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The Messiah United Methodist Church sponsors the following events. The church is located at 6215 Rolling Road, Springfield. For more, call 703-569-9862.
* Annual Singles Ministry Holly Ball is Saturday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Black tie optional. Dance lessons 8 p.m., dance 8:30 p.m. $5 with a finger food, $10 without. Proceeds benefit Pass Christian Mission. Childcare available with an RSVP to Rev. Debbie Fambro at 703-569-9862, ext 213 or dfambro@messiahumc.org.
* Christmas Comfort Service is Thursday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the same joy and happiness advertised on television or greeting cards. The service is a time of music, scripture, stories, silence, reflection, healing prayer and communion.
Temple B'nai Shalom has its monthly Tot Shabbat Service on Saturday Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. The theme for this service will be "Chanukah." This service is geared for all children from infants through age 6. The temple is located at 7612 Old Ox Road in Fairfax Station. Call 703-764-2901 with questions.
The Fairfax Church of Christ presents "Christmas in D.C.: The Chorus and the Cornerstone" on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., at 3901 Rugby Road, Fairfax. The program features seasonal music and inspirational drama. Free. 703-631-2100.
New World Unity Church, at its new location at The Cary Building, 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, A-209 in Springfield, offers the following events and services. Call 703-913-8560 or visit www.NewWorldUnity.org for more.
* 12 Powers Candlelight Service. Sunday, Dec. 17 and Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. The 12 Powers Candlelight Service is an experience commemorating the birth of Jesus, awakening one’s own Christ essence and making a personal commitment to unfold one of 12 Spiritual gifts in the coming year.
* World Healing Meditation. Dec. 31, at 7 p.m. followed by shared breakfast.
* Burning Bowl Ceremony. Sunday, Dec. 31, at 6 p.m. The Burning Bowl Ceremony offers the opportunity to totally release an old habit, thought or belief into a purifying fire.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with dinner Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Congregation Adat Reyim, 6500 Westbury Oaks Court, Springfield. The Adat Reyim Choir sings at a service beginning 8 p.m. For more, call 703-569-7577. A Chanukah service is Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at the synagogue. For more, call 703-569-7577.
Harvest Church offers several holiday programs and services. The church is located at 7401 Beulah St., Alexandria. For more call 703-971-7070 or visit www.harvestchurchag.org.
* Live Nativity. Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16. Performances are each night at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Pastor Tim Cerce invites the public to this reenactment of the night Jesus was born. Hot chocolate and refreshments available.
* O Come Emmanuel. Sunday, Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. This cantata also features the children of Harvest Church.
* Christmas Service. Sunday, Dec. 24 at 10:30 a.m. This one-hour service features traditional Christmas carols and candle lighting.
Sydenstricker United Methodist Church offers the following events in celebration of Christmas. The 2006 theme is “Going to Bethlehem.” The church is located at 8508 Hooes Road, Springfield. For more visit www.sumcdisciples.org or call 703-451-8223.
* Children’s Birthday Party for Jesus. Sunday, Dec. 17 at 9:45 a.m. Crafts, music, stories, fun and refreshments all designed to help children learn the meaning of Christmas.
* Chancel Choir presents Handel’s “Messiah.” Sunday, Dec. 17 at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Features the Chancel Choir and instrumentalists.
* Living Nativity. Sunday, Dec. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Grove. Youth and live animals reenact the Nativity.
* Worship Sunday, Dec. 24. Lessons and Carols at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 a.m. Children’s service at 5 p.m., Love Feast at 8 p.m., candlelight service at 11 p.m.
St. George's United Methodist Church offers a holiday program of singing and the spoken word 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, at St. George's United Methodist Church, 4910 Ox Road, Fairfax. The annual Lessons and Carols program is a family-oriented event telling the story of the nativity through songs and narration, ending with a candlelight service. Nursery care provided and refreshments served after the program. For more, contact 703-385-4550 or visit www.stgumc.org.
Jubilee Christian Center offers several holiday events and services at the center, 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. For more call 703-383-1170.
* Adult Christmas Musical. The Music Department of Jubilee Christian Center presents "Let There Be Light," Sunday, Dec. 17 at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. Free.
* Christmas Eve services are Dec. 24 at 8:45 and 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax Christian Church, a positive Christian community open to all, offers the following holiday programs and services. Worship services start every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. Church is at 10185 Main St., Fairfax. For more call 703-385-3520 or visit www.fairfaxchristian.org.
* Pastor Rev. Laura Swett offers a special sermon series in December, called “Christmas at the Movies." Sermon topics and dates are Dec. 17: "Polar Express: What to do when hope is disappointed;" Dec. 24: "It’s a Wonderful Life: Joy-quenchers and joy builders."
* The 10:30 a.m. service on Dec. 17 is a Festival of Lessons and Carols. Come and enjoy Christmas music and scripture throughout the service.
* Candlelight Christmas Eve service is Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Providence Presbyterian Church offers a Bible study titled "Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem: A Spiritual Journey through Advent" at the church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. The study runs Thursdays through Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. The five sessions utilize music, art, poetry, and a variety of interactive activities centered on biblical passages that connect to Advent. Contact