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. Deadline is the Tuesday before the Saturday of publication. We cannot guarantee publication.

Worship candle lighting ceremony:

Christian Assembly invites everyone to join for a Worship and Candle Lighting Ceremony as we “Share the LIGHT by Being a Light.” It will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at the church, 25595 Chardon Road, Richmond Heights. Cookies and hot cocoa in the Café’ will be offered after the service to anyone interested in staying. For details, call 216-261-4214.

Program, sermon series:

First Church, Congregational in Painesville will host a 2018 Advent Study Program and Sermon Series based on “The Gift of the Nutcracker,” the classic book and video by Matt Rawle. It will be the theme for studies and sermons, Thursdays and Sundays through a Christmas Eve Service. Leading discussions on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and delivering his sermon series at 9 and 11 a.m. on Sundays will be Senior Pastor Tom Cofer. “No question, the Christ Child is the most extraordinary gift of all time, and Matt Rawle uses this iconic tale to convey that message,” says Rev. Cofer. The series will include, Sunday Worship, Dec. 9 – “God the Father’s Love” Scripture Lessons: Genesis 1:1-4, Isaiah 40:1-5, Luke 1:34-38 God desires to welcome us into His kingdom and offers us everything we need to welcome Christ into our lives; Thursday Evening Advent Study, Dec. 13, “The Gift of the Nutcracker”, 7 p.m., North Room; Dec. 16 – Children’s Christmas Service/ Program in the Sanctuary and “A Journey to Bethlehem” in the Social Room from 10 a.m.- to noon; Thursday Evening Advent Study, Dec. 20: “The Gift of the Nutcracker”, 7 p.m., North Room; Sunday Worship, Dec. 23 – “Mountains and Mole Hills” Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 53:4-5a & 8a, Luke 3:1-6 Because we all look at the world through our own individual eyes, what may seem minor to some may be overwhelming to others. We will examine why this is; Christmas Eve Worship, Dec. 24 – “Joyful All Ye Nations Rise” Scripture Lessons: Psalm 137, Luke 2:10 Join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ with music and lessons! 9 p.m. in the Sanctuary. First Church Congregational is at 22 Liberty St., Painesville. For information, contact the church from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 440-357-7518 or email Debra Ethan, office@ firstchurchcongregational. org.

Church switches Christmas Eve service site:

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be celebrating Christmas Eve at Faith Lutheran Church, 8125 Mentor Ave, Mentor, at 7 p.m. Dec. 24. The change is necessary as Pastor Guynn can’t celebrate Christmas Eve in two different places in roughly the same time frame.

When Christmas Hurts service:

Grace Episcopal Church will hold its annual “When Christmas Hurts” service at 7 p.m. Dec. 19, at the church, 36200 Ridge Road, Willoughby. This service is designed for persons struggling with grief, loneliness, or other difficulties during the holiday season. This marks the fourth consecutive year the church has held this special service, which is open to the entire community. “When Christmas Hurts” was originated by the Rev. Rose Anne Lonsway, rector of Grace Episcopal. She says the service has continued because many people find it meaningful. “People find peace and strength to cope with the difficulties of the Christmas season through being a part of this service,” said Rev. Lonsway. For details, contact the church at 440-942-1015 or at GraceWilloughby.org.

Breakfast with St. Nick:

The Holy Name Society at Divine Word Catholic Church will host a Breakfast with St. Nick from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at the church, 8100 Eagle Road, Kirtland. Call 440-2561412 or log on to www. divinewordkirtland.org for information.

Support for life’s challenges:

It’s as simple as stopping in and posting your needs on one of our prayer boards or posting on the outside board at the WELL — Willoughby House of Prayer, 4091 Erie St., downtown Willoughby. Volunteers will then pray over your request each day. Our mission is to share the peace and serenity of God’s providential care. Experience peace; let go & let God! The WELL is open Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Yoga offered:

Yoga is offered at Chardon United Methodist Church Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A gentle, progressive style of yoga suitable for all ages and body types will be offered. On the floor, or on a chair, this class includes Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath practices), and relaxation. No experience is needed. The class is conducted by master teacher and instructor Susan Gundersen. This is a donation class (suggested donation $10) with proceeds going toward the church’s Guatemala mission. To learn more about our Guatemala mission, visit www.chardonchurch. org and click on Worldwide missions. Please bring a yoga mat, light blanket and wear comfortable clothing. Chardon United Methodist Church is at 515 North St. in Chardon. For more information, call the office at (440)285-4581.

Reiki therapy offered:

Mentor Presbyterian Church, 5885 Hopkins Road, Mentor, will offer free Reiki Therapy at 2 p.m. the third Sunday of each month in the newly renovated healing center. Help for physical, emotional and spiritual pain. The healing is also available by appointment by calling Barb at 440-478-2151.

Sunday services:

Mentor Presbyterian Church, 5885 Hopkins Road, Mentor, hosts Sunday worship services at 12:30 p.m. Pot luck and worship services are from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month and Bible study is 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings.

Women’s Fellowship:

Fellowship and sharing is the focus for women from 5 to 7:30 p.m. one Sunday a month at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 32114 Vine St., Willowick. Please call the Parish office for details at 440-943-2133.

Faith Experiences:

Cafe-Catholic Adult Faith Experiences is held from 9:15 to 10:45 Sunday mornings, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 32114 Vine St., Willowick. Adults share their faith experiences and thoughts on the Sunday scriptures. No registration is necessary. Free babysitting is available. Details: Terrie Baldwin at 440943-2133, ext. 6179.