Faith features

News of a religious nature may be submitted for Faith Features to editor@NewsHerald.com; The NewsHerald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; or faxed to 440-975-2293.

Christmas Day dinner:

Willoughby United Methodist Church invites the community to share in a free Christmas Day dinner on Dec. 25. Doors open at 11 a.m., dinner is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. No reservations are needed. The church is located at 15 Public Square in downtown Willoughby, across from Point Park. For more information, call the church office at 440-942-9068.

Christmas Eve services:

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Willoughby United Methodist Church on Dec. 24. The 5 p.m. service is a family service featuring the Children’s Christmas Choir. At 7 p.m., there will be a contemporary service, and 11 p.m. is a traditional service with worship choir and bells. All are welcome. The church is located at 15 Public Square in downtown Willoughby, across from Point Park. For more information, call the church office at 440-942-9068.

Christmas Eve service:

First Church of Christ Painesville, 422 Mentor Ave., is hosting a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 24. The public is invited to experience the joy of Christmas expressed through children’s songs and drama, along with a candlelight prayer service. All are welcome to attend.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service:

Come celebrate Christ’s birth at a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24 at Vineyard Community Church, 1928 E. 300th St., Wickliffe. It is open to the public. For any questions, contact the church office at 440-944-4402.

Watch Night Youth Worship Celebration:

Several Painesville churches and ministry groups want local youth to know how much they care. On New Year’s Eve, a special Watch Night Youth Worship Celebration will be held 10 p.m. to midnight at First Church of Christ Painesville, 422 Mentor Ave. The celebration will feature singers, dancers and musicians from area youth ministries performing and praising in the New Year. The event comes on the heels of a community rocked by the tragic shooting death 16-year-old student. “We wanted these kids to know that the church community loves them,” said event coordinator Karyn Gant. “We know they (youth) are hurting and we want to help them heal — that’s why we’re doing this.” The celebration is free and open to the public. The service starts at 10 p.m., concluding with a silent prayer at midnight. “We want kids to have fun and be safe this New Year’s Eve” Gant said. “This community celebration will let them do that.”

Live nativity:

Painesville Church of the Nazarene, 6235 Chestnut St., Painesville will be presenting a live nativity on Dec. 22 from 7 to 8 p.m.. The last presentation each night will end at 8:30 p.m. The Christmas Eve nativity service will run from 5:30-6:30 p.m. There will be a Christmas Eve service following at 7 p.m. This is a free event.