RELIGION NOTES

Saturday, Dec. 4

■ 9 a.m. The First Baptist Church of Springfield Ladies will meet at Frisch’s Restaurant on East Main St., Springfield, for breakfast and discussion.

Sunday, Dec. 5

■ 9 a.m. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 27 N. Wittenberg Ave., Springfield, will have Sanctuary Service featuring a large sanctuary that has plenty of room for social distancing. The Rainbow Table lunch is held on Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. (everyone welcome). Rainbow table lunch will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. St. John’s has taken all safety precautions and social distancing is in effect. The Food Pantry is open every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9 to 10:45 a.m. and closed the first Wednesday of each month. The Outreach Thrift Store is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Outreach Store will be closed Dec. 18-Jan.

3. The Store will reopen Jan. 6.

■ 10 a.m. First Baptist Church of Springfield is worshipping at 638 South Fountain Ave. with social distancing and CDC guidelines being observed. Worship is family-friendly and welcomes children. The Second Sunday in Advent will be celebrated with a message by Pastor Adam Banks and the lighting of the second Advent candle representing Mighty God from Isaiah 9:6. Special music will be provided by the Ladies Trio composed of Joyce Webb, Jan Kushmaul and Clara Copeland. Jan Kushmaul will serve as lay leader and lead the congregation in the singing of the hymns. The service is also available on-line live at 10 a.m. through the church website www.firstbaptistspringfield.org, or any time thereafter. At 11 a.m., the Adult Forum discussion group will be held in the church lounge. The group will discuss Reflections on Advent written by the Rev. Dr. Wes Babian. First Baptist Springfield is a diverse congregation that reflects the population of Springfield. More information about the church and its activities can also be seen on its Face Book page and its website. At 4 p.m. First Baptist Church of Springfield will go caroling up and down the streets surrounding the church. Friends and neighbors are invited to come and sing the songs of the season.

■ 10 a.m. High Street United Methodist Church, 230 E. High St., Springfield, church services have re-opened and are now in person; Pastor Cynthia Atwater. 10 a.m. Church Service; 10:15 a.m. Children & Youth Church Service; 11 a.m. Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Sunday School (all ages). Church service also available online at https://www.highstreetunited.org/sermons.html. Updates on Website, Face Book and through the Church office at 937-322-2527.

■ 10:30 a.m. First Lutheran Church, Wittenberg and High, celebrates Second Sunday of Advent with in-person and online worship, Interim Pastor

Gil Santiago, Organist and Accompanist, Terry Donat, and Director of Music, Michael Koon. “Come, Hope of unity, make us one body. Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.” text by Geonyong Lee.

Tuesday, Dec. 7

■ 5:30 p.m. Central Community Kitchen at High Street UMC, 230 E. High St., Springfield. Serving Meals To-go from 5:306:30 p.m. For more information, call Central Community Center at 937-323-7597 the Church Office at 937-322-2527.

Wednesday, Dec. 8

■ 12 p.m. First Lutheran Church, Wittenberg and High, gathers for second week of Advent service, Chapel, Ground level.

■ 6 p.m. First Baptist Church, 638 S. Fountain Ave., continues Bible Study via Zoom. Discussion on the book of Judges will be led by Pastor Adam Banks. Contact First Baptist Church at 937-325-5537 for more information.

Sunday, Dec. 12

■ 10 a.m. First Baptist Church of Springfield will have its Children’s Program during the worship service. Worship is family-friendly and welcomes children.