St. Mark’s Anglican
St. Mark’s Anglican Church will celebrate Christmas Eve in a big way with a candle lighting service beginning at 7 p.m., Thursday, December 24, accompanied by its 12-member choir with regular, invited and professional singers. Debbie Matthew directs about a dozen traditional carols and choral anthems, capped by “Silent Night” during the candle lighting ceremony and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” as a finale. The renowned Ana Silvia Guerrer o plays organ throughout the service. The pretty chapel, known for its acoustics, will be filled with poinsettias.
“As usual, the community is invited,” said the Rev. Dr. Jim Priddy, pastor at St. Mark’s, who will preach Christmas Eve. “There will be a marvelous choir and music.”
Following worship, seasonal refreshments are offered in the church hall, including a Christmas champagne toast.
Christmas at St. Mark’s also focuses on the “Infant Care Joco” and “angel tree” projects. The latter provides modest gifts for five children who are “just hoping to get enough to eat on Christmas,” said St. Mark’s senior warden Tom VandenBosch.
Chichimecas 836, corner of Aztecas, a two-minute drive north of Plaza Mexico, in Colonia Monraz. End of bus route 33-A. (33) 3641-6620.
St. John Cristosomo
At St. John Cristosomo Roman Catholic church, the small English-speaking group celebrates Mass every Sunday at 11 a.m. with Father Miguel Sención and music by a five-member orchestra, including singer Amelie Guerra. Since members of the congregation travel during the holidays, nothing special is planned in English for Christmas Day, Friday, December 25. However, a Spanish “Misa de Gallo,” which includes lighting the final Advent candle in the wreath, will be held late in the day Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. For details, call Fr. Sención, (cel) 33-1749-1003. The church is near Sears in the Grand Plaza shopping center at Vallarta and Lazaro Cardenas.
English Fellowship
English Fellowship of Guadalajara already held its “Christmas Sunday” celebration with special presentations, carols and a potluck, at the usual worship time, 6 p.m., on Sunday, December 13. English Fellowship is an offshoot of the nearby Rey de Reyes Presbyterian church. Gabriel d’Annunzio 5184, 1 1/2 blocks NW of Patria and Vallarta. http://englishfellowshipgdl.org.
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer Presbyterian Church is having its normal Sunday services in English at 9:30 a.m. during the Christmas season. The sermons and music at this time focus on Christ’s coming, said Pastor Larry Trotter. “We have a mix of hymns and newer songs, with piano, guitar, and bass guitar. During this season, we have traditional Christmas hymns.” However, with many people away for Christmas, the group will not add any special services for Christmas Day. Callejon del Iris 5 off Cto. de Las Flores N., Colonia Bugambilias on the south edge of the metro area. (33) 3684-5448.