Christmas Eve services planned

From staff reports

Several churches in the region have plans to hold special services to mark the Christmas holiday. Here is a listing:

Cherry Evangelical United Methodist, Titusville – A Christmas Eve service will be held at 6 p.m. The church is located at 2724 State Route 8, Titusville.

Christ Lutheran Church, Oil City – A Christmas Eve service will be held at 6 p.m. at the church, located at 1029 Grandview Road. Cathy Kluck will be the organist. Masks and social distancing are required.

First Baptist Church, Franklin – A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. at the church, located at 1041 Liberty St. Social distancing and mask wearing will be adhered to throughout the service.

Heckathorn United Methodist, Tippery – The church’s Blue Christmas service will be offered on its Facebook page and on YouTube after 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. Christmas Eve services will be offered as in-person worship (with a limit of 20 people) at 10 a.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Face masks and social distancing will be required. Those who plan to attend one of the in-person services must call 676-0097 or (412) 445-4252 to register so attendance can be limited to 20 people. A Christmas Eve bonfire will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Hope Rising Church, Clarion – Christmas Eve services will be held at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. at the church, located at 240 Liberty St., Clarion. Signups to reserve seats can be found on the church’s Facebook page. Reserving seats is suggested, though not required.

Knox United Methodist – A drive-in Christmas Eve service with safety in mind will be held at 8 p.m. at the church parking lot, located at 9729 Route 338, Knox. As part of the service, Holy Communion will be served. Those who want to take part should provide their own sacraments. The church asks for each carload of people to take a lighter or matches so that each car can light the way.

Methodists United in Faith – A drive-in Christmas Eve service will be held at 4 p.m. at the Lakeview High School parking lot. Guests must stay in their vehicles and tune into 95.7 FM radio to hear the live broadcast. A Facebook live broadcast of the church’s Christmas Eve children’s play will be shown at 7 p.m. The only guests permitted in the building for this event will be the family of the children participating in the play.

Rockland and Cranberry United Methodist – A Christmas Eve “bonfire” service will be held at 7 p.m. in the Rockland UMC parking lot. The traditional service of readings and carols will take place in this unusual setting to allow for social distancing and community involvement. Each worshipper is asked to take their own candle. As a safe substitute, “glow sticks” will be provided to break open the light of Christ. To contribute to the bonfire as a signal to the world of Christ’s light, each guest is asked to take a piece of firewood to brighten the fire. Worshippers are encouraged to dress warmly, take a camp chair, or remain in their cars during the service.

Park Hill First Church of God, Parker – A Christmas Eve service will be held at 6 p.m. at the church, located at 3314 Lime Plant Road, Parker. A drive-in service will also be offered in the parking lot. Guests can tune into radio station 107.5 FM. The service will include carols, God’s Word, Communion and candle lighting. Stay up-to-date with any changes or cancelations at: parkhillcog.org or visit our Facebook page.

Worden Chapel United Methodist, Franklin – A Christmas Eve service will be held at 7:15 p.m. at the church, located at 967 Keely Road, Franklin. This service will feature live Christmas music with Carrie and Trevor Wright.