Celebrate with First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Seventh and Jules streets, will present “Celebrate!,” a program of music, drama and narrative, at 3 p.m. Dec. 21 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22. The event will involve the church choir, soloists, brass, strings, organ, Wise Men, Matthew as narrator, the angel of the Lord and other volunteer participants directed by Dr. Laurel Vartabedian with Jerry Anderson, musical director. Admission is free, and a reception will follow.

Sophia Center has presentation

Sophia Center, 751 S. Eighth St. in Atchison, Kan., will host “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16. The presenter will be Gabrielle Kocour, OSB, and the fee will be $40. For more information, call (913) 360-6173.

Christ Episcopal has breakfast

Christ Episcopal Church’s monthly parish breakfast, normally held on the first Sunday of the month, will be held instead on Dec. 14 to coincide with the visit of the Rev. Barry R. Howe, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, and his wife, Mary. The breakfast will celebrate Confirmation Sunday. Also featured at the same breakfast will be the church school children’s Christmas program.

Donations of paper products are being accepted at the church for the Men’s Safe Haven, a new shelter for homeless men. Donations of winter clothing for the Men’s Cold Weather Shelter are also being collected, under the direction of Nancy Hampton.

Wesley UMC holds cantata

Wesley United Methodist Church, Ajax and Pear streets, will hold its annual cantata, presented by the church choir, during its 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services Dec. 14. That evening, a Christmas concert will be given by Jeff Buckles. The public is invited to both events.

First Baptist plans carol sing

First Baptist Church, 1225 Francis St., will have its annual “Round the Table Carol Sing” at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. This is fun family time with carol singing, refreshments and fellowship. For more information, call the church office at 232-8425.

Hyde Valley invites all to ‘Las Posadas’

Hyde Valley United Methodist Church at 202 W. Hyde Park Ave. invites all to experience “Las Posadas (A Service of Shelter for the Holy Family),” which will conclude with a live nativity scene on the east side of the church building. The community is invited to participate with the holy family as they journey from door to door searching for shelter beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21. Then join the holy family and the Christ child by the stable to sing Christmas carols. Refreshments will be served in the upper fellowship hall.

The church also invites all to join in observing “A Service of Lessons and Carols” at 5 p.m. Dec. 24. The service will include Holy Communion and conclude with the traditional candlelight service.

In addition, the church invites all to celebrate the New Year in a special “Watch Night” celebration with games, snacks and many other activities. A Watch Night Covenant Service will conclude the evening festivities at 11:15 p.m. Bells will be rung at midnight.

South Park UMC plans ‘Lessons and Carols’

South Park United Methodist Church at 2802 S. 19th St. invites the community to join in observing “A Service of Lessons and Carols” at 7 p.m. Dec. 21. The service will include Holy Communion and conclude with the traditional candlelight service.

McCarthy Baptist presents reflection

McCarthy Baptist Church, 2710 S. Belt Highway, will present “Once Upon a Holy Night,” a reflection on this time of year, at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. The perennial story of the Christ child unfolds with the prophetic message of Isaiah and continues on through character narrations by Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and a modern-day character that reminds us that no matter the depth and challenge of our own life story, the love of God can shine through the human heart and reach out to touch lives.

Admission is free, and child care will be provided. For more information, call 279-2432 or go to www.

McCarthyBaptist.org.

Aglow International has meeting

Aglow International invites you to its Christmas meeting, scheduled to take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the theater at the St. Joseph Public Library, 502 N. Woodbine Road. Worship will be provided by the Youth Dance Team, and guest speakers will be Marcia Crabtree, Gail Eddins and Janna Wuest.

Flag Springs Baptist presents musical

Flag Springs Baptist Church invites everyone to attend its Christmas musical, “Wonderful Name,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 21. The church is located on Highway AA one mile west of Highway M in Union Star, Mo. For directions or other information, call Joy at (816) 593-2230 or Gwen (816) 526-2044.

Copeland Baptist has children’s play

Copeland Baptist Church, 2009 Walnut St., will hold a contemporary worship service at 8:15 a.m., Bible study at 9:30 a.m. and a traditional worship service at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 14. It will also present its children’s Christmas play at 6 p.m. that day.

New Hope Baptist celebrates Christmas

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1824 Sylvanie St., will celebrate its annual Christmas cantata during its 11 a.m. worship service Dec. 14. This will feature special readings and music from its Christmas choir under the direction of Charlie Bradford, minister of music. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration.

At 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21, New Hope will recognize and celebrate the ordination of the Rev. Tyrome Piercy at a special worship service in his honor. The Rev. Piercy and his wife, Irissa, have been members of the church and have accepted a call to preach the gospel. A reception will follow the service. Everyone is invited.

Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached at religion@npgco.com.