Church events planned around the county for Christmas, New Year

by Lauren Thornton Tobin

For the FCT

Various churches in Russellville and Red Bay will have Christmas Eve and New Year services.

In Russellville, First Baptist Church will hold a worship service on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m., and a showing of “The Star of Bethlehem” on Sunday at 6 p.m., according to ministry assistant, Fay Gaston.

“I know for sure there will be Christmas carols and singing,” Gaston said about the Christmas Eve service, “It won’t be lengthy.”

Both events are open to the public.

First Baptist is already preparing for the New Year by hosing the “Into the Light Women’s Conference” on January 10.

2014 Dove Award winning Artist of the Year, Ellie Holcomb, will be performing.

“We’re just so fortunate to have already booked her before her career took off,” Gaston said.

First United Methodist Church will have a Christmas Eve communion and candle light service at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., said secretary Sally Fulks.

Eastside Church of Christ will have normal services on Wednesday.

Good Shepherd Catholic Church will have two Mass services on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. The first service at 6 p.m. will be in English and the 8 p.m. service will be in Spanish.

Christmas Day and New Years Day Mass at 11 a.m. is bilingual.

In Red Bay the New Union Baptist Church hosts a Christmas Cantata Sunday at 3 p.m., according to preacher Greg Philamlee.

First Baptist Church will have a Christmas Eve service and communion at 5 p.m.

In Phil Campbell the Phil Campbell Church of God will host a family game night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on New Years Eve.

Pastor, Christ Burns, said the church will have board games, video games and will provide finger foods and snacks.