Religion -- services

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Episcopal

The St. Charles Episcopal Church presents an advent lessons and carols service at 5 p.m. Sunday. The church is at 994 N. Fifth Ave. (Route 25).

The candlelight service includes Scripture reading, music and prayer and there is a reception afterward.

Non-denominational

A Taize prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora.

People of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox heritages are welcome.

The service includes Scripture reading, musical mantras, silence and candle lighting.

Adriana Pickens of Naperville will be the prayer leader.

Congregational

The Chancel Choir of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Geneva will present "Holy Night of Miracles," a cantata of Hope written by Lloyd Larson, at the 10 a.m. service Dec. 16. The church is at Hamilton and Fourth streets in Geneva, one block north of State Street.

Larson presents the message of Advent and the miracle of Christ's birth through original music as well as traditional carols. The choir is directed by Karen Howard, accompanied by organist Patricia Alcorn.

Refreshments will be served following the service. For information, call the church office at (630) 232-7143.

Lutheran

Bethlehem Lutheran Church will present its annual festival celebration of Advent and Christmas music, plus Scripture readings, in the 9 and 10:45 a.m. worship services Dec. 16. The church is at 1145 N. Fifth Ave. (Route 25) in St. Charles

The service features the church's five choirs, Praise Team and Band, three handbell choirs and the Bethlehem Brass quintet.

A freewill offering will be received to benefit two shelters for the homeless: Lazarus House in St. Charles and Hesed House in Aurora. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide matching funds up to $800.

Fore information, call the church office at (630) 584-2199.

• "Christmas in a Box" will be presented by Sunday school classes of Geneva Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Geneva Lutheran Church is at 301 S. Third St. in Geneva.

Children will use items taken out of box in sharing the good news of Christmas and the birth of the Savior. The story will be presented through narrative, character acting and carols.

A birthday party for Jesus will be held in Fellowship Hall on the lower level following the program. The festivities will end around 3:30 p.m.

A freewill offering will be accepted with proceeds going to Heifer International, which provides families with training and livestock.

Call the church office at (630) 232-0165 for information.

• Rejoice Lutheran Church will host a children's Christmas service at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 23. Children in first through fifth grades will be telling the story of the birth of Jesus through song, scripture and drama. The church is at 0N377 N. Mill Creek Drive in Mill Creek in Geneva.

A birthday party for Jesus will be held immediately following the service. All children are invited for this free event, which will include games, crafts and birthday cake.

For information, call the church at (630) 262-0596.