Christmas caroling

NORTH WATERFORD — Area families are invited to meet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at the North Waterford Congregational Church Vestry to go Christmas caroling at the homes of shut-ins and elderly in the North Waterford and Stoneham area.

The annual Christmas potluck supper will be at 5 p.m. at the church vestry followed by Christmas carols and a visit from Santa. The church is located on the Five Kezars Road, off Routes 35 and 37, opposite Melby’s Market.

The annual Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 24, conducted by the Rev. Doretta Colburn.

Sunday church services are being held through the winter. Choir practice is held at 9 a.m. each Sunday.

Christmas cantata

LOCKE MILLS — The annual Christmas cantata, “Rise Up!,” will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Locke Mills Union Church.

Bev Melville is the director of a mixed choir from area churches. Refreshments will follow by the Ladies Circle. Everyone is welcome.

Blue service

OTISFIELD — The East Otisfield Free Baptist Church will hold a special service for people who are finding it difficult to experience the joy and hope of the holiday season.

Those seeking support, understanding and encouragement are invited by Pastor Genise Knowlton to a “Blue Christmas” service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the church, 231 Rayville Road, East Otisfield. All are welcome. For more information, call 539-2241.

Library gathering

WATERFORD — The traditional Waterford Library holiday community gathering for families will take place on Saturday, Dec. 18. The celebration will begin at 7 p.m. on the Waterford Common with candle-lit caroling. The tree on the common will be lit for the occasion with new Christmas lights donated by the Waterford Women’s Fellowship.

Following the caroling, everyone is invited to the library for refreshments and a chance to enjoy the company of neighbors and friends as well as a selection of seasonal music performed by Backroom Brass, featuring Brian Sylvester and Glen Bolduc on trumpets with Robert Long on tuba.

Children will have an opportunity for a visit with Santa and will receive a book as a gift.

Heritage meeting

WEST PARIS — Cynthia Immonen will present a program on “How Christmas Came to New England,” which explains the European origin of many traditional celebrations at a meeting of the Finnish-American Heritage Society of Maine on Sunday, Dec. 19.

The meeting will be held at the Finnish-American Heritage Center, 8 Maple St., at 2 p.m. A brief business meeting will be held prior to the program, and a coffee social will close out the day. The public is welcome.