AUBURN — The West Auburn Congregational Church is planning two special services just before Christmas.

A Live Nativity and Festival of Lessons and Carols will be performed at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, with special musical accompaniment by Terry Swett, Diane Maddix and Jeanine Loubiere. The entire nativity will be acted out in the sanctuary, including the “Three Kings” singing the verses to “We Three Kings.”

Then, on Sunday, Dec. 24, a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will begin at 4 p.m. with readings, favorite carols and a special appearance by operatic singer Dr. Elisabeth Marshall, who will perform “O Holy Night.” The vesper service will end with everyone lighting their own candle and singing “Silent Night.”

FMI: 207-527-2351, facebook.com/TheLittleChurchThatCould/.

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MEXICO — The Mexico Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, the “Green Church,” 163 Main St., is announcing its Christmas Eve services.

During the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Dec. 24, the Sunday School students will present a pageant, and the choir has prepared special music.

A service of traditional readings and carols will begin at 11 p.m. Dec. 24 and culminate at midnight when the sanctuary is darkened and each person lights an individual candle from the Christ candle. The service will end with everyone singing “Silent Night” by the glow of candlelight.

Everyone is invited to attend and observe Christmas Eve.

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PARIS — The First Universalist Church will have a Christmas Eve service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, at 36 Pine St.

This will be a traditional Christmas service with carols and hymns and members of the congregation will do traditional readings. 

The First Universalist Church welcomes and celebrates all beliefs. Coffee and fellowship will follow the worship service, and all are welcome. Childcare is available and the church is handicapped-accessible.

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PHILLIPS — The Phillips Community Church will celebrate Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, at the corner of Pleasant and Main streets.

The Rev. Susan Tierney will lead the service. All are welcome.

There will not be a morning worship service.

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TURNER — The First Universalist Church of Turner Center will hold its annual Christmas Eve candlelight service from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24,  on Route 117.

The Rev. Al Boyce, PhD, will lead the service along with Dr. Larry Catlett, music director.

Apple cider and baked goods will be served after the service.

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WATERFORD — Waterford Congregational Church will have a Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, on Plummer Hill. 

There will not be a morning service. 

Jayden Cole has story time with the Rev. Al Boyce, who will lead the Christmas Eve service at First Universalist Church of Turner Center.