Faith features

News of a religious nature may be submitted for Faith Features to editor@News-Herald.com; The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; or faxed to 440-975-2293. Deadline is the Tuesday before the Saturday of publication. We cannot guarantee publication.

Christmas Day Masses: St. Mary Magdalene, 32144 Vine Street, Willowick, will host Christmas Day Mass at 9 and 11 a.m. For more information, call the church office at 440-943-2133.

St. Gabriel Re-Introduces Live Nativity: The community is invited to join St. Gabriel’s Live Nativity on Dec. 9-10 in Concord Township. Live animals and people will depict the beautiful scene of Jesus’ birth for an Advent activity that is sure to rouse the true spirit of Christmas. This age-old tradition started by St. Francis of Assisi in the 1200s is a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for Christmas for children of all ages. The times of the Live Nativity coincide with

the weekend Masses: 4:30 p.m., Dec. 9 with Mass time at 5 p.m.; 7 a.m.- 2 p.m., and 4-7 p.m., Dec. 10, with Mass times: 9:30, 11:30, 5 p.m.. For more information, log on to www.St-Gabriel.org for registration or call 440352-8282.

Thanks for military: The WELL, Willoughby House of Prayer, 4091 Erie Street, Willoughby, offers a special time of prayer and Thanksgiving for our military and their families at 1 p.m., on Tuesdays during the month of December. Join to offer support.

Santa Meets Jesus: Santa Meets Jesus will be at New Promise Church, 8671 Euclid-Chardon Road, Kirtland, from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 10. Join Santa as he tells the true story of the Christ Child and Christmas. Have a photo taken on Santa’s lap for free. Enjoy Santa’s House, the Reindeer Hideout, the Elf Workshop, and Kid’s Playland. Get your Face Painted, take a ride on the North Pole Express, and join everyone in the Snowflake Café. For more information, call 440-256-3705 or email info@newpromisechurch.us.

Live musical: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” — a live musical play presented by the choir at New Promise Church 8671 Euclid-Chardon Road, Kirtland, will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 16, and again at 9 and 10:45 a.m., Dec. 17. For more information, call 440256-3705 or email info@ newpromisechurch.us.

Christmas Eve service: New Promise Church,8671 Euclid-Chardon Road, Kirtland, will have a special Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24, in addition to its regularly scheduled Sunday morning services at 9:and 10:45. Join in to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child and Christmas. For more information call 440-256-3705 or email info@newpromisechurch.us.

Annual holiday dinner: King of Kings Lutheran Church, 2815 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, invites community friends to the annual holiday dinner at 4 p.m., Dec. 9. A turkey/ham dinner will be served. Those attending may bring a side

dish of choice to share. The church’s Christmas tree, wreaths, and decorations will be set up. Crafts for the children will be available. The evening will conclude with the singing of Christmas Carols. For reservations or further information, call 440-339-3401 or 440942-5218.

Benefit concert: There will be a benefit concert for Travis Sauerwald and his wife Julie Wilson at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 10 at the Geneva United Methodist Church, 89 South Broadway, Geneva. Travis is battling brain cancer, stage 4 glioblastoma. He has had three brain surgeries, chemo and radiation. Proceeds will help them with the ongoing expenses of cancer treatments and getting to and from those treatments. There will be raffle items available during the event, and light refreshments will be served. Music will be provided by the Troubadours of Divine Bliss from Louisville, Kentucky. Doors open at 5:30. For information, call Cindy Cook at 440-476-3717. Willoughby United Methodist Church, 15 Public Square, in downtown Willoughby, will host a live Nativity, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Nov. 30. Stop by during the Willoughby Tree Lighting to visit the Live Nativity on River Street (across from Point Park). Pet the sheep and donkeys, sing Christmas carols, and get a free hot chocolate. The church building will be open that night for historic tours, restroom breaks, and just to take a break from the crowds and weather.

Church celebrates love: Willoughby United Methodist Church, 15 Public Square, in downtown Willoughby will celebrate love, Feb. 11, 2018. As part of the 200th Anniversary Celebration, the church invites anyone who was married in or through the church to return for a special celebration. There will be a slide show of photos at 2 p.m., a vow renewal ceremony at 2:30 p.m. followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall. To participate in this special day, email WUMC200th@gmail.com or call Pastor Hazel Partington at 440942-9068 to RSVP and find out what information is needed. Spread the word to anyone who was married at Willoughby United Methodist Church and may now be living elsewhere. Deadline to RSVP is Jan. 15.