“…The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
As Christmas draws near Maryland/Delaware churches will share in times of joyous celebrations with caroling, Christmas plays, candlelight services, and bells to honor the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and to share the Gospel of Jesus with the world.
First Baptist Church of Hagerstown (FBC), of Maryland, is one of 17 churches included
Church Secretary Clara Mae Baker plays the FBC Hagerstown church’s historic “Moller” organ.
in the Washington County Historical Society’s annual tour of historic churches on Dec 26. The church was established in 1882, and they began construction on their building in 1891. Two presidents, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter worshipped at the church when they stayed at nearby Camp David.
Thom Smith, the pastor of FBC Hagerstown, said one of the big draws for visitors on the annual tour is the church’s Moller organ.
The organ, built in Hagerstown at the now-closed Moller factory, the largest builder of pipe organs in the world, was made for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Several FBC church members worked at the Moller plant at the time and arranged for the organ to be housed at the church following its time at the fair and its subsequent display and use around the world.
When visitors arrive for the tour each year, the church has an organist play Christmas carols, and members welcome guests and share information about the church, and they offer light refreshment.
Barnesville Baptist Church, of Maryland, was filled on Dec. 9 for the church’s combined Christmas dinner and mini handbell concert.
Barnesville Baptist Church combined a Christmas dinner and a mini handbell concert
Bell Choir Director Ann Bennett led the ringers in three songs including “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and a few holiday melodic pieces
On Dec 16, the church’s children’s ministry will combine with the Church choir at 10:45 am for “The Christmas Story” cantata, led by Kim Ghaner, with the children acting out the traditional manger scene complete with Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the shepherds, and the Magi.
Riva Trace Baptist Church will have a Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 15.
Calvary Baptist Church, of Bel Air, Md., has a card station for church members to distribute Christmas greetings throughout the church and members are encouraged to donate the saved cost of postage to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Viers Mill Church, of Silver Spring, Md., will present the Christmas Cantata, “God With Us,” at 5 pm, on Dec. 16. The sanctuary choir will sing and children and adults will participate in a nativity presentation.
The church recently had a time of prayer and International Mission study on Dec. 2, focusing on refugees.
Riva Trace Baptist Church, of Davidsonville, Md., will have a Christmas Bazaar from 9 am to 1 pm on Dec. 15 with crafts, jewelry, and other items for sale. They’ll also have door prizes.
The church at Severn Run of Maryland recently had their Christmas handbell concert. Enjoy this clip provided by Amber Smith, wife of Executive Pastor John Smith.