During the 11 a.m. Saturday service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in La Grande, two of the congregation’s leaders will share the significance of Christmas to them personally.

The church invites the community to view the 10th annual Living Nativity between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 18-19 at 2702 Adams Ave., just south of Bi-Mart.

Young Life throws Christmas party

COVE – Young Life of Union County will have a Christmas party on Monday. The get-together begins at 7 p.m. at the Cove Ascension School. All high school kids are invited.

Series explores Islam and Christianity

Doug Edmonds at the La Grande Church of Christ this Sunday will present the lesson “God with Us: Jars of Clay,” covering the Israelites and their time with the judges. Communion is taken every Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service. During the sermon, a “children’s church” is available for kids age 2 through kindergarten. Sunday morning classes for all ages begin at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. the church is showing a video series, “Islam, the Quran and Christianity.”

Third Sunday of Advent celebrated

COVE – Grace Community Lutheran Church will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent with a special reading and lighting of the Advent candle at 10 a.m. Pastor Carl Seelhoff’s sermon will be “The Messenger Has Doubt,” taken from Luke 7:18. Adult Sunday school meets at 9 a.m., and a time of fellowship follows the service.

The men’s breakfast and Bible study will be at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

Children, youth present Christmas program

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in La Grande will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent with special musical numbers by the choir. Pastor Ray Smith’s message, “Love,” will be drawn from Isaiah 7:10-14. The service begins at 10 a.m.

The children and youth will present a Christmas program, “A Christmas to Believe In,” at 6 p.m. Sunday in the church sanctuary. Refreshments will be served after the program.

Third Advent candle will be lit Sunday

The 10 a.m. service at the La Grande United Methodist Church will welcome the third Sunday of Advent and light the Advent candles. The service will include Pastor Wolff’s sermon, “Comfort My People,” and music of the season. While child care is available, all are welcome at the service. Coffee and fellowship follow worship.

As they celebrate Christ’s birthday, the congregation is collecting items to give to those most in need. This Sunday, congregants are asked to bring fresh or canned fruit.

‘Advent Coffee Hour’ follows service

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will observe the third Sunday of Advent with Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. The Rev. Kathryn Macek will preside and preach. Parishioners are invited to a festive “Advent Coffee Hour” at the rectory following the service.

Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. Sunday in the parish hall.

Centering Prayer isoffered Tuesdays and Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer is offered Thursdays; both services are at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel. A midweek Eucharist is offered Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m., also in the chapel.

‘Spontaneous’ show takes place Sunday

The third Sunday of Advent will be celebrated with a “Spontaneous Christmas Pageant” during the

9:30 a.m. worship service at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grande. All young people are invited to come at 9 a.m. to choose a costume to fit the character they would like to portray. The Star Man will visit after the service to talk to the children and hand out stars. The congregation is invited to be a part of the festivities and refreshments.

The ecumenical choir, which will be singing in the Jan. 10 service, will practice at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Presbyterian church, and the Presbyterian choir will practice at 7 p.m.

Holden Evening Prayer offered Wednesday

Zion Lutheran Church in La Grande will worship this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Colleen Nelson. Fellowship follows the service.

A women’s Bible study is at 7 p.m. Monday at the home of Cathy Lease, 67038 Hunter Rd. in Summerville.

On Tuesday, the Quilters group will meet at 9 a.m. at the church. At 6:30 p.m. the Student Worship Art Team will meet at the church.

A Holden Evening Prayer service will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Soup supper precedes midweek service

The sermon at Faith Lutheran will build upon the concept that we are led to go directly to Jesus Christ’s word, His work and His grace. Sunday school and adult Bible study begin at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Divine Service at 10 a.m. in La Grande. A second service in Enterprise begins at 2 p.m.

This week, the midweek Advent service, held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, will focus on how Jesus Christ “stir(s) us up to love and good works not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24). A soup supper will be served at 6 p.m. before the service.

Call in prayer requests to 541-786-PRAY

UNION – “Rejoice, Rejoice!” is the title of Pastor Sue Peeples’ message this Sunday at the 11 a.m. service at the Union United Methodist Church. Fellowship and refreshments will follow the service.

Weekly programs for community participation include a senior meal served every Tuesday at noon. This week’s meal will be potato soup and chicken salad sandwiches. Anyone who needs assistance in getting there may call 541-562-5848 a day in advance to arrange transportation.

The weekly Wednesday Prayer Meeting is held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Those who are unable to attend my leave prayer requests at

541-562-5848. The congregants also pray daily at 8 a.m. for those they are needing God’s healing and for those who have called in prayer requests to the Grande Ronde Prayer line: 541-786-PRAY.

A Thursday Bible study meets at 1 p.m. at the home of Marguerite Pike.