Following are some of the special events local churches have scheduled to celebrate Christmas.

? Strawberry Mountain Christian Fellowship will have a hay ride and Christmas caroling at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, with hot apple cider and cookies served at the church afterward. There will be a Christmas Eve candelight service at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, with a Kids’ Church program – “Follow that Star” – also at the John Day church, 170 S.E. Dayton.

? Bible Way Community Church, 700 S. Canyon Blvd., will hold a special service to celebrate Christmas with music, poetry and more at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

? Prairie Baptist Church, 238 N. McHaley St., Prairie City, will hold its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24.

? Living Word Christian Center, 59357 Highway 26, Mt. Vernon, will hold two Christmas services: A Christmas Candlelight Communion Service at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18; and a Christmas Celebration Service at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.

? St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Canyon City will have its children’s Christmas program at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, Dec. 21, followed by fellowship and cookies in the parish house. A Christmas Eve lamplight service, at 7 p.m. Dec. 24, will feature Christmas carols and the Holy Eucharist. The church also plans an Epiphany party on Jan. 11.

? The John Day United Methodist Church will have a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24, preceded by a potluck dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and a hymn sing at 6:30 p.m.

The Prairie City United Methodist Church will hold its candlelight Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m. Dec. 24.

The two congregations also will join for a hymn sing at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at the John Day church.

? Church of the Nazarene in John Day will hold two Christmas services: a Children’s Christmas Program at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21; and a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24.

? First Christian Church in John Day presents the Traditional Christmas Story, 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. This will take place instead of the regular Sunday service.