Several Pine Bluff area churches are presenting special programs during the Christmas season. These include:
Hawley United hosts advent study
Hawley United Methodist Church, 1575 Ridgway Road, invites the community to its four-week advent study, “The Miracle of Christmas,” by James Moore at 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 20.
“You are not too late to plug into the saga,” Hawley’s pastor, the Rev. Edna Morgan, said in a news release.”This study will help us celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with informative, expectant, and loving hearts during a season that is oftentimes bombarded with stress, busyness, commercialization, and alluring temptations for overspending. Our goal is to keep our holy focus during this season. Bring a neighbor or friend. All are welcomed and refreshments will be served.”
To reserve space in the class or for details, contact the Rev. Edna Morgan at 870-692-2400.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
First Baptist to present ‘Morning Star’
The sanctuary choir of First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St., invites the community to rejoice with them in the music of Christmas. “Morning Star” by Lloyd Larson will be presented at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.
“Light is a prominent theme throughout scripture,” Larson was quoted as saying in a press release. “The things of God, goodness, and eternal life are generally associated with light. In contrast, the things of Satan, evil, and death are associated with darkness. As God’s chosen people, Israel awaited the promised Messiah… . And so in God’s perfect timing He did come: Jesus, the light of the world. The Morning Star did rise, a Star that still shines in the darkest of nights for people then and for us now.”
The program is free and the public is invited to attend. Details: First Baptist Church, www.fbcpinebluff.org or 534-4741.
St. Peter’s plans Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration
On Monday, Dec. 12, St. Peter Catholic Church, 207. E. 16th Ave., will host the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. At 5 a.m., Las Mananitas will be held. “This is a praise service where parishioners of St. Peter will give thanks to God for his plan of salvation through Jesus and honoring the role of the Virgin Mary in this process with music and songs (Mariachi),” a spokesman said in a news release.
At 7 p.m., the Eucharist celebration will be held, followed by fellowship at the family center at St. Peter.
“On Dec. 12, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe to venerate the role of the Virgin Mary in the economy of salvation brought by Jesus,” the spokesman said. “Catholics believe that the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, a poor Aztec Indian, when he was walking through the Tapayec hill country in central Mexico. Speaking in his native language, the beautiful lady identified herself as the ‘Ever-Virgin Mary’.”
Details: St. Peter Catholic Church, 534-6418.