Church digest

Presbyterian Church

The Rev. Liz Wagner will lead an Adult Study Group at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, in the parlor at the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista.

Ladies of the church will gather for a birthday luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, to celebrate those having a birthday this month. Sign up at the information center to learn the location.

Presbyterian Men's Fellowship will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, in the fellowship hall for breakfast followed by a program on the Bella Vista Courtesy Van. Sign up at the information center. The cost of the meal is $3 and a canned food item for the Helping Hands pantry.

Everyone is invited to join the congregation at 10 a.m. on the fourth Sunday in Advent, Dec. 21, for a choral Christmas service.

On Dec. 21, and the third Sunday of each month, funds will be collected for the Cents-Ability hunger program to make a difference in the lives of hungry children and families. The container is located in the connector hallway.

A candlelight Christmas Eve worship service will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. All are invited to this service, which will include lessons, carols and the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The church will offer a worship service at 11:15 a.m. Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, followed by a potluck dinner at noon in the fellowship hall. Those wishing to attend the meal should sign up at the information center and plan to bring their own table service and a dish to share.

The office will be closed Dec. 24-26 in observance of Christmas.

Church members will be delivering Meals on Wheels during January in the Bella Vista area. A sign-up sheet is 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.

Village Baptist

The Rev. Bill Bowen will bring the message at the 10:15 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 21, at Village Baptist Church. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9 a.m. A nursery is provided.

The Sunday evening service starts at 5.

Men's prayer and the Bible study of 1 John are from 8 to 10 a.m. each Friday.

Wednesday evening choir practice begins 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.

Unitarian Universalists of Benton County

Unitarian Universalists of Benton County will hold its annual holiday party at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the home of Jeff and Ellen Tate, 4 Huntington Place, in Rogers. Childcare with activities will be provided on-site.

On Sunday, Dec. 21, Jolana Aibangbee will give a talk on Court Appointed Special Advocates.

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.

Bella Vista Lutheran

Bella Vista Lutheran Church will offer Parent's Night Out starting at 5:30 p.m. today. A meal will be provided, followed by crafts, songs, games and Bible stories. All children are welcome.

Advent services will continue at 6 p.m. every Wednesday until Christmas.

The "Messiah" Christmas concert will be presented at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 21. This special musical will feature a mass choir and orchestra.

A new men's Bible study will be held at 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. The first series of classes will examine the "Great Miracles of the New Testament." The Rev. John Lindner will lead the discussion. Anyone interested may register at the kiosk or by calling Lindner at 469-682-9937.

Shepherd's Food Pantry would like to partner with the community to provide families with the gift of a Christmas meal. If people donate 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 also welcome to purchase the meat.

Sunday morning worship is at 8:30 a.m. for the traditional service and at 10:45 a.m. for the blended 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.

United Lutheran

United Lutheran Church of Bella Vista will have a workday at Helping Hands on Dec. 20.

A 90th birthday reception for Betty Hurl is planned for 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

Christmas Eve worship services will be offered at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. Both services will include candlelight and Communion.

A carol sing will take place at 11:15 a.m. Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, followed by dinner at noon in Luther Hall. Sign up to attend the meal.

The office will be closed Friday, Dec. 26.

An exercise class is offered at 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

United in Prayer meets at 3 p.m. each Monday. All are welcome.

United Lutheran is located at 100 Cooper Road. Call 479-855-1325 or visit www.unitedlutheranbv.org for other information.

Community Church

The next Newcomers' Orientation will be this evening at 6:30 in the parlor at Bella Vista Community Church. Anyone interested in knowing more about Community Church is invited to attend.

Wednesday Night Family Activities start at 6 p.m. with pizza, followed at 6:30 by Prayers to My King Bible study for all ages. A nursery is provided.

Growing Through Grief support group will meet at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, in the parlor.

Connections and the youth group will go Christmas caroling Sunday evening, Dec. 21, at Brookfield Assisted Living and Highland Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. A snack supper will be served at the church afterward.

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.

Coffee fellowship is offered at 9 a.m. Sunday with the worship service starting at 9:30. A staffed nursery and Children's Teaching Time for ages 4-12 years are available during the worship service. Adult Sunday school is from 8 to 9 a.m.

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

Bella Vista Baptist Church will throw a "Birthday Party for Jesus" at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

A Christmas Eve candlelight service will start at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24.

There will be no Wednesday evening meal or youth activities on Dec. 24 and 31. These activities will resume in January.

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.

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 Women's Ministry Board 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.

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.

Men's Breakfast Fellowship will be held at 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. The Church Board will convene at 8:30 a.m.

Sunday school classes will be available for all ages at 9 a.m. and the worship service will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 21. The Rev. Mark Voll will continue his preaching series titled "Christmas 2014: What the World Needs Now." His sermon, "The Love of God," is from 1 John 4:9-10. 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. 22, at the church.

The Worship Team will practice at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23.

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.

Highland Christian (Disciples of Christ)

Choir practice begins at 4 p.m. today at Highland Christian Church.

Church school starts at 9 a.m. and the worship service with open Communion is at 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 21. The Rev. Paul Seal will be speaking on "Beyond the Cradle" from Matthew 4:12-17. The second and final week for the Christmas bake sale will take place in the fellowship hall after the service.

The office will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24.

A Christmas Eve service will be offered at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 and will include the lighting of candles, special music and open Communion.

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.

Forest Hills Church

Forest Hills Church welcomes people of all faiths to attend a pre-Christmas worship service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Don Cowell, founding pastor, will bring the message. A casual drop-in coffee and sweets fellowship starts at 9 a.m., and Bible studies are offered at 9:45.

A special Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24.

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.

Bella Vista Christian

"The Road to Bethlehem" is the title of the Christmas message at the 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services Sunday, Dec. 21, at Bella Vista Christian Church. A "Happy Birthday Jesus Party" will be held at both times. 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.

A live, interactive outdoor Nativity will be open on the church campus from 4 to 8 p.m. this Sunday. 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 services will include favorite Christmas music in a contemporary style and a relevant message by candlelight.

A Christmas Day dinner will be served at noon Dec. 25. RSVP on the church website -- www.bellavistachristian.com. Everyone is welcome.

The Student Ministry will partner with other Christian churches in the area for a New Year's Eve party starting at 10 p.m. Dec. 31 at Lokomotion in Fayetteville. Check the church website for details.

Bella Vista Christian is a nondenominational church located at 103 Riordan Road. Call 479-855-1616 or visit www.bellavistachristian.com.

St. Bernard

Catholic Church

Christmas flower memorial and honorarium donations will be used to purchase floral decorations for the sanctuary for the Feast of Christmas at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista. An insert will list all those being remembered and honored. Minimum offering is $15. Contact the parish office at 479-855-9069.

Bingo will be played Thursday, Dec. 18. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. with games starting at 6:30 p.m. The jackpot is $1,000, and all proceeds go to charity. All are welcome.

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.

The Rev. Edie Skalitzky will lead a candlelighting service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

Skalitzky teaches a book class from 9 to 9:45 every Sunday. "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.

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 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.

St. Theodore's

Episcopal Church

Special candlelight Christmas Eve worship services will be conducted at 4 p.m and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. People of all ages are invited to come and worship the Holy Nativity of Jesus Christ. A nursery will be provided.

The church will celebrate the coming of the Wise Men at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Jan. 4. Attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food gift that will be blessed and given to the Helping Hands food ministries. A nursery will be provided.

St. Theodore's is located at 1001 Kingsland Road in Bella Vista.

Highlands Church

A candlelight Christmas Eve service will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24. Communion will be served.

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. Sign-up sheets are in the fellowship hall, or call the church office at 479-855-2277 to sign up.

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.