Green River Carol Sing Dec. 21
GUILFORD — Guilford welcomes the return of a holiday tradition, with the 62nd anniversary of the “Green River Carol Sing” Sunday, Dec. 21, at 5 p.m. at the Green River Community Church in the historic village center of Green River.
This community event started in the early 1960s to raise funds to restore, rebuild, and maintain the 1838 Green River Community Church. Traditionally scheduled for the last Sunday before Christmas, the Carol Sing is a mix of scriptures and carols, ending with a candlelight version of “Silent Night.”
Pastor Michael Mario will again lead the service and local organist, Patty Myer, will play the historic Estey pump organ. The church will be beautifully decorated and, following the service, cider and holiday treats will be served in the vestibule. Local children will act as ushers and bell ringers, and families are encouraged to attend.
For more information, call 802-254-4813 or visit greenrivervillage.org.
Candlelight service in Marlboro
MARLBORO — Marlboro Meeting House, 524 South Rd., will host a Christmas candlelight service of lessons and carols Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m. The story of the birth of Jesus will be told through Bible readings and special music interspersed with community members taking part.
The program will be about an hour, ending with the singing of “Silent Night” in candlelight. Donations will be accepted during the program to benefit equally Heifer International and The Women’s Freedom Center. Rob Szpila will lead the program and offer a reflection. Jim Levinson and Andrea Howe will lead the organ and vocalists. Refreshments and fellowship will follow.
First Universalist Parish of Chester welcomes the season
CHESTER — First Universalist Parish of Chester presents a celebration of the solstice and the season, with caroling and other special music, during its 10 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 21.
On Sunday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m., First Universalist offers The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a staged reading of the Nativity.
An in-person gathering follows at 211 North St. (Route 103) in Chester’s Historic Stone Village, or attend via Zoom; contact the parish for a link at chestervtuu@gmail.com.
Christmas pageant in Westminster
WESTMINSTER — On Sunday, Dec. 21, First Congregational Church of Westminster will present a Christmas Pageant at the 10 a.m. service. Children of all ages are welcome to be a part of the pageant.
On Wednesday, Dec. 24, First Congregational will celebrate Christmas with their Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited and the service will include carols, a special message and, of course, the Christmas story.
Christmas eve service, pageant in Guilford
GUILFORD — Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Drive, presents their traditional Christmas pageant Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. All are welcome. If any child would like to be an angel, shepherd, or stable animal for the pageant, arrive at 9:30 a.m. so there is time to get into costume. Questions can be addressed to Sue Owings at Skowings@gmail.com.
The church will hold its Christmas Eve service, “Shining a Light into a World of Darkness,” Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. All are welcome. This service, led by Pastor Allyson Platt, will also be streamed live, and a link will be available on the church website, guilfordchurch.org, shortly before Dec. 24.
Christmas services in Westminster West
WESTMINSTER WEST — The Westminster West Congregational Church will host two Christmas Services this year. On Sunday, Dec. 21, at 5 p.m., Adrienne Major will lead a service of Christmas storytelling, highlighted by a shadow puppet play of the Nativity put on by Leslie Turpin and Tom Griffith. It is a service for all ages and includes familiar carols and other Christmas music.
At 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, everyone is welcome to join a Christmas Eve candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols led by the Rev. Lise Sparrow in collaboration with the Rev. Shawn Bracebridge on harp, organ, and piano. Attendants who can are encouraged to bring candles, and candles will be provided, to light in memory of loved ones and to conclude the service.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.