Area churches are in the good news business all year ’round, but never do those tidings of joy sing so loudly as at Christmas. Getting ready for the season starts early, with parishioners gathering gifts and food for those in need in the fall and distributing them during a joy-filled December. There’s still time to celebrate the season. Some highlights:
Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church
It’s been a whirlwind of giving at Cedar Springs this season, with the church hosting a Hope for the Holidays luncheon for clients and families served by Covenant Health’s Hope Center, a Christmas Joy luncheon for women in area shelters, an angel tree for children at Lonsdale Elementary, and much more. Working with THRIVE Lonsdale, parishioners also helped Light up Lonsdale with Christmas decorations in the community. On Christmas Eve, Cedar Springs welcomes members and visitors to any of three celebrations, including a 10 a.m. service, a family-friendly Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m., and a special Communion, carols, and candlelight service at 11 p.m.
The church is located at 9132 Kingston Pike, Knoxville. Info: cspc.net
Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass will bring jazz-infused Christmas favorites to Central Baptist Church in Bearden. Photo submitted
Central Baptist Church of Bearden
A series of advent concerts at Central Baptist Bearden culminates in a special performance from Indiana-based, nine-piece band Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass, a jazz-infused outfit that puts a rousing spin on some religious favorites. Join the musical celebration at 6 p.m., Dec. 17. The church has also been active in its share of good works this year, including planning a Dec. 16 angel tree celebration for families served by FOCUS ministries. Everyone is welcome at Christmas Eve candlelight services at the church, to be held at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 24.
The church is located at 6300 Deane Hill Dr. Info: 588-0586 or centralbeardenknoxville.org
Cokesbury United Methodist Church
Cokesbury’s Christmas Cantata is 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 17, on the church’s south campus. Christmas Eve services begin on Saturday, Dec. 23, with a contemporary service at 5:30 p.m. on the north campus. Contemporary services continue at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. on Dec 24. Traditional Christmas Eve services will be held at Cokesbury’s south campus at 7 and 9 p.m.
The church is located at 9915 Kingston Pike (north campus) and 9908 Kingston Pike (south campus), Knoxville. Info: 693-0353 or cokesbury.tv
First Baptist Church of Concord
This long-standing community church has been partnering with KARM, with FOCUS Ministries, and with other groups to spread maximum cheer – as well as clothes, food, toys and more – to those in need in the West Knox and Concord communities this season. The church also sponsors families in need through West Hills Elementary School. There will be a Christmas Eve breakfast service at the elementary school at 409 Vanosdale Rd. at 10 a.m. on Dec. 24. The church will also be hosting candlelight services at its sanctuary in Farragut at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 24.
The church is located at 11704 Kingston Pike, Knoxville. Info: 966-9791 or fbconcord.org
St. Mark United Methodist Church
“We’re very excited that this year’s cantata, ‘Little Lion, Little Lamb,’ will feature not only our Chancel Choir and orchestra, but many of our children as well,” says St. Mark pastor Kenneth Faught. The family-friendly cantata will be held at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 17, at the church in Rocky Hill. On Christmas Eve, the church welcomes everyone to services at 10 a.m., at 4 p.m., and at 6 p.m.
The church is located at 7001 Northshore Dr., Knoxville. Info: 588-0808 or stmarkknox.org