Saturday, December 13, 1997

St. Mark's hosts priest ordination

The Rev. Kelly Schneider will be ordained to the priesthood at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3150 Vogel.

A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. The Rt. Rev. Wallis Ohl, bishop of the Diocese of Northwest Texas, will officiate.

Schneider, who was ordained June 26 as a deacon, has been at St. Mark's since August, where she serves as part-time rector. She also is youth minister for both St. Mark's and the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest.

In May, Schneider earned a master of divinity degree from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest at Austin. She also holds a master's degree in art from Texas A&I University, a teaching certification from Southwest Texas State University and a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University.

Before entering the ministry, Schneider taught middle and high school art. She was ordained as a deacon in the church before moving to Abilene.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION

A Christmas musical/drama, "The Little Tree's Christmas Gift," will be presented by the Children's Church at 10:35 a.m. Sunday at Bethel Temple Christian Center, 3101 N. 12th.

The musical, written by Ann Lambert and Dwight Elrich, stresses that everyone has something special to offer.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

Liberty Baptist Church, 1149 E.S. 11th, will present its Christmas Cantata, "Noel, Jesus is Born," at 6 p.m. Sunday.

BAKE SALE

Bethel AME Church, 725 Plum, will have a bake sale from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 20.

HANUKKAH CLASS

A Hanukkah Sunday School class will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Temple Mizpah, 849 Chestnut.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

The children of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church will present their annual Christmas program at 5 p.m. Sunday at the church, 1202 S. Pioneer.

A taco supper will follow to raise money for youth summer camp scholarships.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

Heritage Baptist Church invites Abilenians to attend the musical drama presentation "Smoky Mountain Christmas" at 6 p.m. Sunday. The church is at 3050 Buffalo Gap Rd. Call 691-1118 for more information. with mug

SPECIAL SPEAKER

Dr. Glen Schmucker of Rockwall will speak at all three morning services Sunday at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer.

Schmucker has a long and varied association with Pioneer Drive and Abilene. He was ordained at the church in 1972, served as its youth minister from 1978-83 and as associate college minister from 1973-74.

Schmucker has also served as pastor of Beltway Park Baptist Church, and on boards at Hardin-Simmons University, Hendrick Medical Center and Pastoral Care and Counseling. He was chairman of the clergy section of the United Way of Abilene from 1988-91.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

First Christian Church has called a congregational meeting for 6:15 p.m. Sunday just prior to the annual children's program. Purpose of the meeting is to consider the 1998 budget. A called board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday. The church is at 1420 N. 3rd.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

The staff of Calvary Baptist Church, 1165 Minter Lane, will host an open house for members at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Fellowship Hall. The Children's Choir will present a concert preceding the open house.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SPECIAL

Epworth United Methodist Church, 1102 N. Willis, has scheduled a holiday carol special at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The Methodist Men will provide brisket for an all-church Christmas party at 6 p.m. Thursday. Church members are asked to bring a favorite holiday dish to share.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

The church choir at North Side Baptist Church, 2474 Westwood, will present its annual Christmas musical at 7 p.m. Sunday.

CHOIR CANTATA

The chancel choir of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1741 Sayles, will presents its annual special music, "The Coming of the Savior," at the 10:50 a.m. Sunday service. AN EVENING OF CAROLS

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech, will have an evening of carols on Wednesday. Members will gather at 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Friendship Hall and return by 7 p.m. for hot chocolate, cider and refreshments. The Send and Serve Committee will provide a route around the neighborhood for caroling.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

St. James United Methodist Church will have its annual Children's Christmas program at 6 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. The youth will have a bake sale Sunday morning. The church is at 3100 Barrow.

SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS

The song of Christmas will be presented by the Pioneer Drive Baptist Church sanctuary choir and orchestra at 6 p.m. Sunday.

A recording, "Sing We Now of Christmas," is available for purchase. Cost is $13 for a CD or $10 for a cassette. Call the church office, 692-6776, for more information.

ALL CHURCH HOLIDAY DINNER

The First Church of the Nazarene, 1389 Vine, will have its annual all-church Christmas dinner at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The church will provide the meat and members will bring their favorite vegetables, salads and desserts. An ensemble will present "Holiday Classics," a mixture of old and new Christmas songs.

WESTMINSTER FESTIVITIES

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4515 S. 14th, will have caroling Sunday. Members will meet at the church at 3 p.m. and leave to sing to friends in nursing homes or the homebound. The group will return to the church for hot chocolate and cookies.

The Chancel Choir at Westminster will present "The King of Love," a Christmas carol play by Betty Lou and Ronald A. Nelson, at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Melanie Copeland, director of music, will direct the play and Sharon Beaty, organist, will accompany the singers.

SING NOEL

"Sing Noel," a Christmas celebration featuring children and adult choirs, drama and biblical costumes, will be presented at New Beginnings United Pentecostal Church, 5535 Buffalo Gap Road, at 6 p.m. Sunday.

At the end of the celebration, the audience will join the cast in a candle lighting ceremony.

BELMONT CHRISTMAS SUPPER

Belmont Baptist Church, 2117 Palm, will have an all-church Christmas supper at 6:30 p.m. today in Fellowship Hall.

Each member should bring a dish to feed about 10 people. An adult Christmas breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

RIDGEMONT CHRISTMAS

"A New Silent Night" will be presented during the 10:45 a.m. worship service Sunday at Ridgemont Baptist Church, 4857 Buffalo Gap Road.

At 6:30 p.m., First Step Ministries, led by Cliff Phillips and Irene Ayres, will present, "We've Come to Worship the King."

SINGING CONVENTION

The Taylor County Singing Convention will be held today and Sunday in the jury assembly room of the county courthouse, 300 Chestnut.

Horus are 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. today and 9:30 a.m.-noon Sunday.

Send news of your church or religious organization to Religion Editor, Abilene Reporter-News, P. O. Box 30, Abilene, 79604. Deadline is noon Wednesday.