Celebrate Christmas at First Pres. Cranford

First Presbyterian Church of Cranford has released its schedule of Christmas season worship services:

December 20 at 10:00am: “On This Shining Night,” a Cantata for Christmas

December 24 at 4:00pm: Children’s pageant “Super Gift from Heaven”

December 24 at 8:00pm: Traditional Worship with Lessons and Carols

December 24 at 11:00pm: Candlelight Service with Holy Communion

December 27 at 10:00am: “Get Your Christmas On and Come as you are”

On Sunday, Dec. 20, the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Alison R. Nead and accompanied by organist Robert Grube, will present a special Christmas Cantata “On This Shining Night” written by Lee Dengler and Susan Naus Dengler. Through music, narration and scripture, the ancient story is retold of a world that lay in shadow, crying out for a Savior; the visit of angels who announced the news; and the birth of Jesus, the “Light of the World.”

Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24, will offer a day-full of opportunities to worship, sing and praise God. At 4 pm, the children of First Presbyterian, under the direction of Elsa Hahn, will present the children’s Christmas pageant, “Super Gift from Heaven.” This musical features kindergarten through sixth graders in a special performance that conveys the message of the season through word and song.

At 8 pm, Pastor J. Christian Kile will lead a traditional Christmas Eve service, with plenty of familiar Christmas carols, perfect for families and all those who wish to celebrate with full choirs and organ music. Soloist Lynn Pinto will perform “O, Holy Night.”

At 11 p.m. there will be a moving and beautiful candlelight service. Holy Communion is open to all baptized Christians. The service ends with dimming of the lights and the singing of “Silent Night, Holy Night.”

While there is no service on Christmas morning, our Sunday Service on Dec. 27 will be fun and casual. “GET YOUR CHRISTMAS ON” is our theme, and “Come As You Are” is the dress code. Wear your comfy PJ’s, or jeans and slippers, or dress it up and wear some bling. Kids: bring your favorite toy or gift for a little show and tell. All are welcome. We will be casual and family friendly, reading from the Bible and singing favorite Christmas carols.

The congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Cranford traces its history back to 1776, while the current sanctuary—filled with magnificent stained glass windows and a soaring wood ceiling—opened its doors in 1894. The church is located at 11 Springfield Avenue, at the corner North Union and Springfield Avenues in Cranford.

For more information, call the church office, 908-276-8440 or visit www.firstprescranford.org.