Christian churches on the Southside are getting ready for one of their busiest seasons and one of the holiest events on the Christian calendar, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The season is always highlighted with special musical performances, parties, charitable giving and other events reflecting the spirit of the season. Special candlelight services usually are planned for Christmas Eve and many churches hold services on Christmas Day.

Local churches that have announced their Christmas events are listed below.

All Saints Anglican Church in Peachtree City will have a Lessons and Carols Service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. On Dec. 24, a Christmas Eve Family Service will be held at 5 p.m. and a Carol Service with Holy Communion at 11 p.m. A Christmas Day Service with Holy Communion will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 25. All Saints meets at 303 Kelly Dr. in Peachtree City. For information, call 770-486-5374.

Bethany United Methodist Church will have a candlelight Christmas Eve service with Holy Communion at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24. The church is at the intersection of Lee’s Lake, Rivers, and Milam Roads in north Fayette County.

The Treehouse and T.H.O.R.N.S. Ministry of The Branches Community Church will present “With Jesus It Is A Wonderful Life: A Christmas Program” at 6:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The church is at 282 Ga. Hwy. 314, Suite D, Fayetteville. For more information, contact program coordinator Gayla Whitestone, 678-469-9481, or gaylaathome@bellsouth.net.

Brooks United Methodist Church will have Candlelight Christmas Eve services at 5 and 9 p.m. on Dec. 24. A nursery will be provided for the 5 p.m. service only. Brooks UMC is three miles south of Starr’s Mill on Ga. Hwy. 85 Connector. Call 770-719-7593 or go to www.brooksumc.com for more information.

Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City will present orchestra and vocal music during its 11 a.m. service Dec. 21, featuring recording artist Michael Card. The church will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. Dec. 24. The church is at 101 Carriage Lane, at the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 54 and Carriage Lane in Peachtree City. For information, call 770-631-4618.

The Catholic Church of Saint Gabriel will have a Children’s Pageant at 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, followed by a Children’s Mass at 5 p.m. Carols will be sung beginning at 7:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 8 p.m. Carols again will be sung at 11:30 p.m., followed by Midnight Mass. On Christmas Day, Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.

Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church will have Christmas Eve services at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. featuring Christmas carols, the Christmas story and Holy Communion. Candlelight will be featured at the 9 p.m. service.

The church is at 4881 E. Hwy. 34, Sharpsburg. For information, call 770-252-2428.

Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City will offer a Christmas Jazz Service Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. featuring familiar carols with a different flavor, played by the Saxophone Choir, Clarinet Choir, and soloists Sarah Ferree, David Beecher, Karla Dietmeyer and Robert Brooks. Brooks is a guest artist, a student at Central Michigan University, and, like Ms. Dietmeyer, a Messerli Scholar at Lutheran Summer Music. Karl Dietmeyer conducts both choirs.

Christmas Eve will feature six candlelight Communion services with traditional carols and special music at 12:15, 4:30, 6:30, 7, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. The 4:30 and 7 p.m. services also offer contemporary Christmas songs.

A Christmas Day Communion service (casual dress) will be held Thursday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. The church is at 101 Peachtree Parkway.

The Church of the Holy Cross Charismatic Episcopal Church in Fayetteville will have special prayers and blessings for area residents who have recently been laid off or who face uncertain job futures. Father Paul Massey, vicar of the church, says the congregation will stop during the Dec. 21 Sunday Christmas Service and ask all who want special prayer for jobs to join him at the altar for a “prayer for God’s blessing and abundance.” This is open to anyone in the community and all in need are urged to attend.

Church of the Holy Cross meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in Fayetteville. Directions are available at www.holycrosschurch.wordpress.com

The Episcopal Church of the Nativity will have Christmas Eve services at 5 and 10:30 p.m. and a service on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. For information, call 770-460-6390 or visit www.nativityepiscopal.org.

Fayetteville First Baptist Church will host a Christmas musical, “One Incredible Moment,” presented by the worship ministries Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Come early for light refreshments. Seating begins at 5:45. No ticket or reservations required.

On Wednesday, Dec. 24, a Christmas Eve Service will be held at 6 p.m.

FFBC is at 205 Stonewall Ave. East. For more information, call 770-461-8378.

Fayetteville First United Methodist Church will present the “Southern Nights,” a men’s precision a capella ensemble made up of singers from the South Metro Atlanta area, Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. The group is under the direction of J.D. Holmes.

On Sunday, Dec. 21, FFUMC will offer “The Longest Night Service” for those who have lost loved ones and are grieving this Christmas. The service will be at 4:30 p.m. in the chapel.

At 6 p.m. in the sanctuary, Rick Massengale and Sonia Squires will present a Candlelight Concert featuring guest vocalists Dianna Crane and Brent Davis.

On Christmas Eve, the church will host the services of Word, Table and Candlelighting at 4, 6 and 11 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

FFUMC is at 175 E. Lanier Ave., across from the Fayette County Courthouse. For information, call 770-461-4313.

First Baptist Church, Peachtree City will have Christmas Eve services at 4 and 6 p.m. The church is at 208 Willowbend Road in Peachtree City. For information, call 770-487-8133, ext. 1201, or visit the church website, www.fbcptc.org.

First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City will present “The Shepherd’s Story,” tonight, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. The children’s ministry will perform a musical in the sanctuary following a family Christmas dinner.

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, a Praise and Worship Celebration of Jesus’ birth will be observed with two candlelight services at 6 and 8 p.m. Childcare will be provided for children ages 3 and under.

On Sunday, Dec. 28, a traditional worship service will be held at 11:15 a.m. The church is at 206 Willowbend Rd. across from the library and city hall. For information, call 770-487-7757, or visit www.firstpresptc.com.

Flat Creek Baptist Church will present “Christmas Piano Praise,” a free concert featuring six grand pianos united in Christmas praise and worship Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. (doors open at 2:30) and 6 p.m. (doors re-open at 5:30).

A Christmas Eve Service is planned for Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. and will include the observance of the Lord’s Supper.

Heritage Christian Church announces Christmas Eve services to be offered at 4, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Heritage Christian is on the corner of Redwine Road and Peachtree Parkway in Fayetteville. For more information, go to www.heritagechristian.org or call 770-716-5768.

Hopewell United Methodist Church will have open communion on Christmas Eve from 5:30 – 7 p.m., and the annual Candlelight Service will be held at 11 p.m. The community is invited to participate in any and all services. Hopewell is in Tyrone, at 351 Jenkins Road, across the street from Sandy Creek High School. For more information contact the church, 770-306-7537.

Lisbon Baptist Church will have a Christmas service Sunday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. The church is at 1662 Ga. Hwy. 85 South, Fayetteville. For information, call 770-461-1583.

The Lighthouse Church (a new United Methodist Church) is holding a special candlelight communion service on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center on Ga. Highway 54 in Peachtree City.

Lighthouse currently meets on Sundays at McIntosh High School. For more information, visit the web site, www.lighthouseumc.net.

McDonough Road Baptist Church will have a Christmas Eve service Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. The church is at 352 McDonough Road, just past the department of drivers’ services building at the corner of County Line Road and McDonough Road. Visit the church on the web at www.mcdonoughroad.org.

National Heights Baptist Church is offering a Prayer Star on the lawn of the church through Friday, Dec. 26. The Prayer Star is a walking path with 10 places to stop and read or listen to a scripture reflection and prayer posted at each station. The script and an mp3 audio version are available on the church website for download (www.NationalHeightsBaptistChurch.com).

“God’s Greatest Gift,” a program of scripture lessons and choral anthems, will be presented at National Heights Sunday evening, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m..

A Christmas Eve candlelight service of “Nine Lessons and Carols” will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m..

National Heights is at 103 Old Norton Rd. and Ga. Highway 54 between Fayetteville and Peachtree City, about one-half mile east of Piedmont Fayette Hospital.

New Life in Christ Anglican Church will host a Christmas Eve Communion service at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 20 Tower Way, Suite 5 at Thomas Crossroads in Newnan.

North Fayette United Methodist Church invites the public to attend Christmas musical worship with a “Festival of Carols” presented by The Chancel Choir, Agape Ringers, and Instrumental Ensemble, on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the 8:45 and 11 a.m. worship services. The church also will host a Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 11 p.m. For information or directions, call the church office, 770-461-2409, or visit www.nfumc.com.

All children in the community from toddlers through fifth grade are invited to attend a birthday party for Jesus on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. at the Windgate Campus at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church on the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Windgate Road. The event includes singing, face painting, ice cream, cake and a special guest from the North Pole. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots donation. For more information contact Bob Argumosa at 770-486-8204 or visit www.ptcumc.org.

At PTCUMC’s alternate venue, 225 Robinson Road, four Christmas Eve services will be held on Dec. 24. At 2 p.m. there will be a special Family Christmas Eve Service called “The Greatest Gift,” a presentation of the Children and Youth Ministries, geared toward families with elementary age children and teenagers. An infant through age 3 nursery will be provided. Candlelight flashlights will be given for the candle lighting.

At 5, 7 and 9 p.m., the church will hold traditional Candlelight Communion Services. Nursery is provided only at the 5 p.m. service for infants through Pre-K. Additional parking will be available across the street at Mowell’s Funeral Home and a shuttle to the church is provided. For more information call 770-487-6499 or visit www.ptcumc.org.

Pastor Justin Kollmeyer of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church invites the community to Christmas Eve Services at the church located between Lowe’s and The Fayette Pavilion. At 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the church will host a “Living Nativity” Candlelight Service with real animals including live sheep, a donkey, and a camel. This service is very “family-friendly.” Dress Christmas casual.

At 7, 9, and 11 p.m., the church will feature Candlelight Communion Services with music and Kollmeyer’s message, “The Christmas Hippopotamus.” Dress Christmas casual or Christmas dress-up. There will be no Christmas Day service.

Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church at 3 Village Rd. in the Thomas Crossroads area in Coweta County will have a Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, followed by a Children’s Mass at 6 p.m. (nursery available), a musical prelude at 11:30 p.m. and Midnight Mass at 12.

On Christmas Day, Masses are planned for 9 a.m. and noon, with American Sign Language available at the noon Mass.

On Wednesday, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) a Vigil Mass for Mary, Mother of God, will be held at 5 p.m. On New Year’s Day, a Holy Day of Obligation Mass will be held at noon. The church is behind the new Coweta Library at Lower Fayetteville and McCollum-Sharpsburg Roads.

South Metro Ministries on Ga. Highway 34 in Sharpsburg will have Candlelight Christmas services Sunday, Dec. 21 at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. On Sunday, Dec. 28, worship services will he held at 9:15 and 11 a.m. (no 8 a.m. service).

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Peachtree City will have a mid-week Advent service tonight, Dec. 17. A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. with the service to follow at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria (upper level).

A Christmas Service is planned for Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. in the lower level Worship Center, with the Annual School Alumni Sing on stage with the current eighth grade class at the end of the service.

A “Happy Birthday Jesus Party” for all ages will be held Sunday, Dec. 21 at 9:30 a.m. in the upper level cafeteria.

A Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. in the lower level Worship Center.

A Christmas Day Service with Holy Communion will be held Thursday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. in the lower level Worship Center.

New Year’s Eve Service with Holy Communion will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m., also in the lower level Worship Center.

The Summit Church will have “A Taste of Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m., featuring desserts, appetizers, music of the season and carol singing.

Also featured will be the Christmas Brass Trio, cello, flute and violin performances, and the Winslett family Singers with Ivan Winslett on piano.

On Christmas Eve, the church will hold a Christmas Eve worship service at 7 p.m. with drama, music and a special message for the children. The church is at 1373 Ga. Hwy. 92 South, Fayetteville. For more information, call 770-460-3335 or visit www.TheSummitPC.net.

The Unity Christian Church will host several special services and/or events in celebration of Christmas. On Sunday, Dec. 21, a special Christmas service and celebration will be held during the 11 a.m. morning worship hour. And on Christmas Eve Wednesday, Dec. 24, beginning at 7 p.m., a Candlelight and Communion Service will be held. The Unity Christian Church is at 426 Rivers Road in Fayetteville where the Senior Pastor is Smith A. Atwater. For additional information, call the church office, 770-774-9036.

Woolsey Baptist Church’s Celebration Choir and Drama Team will present “Noel! Night of Everlasting Love” on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. The performance is an original drama by Cindy Weatherup. The musical was created and arranged by Derric Johnson and is orchestrated by J. Daniel Smith. Childcare will be provided.

Woolsey Baptist Church is at 115 Hampton Rd. in Fayetteville. For more information, call the church office, 770-461-9618 or log onto www.woolseybaptist.org.

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