St. Michael's Christmas activities
BRATTLEBORO - St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro is using its recently renovated sanctuary decorated with local greens in garlands, balls and wreaths for three special Christmas services this season.
The first service is the Children's Pageant and Holy Eucharist at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. More than 25 children and youth from the region, including free-range angels and farmers as well as shepherds and at least one goat, will participate.
The second service is the Festival Candlelight Holy Eucharist at 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The St. Michael's Choir will provide music and the Christmas tree will be lighted. On Christmas Day, there will be a Festival Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m.
St. Michael's Episcopal Church invites all people in the region, including visitors here for the holidays, to participate in these services in the renovated building which is accessible through the front door on Bradley Avenue.
First Baptist presents Homeless Vigil, Christmas Eve service
BRATTLEBORO - Once again this year, First Baptist Church, 190 Main St., will honor the homeless and those who help them with a vigil on Friday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m., at Pliny Park at the corner of Main and High streets.
There will be a short observance with music and readings, a candlelit procession to the Masonic Center to honor “Warm Hands Warm Hearts,” and then on to the First Baptist Church, site of the Overflow Shelter.
Candles will be provided, but everyone is encouraged to bring blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows for the shelter.
On Christmas Eve, First Baptist will have a service at 7 p.m., with candlelight and music to lift one's spirits and warm the heart.
To volunteer to set-up or take-down either event, call the church office at 802-254-9566.
Carol service in West Dummerston
WEST DUMMERSTON - There will be a Christmas carol service at the West Dummerston Baptist Church on West Street (off Route 30) on Friday Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Christmas Eve Service at Immanuel Episcopal Church
BELLOWS FALLS - Immanuel Episcopal Church at 20 Church St. in Bellows Falls invites you to celebrate Christmas with a special service on Monday, Dec. 24, at 8 p.m.
The Christmas Eve Service with be the traditional candlelight with Lessons and Carols with a Holy Eucharist. For more information, call the church at 802-463-3100 or email [email protected].
Mass schedule at St. Michael's
BRATTLEBORO - St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., will celebrate Christmas with services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Masses are scheduled for 4 and 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Midnight Mass begins the Christmas Day schedule, with morning Mass at 8 and 10:30 a.m. There will be no evening Mass that day.
Parishioners are reminded that Jan. 1 is the Holy Day of Mary, the Mother of God. Masses will be at 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. For more information, call the church at 802-257-5101.
Christmas Eve at Trinity Lutheran
BRATTLEBORO - Trinity Lutheran Church, 161 Western Ave., plans Christmas Eve services at 4:30 and 10:30 p.m.
It will be a festive candlelight service with Holy Communion and special music at both services. Call 802-254-4220 for more information.
'Into the Silence' in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON - Dummerston Congregational Church in Dummerston Center will present “Into the Silence,” a service of contemplative music for Christmas and the Solstice, on Friday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.
The service will feature medieval, Celtic and original music by Coracle (Cynthia Hughes, Celtic harp; John Crockett, cello and Celtic whistles). Coracle's music is inspired by the sea and the land, by the cycles of the seasons and by the deep stillness of contemplation.
All are invited to an evening of respite from the busy buildup to Christmas, and a way to reconnect with the deep spirit of this magical time of the year, the time of deepest darkness, and the returning of the light.
For more information, contact the Rev. Susanna Griefen at 802-257-0544 or [email protected].
Service of Lessons & Carols at Centre Congregational
BRATTLEBORO - Centre Congregational Church, 190 Main St., will have a its Service of Lessons & Carols on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m.
This service, led by the Rev. Carra McFadden, celebrates the birth of Jesus in a series of short readings interspersed with carols and choral music.
At 4:30 p.m., the church will host a family service.
Christmas Eve services in West Dover
WEST DOVER - West Dover Congregational Church, 104 Route 100, will host two Christmas Eve services.
The family-friendly service, at 7 p.m., is well-suited to families with kids. The service will end by 8 p.m., so there's plenty of time to get home and in bed before too late. The service itself will also be more interactive for children and toddlers.
The traditional candlelight service will be held at 10 p.m., with traditional carols, the Christmas message, and conclude with the lighting of the tree and the singing of “Silent Night.”
If you would like to know more, call the church at 802-464-1195.
Candlelight & Carols in Westminster West
WESTMINSTER WEST - Westminster West Congregational Church, 44 Church St., will hold its annual Community Candelight and Carols service on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m.
Participants will hear the Christmas story from the Gospels, sing carols, and receive musical offerings from the choir.
The service will end with the candle lighting ceremony, accompanied by the singing of “Silent Night.” Following the service, there will be hot cocoa and goodies in Fellowship Hall and caroling in the village.
The church will hold its Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m. Led by Pastor Susie Webster-Toleno, this service will be quiet in tone, with special music and candlelight.
Service of Lessons & Carols at First United Methodist
BRATTLEBORO - First United Methodist Church, 18 Town Crier, will have its Service of Lessons & Carols on Christmas Eve at 4 and 11 p.m.
This service celebrates the birth of Jesus in a series of short readings interspersed with carols and choral music.
The church is handicapped-accessible. E-mail [email protected] or call 802-254-4218 for a ride.