Two Christmas Eve services at Orchard Hills Church
Orchard Hills Church will hold candlelight services at 5 and 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The 5 p.m. service will have both indoor and outdoor options.
The outdoor experience will feature a live stream of the service inside along with Christmas lights, fires, hot cocoa, and cookies. Bring a lawn chair and bundle up. The 5 p.m. service will have childcare for ages 4 and under. The 11 p.m. service will not have childcare and will be inside only.
The public is invited to attend.
Fincastle Presbyterian Church Advent, Christmas Eve services
The final Advent service at Fincastle Presbyterian Church will be streamed this Thursday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., Christmas Eve. Scriptures and other readings will present thoughts of “lighting the light of Grace to ease your heavy burdens.” The special music will be provided by one of the church’s choir members, Lynne Bolton, who will sing “Mary Did You Know” and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Join in this service by going to https://www.facebook.com/fincastlepresbyterianchurch/ and clicking on the “live” site. The video will also be available to watch during the following week for any unable to make the Thursday night service.
The Christmas Eve Zoom service will begin at 9 p.m. with traditional elements, music, readings, communion, and a children’s time. The service will conclude with everyone asked to dim their room lights, then light a candle to show on screen. The hand bell choir will play “Silent Night,” after which attendees are asked to observe a time of silence until they sign off.
“We are also inviting everyone in the community to go outside at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and sing or play ‘Silent Night.’ By taking with them a candle or lantern they can welcome Christmas by taking both song and light into the darkness. We hope members of other churches in town will join to make this a community event as we lift our voices to the heavens. We invite everyone to share this invitation on social media,” a church member said.
Fincastle United Methodist members are accustomed to Zoom virtual participation. Others from outside the membership are welcome to join the services. If interested, contact the church office to make arrangements; FUMC@rbnet.com.
Church of the Transfiguration Christmas Eve and Day Mass
The Church of the Transfiguration Catholic Church will celebrate Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 at 4 p.m. and Christmas Day Mass on December 25 at 10 a.m. In anticipation of larger attendance on Christmas Eve and Day, the church is asking people to complete a Google Form to request an invitation to these liturgies. The Google Form can be found on the church’s Facebook page or by calling the parish office at 473-2656.
Galatia Presbyterian Christmas Eve service
The public is invited to a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Galatia Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 6:30 p.m. on December 24. Galatia is located at 78 Gala Loop Road, Eagle Rock. Masks and social distancing are required.
Christmas Eve service at Limestone Park
The community is invited to a drive-in Christmas Eve service at Limestone Park in Buchanan on Thursday, Dec. 24 from 4:30-5:15 p.m. This special service will include music and scripture to celebrate the eve of the Savior’s birth. Those attending will receive a small battery-operated candle upon arrival if they would like to step outside of the car to sing “Silent Night” at the end of the service.
Adams celebrating fifth year in ministry
First Baptist Church of Fincastle would like to recognize Associate Minister Dollie Adams on her fifth year in the ministry. In addition to her Associate Minister role, she serves in several other capacities within the church including Deaconess, Clerk, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Sunday School Teacher, Leader of God’s Cool Kid’s Rock Club, Senior Choir President, and Co-founder of the Women’s Ministry.
Minister Adams is married to Deacon Chester Adams and is a retired teacher from Botetourt County Public Schools. She enjoys her affiliation with Bible Study Fellowship and participating in other Bible study groups with her family and friends.
“She is a devoted mother and grandmother and is truly a woman of God. We are thankful for her and sincerely appreciate all she does for us and the community. God bless you, and Happy Fifth Anniversary Minister Dollie Adams!,” a church spokesman said.
