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'All ye faithful and ye not-so-faithful' invited to Christmas church services

Churches in Bradford West Gwillimbury and area will be hosting special services and events, from bake sales, Christmas mass and Christmas Eve sermons, to an ugly Christmas sweater party and a service done in Ukrainian

The sanctuary at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Bradford West Gwillimbury was filled with voices raised in joyous song on Sunday night, as special guest Jeff Boadway led a Carol Sing at the church.

Boadway, pastor of worship and creative arts at The Bridge, a Markham Community Church, played guitar and sang, to express “the joy of the season” in an hour-long celebration on Dec. 9. The carol sing was followed by refreshments and fellowship in St. John’s hall.

St. John’s Presbyterian Church, located at 2940 Sideroad 10 in Bradford, will be hosting a Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24, with carols and readings and music led by singer Judy McCoubrey.

Other church celebrations:

Trinity Anglican Church, 62 Church St. in Bradford, is hosting a family-friendly Merry Little Christmas event this Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2-4 p.m. The free event will include carols, crafts and treats. All welcome. The church also holds a Lessons and Carols service at 10 a.m. on Dec. 23, and two services on Christmas Eve: a family service at 7 p.m. and a traditional Christmas mass at 11 p.m. On Dec. 25, the church offers holy Eucharist and carols at 10 a.m.

Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church, 167 Essa Rd. in Bradford, hosts Christmas carolling on Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve mass takes place at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and midnight on Dec. 24, with mass at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Christmas Day.

Bradford United Church, 66 Barrie St., hosts a family-friendly Christmas Eve service Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.

Green Valley Alliance Church, 758 Simcoe Rd. in Bradford, invites the community to a candlelight service at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Greater Life Community Church will hold its Christmas service on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. Greater Life meets at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2940 Sideroad 10 in Bradford. 

Promise Church is holding a Sunday Before Christmas event, with treats, hot-chocolate bar, Christmas songs and a Christmas message, on Dec. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Promise Church meets at Chris Hadfield Public School, on West Park Avenue in Bradford.

Bradford Baptist Church has a number of worship and youth programs planned for Christmas. Youth caroling, for Grades 7 through 12 takes place Dec. 17 from 1-4 p.m. Youth will meet at The Hub, in the St. Mary’s School building at 1 p.m., then head out to spread Christmas joy. There will be a Youth Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., at the church, 3224 Sideroad 10 in BWG – and a Christmas Eve candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., with special music, Christmas carols and a special message.

St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church (Byzantine Rite) in Bond Head holds its Christmas service on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 9:30 a.m. in Ukrainian, and at 11:30 a.m. in English, followed by a children’s nativity play and a visit from St. Nicholas (parents are asked to bring a small gift that St. Nick can hand out). On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, there will be a service at 9 p.m., followed by caroling. The church, located at 56 Hearn St. in Bond Head, is also selling cakes and breads as a holiday fundraiser – lemon poppyseed, chocolate zucchini, honey cake, pumpkin – for $8 to $12 each, Dec. 16 and Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bond Head United Church, located on County Road 88, is holding services at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 23. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, the church invites everyone to a family service at 5 p.m., and carols and a candlelight service at 7 p.m. "Come all ye faithful and ye not-so-faithful too,” says Rev. Diane Knowles. “All welcome!”

Innisfil Community Church, 1571 Innisfil Beach Road, hosts Christmas Eve by Candlelight, with carols, children’s nativity, and more, on Dec. 24 from 8-9 p.m. A celebration for all ages