Hickory United Methodist changes Dec. schedule

HERMITAGE — Hickory United Methodist Church, 240 N. Hermitage Road, will conduct one worship service, at 10 a.m. Sundays, during the month of December. Sunday school will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m.

The children’s Christmas program is set for Sunday and the choir cantata for Dec. 14.

Unity Presbyterian sets Garton handbell concert

LACKAWANNOCK TOWNSHIIP — “The Sweet Sound of Bells” is set for 7:30 p.m. today in Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Road. Sue Garton of Slippery Rock will be soloist on English handbells.

She has performed since 1995 as a handbell soloist and is rated as one of the top three English handbell soloists in the country. A member of American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, she and her husband Steven have written and published arrangements for bells.

She plays with the handbell choir at East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City and travels around the country giving concerts and handbell workshops and seminars.

An offering will be taken. Info: 724-981-2377.

Alternate gift mart open at Trinity Presbyterian

MERCER — An alternative gift market will be open before and after the 11 a.m. service Sunday in Trinity Presbyterian Church, 110 E. Market St. The market allows people to make a gift donation to Ministry of Hope in Malawi, Heifer International or the Medical Benevolence Fund.

Each donation made to honor or memory of someone will pay for, among other items, bicycles for children, blankets, or farm animals to a third-world country.

A recital of Christmas carols will be held starting at 10:35 a.m.

The church’s mission committee offers free gift-wrapping service to the community from noon to 7 p.m. Mondays in the former Murphy’s Building on North Pitt Street, Mercer. Free refreshments and entertainment will be provided.

Community Baptist plans gospel music playlet

FARRELL — A gospel music playlet will be staged at 5 p.m. Sunday in Community Missionary Baptist Church, 1013 Emerson Ave.