United Methodist has been a tradition of long standing. The 9 p.m. service in the sanctuary is a warm and peaceful, special service where the community gathers together, reflecting on the year’s blessings through music and scripture. As has been done for many years, the evening concludes with the hand bell choir leading “Silent Night” from the balcony as congregants gather around with candles in the darkened sanctuary, departing in peace to await Christmas Day.
The 10 a.m. service on December 26 will feature congregational singing of selected Christmas carols. The service will include explanations of the history behind each carol.
The historic church building is located at 136 South Church Street, in Fincastle. The Family Life Center and Church Office are across the street. The church phone is 540-473-3001 and the website is fincastleumc.org. The people of Fincastle UMC and Pastor Kwang Shin welcome all to these events and any time during the year.