NORWAY – The sanctuary of the Second Congregational Church will be filled with the sights, sounds and traditions of Christmas during December. Each Sunday, in the sanctuary decorated with greens and poinsettias, a candle in the Advent wreath will be lit and a piece will be added to the Nativity scene. On Christmas Eve, all the Advent candles will be lit and the nativity completed, with the arrival of the baby Jesus.

The English Hand Bell Choir, under the direction of Elaine Emery, will provide the music for the worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The repertoire will include traditional Christmas pieces in addition to well known hymns and carols.

The fourth Sunday of Advent, Sunday, Dec. 21, the vocal choir, tracker organ and grand piano will fill the sanctuary with Christmas music during the 10 a.m. worship service.

Also at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, the vocal choir, under the direction of Shirli Allen and The English Hand Bell Choir, under the direction of Elaine Emery, and flutist, Stephanie Emery, will present the annual Christmastide concert. The concert includes secular and sacred music, a carol sing and traditional Christmas readings.

Cookies and punch will be served after the concert. There is no charge for the concert and reception and all are welcome. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. and seating is limited to 225.

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, will be celebrated with two candlelight services, one at 6 p.m. and one at 10 p.m.. The early service will be geared toward families with younger children and the later service will be a traditional service of lessons and carols. The hand bells will play at 6 p.m. and Jacob Allen, soloist, and Stephanie Emery, flutist, will join the vocal choir at the late service.

The offering collected during the Christmas Eve services is for the minister’s discretionary fund and is used throughout the year to help those in need. For more information, call 743-2290.