Living stable scene

Living stable scene
YOUNGSTOWN -- A living stable scene is planned for 10 a.m. Dec. 18 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 421 Covington St., by the children's religious education programs of Sts. Peter and Paul and Holy Trinity Ukrainian Byzantine Church. In the parish garage, a Christmas blessing will be given to animals. Mass will follow.
Live nativity production
YOUNGSTOWN -- Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road, will stage a live production of "The Nativity -- A Night in Bethlehem" on Dec. 18 on church property. Productions will be at 5:30, 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. A light meal will be available in the church social hall.
Communal penance
YOUNGSTOWN -- An Advent communal penance service is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 613 N. Lakeview. The event is a cooperative effort among the host church and Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Stephen of Hungary, Holy Name, Our Lady of Hungary and Sts. Cyril and Methodius churches. There will be hymns, prayer, Gospel reading and a free luncheon in Founders' Hall. Call (330) 799-8873 by Tuesday to make a lunch reservation.
Taiz & eacute; prayer event
VILLA MARIA, Pa. -- A taiz & eacute; prayer will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Magnificat Chapel at Villa Marie Retreat Center, Evergreen Road, a ministry of the Sisters of Humility of Mary. The Christian interdenominational prayer incorporates music and Scripture. Musicians from Notre Dame Church, Hermitage, Pa., will play. No registration is required. For information, call the center at (724) 964-8920, Ext. 3241.
Musical celebration
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- "O Come, All Ye Faithful -- A Musical Celebration of Christmas" will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Jefferson St. Steve Pridon is directing the program of sacred Christmas music that will feature the Celebration Ringers and Singers, the Sheet and Tube Brass Quartet, Faithful Ringers of Westfield Presbyterian Church, flutist Elizabeth Dick, soloists Mikael Pridon and Dr. Raymond Hylton, percussionist David Mikesell and harpist Kirk Kupensky. Donations will benefit New Castle City Rescue Mission. Refreshments will follow in the church hall.
Christmas musical
AUSTINTOWN -- "A Time for Christmas," a Broadway-style show, will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday through Dec. 18 at Highway Tabernacle, 3000 S. Raccoon Road. Performances are free. A free-will offering will be taken.
Yuletide musical
BOARDMAN -- Boardman United Methodist Church, 6809 Market St., will present a Christmas musical, "One Incredible Moment," at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 9 a.m. Dec. 18. A love offering will be taken for hurricane relief.
Artwork display
COLUMBIANA -- Six "Lion of Judah" prints by Christian artist William Hallmark are on display in the sanctuary of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 415 S. Main St. A special Christmas youth service is planned at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 18 and the prints will be showcased. The sanctuary will remain open until 2 p.m.
'Just Believe' event
POLAND -- The Logos children's group at Poland Presbyterian Church, 2 Poland Manor, will present the musical, "Just Believe," at 5 p.m. Sunday. The show, involving 58 children in the group, will include nine songs. Latin American, country and swing selections are planned. A chicken dinner will follow in fellowship hall.
Drive-by nativity
NEWTON FALLS -- First Christian Church, 17 N. Center St., will offer a drive-by nativity from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17, weather permitting.
Prayer observance
YOUNGSTOWN -- Baptist women will observe a world day of prayer at 6 p.m. Monday at Friendship Baptist Church, 646 Lakewood Ave. Members of local churches will participate.
'Goodwill to Men' show
NILES -- The adult and children's choirs and drama team of First Baptist Church, 26 E. Church St., will present the Christmas musical, "Goodwill to Men," at 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday. Refreshments will follow the second show. A nursery will be available.
Holiday gathering
CANFIELD -- Lifecare Ministry Center Lucille Orr Ministries Inc., 5357 Raccoon Road, will host minister Brandon Hood at 4 p.m. today. A Christmas party is planned for 7 p.m. Monday with music by the Woolley family. Participants are asked to bring a gift for a 4-year-old boy, 7-year-old girl and 10-year-old girl or monetary donations and nonperishable food items to help this family with children. Those attending also are asked to take a dollar candle. Pastor Juan Rivera, who is in charge of missions at Victory Assembly Church, will speak at 4 p.m. Dec. 17.
Programs in Howland
HOWLAND -- Howland Community Church, 198 Niles-Cortland Road S.E., will present a live nativity from 7 to 9 p.m. today and Dec. 17 and 18. A children's extravaganza is planned from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 17 for 3-year-olds to fourth-graders and will include games, crafts, petting zoo and the birth of Jesus. A longest-night nondenominational service is planned at 7 p.m. Dec. 18.
Concert follows workshop
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Sunday school ministry of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, 1210 Himrod Ave., will hold a musical workshop at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 and conclude with a Christmas concert. James Ferguson is musical director.