Faith and Values

Faith and Values

A Source Guide of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Ministries, Programs and Places of Worship

Friday, December 15, 2017

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FAITH & VALUES

Friday, December 15, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

Make worship an integral part of the holiday season The hustle and bustle of the often hectic holiday season can make it easy to overlook religion during this special time of year.

Come the holidays, adherents of Judaism celebrate Chanukah while many Christians celebrate Christmas. Though different, the two holidays share some similarities.

In celebration of Chanukah, families gather for an eight-day commemoration to honor the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a miracle in which a small amount of oil illuminated a menorah for eight days. Perhaps because it falls during the holiday season, Chanukah has become one of the most well-known Jewish celebrations, even for those who do not adhere to the Jewish faith.

For devout Christians, Christmas isn’t about eggnog and Santa Claus. Christmas (Christ’s Mass) is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God. Christmas is

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a day of great joy in the Christian faith because it marks the beginning of Jesus’ time on earth.

Both Chanukah and Christmas, while joyous celebrations, are laced with solemnity. The Second Jewish Temple was desecrated by Greek-Syrians, who had erected an altar to Zeus and sacrificed pigs within its sacred walls. At this point in time, Jews had to practice their faith in secret, reading the Torah underground and using dreidels to simulate games and confuse Greek soldiers.

However, the Jews, led by a small group of rebels known as the Maccabees, persevered, marking the joy of Chanukah for years to come.

The period leading up to Christmas known as Advent is a time for repentance and preparation for the grace and miracle of Jesus’ birth. According to Christianity.com, the word “advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming.” Advent is a time to both reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Much like

Lent, Advent is intended to be a season of fasting, prayer and reaching out to God. During the holiday season, houses of worship customarily host prayer sessions and special holiday-related events. The faithful are encouraged to participate in these events in celebration of their faith.

Prayer can help remove distractions during the holiday season, helping individuals reconnect with the true meaning of the holiday season.

Serving the Valley for Over 12 Years

Merry Christmas

from our family to yours!

· Great selection Bibles, Books, Cards and Gifts

207 Spotswood Trail, Elkton LOCATIONS: • Harrisonburg • Lynchburg • Warsaw • Kilmarnock

Grandle

Funeral Home Inc. Family Owned and Operated 148 148 East East Lee Lee Street Street Broadway, Broadway, Virginia Virginia 22815 22815 549-896-3231 549-896-3231 1-877-896-3231 1-877-896-3231

With wishes warm and bright to all of our neighbors this holiday season. We’re honored to serve you and are deeply grateful for your trust in us.

313-B Neff Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801

(540) 433-8808 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm

· Church Supplies · Locally Owned

FAITH & VALUES

Harrisonburg, Va.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Local and Employee Owned Auto â–Ş Home â–Ş Farm â–Ş Business

Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Financial Services

2580 Panorama Drive, Elkton, VA 22827 2 miles north of Elkton off Rt. 340 540-298-2120 www.epcelkton.org

Employee BeneďŹ ts

Sundays:

Life â–Ş Health

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Sunday School @ 10:00 am Morning Worship @ 11:00 am

Christmas at EPC 800.366.3846 www.LDBinsurance.com Advisory services & securi es oered through ProEqui es, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Sun, Dec 17 – 3:00 pm The Massanutten Brass Quintet Sun, Dec 24 – 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion

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Opening in 2019, The Grove will hold the most spacious and contemporary apartment designs at Bridgewater Retirement Community. It will be brand-new, built from the ground up, and customizable so that you can truly make it your own. Located within the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, The Grove is the perfect place to live and enjoy the cool, crisp mountain air and snowy afternoons without any of the maintenance.

We are now taking our final reservations. Visit brcliving.org/thegrove for more information.

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1.800.419.9129 | 540.828.2540 302 North Second Street Bridgewater, VA 22812 www.brcliving.org/thegrove

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FAITH & VALUES

Friday, December 15, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

The tradition of the Epiphany While some may think the holiday season ends once New Year’s Day comes and goes, for Christians, the season continues into January with the feast of the Epiphany.

The Epiphany occurs 12 days after Christmas, which falls on January 6 (or January 19 for some Orthodox churches that celebrate Christmas on January 7). The Epiphany celebrates the Three Kings, also known as the Three Wise Men, who visited Jesus shortly after his birth.

The Epiphany is celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Among Hispanics, the day is known as El Día de los Reyes.

Many traditions are included in Epiphany celebrations. According to the Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, three historical traditions of the Epiphany include baking a “Kings’ Cake,” marking a door lintel with the Magi’s blessing, and participating in

worship with lighted candles. Some families also exchange gifts on the Epiphany to commemorate the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh that the Three Wise Men presented to Jesus upon arriving at the manger.

Chalking doors Celebrants of the Epiphany can mark their own doors, also called “chalking the doors.” This tradition is a centuriesold practice that serves as a request of Christ to bless the homes marked so that all those who dwell inside remain blessed throughout the year. The marking includes the first digits of the year, followed by the initials of the Magi — Caspar, Malchior and Balthazar — followed by the last digits of the year. For 2018 the formula should read: 20+C+M+B+18.

Others believe the letters represent the abbreviation of the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat,” or “May Christ bless the house.

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Covenant (English Service) December 24—Sunday Morning Service at 9:30 a.m.

December 24—Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 p.m.

December 31—Sunday Morning Service at 9:30 a.m.

Alianza (Spanish Service) December 24—Sunday Morning Service at 11:15 a.m.

December 24—Christmas Eve Service at 10:00 p.m.

December 31—Sunday Morning Service at 11:15 a.m.

December 31—New Years Eve Celebra on at 10:30 p.m.

Please visit our website for our regular service mes. www.cov-pres.org

546 W. Mosby Road, Harrisonburg

540-433-3051

King cakes

Lighting candles

King cakes vary by region. In Spain, local bakers make a special ring-shaped roll. In France, it is a flat almond cake with a toy crown cooked inside. In Mexico, bakers put a figure of Baby Jesus inside a cake. The person who finds the figure is awarded the honor of baking or providing the cake for the following year and hosting the Epiphany celebration.

Individuals are urged to keep candles lit on the Epiphany. This is to symbolize how Jesus’ presence on Earth was comparable to light entering a darkened world.

The arrival of the New Year beckons an important religious celebration that extends the magic of the Christmas season.

FAITH & VALUES

Harrisonburg, Va.

Friday, December 15, 2017

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Christmas music origins Scores of artists have released Christmas albums or holiday-infused singles during their careers. Christmas music can be broken down into two distinct categories: traditional hymns and carols and popular secular songs.

Some believe that the religious standards have been passed down since the earliest days of Christianity. However, that is not so. Before the 12th century, music wasn’t typically included in religious services, and even then music was included only sporadically. In present day, religious tunes identiďŹ ed as Christmas music typically are not sung until Christmas Eve and thereafter until the Epiphany.

Many of the oldest Christmas songs are not old at all. Many popular carols sung today are less than 200 years old. The world’s most popular Christmas carol was originally a poem penned in 1816

by Austrian Catholic priest Josef Mohr.

Two years later, Mohr asked Franz Xaver Gruber, an organist and local schoolteacher, to put his words to music. The resulting song, “Silent Night,� was not translated into English for 40 years. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing� also originated from a poem and had the original opening line of, “Hark how all the welkin rings.� The subsequent version was more catchy, and the faster-paced accompaniment was courtesy of Felix Mendelssohn, added 100 years after the poem was written. “Jingle Bells,� a nonreligious tune that has become synonymous with Christmas, was not originally written as a Christmas tune.

In fact, the song was intended to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Christmas music is diverse, with lively tunes, modern interpretations and religious classics enjoyed through the years.

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FAITH & VALUES

Friday, December 15, 2017

Please join us!

Harrisonburg Mennonite Church

Harrisonburg, Va.

Christmas

Advent & Christmas Events 2017

Christmas Cantata “Love Came Down at Christmas” December 17, 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Combined Worship

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’”

—Luke 9:57-58 NIV

What Child Is This?

“Songs of Christmas” December 24 at 9:40 a.m.

No Sunday School or Discipleship Communities

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24, 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Celebration Services What Child Is This?

December 31 at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

No Sunday School

1552 South High Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 434-4463 hmc@hmcchurch.org

www.harrisonburgmennonite.org

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hristianity is a religion of paradoxes, and one of the most paradoxical elements of Christianity is the incarnation, the idea that God became man, being born as a helpless child in the humblest of circumstances. Nativity scenes memorialize this event, showing a baby lying in a manger, which is nothing more than a feeding trough for domesticated animals. But Jesus’s birth is only the first of many paradoxes. At the other end of Jesus’s life is the paradox of the almighty God letting himself be taunted and tortured, and ultimately letting himself die an ignominious death by hanging on a cross. We do well to remember that Christianity turns many virtues on their head. Strength, pride and wisdom are replaced by weakness, humility and a kind of naivete or simple-mindedness. At this time of year when we celebrate Christ’s birth with lavish spending and gift-giving, we do well to remember that material things are golden fetters and that poverty makes us free to live a simpler, more spiritual life. The Son of God was born in a manger, and as He himself told a potential follower, he still had nowhere to lay his head. Jesus appears to be telling this man to count the cost of becoming his follower. Christmas might make us think that Christianity is nothing but sweetness and light when in fact it’s incredibly difficult to be a good Christian.– Christopher Simon

Relax. Enjoy. Live.

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A “Best of Virginia” first place winner in senior living, Sunnyside offers you variety, choices and value! Call today, arrange a tour and learn about the upcoming Bistro with farm to table items and the 150 acres with ponds, walking trails, and natural gardens.

Ask about the top accomplishments in wellness programming and “Quality of Care.”

3935 Sunnyside Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540.568.8411 800.237.2257 www.sunnysidecommunities.com

FAITH & VALUES

Harrisonburg, Va.

Need an eye exam?

Friday, December 15, 2017

Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists HUU is a lay-led, welcoming congregation offering a unique spiritual and moral witness in the Shenandoah Valley. Rather than creeds and confessions, what unites and inspires us is shared ministry, the work we do together as religious people:

2 Locations To Serve You 204 W Spotswood Trail Elkton, VA 22827

the work of sense-making, of finding meaning in a world of change and uncertainty,

540.298.1671 (Inside Walmart) 171 Burgess Rd. Harrisonburg, VA

540.433.7341 Call Today to Make an Appointment

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the work of care-giving, of connecting with compassion to the needs of others,

www.elktoneyecare.com the work of justice-seeking, of building a better world for the whole human family.

Open 7am – 5pm Monday – Friday Open 8am – 12pm Saturdays (Saturdays: March – November)

From Foundation to Finish Come and see our outdoor living deck and hardscape display Two Locations:

210 Stone Spring Rd. Harrisonburg

703 Richmond Rd. Staunton

540-434-6725

540-886-3990

HUU meets every Sunday (10:30 AM) at the historic Dale Enterprise School House on Route 33 West (just five miles from Court Square).

Join us as we journey together – searching for truth, outthe for truth, working working for for community, community, speaking standing on a better world. side of love for the whole human family.

For more information call us at 540-867-0073 or visit our web site at http//www.huuweb.org.

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FAITH & VALUES

Friday, December 15, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Christian Church Hungry? Let us feed you…

Holy Myrrhbearers is an Orthodox Christian Church in Harrisonburg, VA, serving the cities of the Shenandoah Valley including Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro and the counties surrounding them.

We are a parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, but we come from many different ethnic and national backgrounds. Some of us were born Orthodox, but many of us are converts to the Faith. Our parish venerates the Holy Myrrhbearers, who went to Christ’s tomb to anoint His body with myrrh, not yet realizing that He was not dead, but Risen! They were the first to learn of Christ’s glorious Resurrection.

The Orthodox Church is the ancient Church founded

by Jesus Christ through his apostles in the Middle East 2,000 years ago, as it continued and spread throughout the East. (The Church as it spread West through Rome took a different path.) We keep to ancient ways, following the Old Calendar (Julian) and other traditional practices such as head coverings for women, modest dress, confession before taking Communion, standing for the services, and the chanting of the Liturgy without instruments. We are located in Harrisonburg, where our clergy and many of us in the parish were born and raised. Services are conducted primarily in English, with some Slavonic.

Some points to consider…..

• Want that Old-Time Religion?

Historically, the Eastern Orthodoxy has no founder but Jesus Christ and has been telling the truth for 2,000 years.

• Ever wonder how the early Christians worshipped?

Come and worship with us in the ancient Liturgy of St. John • Looking for a Biblical Church?

Visit the Church that gave us the Bible.

• What term best describes the True Church?

Apostolic, traditional, Biblical, liturgical, mystical, spiritual, missionary, catholic……?

The Orthodox Church embodies them all.

Orthodoxy has held fast to the Faith through 2,000 years of persecution and death. Even today, the Church witnesses the death of believers in many parts of the world. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church. The history of Orthodoxy’s faithfulness against all odds is proof of this divine truth. If you are tired of the theological and Biblical ground constantly moving under your feet, come and experience the solid ground of the holy Orthodox Faith.

The Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Christian Church is a very diverse fellowship including Iraqis, Eritreans, Syrians, Russians, Greeks, Ukrainians, Egyptians, Americans, including a good group of converts!! We love visitors and we have had church groups and college groups come to visit. We invite you to come and bring your group with you. The priests and the membership are always ready to answer any questions that you may have. Our services are conducted in English.

2870 S. Main Street, Ste. D Harrisonburg, VA • (540) 908-2094 Serving Harrisonburg and Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley

Nativity Eve Jan 6th • Compline/ Matins at 4:30 Holy Nativity Jan 7th at 9:45

Physically, Relationally, Spiritually.

Do you hunger for meaning in your life? For caring connections with others? Physically hungry? Let us feed you.

Asbury United Methodist Church is taking on some ambitious goals to serve our community and the world. One of the goals is to provide 1,000,000 meals in 10 years to those who otherwise would go without. Come be fed through our Wednesday Fellowship Meals which are open to everyone. We lead a team of local organizations to put together tens of thousands of meals in an afternoon through Stop Hunger Now. Last month, we helped put together 100,000 meals.

There are thousands in our area that suffer food insecurity, uncertain about their next meal. But there are even more of our neighbors who are hungry for meaningful relationships. Relational hunger is satisfied by ongoing caring, honest friendship that accept us where we are, but help us to become better. We are set free to love when we receive love and acceptance. Asbury is filled with people who have experienced this love and acceptance from Christ and from fellow worshipers. Do you hunger relationally? Come to Asbury and be fed.

Everything Asbury has to offer--meals, relationships, the arts, service and study opportunities— are all based on our relationship with Jesus Christ. What we have to offer you and the community we can give because we are having our hungers satisfied through our relationship with Jesus.

Often we know something is missing in our lives, but cannot put a finger on what would satisfy.

Our experience is that that hunger is spiritual, and no amount of stuff, or wealth, or achievement can satisfy. Only Christ can.

So whether your hunger is physical, relational, or spiritual, or all three, join us at Asbury Church, 205 S. Main Street, with traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services at 6 and 11 PM. Christmas Eve morning, we have a 10 AM service. Join us!

And begin the New Year with us on New Year’s Eve (December 31st) at 10 AM. Contact: Pastor Steve Hay 434-2836 SHay@AsburyUMC.cc

Harrisonburg, Va.

FAITH & VALUES

Friday, December 15, 2017

Muhlenberg OARS What does it look like when a congregation seeks to be Open, Authentic, Relational, and Serving – the values Muhlenberg Lutheran Church has chosen to describe its mission?

OPEN – to believers, seekers, questioners, and doubters; to those who have been “burned-again” by judgmental religion as well as those who are born again to a living faith; to people who are married, divorced, remarried or never married; to people of diverse ages, ethnicities, gender expressions and sexual identities. And in all these things, we open ourselves to Jesus’ call to follow him.

AUTHENTIC – There’s no need to put on your Holy Joe or Josephine face here. Members minister to each other and God’s world “warts and all,” where we are and as we are, bringing our talents and limitations, our hopes and frustrations, our wholeness and brokenness. We preach and teach God’s grace through Jesus Christ and shape our lives around that promise and message to others.

Our worship is liturgical without being stuffy or trendy, and all are welcome at God’s table of grace.

RELATIONAL – God connects us in community and supports us through shared experiences as we walk alongside each other in faith. Although Muhlenberg is one of the largest congregations in our area (1,400 members), we enjoy and foster a smaller church atmosphere. For example, worship gathers us for a large communal experience, and we also connect in smaller groups – around a table in a small Bible study or interest group, where we find common ground and share with others. as we connect and grow in faith. We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

SERVING – We are a congregation that is Christ-centered, pastor-inspired, and lay led. Muhlenberg’s members reach out to one another, to the wider community and to the world through local and global ministries. The Second Home before and after school care program is a ministry of this congregation, and People Helping People is housed on our campus. Members serve on mission trips to Appalachia and Nicaragua, and support a school in Rwanda. The list of social justice ministries of the congregation is long.

Our interim pastors, Paul Weber, DMA, and Mark Radecke, D.Min., look forward to welcoming you to Sunday worship services at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 am and brief Wednesday services at 12 noon.

This Advent season make plans to join us for Advent 3 – December 17th (all three services), Advent 4 – December 24th (9:30 am service only), Christmas Eve (4:30 pm family service, 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm). All include candlelight and communion. The church is located at 281 E. Market Street in Harrisonburg. The website is www.muhlenberglutheran.org.

The Muhlenberg Lutheran Church family wishes you the greatest blessings of grace, peace and love.

We welcome you to join us!

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FAITH & VALUES

Friday, December 15, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

The story of the birth of Jesus Christmas traditions focus on several different aspects of family and spiritual life. While many stories are shared around Christmastime, perhaps none bears more significance than the origin of the Christmas celebration.

Sharing the Christmas story is an integral part of holiday gatherings, reminding families that faith is foremost during this festive time of year.

and even considered breaking their engagement, which was allowed under Jewish law. But God soon sent another angel, this time to Joseph, in a dream. The angel reassured Joseph that his marriage to Mary and the birth of this child were His will. Joseph awoke from his dream and tookMary as his wife soon after, ready and willing to raise the child despite the public humiliation he may experience.

The Conception of Jesus Mary was a woman living in the Galilee area of Nazareth. She was engaged to a Jewish carpenter named Joseph. An angel visited the Virgin Mary and told her that she would conceive a child, a son, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When the son was born, she would name him Jesus. Mary questioned the angel, who reassured her that anything was possible by God and that Jesus would be God’s own son. Joseph was troubled when he found out Mary was with child

The Census During this time the Romans had control over many parts of the world, including where Joseph and Mary resided. Ruler Caesar Augustus decreed that every person living under Roman rule had to return to his town of origin to participate in a census so everyone could be taxed accordingly. Joseph, hailing from Bethlehem, had to return to this town with his very pregnant bride.

They traveled for many days and, upon arriving in Bethlehem, found

that the inns were full and there was no available lodging. Mary and Joseph took shelter in a stable and prepared to welcome their son.

Jesus’ Arrival According to the Gospel of

Luke, Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son, while in the stable.

She wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. – Luke Chapter 2 -Many people visited the baby Jesus, including three wise men from the East who traveled by following a guiding star to bestow gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh on the baby king.

When Joseph and Mary had performed all the things necessary according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Nazareth with Jesus, who was growing strong in spirit and filled with wisdom and the grace of God.

St. James United Methodist Church 1525 Cecil Wampler Rd., Mt. Crawford, VA SENIORS • YOUNG ADULTS • YOUTH COME WORSHIP WITH US Sunday School: 9:30 am • Worship: 10:30 am As children of God, we at St. James UMC desire to worship, to praise and to serve God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit at all times, in all circumstances, and in all places, by being doers of the word and not hearers only, because of Christ’s unconditional love for all people.

Harrisonburg, Va.

FAITH & VALUES

Friday, December 15, 2017

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Pleasant View, Inc.: Ministering to People, One Smile at a Time Tom loves his house and housemates in Broadway, Virginia. When you meet him, he will often smile and tell you something special that is on his mind such as, “Did you see my van?” He enjoys participating in weekday activities at Pleasant View’s Broadway Day Program including riding his exercise bike, worship activities, listening to music, dancing in the “Jete” dance class, cooking and craft projects, and exploring the community on field trips. Through his participation in Kiwanis Aktion Club service organization and Pleasant View’s Worship team he helps and ministers to members of the community. Tom is always ready to help.

Tom needs help too. The Direct Support Professionals (DSP) at his Pleasant View home and day program help him with his personal, home, and medical care that is necessary for him to live successfully in the community. They make sure that the house is a happy and safe “home” in which Tom and his housemates can live. Tom also receives help to do other things he values such as decorating his home for Christmas, entertaining friends, and handing out candy to neighborhood children at Halloween. Pleasant View, Inc. is a faith-based 501(C)(3) nonprofit agency supporting people with developmental disabilities. We facilitate each individual’s ability to live in and enrich their community by offering a variety of living situations and day supports that meet their needs and desires. If you would like to learn more, email Pam Miller at pmiller@pleasantviewinc.org.

If you would like to start a fulfilling career helping people, please visit www.pleasantviewinc.org and click on Career Opportunities.

Our Vision All individuals will have the opportunity to live in and enrich their communities.

Our Mission Pleasant View supports individuals with disabilities achieve their own spiritual, emotional, relational, vocational and residential goals.

◆ Residential Support: Community-based Group Homes and Apartment Units ◆ Day and Vocational Support: Center-based Day Programs (Broadway and Harrisonburg), Supported Employment (individual and group) and Community Connections ◆ Spiritual Support: Pastor on staff, prayer and spiritual counseling, monthly community Faith & Light worship services, and peer faith leadership development Pleasant View, Inc., P.O. Box 426, Broadway, Va. 22815, (540) 896-8255 www.Pleasantviewinc.org

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FAITH & VALUES

Friday, December 15, 2017

Harrisonburg, Va.

The origins of some beloved holiday traditions Christmastime is here.

The presents are being purchased and wrapped.

The stockings will soon be hung on the fireplace mantle. Mistletoe is pinned above the front entryway, and poinsettias add rich color to home decor.

Tradition is integral come the holiday season.

Throughout the month of December, traditions fill people’s days and comprise the many reasons why individuals decorate, celebrate and dine the way they do this time of year.

But few may know the origins of some of the most beloved holiday traditions.

Christmas stockings The Christmas stockings of today may be a byproduct of various traditions. One such tradition dates back to a Dutch custom in which children would leave shoes full of food to feed St. Nicholas’ donkeys, and then St. Nicholas would leave small gifts in return.

Another origin story of Christmas stockings can be traced to the

12th century, when nuns would leave socks full of nuts, fruit and tangerines for the poor. This is why some people still put tangerines in Christmas stockings.

Christmas tree Christmas Trees are everywhere this time of year. The use of evergreen trees predates Christmas and is associated with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the

agricultural god Saturn with partying and gift-giving.

During the winter solstice, green branches served as a reminder that spring would arrive anew. Germans are credited with first bringing evergreens into their homes and decorating them.

Santa Claus Santa Claus’ origin story can be traced to St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop who lived during the fourth century. St. Nicholas was very generous and gave away his fortune to help the needy. He also did various other good deeds.

St. Nicholas became infamous and began to be known by various names around the world. The Dutch called him Sinter Klaas, which was eventually transformed to Santa Claus.

The jolly persona came later when 20th century advertisers — especially the artists

responsible for Coca-Cola ads — portrayed Santa in a red suit with a big smile.

of kissing under mistletoe can be traced to England.

Originally, a berry was picked from the sprig of mistletoe before the person could be kissed. When all the berries had gone, there could be no more kissing.

Christmas Bells Mistletoe Mistletoe is hung in doorways, and couples who stand beneath are encouraged to share a kiss.

The tradition of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. Mistletoe was thought to bring good luck to a household and ward off evil spirits. The custom

Church bells ring for many special services, including Christmas mass. During Christmas midnight mass in the Catholic Church, the altar bells may be rung while the priest says the “Gloria.” Bells are part of caroling, and jingling bells are associated with sleighs and Santa’s reindeer.

Christmas is rife with traditions that date back ages.

FAITH & VALUES

Harrisonburg, Va.

Aletheia Church

Friday, December 15, 2017

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PLACES OF WORSHIP Bridgewater Presbyterian Church

Church Of Solsburg

Edom Linville Fellowship

801 Parkwood Dr. (EMHS Auditorium) Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-217-0131

110 E. College Street Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-2442

14967 Rockingham Pike, Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-1567

5290 Jesse Bennett Way, Linville, VA 22834 540-833-2800

Church Of The Incarnation

Antioch United Church Of Christ

Bridgewater United Methodist Church

Elkton Church of God

4107 Fort Lynne Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-833-5476

219 N Main St., Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-0890

265 E. Market St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-432-5533

Asbury United Methodist Church

Briery Branch Church of the Brethren

205 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-2836

6628 Briery Branch Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 540-828-7139

6454 Mount Clinton Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-867-5560

Beaver Creek Church Brethren

Broadway Baptist Church

Clover Hill United Methodist Church

5651 Beaver Creek Rd., Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-2767

166 Mason St., Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-7218

3457 Fulton School Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-9364

104 Ashby Avenue, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-1363

Broadway Presbyterian Church

Community Mennonite Church

Beth El Congregation

Elkton Seventh Day Adventist

107 Lee Street , Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-3903

70 South High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-2148

20995 Blue & Gold Dr., Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-1801

Brown Memorial Community Church

Cooks Creek Presbyterian Church 4222 Mt. Clinton Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-867-5117

Elkton United Methodist Church

184 Kelley Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-433-5925

9843 Town Hall Road McGaheysville, VA 22840 540-289-9393

Bethel Church Of Brethren

Calvary Mennonite Fellowship

Cornerstone Church At The Lake

3061 Armentrout Path, Keezletown, VA 22832 540-269-6031

6083 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 867-9444

660 S Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-2357

Bethel Mennonite Church

Caplingers United Methodist Church

197 Cornerstone Lane Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-433-9233

15093 Grindstone Ln., Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-4292

20588 Criders Rd., Criders, VA 22820 540- 896-7653

Covenant Presbyterian Church

Evangelical Presbyterian Church 2580 Panorama Drive,Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-2120

Bethel United Church Of Christ

Catholic Church-Holy Infant

546 W Mosby Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-3051

2451 Bethel Church Road, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-1197

101 W Marshall Avenue, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-1341

Crosslink Community Church

Evangelical United Methodist Church

Bethlehem United Church-Christ

Cedar Grove United Methodist Church

11923 N Valley Pike, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-3975

Corner of Buffalo & Smithland Roads Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-810-6907

Dayspring Nazarene Church

Central Church of Christ

Dayton Church of The Brethren

1660 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-432-9911

822 Country Club Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-9770

202 Main Street, Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-9771

First Assembly Of God

Christ Gospel Church

Dayton Mennonite Church

290 Eastview St., Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-9856

4887 John Wayland Hwy., Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-9655

1310 Garbers Church Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-8687

Church Of Christ

Dayton United Methodist Church

50 Covenant Dr # F, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-432-9056

215 Ashby St., Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-2102

5568 John Wayland Hwy. Bridgewater, VA 22812 (540) 828-2456

Church Of Christ

Divine Unity Community Church

16004 Lone Pine Dr., Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-9614

182 Neff Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-751-8562

20913 Blue & Gold Dr., Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-1424

Bridgewater Church of the Brethren

Church Of Jesus Christ Of LDS

East Point United Methodist Church

First Church of The Nazarene

830 Old Furnace Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-2744

Bethel AME Church

Bible Holiness Church 127 Pine Street, Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-0477

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 154 N Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-4341

Blue Ridge Independent Church 38 Independence Rd., Elkton, VA 22827 540 298-9426

Bridgewater Baptist Church

420 College View Dr., Bridgewater, VA 22812 540 828-3711

210 South Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-442-1985 or 540-433-2945

Clinton Church of God

4904 S Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-1540 235 N Main St., Mt. Crawford, VA 22841 540-568-1817

3209 East Point Rd., Elkton, VA 540-298-8196

102 W E St., Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-0354

Elkton Pentecostal Church 16704 E Summit Ave., Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-2121

Elkton Presbyterian Church

205 Warren Street , Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-8348

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

513 E Spotswood Ave., Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-1767

Faith Community Church

First Baptist Church 611 Broad St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-3969

First Baptist Church of Elkton

1871 Boyers Rd.,Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540- 434-1092

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Friday, December 15, 2017

First Presbyterian Church 17 N. Court Square Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-6551

FAITH & VALUES Greatest Freedom Ministries John Wesley United Methodist 3004 Twin Oaks Drive Church Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-3012

445 Sterling St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-828-3815

First United Methodist Church

Greenmount Church-The Brethren 4881 Greenmount Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-833-5251

Keezletown United Methodist Church

13902 Timber Way Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-7168

Freedom Baptist Church

Harrisonburg Baptist Church

141 Pleasant Hill Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-5709

501 South Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-2456

Full Gospel Lighthouse Tabernacle

Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren

18132 Spotswood Trl Elkton, VA 22827 540-298-9896

315 S. Dogwood Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-8288

1456 Indian Town Rd., Keezletown, VA 22832 540-269-8531

Landmark Tabernacle 33 East, McGaheysville, VA 22840 (540) 289-9809

Life2us.Org Ministries 282 Neff Avenue in the Paint Store Dayton, VA 22821 (540) 421-3947

Lindale Mennonite Church

Garber’s Church of the Brethren

Harrisonburg Free Will Baptist Church

6255 Jesse Bennett Way, Linville, VA 22834 540-833-5171

1275 Garbers Church Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-828-6251

331 Vine Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 433-8980

Linville Creek Church of the Brethren

Gospel Hill Mennonite Church 6179 Hopkins Gap Rd Fulks Run, VA 22830 540-867-9051

Grace Baptist Church 2390 Grace Chapel Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-7674

Grace Covenant Church 3337 Emmaus Road Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-9244

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church 7120 Ore Bank Road Port Republic, VA 24471 (540) 249-4121

Grace Mennonite Fellowship 209 Lacey Spring Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-442-6235

Harrisonburg, Va.

Mountain Valley United Methodist Church 11583 Mountain Valley Road Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-896-3424

Mountain View Fellowship Church 8601 Mcgaheysville Rd McGaheysville, VA 22840 540-289-9008

Mt Carmel United Brethren and Christ Church 11466 Brocks Gap Rd., Fulks Run, VA 22830 540-896-1503

Mt Carmel United Methodist Church 13375 Third Hill Rd., Fulks Run, VA 22830 540-896-2800

Mt Clinton Mennonite Church

Harrisonburg Mennonite Church

409 Brethren Road, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-5001

6954 Mount Clinton Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-867-5885

1552 S High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-4463

Linville United Methodist Church

Mt Clinton Methodist Church

5180 Kratzer Road, Linville, VA 22834 540-833-2800

1595 Muddy Creek Road Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-867-9551

Harrisonburg Unitarian Universalists 4101 Rawley Pike (Route 33 West), Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 867-0073

Hilltop Bible Church 21094 Dovesville Rd., Criders, VA 22820 540-434-1431

Holy Infant Catholic Church

Lion of Judah II Ministries 1054 S. High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-292-1213

Mt Crawford United Methodist Church

Massanutten Presbyterian Church

360 N Main St., Mt Crawford, VA 22841 (540) 433-9597

50 Indian Trail Rd., Penn Laird, VA 22846 540-434-6194

Mt Horeb Presbyterian Church 4517 Rockfish Rd., Grottoes, VA 24441 (540) 249-5141

101 W Marshall Ave (Rts 33 & 340 Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-1341

Mayland Christian Church

Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Church

McGaheysville United Methodist Church

422 Hinton Rd.,Dayton, VA 22821 540-363-2957

10106 McGaheysville Rd McGaheysville, VA 22840 540-289-5445

Mt Olive Brethren Church

2870-D S. Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-908-2094

25 Maryland Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-896-3747

Iglesia Menonita El Calvario 6083 Mt. Clinton Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-820-2241

Mill Creek Church Of The Brethren 7600 Port Republic Road Port Republic, VA 24471 540-289-5084

2977 Pineville Road Mc Gaheysville, VA 22840 540-289-5592

Mt Olivet United Brethren in Christ

Montezuma Church-The Brethren

862 Freemason Run Rd Mount Solon, VA 22843 (540) 350-4250

4937 Ottobine Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 (540) 879-2246

Mt Pleasant Church-Brethren

Immanuel Mennonite Church 400 Kelly St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 432-0711

Mt Horeb United Methodist Church

Islamic Center of the Shenandoah

2788 Taylor Spring Lane

1330 Country Club Road Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-433-8186

Mount Bethel Church of the Brethren Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Jehovah’s Kingdom’s Hall

Mountain Grove Church

1766 Harpine Hwy., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-433-9276

12769 Third Hill Rd, Fulks Run, VA 22830 540-896-4508

8550 Robinson Rd., Dayton, VA 22821 540-867-5326

540-434-7755

Mt Vernon Mennonite Church 13188 Port Republic Road Grottoes, VA 24441 540-249-4684

Harrisonburg, Va.

Muhlenberg Lutheran Church

River Oaks Church

281 E Market St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-3496

51 G Burgess Road Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-801-0085

FAITH & VALUES Sunrise Church Of The Brethren

New Beginnings Church 101 Pike Church Road Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-1555

Riverside United Methodist Church 16174 Brocks Gap Road Fulks Run, VA 22830 (540) 852-3577

On Eagle’s Wings Ministry 111 W Spotswood Avenue Elkton, VA 22827 540-433-0357

Rock Church 1639 Gravels Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-574-4628

Open Door Gospel 940 Chicago Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22804 540-434-0545

Saint Stephen’s United Church Of Christ

Otterbein United Methodist Church

358 South Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 434-6290

176 West Market Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-7747

Park View Mennonite Church 1600 College Ave Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-1604

Sangersville Church-Brethren 26 Vance Road Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-6008

Shalom Mennonite Congregation

8613 War Branch Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22802

801 Parkwood Drive at Eastern Mennonite High Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-432-1659

Peoples Baptist Church

Shepherd of The Valley Lutheran

3523 Spotswood Trl. Penn Laird, VA 22846 (540) 434-6554

229 Main Street, Dayton, VA 22821 540-879-3338

Peake Mennonite Church

Port Republic United Methodist Church 8525 Water Street Port Republic, VA 24471 540-249-4111

Spring Creek Church 8863 Nazarene Church Road Bridgewater, VA 22812 540-828-3128

St John Lutheran Chapel

Potters House Worship Center

North Mountain Rd Timberville, VA 22853

1911 W Market St Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-801-0519

St Lukes United Church-Christ

Providence Baptist Church 1441 Erickson Avenue Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-4136

Rader Lutheran Church and Timberville Parish

613 N Mountain Road Timberville, VA 22853 540-896-1183

St Nicholas Orthodox Church 7581 Rockfish Gap Tpke Greenwood, SC 29646 540-456-6981

17072 Raders Church Road Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-4241

St Stephen & The Good Shepherd

Ridgeway Mennonite Church

St. Jacob’s-Spaders Lutheran Church

546 East Franklin Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540- 434-3476

3555 Spaders Church Road Mt Crawford, VA 22841 (540) 433-2226

7078 Rocky Bar Road, Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 249-4121

Friday, December 15, 2017

Valley Friends Meeting

1496 S Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 434-1773

363 High Street , Dayton, VA 22821 www.valleyfriends.org

Sunset Drive United Methodist Church

Valley View Mennonite Church

127 S Sunset Drive, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-3970

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21806 Criders Road, Criders, VA 22820 540-852-9338

Victory Baptist Church The Holy Birth-Giver of God, the Holy 521 Allegheny Avenue Harrisonburg, VA 22802 Theotokos 61 S. Foxhall Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486 540-234-8767

The Upper Room Church 14890 Rockingham Pike, Elkton, VA 22827 (540) 298-8000 Trinity Lutheran Church 2119 Trinity Church Rd Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 269-6600

Trinity Presbyterian Church 725 South High Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-9556

(540) 434-7868

Vision Of Hope United Methodist Church 1723 Port Republic Road Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-3854

Weaver’s Mennonite Church 2501 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-7758

West Side Baptist Church 715 W.Wolfe St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 434-9634

Trinity United Church of Christ

Weyers Cave United Methodist Church

161 Church Street, Timberville, VA 22853 (540) 896-3578

228 Houff Rd.,Weyers Cave, VA 24486 540-234-0401

Trissels Mennonite Church

Wingfield Ministries Inc

11246 Hisers Lane, Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-7289

2389 Grace Chapel Road Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-433-0769

Truth, Light & Life Broadcast 7013 Mountain Grove Road (Off Rt 33, 15 Penn Laird, VA 540-234-9222 or 540-421-0909

Word Ministries Christian Church

Valley Church Of Christ

Zion Mennonite Church

1570 Virginia Avenue Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-434-0223

3260 Zion Church Road Broadway, VA 22815 540-896-7577

131 Erickson Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 433-9673

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Friday, December 15, 2017

FAITH & VALUES

Harrisonburg, Va.

Muhlenberg Lutheran Church We are a church committed to being: Open + Authentic + Relational + Serving

Please join us in worship December 24 – Fourth Sunday in Advent Morning Service – 9:30 am Candlelight Christmas Eve Services – 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm & 9:00 pm Christmas Day Service – 10:00 am Regular services – Sundays at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am, Wednesdays at noon.

Come join us. All are welcome!

Centered in worship, we believe that God calls us together as community to worship and serve.

Pastors Mark Radecke and Paul Weber 281 E Market St. Harrisonburg, VA • www.muhlenberglutheran.org • 540.434.3496