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On order for the festivities will be special music, dozens of cookies, gallons of hot beverages -- even miniature donkeys and other livestock.
For some churches, sometimes it's almost not worth bringing in live animals when the pigs are too fat to move, the donkeys don't want to load up into their trailers and the lambs and sheep have their own ideas of what's for supper -- but it's all just part of the show.
Here's a list of some upcoming free events:
OKATEE BAPTIST CHURCH'S 'SHARE THE TRUE LOVE'
Okatee Baptist Church continues its "Share the True Love of Christmas at the Live Nativity" from 6 to 8 p.m. today and Sunday. The nativity will feature music, Scripture readings and candlelight prayer.
Feel free to drop in and visit for a while or stay the entire evening for the live music by members of the church and the community. Among the voices tonight will be Peggy Beck of Bluffton, a singer and president of the Lowcountry Choral, and on Sunday Okatee Baptist Church Choir, Larry Leming and Suzanne Tomlinson, wife of Pastor Tim Tomlinson, will be among the singers.
The event is a continuation of a nativity that was held in 2006 and 2007 by the Taking Tea with God Prayer Group, which meets at A Lil Peace of Heaven Tea House in Port Royal. The crowds grew too large for the location, and the nativity was not held in 2008. It has now moved to Okatie.
"We have learned more lessons than you would believe," said Dorothy Willis, nativity organizer. "This is not an easy thing to do, but when you see the people come and those little children come and their little faces are lit up by the luminaries it is worth every bit of it."
The animals add an unknown element to the event, and their behavior always makes things more exciting.
"At the teahouse, the donkey caused some excitement. He kept eating all of the hay, and he had to dispose of the hay. That's when all of our angels had to desert us, but that is all a part of it," Willis joked.
The church is at 991 Okatie Highway on S.C. 170, Okatie.
CORNERSTONE'S 'WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM'
Returning for the third year is Cornerstone Christian Church's "Walk through Bethlehem," a realistic, almost chilling replica of the city. It is open from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday through Dec. 20. As groups are guided through Bethlehem on the night Christ was born, more than two dozen characters emerge to discuss the happenings. Intimidating Roman soldiers roll dice and make their presence known on the streets to keep order during the taking of the census that day. Shepherds wander through town seeking a star. The play ends in the nativity with a new marketplace this year, where refreshments will be served.
The church had previously only offered the nativity, but decided people should know more of the Christmas story. "You do the nativity, but it doesn't bring to light the town of Bethlehem and what was happening there that day," said Betty Atkinson, wife of Cornerstone's pastor, Ron Atkinson.
TABERNACLE BAPTIST'S OUTDOOR NATIVITY
A silent cast, surrounded by the sounds of various church choirs, will be featured in the outdoor live nativity scene from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 on the grounds of Tabernacle Baptist Church parking area. People are encouraged to reflect on God's plan. Light refreshments will be served. The church is at 907 Craven St. in Beaufort.
MAYE RIVER BAPTIST'S 'THE LIVE NATIVITY'
Two miniature donkeys, Hershey and Kisses, will make the scene at 5 p.m. Dec. 19 at "The Live Nativity" at Maye River Baptist Church, 3507 Okatie Highway in Bluffton.
Margaret Nettles isn't sure how her pet donkeys are going to take to their new roles during their first venture away from her Ridgeland farm. "My 8-year-old grandson, Jacob, rides Hershey," Nettles said. "And they follow you around like a puppy dog," said Nettles of the donkeys' nature.
The Priase Kids children's choir will perform and Sherry Carroll will offer a solo. "The Christmas Story" will be read. Hot chocolate, brownies and cookies will be served.
Also, the church's Christmas Cantata, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday with a fellowship meal afterward.
Details: 912-844-4631, 843-784-6868
BLUFFTON UNITED METHODIST'S 'THE LIVING NATIVITY PAGEANT'
Bluffton United Methodist, located at 101 Calhoun St. in Bluffton, will present "The Living Nativity Pageant" at 7:20 p.m. Friday during Christmas Tour of the Churches in old town Bluffton. Church members in costume will illustrate the story of Jesus' birth as the Scripture is read by a narrator.
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Rehearsals for all students in grade six through age 25 continue from 9:30-11:30 a.m. today for the upcoming performance of Bethesda Christian Fellowship's "Focusing on the Christ Child" at 32 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, St. Helena Island. The praise and worship experience celebrating the Advent season with youth is at 7 p.m. Friday.
Details: 843-838-4410, www.welcome2bethesda.org
GREATER PENTECOSTAL TEMPLE
Greater Pentecostal Temple Youth Ministry will hold its Black and Gold Ball at 6:30 p.m. today at Agape Family Life Center, 5855 South Okatie Highway, Hardeeville.
Details: 8430-784-6988, 866-708-36865
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND
All ages are invited to a Gingerbread House Decorating Party from 10 a.m-noon today in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church. Music and refreshments are provided. Cost is $10 a house for the kits. The sanctuary choir will present "Joy to the World," by John Leavitt, featuring the Carillon Handbell Choir, accompanied by chamber orchestra and organ, with soloists and narrator during the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services Sunday. A communitywide presentation of the Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah" will be hosted by the choir at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the sanctuary. The New Voices choir presents "Holy Night of Miracles," a cantata by Lloyd Larson, at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services Dec. 20. The church is at 540
William Hilton Parkway between mile markers 5 and 6, Hilton Head Island.
Details: www.fpchhi.org, 843-681-3696
THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF BEAUFORT
The LowCountry Children's Chorus and Celebration Brass will offer its eighth annual holiday concert, "Celebrating the Season," at 3 p.m. today at The Baptist Church of Beaufort. The concert showcases a variety of styles of choral music. Celebration Brass, a professional brass quartet from Savannah, will be featured, as well as members of the choral and string programs at Beaufort Middle School, under the direction of Joseph Wargo. Admission is $5 at the door. The choir has been selected to participate in the Heritage/Field Studies National Children's Choral Festival on April 25 at Carnegie Hall.
Details: 843-524-3197
LADY'S ISLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
Lady's Island Baptist Church Male Chorus Anniversary is at 5 p.m. today. Lady's Island Missionary Society Anniversary is at 3 p.m. Sunday. The annual Sunday School Christmas Program is at 6 p.m. Dec. 20. The community is invited. The church is at 105 Brickyard Point Road South, Lady's Island.
Details: Audrey Washington, 843-524-8528
ST. HELENA BAPTIST CHURCH
The Adult and Children's Choirs, along with the Voices of Praise, will join together at 6 p.m. today and Sunday in the multipurpose building to perform a captivating seasonal story. The public is invited to the drama combined with familiar classic songs and hymns, along with new songs of the season. An offering for the Connie Maxwell Children's Home will be taken. Refreshments will served. A nursery will be provided. The church is at 1610 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island.
Details: 843-838-3109
COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH
Community Bible Church, 638 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, will celebrate Christmas in the community at 9:15 and 11 a.m. Sunday when the 120-member choir and orchestra will present the musical, "The Wonder of Christmas." This is a worship event that weaves contemporary songs and traditional carols with Bible-based narrations. Along with the adult performance, the youth and children's choirs will present a number of Christmas favorites. The annual Christmas party will feature a concert by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band at 6 p.m. Sunday. The musical performance will include a collection of seasonal favorites. Admission to all events is free and nursery will be provided.
Details: 843-525-0089, cbcofbeaufort.org
ST. FRANCIS BY THE SEA CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church will hold its third annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 4 p.m. Sunday. This year's presentation will include a choir of approximately 60 singers representing choirs from a variety of denominations from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort. The group will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra of strings, winds and organ. Readings will be presented by St. Francis parish members. Admission is free. The church is at 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head.
Details: 843-681-6359
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Lord of Life Lutheran Church is presenting a Christmas cantata titled "A Great and Mighty Wonder; Celebrating the Messiah's Birth" at the regular 9 and 11 a.m. services and at 6 p.m. Sunday. The program will feature the Lord of Life Cantata Choir, the Youth Choir and special guest musicians under the direction of Rebecca Sturgis, director of music ministries. The church is at 351 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton.
Details: 843-757-4774
NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
New Hope Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will hold an Old-Fashioned Religion Service at 4 p.m. Sunday. The Disciples Women Fellowship will sponsor the event. Evangelist Wanda L. Glaze of New Hope Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will speak. Those attending are encouraged to wear old-fashioned attire.
Details: 843-521-0431
CARTERET STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Each Monday in Advent the following guest preachers will visit Carteret Street United Methodist Church for a 30-minute worship service at noon followed by a soup and sandwich luncheon: Monday, the Rev. Richard Spearman, St. Helena Baptist Church; and Dec. 21, Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Lawrence, U.S. Navy chaplain. Christmas Eve services at Carteret Street United Methodist Church include a 5 p.m. worship service and an 11 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service. The church is at 408 Carteret St., Beaufort.
Details: 843-524-3841, csumc@islc.net
ISLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH
The adult choir of Island Lutheran Church will present a Service of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. Wednesday. "Candles and Carols" by Mark Haynes is a candlelight Advent journey that celebrates the traditional themes of hope, peace, joy and love, culminating in the birth of Christ. The public is invited to this presentation of both traditional and contemporary Christmas music.
The church is at 4400 Main St., Hilton Head Island.
Details: 843-689-5200, www.islandlutheran.org
LUNCH HOUR OF POWER
The Lunch Hour of Power praise and worship experience is from noon-12:45 p.m. Wednesday in Helen Galloway's Memorial Chapel of Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals, 808 Bladen St., Beaufort.
Details: 843-524-6634
CONGREGATION BETH YAM
Congregation Beth Yam's annual The Night of 100 Menorahs will be held Friday, the eighth and final night of Hanukkah. Rabbi Brad Bloom will conduct the Sabbath service and tell the story of Hanukkah. The service will be held at the synagogue on Hilton Head Island from 6:30-7:45 p.m. An oneg Shabbat social hour will follow with craft activities for children and the traditional potato latkes and sweets for all. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own menorahs and nine candles with them for the special service and candle-lighting.
Details: 843-689-2178
FAITH MEMORIAL BAPTIST
Due to the high turnout for the dedication of Faith Memorial on Dec. 5, and the large number of e-mails, telephone calls and inquiries, a Do Drop In has been scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 19 at the church. The public is invited to tour the newly renovated sanctuary. The regular worship is at 11 a.m. Sundays.
Details: 843-838-2362, www.faith-memorial.com
BLUFFTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The Bluffton United Methodist Church Chancel Choir & Cherub Choir will present "Ceremony of Candles" by composer Joseph M. Martin at the 8:45 and 11 a.m. worship services Dec. 20. The cantata presentation, under the direction of Ella Davis, will include the congregation, narration by William Court, boy soprano Elijah Strohmann and instrumentalists Rosemary Bendelow, flute; Linda Vonder Haar, oboe; David McMullen, clarinet; Ray Cummings, tenor saxophone; Rick Hungerford, trumpet; Dick Hoff, trumpet; Jack Fletcher, trombone; Larry Williams, trombone; Bob Wilson, percussion; and Dr. Raymond Ackerman, keyboard. Nursery care will be provided. The church is at 101 Calhoun St., Bluffton.
Details: 843-757-3351, www.blufftonumc.org
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN CENTER
Act Like You Know Drama Ministry presents "Saving Christmas" at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Lighthouse Christian Center, 3538 Trask Parkway, Beaufort.
Admission is free. A New Year's Eve Service begins at 10 p.m. Dec. 31.
Details: 843-525-6910
