United Lutheran
The Women of United Christmas Tea, "Nativities Around the World," will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the United Lutheran Church of Bella Vista.
An Abundant Life service will be offered at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 in the fellowship hall. New changes are coming.
Stephen Ministry will host its Christmas dinner at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, in the fellowship hall.
Wednesday Advent supper and worship service begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 in Lutheran Hall.
United in Prayer meets at 3 p.m. each Monday. All are welcome.
An exercise class is offered at 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.
United Lutheran is located at 100 Cooper Road. Call 479-855-1325 or visit www.unitedlutheranbv.org for other information.
Village Baptist
The Rev. Bill Bowen will bring the message at the 10:15 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 14, at Village Baptist Church. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9 a.m. A nursery is provided.
The choir present will present "The First Noel" at 5 p.m. Sunday with fellowship to follow.
Men's prayer and the Bible study of 1 John are from 8 to 10 a.m. each Friday.
Wednesday evening choir practice starts at 5:30 p.m. and is followed by prayer and Bible study at 7.
Village Baptist, a Southern Baptist church, is located at 380 Glasgow Road. Call 479-855-7775 for other information.
Village Bible
Evangelical Free
Oasis Food Pantry will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Village Bible Evangelical Free Church.
Also Wednesday, the Missions Committee will meet at 4:30 p.m. and the Christian Education Committee will have a 5:30 p.m. dinner meeting. The family potluck dinner also begins at 5:30 p.m. and is followed by family praise and prayer fellowship plus children's and youth activities at 6:20 p.m. Choir rehearsal starts at 7:30 p.m., and Worship Team practice is at 8 p.m.
The Women's Ministry will host a Christmas sing-along at Concordia Catered Living at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11.
Sunday school classes will be available for all ages at 9 a.m. and the worship service will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 14. The Rev. Mark Voll will continue his preaching series titled "Christmas 2014: What the World Needs Now." His sermon, "The Wisdom of the Magi," is from Matthew 2:1-12. Infant nursery and children's church will be available during the service.
Intercessory Prayer for the Building Program will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at the church.
The ladies' Bible study, "Ecclesiastes -- A Woman of Contentment," will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16. Joanne Morris will lead the study.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the church. Anyone interested in donating blood may call the church at 479-876-5764.
The church will host a Community Christmas Carol Sing-along at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista.
A Christmas Eve candlelight worship service will be held at the church at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24.
The church is located at 210 Town Center S.E. Call 479-876-5764 or visit www.villagebibleefc.org.
Bella Vista Lutheran
Advent services will be held at 6 p.m. every Wednesday until Christmas at Bella Vista Lutheran Church. All are invited to these special services.
A men's Bible study will be held at 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month starting Dec. 11. This later hour will give working dads time to eat dinner with family and spend some time with their children. The first series of classes will examine the "Great Miracles of the New Testament." The Rev. John Lindner will lead the discussion. Anyone interested should sign up at the kiosk or call the church office at 479-855-0272.
The Family Life Ministry Team is collecting "Caps and Mittens" for Gravette schoolchildren. The collection box will be in the narthex through Dec. 14.
The Children's Christmas program will be presented at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, immediately following the 8:30 a.m. service.
Shepherd's Food Pantry served 695 people in November, of which 36 were new applicants. The pantry has a suggestion for providing the gift of a Christmas meal. If the community donates packaged mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, canned vegetables and fruit, white or yellow cake mix and a box of Jell-O, the pantry will add a whole roasting chicken. The food pantry is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A shopping cart for donations is in the fellowship hall entry. Monetary donations are always welcome.
Sunday morning worship is at 8:30 a.m. for the traditional service and at 10:45 a.m. for the informal service. Sunday school for all children and adult Bible classes are at 9:45 a.m.
Bella Vista Lutheran Church is at 1990 Forest Hills Blvd. Visit www.bvlutheran.com or call 479-855-0272.
Unitarian Universalists of Benton County
On Sunday, Dec. 14, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss previous talks on "The Real Meanings of Christmas," "Forgiveness" and "UU Learn 101 Part Three."
Unitarian Universalists of Benton County has relocated to 1110 S.E. Evergreen St., at Little Einstein Montessori School in Bentonville, near the southeast corner of 14th and J streets.
Each Sunday service begins with an all-inclusive opening and ends with a traditional closing. The program usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes. Coffee and social time starts at 10:30 a.m. and the program is at 11 a.m. Sunday school is available for children through age 15.
For more information, go online to www.uubcar.com, www.facebook.com/UUBC.AR or http://uubcar.tumblr.com, or connect with @UUBC1 on Twitter.
Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Women will host a Christmas tea and cookie exchange at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the fellowship hall. Cookies will be shared with shut-in members.
Everyone is invited to join the congregation at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday in Advent, Dec. 14, for a traditional worship service.
The Rev. Liz Wagner will lead an Adult Study Group at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, in the parlor.
The Chancel Choir is preparing for the choral Christmas service Sunday, Dec. 21, during the 10 a.m. worship service. The community is invited.
Members of the church packed 45 Thanksgiving food boxes for Helping Hands for distribution at Thanksgiving. Monetary donations of $515 were also given to help provide additional food for those in need during the holiday.
Church members will be delivering Meals on Wheels during January in the Bella Vista area. A sign-up sheet is located at the information center.
The church is located at 1880 Forest Hills Blvd. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m., and Sunday school for children and adults meets at 8:30 a.m. All are welcome. Recent sermons can be heard on the website at www.pcbv.org. Call the office at 479-855-2390 with any questions about activities or to speak with a pastor.
Community Church
Memory Disorder Caregivers support group meets at 1 p.m. today in the parlor at Bella Vista Community Church.
Prayer Shawl Ministry meets at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, in McKay Hall. Hope Happens Here support group will gather at 3:30 p.m. in the parlor.
SOLOS will meet for lunch and cards from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in McKay Hall.
Coffee fellowship is offered at 9 a.m. Sunday with the worship service starting at 9:30. A staffed nursery is available. Adult Sunday school is from 8 to 9 a.m.
The Bella Vista Men's Chorus will present a free Christmas concert for the community at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in the sanctuary.
Free blood pressure checks are available in the nurses' office from 9 a.m. to noon each Wednesday and at 9 a.m. the last Sunday of each month in the parlor.
The Diabetes and Prostate support groups will not meet in December. Meetings will resume at their regular times in January.
Bella Vista Community Church is an interdenominational Stephen Ministry church and is located at 75 E. Lancashire Blvd. Call 479-855-1126, email [email protected] or visit www.bvcommunitychurch.org.
Bella Vista Baptist
Performances of a dramatic musical, "Four Tickets to Christmas," will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Bella Vista Baptist Church. Free tickets may be reserved online at bvbaptist.com/christmas or by calling 479-855-3748.
The Wednesday evening meal is served from 4:45 to 5:30, and the a prayer meeting starts at 5:45 p.m. in the old sanctuary.
The children's choirs rehearse at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Youth activities are offered at 6 p.m., and AWANA meets at 6:15.
Men's Prayer Breakfast is at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday in the fellowship hall. The group is studying the Book of Joshua.
Women on a Mission meets at 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month in the fellowship hall.
Prayer Warriors are available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week by calling 479-855-6644.
Bella Vista Baptist is a multigenerational church with weekly activities for children and adults. More information is available by calling 479-855-3748 or by visiting the website at www.bvbaptist.com.
First United
Methodist
The First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista's choir will present a Christmas cantata, "We Have Seen Him," on Sunday, Dec. 14. Composer Dan Knight and his band, the Unusual Suspects, will be on hand to assist with the cantata.
"Christmas From A-Z: Exploring the Alphabet of Christmas!" will be performed by FUMC Vista Kids and Youth Life at noon Sunday, Dec. 14, in Becker Hall. A potluck meal will follow.
A Midday at the Manger service is planned for 5 p.m. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. A contemporary blend service with carols, candlelight and Communion starts at 7:30 p.m.
A Christmas potluck will be served at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 25 in Becker Hall.
A prayer service is held at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday in the chapel. Junior and senior high students can participate in Youth Life at 7 p.m.
Two weekly meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are hosted at the church on Saturday and Monday. Call or stop by the church for more information.
Caregivers Support Group provides an essential support system for those who are primary caregivers of family or friends. This group meets at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
Moving Forward, a fellowship group for single men, meets at 11:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday of the month in Becker Hall. The memories associated with any loss and the problems of adjusting to life as a single person are expressed in the supportive setting of a group of individuals who have all had similar experiences. A home-cooked meal is provided. Contact the Rev. Albert Fisher at 903-271-2738 or [email protected] for details.
Traditional services are held every Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with a contemporary service at 9:30. Sunday school classes for all ages are also held at 9:30 a.m. A nursery provided.
Junior and senior high students are invited to participate in Youth Bible Study from 5 to 7 p.m. every Sunday in the Youth Room.
The church is at 20 Boyce Drive. Call 479-855-1158 or visit www.lovelearnlead.com.
Forest Hills Church
The Forest Hills Church community welcomes people of all faiths to attend the 10:45 a.m. worship service on Communion Sunday, Dec. 14. The morning message, "Lord," is based on "The Names of Jesus" series and comes from Luke 2:11 and Proverbs 18:10. A casual drop-in coffee and sweets fellowship starts at 9 a.m., and Bible studies are offered at 9:45.
"One Starry Night" will be presented from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. This free event boasts hundreds of Nativity scenes on display, live music and refreshments. The community is welcome.
Sack lunch Bible studies, led by the Rev. Mark Kirby, are offered at noon Wednesday and are open to the public.
The church, an American Baptist congregation, is located at 1702 Forest Hills Blvd. Call Andrea for information at 479-855-3555 or send an email inquiry to [email protected]. Visit www.ForestHillsChurch.info for up-to-date information and a calendar of activities.
Highlands Church
The Hummers will sponsor a blood drive from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the fellowship hall. Photo identification is required. Each donor will receive a free cholesterol screening.
The choir's Christmas cantata -- "Here Comes The Light!" -- will be presented during the Saturday Celebration service Dec. 13 and again at the Traditions service Sunday, Dec. 14.
The Care and Share donation trailer will be in the church parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12. Clean, gently used items are requested.
A four-week, churchwide spiritual emphasis campaign will launch Jan. 11 and conclude Feb. 7. The theme is "The Power of a Whisper" by Bill Hybels of Willowcreek Church. Classes and small groups will be available at various times and days during the four-week slot. More information will be coming soon.
The TAN and JAM adult Sunday school class meets from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Sunday. Visitors are welcome.
Highlands Church, a United Methodist congregation, is at 371 Glasgow Road in Bella Vista. Call 479-855-2277, visit www.humcbv.com or search for Highlands Church of Bella Vista on Facebook.com.
Highland Christian (Disciples of Christ)
Choir practice begins at 3:45 p.m. today at Highland Christian Church.
Disciples Women will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the fellowship hall. The study and worship is "Who Will Show us the Way" by Carlene Beam. Hostesses are Beam and Sara Denning.
Cantata rehearsal will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Elders will convene at 8:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
Church school starts at 9 a.m. and the worship service with open Communion is at 10:30 a.m. on the third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 14. The choir will perform a cantata in place of the sermon. A Christmas bake sale will be held in the fellowship hall after the service.
Singles will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, in Betty Shearer's home.
The church is located at 1500 Forest Hills Blvd. The office telephone number is 479-855-2780. For information, email [email protected] or go to www.highlandchristianchurchbv.org.
St. Bernard
Catholic Church
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults class on Wednesday, Dec. 10, will cover the Seven Sacraments with special emphasis on the Sacrament of Marriage and how divorce and annulments enter into the teachings of Jesus Christ. The class will meet at 7 p.m. in the church hall. People of all faiths are welcome.
A parish Christmas party is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The evening will include a meal, desserts, Christmas music and fellowship.
Bingo will be played Thursday, Dec. 18. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. The jackpot is $1,000, and all proceeds go to charity.
The Parish Library has a variety of new books. Come check out "Mother to the Poor," the story of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, presenting Mother Teresa's life in native India.
St. Bernard Church is located off of Lancashire Boulevard at 1 St. Bernard Lane. Call 479-855-9069 or go online to www.bvstbernard.org.
Unity Church
of the Ozarks
Unity Church of the Ozarks is sponsoring the 2014 Salvation Army Christmas Food Drive. Nonperishable foods may be dropped off at the church between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and from noon to 1 p.m. Sundays.
Wednesday night class and meditation, held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., is open to anyone who would like to explore life from different perspectives with the basis being the Unity metaphysical way of thinking. The session for Dec. 10 is titled "The Metaphysics of the Immaculate Conception."
The annual Christmas sing-along and party is slated for 7 p.m. Dec. 12.
The Rev. Edie Skalitzy presents "The Metaphysics of the Nativity" at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14. Following the service, the congregation will stand in a circle focused on peace.
The book class, taught by Skalitzky on Sunday mornings, meets from 9 to 9:45. "Spiritual Economics" by Eric Butterworth is being explored. The book not only teaches financial prosperity but also ways to open one's self to the abundance of the universe in all its many forms. A book is not required.
The Elves Shop, Unity's Christmas store, is now open. A variety of items, many handmade, are available for purchase.
The congregation currently meets at 902 S.W. Second St., Suite E, in Bentonville. Call 479-721-2752 or visit www.unityozarks.org for other information.
Bella Vista Christian
The Women's Ministry will host "Mugs, Muffins 'n Mittens" at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 13 in the atrium. Everyone is asked to bring a sweet treat to share, a mug and a pair of new mittens. The mittens will be given to Cooper Elementary School.
"The Road to Bethlehem" will be the Christmas series at the 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services on Sundays. KidTown for children from birth through fifth grade is open during both services, and Student Ministries for grades 6-12 meets at 10:45 a.m.
The Children's Ministries will perform the musical "Dude, You Hear What I Hear?" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
The Men's Ministry will host a Christmas party for men of all ages at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Children will have a "Happy Birthday Party" for Jesus during both morning services Dec. 21.
A live, interactive outdoor Nativity will be open on the church campus from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Come by and experience the Christmas story with costumed Bible characters, and pet and feed the live animals. A new addition this year will be live camels and the Wise Men. There is no cost to attend this event.
Family Christmas Eve services will be held at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Both will have Communion and candle lighting.
A Christmas Day dinner will be served at noon Dec. 25. RSVP on the church website -- www.bellavistachristian.com.
Bella Vista Christian is a nondenominational church located at 103 Riordan Road. Call 479-855-1616 or visit www.bellavistachristian.com.
Religion on 12/10/2014