Area churches to celebrate Christmas

Christians will gather tonight and Thursday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas, the most celebrated holiday in the church year.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services provided to the Peninsula Clarion by central Kenai Peninsula churches are scheduled as follows:

Peninsula Christian Center

Kenai Spur Highway,

2 blocks from the Soldotna "Y"

At 6 this evening, Peninsula Christian Center will conduct its Christmas Eve service with music from traditional to contemporary for all ages. Among the participants are Mike Lyons and Brandon New-bould of Messiah College and Todd and Rachelle Grimmer.

The center is behind The Salvation Army store on the Kenai Spur Highway in Soldotna.

Apostolic Assembly of Jesus Christ

36195 Murray Lane, Soldotna

The Apostolic Assembly of Jesus Christ will celebrate with the annual "Birthday for Jesus" service at 7 p.m. today.

Everyone is invited. For more information, call 262-5909 or 262-9693.

Soldotna Bible Chapel

300 West Marydale Ave., Soldotna

The Soldotna Bible Chapel choir will present "Welcome to Our World," created by Claire Cloninger and Robert Stering, at a Christmas Eve service at 7 this evening.

The community is invited to share in the special evening. The choir is under the direction of Gary Lindman.

St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church

Kenai Spur Highway and Spruce Street, Kenai

Christmas Eve services at St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church will include Holy Communion at a children's service at 7 p.m. today and a Holy Communion service at 11 p.m.

For more information, call 283-6040.

Peninsula Grace Church

Mile 19.5 Kalifornsky Beach Road

Peninsula Grace Church will conduct Christmas Eve services at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The earlier service will feature the children's choir presenting the Christmas story and favorite Christmas carols.

The second service will be a candlelight service featuring the youth choir presenting "City on a Hill Christmas."

Dessert will be served at both services. The community is invited.

Grace Lutheran Church

Ciechanski Road, 1 block off K-Beach Road, Kenai

Children from preschool through high school will present a candlelight service titled, "What Child Is This," at 7 tonight at Grace Lutheran Church.

The service includes audience participation in singing carols, and a special Christmas gift will be given to all children after the service. Refreshments will be served.

On Christmas Day, a one-hour Christmas song and scripture festival will be conducted at 11 a.m. The public is invited.

For more information, call 283-6297.

United Methodist Church

Kenai Spur Highway at Bluff Street, Kenai

The United Methodist Church of the New Covenant in Kenai will conduct its candlelight cantata service at 7 p.m. today.

The cantata, "Season of Praise," will be conducted by Cherie Brewer with Jim Heim narrating. The service closes with the singing of "Silent Night," and each person attending will be given a candle to light and take home.

All are welcome.

New Life Assembly of God

209 Princess St., Kenai

The Kenai New Life Assembly of God is hosting a family Christ-mas Eve service this evening at 7.

The service will feature special music, a kids' bell choir and a puppet song.

The public is invited. For more information, call 283-7752.