Pottstown-area churches schedule worship services, special events – The Mercury

Trinity UCC

POTTSTOWN — Sunday Worship Service at Trinity UCC, 60 N. Hanover St., will take place in-person and live-streamed on Trinity’s YouTube page at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. Trinity will offer a free meal on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 5 PM. Christmas Eve service will take place at 7 PM. Access is available in the parking lot at the rear of the church. See our ad below for office hours and contact information. All are welcome

St. Peter’s Lutheran

POTTSTOWN — St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 564 Glasgow St., will celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent at 9:30 a.m. Holy Communion Worship Service. Visitors are always welcome. Worship with us online via Facebook on Sunday at 9 a.m. or any time during the week on Facebook, YouTube, and our Website: https://www.stpeterslutheranpottstown.com. Christmas Celebration – following service Sunday, Dec. 18; Church Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20; Senior’s Luncheon – 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 at Red Lobster; Christmas Eve Service – 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24; Christmas Day – Online Service.

St. Paul’s UCC

POTTSTOWN — St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 927 N. Franklin St., invites you to join us for in-person worship on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 9 a.m. Our service is also broadcast live at 9 a.m. on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulsuccpottstown. Our Christmas Eve Service will be on Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m. The service will include the sacrament of Holy Communion and the traditional Candlelighting Service. Our Diaper Bank is now open on Wednesdays from 10 am -12 pm. The Diaper Bank will assist Pottstown families in need, with diapers, wipes and other baby essentials.

Christ Episcopal

POTTSTOWN — Join Christ Episcopal Church, 316 E. High St., this Sunday, Dec. 18, as we celebrate our 150th Anniversary with a special 10:30 AM Mass, using the rites from the 1789 Book of Common Prayer, accompanied by hymnody and service music of that time period. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 PM, Christ Church will again be hosting the annual Longest Night Service. On this longest night of the year, we remember those in the homeless community that have died in the last year. This one-hour service will include a homily, prayer, and music. Join us after the service for fellowship and a light meal prepared by First Presbyterian Church.

Zion’s UCC

POTTSTOWN — Dec. 18 is the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Zion’s welcomes all to in-person worship at 10:15 am. Rev. Austin Chinault, Zion’s United Church of Christ, Hanover and Chestnut streets, will have a message titled “Immanuel.” The fourth candle of the Advent Wreath will be lit by the Bartolini Family. Please join us as we celebrate the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love of this Advent season. Sunday School for youth and adults will meet at 9 am in the Chapel Building. Services are livestreamed on Zion’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/zionsucc.

Emmanuel Lutheran

POTTSTOWN — You are invited to join Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 150 N. Hanover St, Pottstown, this Sunday as we celebrate the Fourth Sunday in Advent at 10:45 AM in our Sanctuary. Our service features both traditional and contemporary aspects. Pastor Sandra Ellis-Killian will preside over the communion service and the Saladino family will light the fourth candle on the Advent Wreath. Services are broadcast live on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelPottstown. A Christmas Eve service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 11 PM in our beautifully decorated Sanctuary. Pastor Bruce Davidson will preside over the communion and candlelight service. A musical prelude of Christmas music will begin at 10:30 PM. To view our schedule for the upcoming week, download our bulletin at https://drive.google.com/file/d/11ykk1j0EmvPpTgYJ4IhB5E-8BejCsS47/view?usp=share_link.

Bethel Community

POTTSTOWN — On Sunday at 11 AM, you are invited to worship with BCCP for the “Fourth Sunday of Advent” with Rev. Felicia Howard as guest preacher. Our guest soloists will be Nadjah Nicole (“The Voice”) and Joyce Lake. The service is also live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BCCP575. Immediately following service, everyone is invited to our Annual Christmas Dinner. Toys and Children’s Books will be available for distribution. BCCP Food Pantry is Open Monday from 5-6:30 PM. On Tuesday at 6 PM, it’s Community Bible Study In-Person (Library) or Virtually by calling 215-383-1625 Code 198087. On Thursday at 12 PM, it’s Community Bible Study In-Person (Library) or Virtually by calling 215-383-1625 Code 198087. For more information, call 610-326-1700. Calling all musicians, soloists and singers interested in the Pottstown Mass Choir in preparation for the Annual Community Dr. Martin King Jr. Celebration. For more information, call 610-326-1700 or 610-805-9084.

Calvary Baptist

EAST COVENTRY — Calvary Baptist Church of Pottstown, 2096 New Schuylkill Road (Route 724) invites you to attend our Community Carol Sing and Concert on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 6 PM. Join us in singing a number of familiar Christmas carols interspersed with a selection of instrumental and choral pieces that evening. Refreshments will follow for our guests in the fellowship hall. Call 610.327.4300 for more information.

Grace Lutheran

POTTSTOWN — Grace Lutheran Church, 660 N. Charlotte St., welcomes you to worship with us at 10:15 AM on Sunday, Dec. 18, as we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent with the lighting of the fourth candle on the Advent wreath. Christmas Eve service will begin with a musical prelude at 6:30 PM followed by candlelight service with communion beginning at 7 PM in the sanctuary. The Reverend Lauren Cain will preside over the communion service. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GLCPottstown, and a recorded version of the service will be posted as soon as available on our website https://gracechurchpottstown.org, YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKgJA-RV1AwzJW5LhKr67uA and Facebook page.

St. Gabriel Catholic

STOWE — Join us for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Father Wilson and Deacon Ray will celebrate Mass on Saturday at 4 pm and Sunday morning at 9 am (the Rosary will be recited prior to Mass). Confessions are heard on Saturday from 3 to 3:45 pm. We are now live-streaming services for those who cannot make it to church due to health concerns https://stgabrielstowepa.org/livestream/ Decorating the Church for Christmas – will take place on Friday morning, Dec. 23. The Women’s Society will be raffling off a Christmas basket valued at $150. We will be selling chances for $1 each or 6 for $5 after each Mass. Our first Parish Christmas ornament is now available for $10/ea. Contact Maria Boyer to purchase one. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE on Dec. 19 from 2-7 PM in the social hall. Prospective donors, call 1- 800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment. For more information visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sgsmstowe or our website https://stgabrielstowepa.org

Cedarville UMC

NORTH COVENTRY — Celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent at 1092 Laurelwood Road with services at 8 AM & 11 AM (Traditional), and 9:30 AM (Contemporary). Children ages 4 to 6th grade are dismissed from the 9:30 and 11 services for Sunday School. Visit www.cedarvilleumc.org for resources and live-streamed worship (also on FB) or recorded services after Sunday. . Mark your calendar for Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 4 PM (Children/Family Service with re-enactment by children of the Nativity) 6 PM Contemporary Service (FLC) 8 PM Traditional Service with Handbells, Cedarville Brass, Organ & Piano and Chancel Choir. Youth Group will meet at 10:45 Sunday for Sunday School and for Movie Night in the youth room from 6:30-8:30. Popcorn, hot chocolate, and a holiday favorite for the big screen! Mission First (Cedarville Church’s outreach at 414 E High St.) will continue a weekly Worship Service at 3 PM led by pastors and community leaders to welcome nearby friends and neighbors; light refreshments follow.

First Baptist

POTTSTOWN ​— This Sunday, Dec 18, at 4:30 pm, First Baptist Church (ABCUSA) will meet on Zoom for the Fourth Sunday in Advent as Pastor Marcia Bailey meditates on “Doing What the Angel Said.” Join us using the link on our website. Our Learning Community will meet online this Sunday, Dec 18, at 9:15 am. We’re listening to and discussing an episode by the Salt Project’s Strange New World podcast on “The Poetry of Advent.” Look for links to the podcast episodes and the Zoom meeting on the Advent 2022 page of our website. Join FBC for worship in person at 7:30 pm on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) in the Sanctuary at 301 King St. Enjoy carols and fellowship as we celebrate the coming of the Light together! Our mission offering for December is for the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering, a gift to all American Baptist clergy persons who have served congregations at home and abroad. You can donate on our website or by mailing a check with “RMMO” in the memo line to PO Box 1096, Pottstown, PA 19464. Check out our website www.FBCPottstown.org for links and more info.

St. James Lutheran

LIMERICK — St James Lutheran Church is located at 93 Kugler Road. Dec. 18 is the fourth Sunday in Advent and we will have the final Advent Craft Experience following the 9 AM Contemporary Service. During this time, children will “Make and Take” ornaments or other decorations for Christmas. Please join us for this event and either church service at 9 or 10:45. We will also continue to bless those in need through Operation Shining Star. Families will be given a $50 Giant gift card to purchase food for their Christmas dinner. New this year – Donate to Shining Star as a special Christmas gift for someone you love and we will send you a special tribute card to give them. Contact Bobbie Hoffman at [email protected] to honor someone special this year. The three Bible Study groups will resume in January. Three Christmas Eve services are scheduled. The Contemporary Service will be at 5 PM, the Traditional Service will be at 7 PM and the Youth-Led Service will be at 9 PM. Holy Communion will be served at each service and all are welcome to join us in this celebration.

Brownback’s UCC

SPRING CITY — Join us this Sunday at 10 am for our worship service led by Pastor Bill Wisneski. Nursery care is available for ages 0-4, and Worship Play is available for grades K-6. On Saturday, Dec. 24, at 7 pm, we will have a traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service with Communion. Then, on Christmas Day, we will hold our typical worship service at 10 am. On Sundays after church, our Confirmation class meets, and every other week our youth have Donuts & Discussion during worship. It’s a busy and super fun day for kids! Join us at 640 Ridge Road, or you can watch the service from home at: https://www.facebook.com/BrownbacksChurch/live/

First Presbyterian

POTTSTOWN — Join First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown, 750 N. Evans St., on Sunday, Dec. 18, for worship at 10:30 am. During worship, the Chancel Choir will present portions of Handel’s “Messiah.” We hope you will join us for this very special music of the season. There is no Sunday School as the Deacons’ Breakfast is being held in Fellowship Hall beginning at 8:30 am.

St. Luke Lutheran

GILBERTSVILLE — Join St. Luke Lutheran, 35 Wilson Ave., on Sunday at 9:30, a.m. as we observe the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Our interim pastor, Pastor Susan Folks, will lead us in worship. Communion will be celebrated. Joe Vendetti is lector. The Gospel lesson for the day is Matthew 1:18-25, where we learn of a “God near at hand.” We will light the fourth candle on our Advent wreath. Following the worship service, we will hold a brief congregational meeting for the purpose of electing new council members. Once the meeting has adjourned, members are welcome to stay to help decorate the Chrismon Tree! COMMUNITY CLOTHING RACK will be open on Dec. 21 and 28 for shoppers from 1-4 p.m.

St. John’s ELC

BOYERTOWN — Join St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 45 N. Reading Ave., for worship Sundays at 9:30 am and livestreamed on YouTube (St. John’s ELC Boyertown). Children’s Sunday School at 9:30 am – register online. Worship – Blue Christmas – Dec. 21 at 7 pm, Christmas Eve – Dec. 24, at 3 pm & 8 pm, Christmas Day – Dec. 25 at 10:30 am & free meal 11 am-1 pm. Free drive-through, take-out meal every Saturday evening (excluding Dec 24) from 4:30-5:30 pm. No registration necessary. For updates and further details, please check our website at stjohnsboyertown.org or call the office at 610.369.1024.

Hopewell Community

POTTSTOWN — Hopewell Community Church, 1130 Commerce Drive, will hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Christmas Eve candlelight service begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Christmas Day worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day can be hard for many who have no family to spend it with. Trays of Silver is an Outreach to those who need a timely welcome community on Christmas Day. We offer a warm meal, activities, fellowship and friendship on Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Congregation Hesed Shel Emet

POTTSTOWN — Upcoming Shabbat Services will be 9:30 am on Dec. 17. First night of Chanukah is Sunday evening, Dec. 18. Services are both in-person and virtual, via Zoom. Visitors are welcome. Rabbi Kravitz will host luncheon and evening adult education sessions on select dates: Rabbi Kravitz is also available for conversion classes. For information, contact the office: 610-326-1717. Email: [email protected]. Congregation Hesed shel Emet is located at 575 N. Keim St.

St. John’s UCC

POTTSTOWN — St. John’s UCC, 11 S. Price St., welcomes all to join in worship on Sunday at 10:15 am. The Third Sunday of Advent will be celebrated with Jeannie and Grey Howard lighting the Third Advent candle. If unable to join us in person, the service will be available for viewing on YouTube later in the day. Our Little Pantry is stocked weekly with food, water and personal care items for community members in need. Food items are also being collected to support Operation 143 which provides food to school-age children in the Pottstown and surrounding school districts.

Calvary UCC

BARTO — Worship at Calvary United Church of Christ, 1231 Route 100, every Sunday beginning at 9:30 am, with Pastor David Brumbaugh. Sunday, Dec. 18, is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Lighting the Fourth Advent Candle – JOY. Special Music, Pastor Dave Brumbaugh on trumpet. Scriptures: James 5:7-11 & Luke 1:46-55. Message “For He has…” Saturday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Worship at 4 pm Holy Communion & Lighting the Christ Candle, Special Music, Jacob Latshaw on cello. Scriptures: Titus 2:11-14 & Luke 2:1-20 Message “The Brightest Light” Sunday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day Worship at 9:30 am. Special Music, guest pianist & vocalist, Jane Maini Join us for carol singing, a Christmas story by Pastor Dave and “hunting” for gifts and treasures.

Christ Lutheran

BARTO — Christ Lutheran Church will worship on this the Fourth Sunday of Advent on Sunday, Dec. 18, with a worship service led by Pr. Matt Finney, who will also be presenting the sermon for the morning. Coffee & Conversation will be held at 8:30 a.m. and then again at 10 a.m. in the Welcome Center. The Adult Sunday school class will meet after worship in the parlor and the Confirmation class students will meet at 10:00 a.m. in room I. Decorating of the church for Christmas will be held immediately following the worship service. The Handbells will rehearse on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Senior Choir rehearsing at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service will be held at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. The 3 p.m. service will be a service of Holy Communion while the 9 p.m. service will be a service of Holy Communion and Candlelighting. Preludes for each service will begin 15 minutes prior to the service. The church is located at 222 Niantic Road between Routes 663 and 100 about a mile east of Bally.

Living Hope Mennonite

POTTSTOWN — You are invited to a walkthrough of Live Nativity & Candlelight Christmas carols in the chapel on Thursday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. Drink hot chocolate, pet the cute animals, and fill up on Christmas cookies. Join us at 75 E. Main St., as we celebrate Christ this Christmas Season. Contact Pastor Mike: 610-587-6272

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