Bethel United Church of Christ hosts Advent events

Bethel United Church of Christ in Elmhurst invites everyone to the special programs and worship services during Advent.

Sunday worship at 10 a.m. Dec. 9 offers the children's Christmas program, with the children of Bethel leading the congregation in songs of the season, helping us to celebrate and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Family and friends are invited to share this child-friendly hour of worship and to stay afterward to enjoy coffee hour with cinnamon rolls provided by the Bethel youth group as a fundraiser for its summer mission trip.

At 10 a.m. Dec. 16, Bethel offers its annual Christmas Music Sunday, when the adult voice and handbell choirs, along with soloists, will present "The Coming of God," featuring both traditional and contemporary music. This worship service of Advent and Christmas songs is a highlight of the season at Bethel.

Bethel will hold two services led by senior minister the Rev. Gretchen Sylvester on Monday, Dec. 24. At 4 p.m., the Christmas Eve family service takes place, and the traditional Christmas Eve service begins at 10 p.m.

Both of these services will include traditional carols, reading of the Christmas story, and candlelight. The family-oriented service at 4 p.m. is planned for all ages, filled with familiar songs and stories. At the 10 p.m. service of lessons and carols, the Bethel adult voice choir will sing traditional and contemporary pieces. Both services will end with the traditional singing of "Silent Night" by candlelight.

Bethel United Church of Christ is at 315 E. St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Church facilities are fully accessible and parking is available behind the church. Enter from St. Charles Road or Huntington Lane, off Poplar. Call the church at (630) 279-4040 for more information.

Visit www.bethel-ucc.org or follow the church on Facebook.