Historic Cleveland Heights Church Offers Candlelight Christmas Eve Services and Special Holiday Programming
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH --- Church of the Saviour United Methodist Church invites the community to celebrate the Advent and Christmas season through a series of special worship services and events. The historic Cleveland Heights congregation will host Christmas Eve worship services on Wednesday, December 24, at 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM in the church's beautiful sanctuary.
The church, which has served the Cleveland Heights community since 1875, offers a rich schedule of Advent programming designed to help families and individuals prepare for and celebrate the birth of Christ.
"The Advent season is a time of hope and anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ," said a church representative. "We invite the entire community to join us for worship, music, and fellowship as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given."
Christmas Eve Worship Services
Wednesday, December 24 at 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM
Both Christmas Eve services will be held in the sanctuary and will feature candlelight, choral and organ music, and a nativity pageant. The services offer worshipers the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in a beautiful, traditional setting.
Christmas Eve In-Between
Wednesday, December 24 from 5:00 PM to 8:45 PM
In a new addition to Christmas Eve programming, Church of the Saviour will host a casual, open-house Christmas party in the Great Hall between the two worship services. The Christmas Eve In-Between event will feature living room vibes with Christmas movies, music, food, and games for all ages. Community members are welcome to drop in for any amount of time for fun and fellowship.
Additional Advent and Christmas Programming
Lessons and Carols | Friday, December 5 at 7:30 PM
This service, modeled after the famous Kings College tradition, tells the story of humanity's fall, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus through readings interspersed with Christmas carols and music.
Advent Festival | Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
The annual Advent Festival is a free community event featuring a fair trade and local handmade holiday gift market, live music, giftable craft opportunities, the famous donut machine, a cookie walk for missions, family scavenger hunt, and story times in the church library.
Churchwide Caroling | Friday, December 12 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Community members of all ages are invited to bring Christmas joy to retirement home residents through caroling. Participants will meet in the Great Hall lobby for prayer and directions before returning to the church for hot chocolate and treats in the parlor. No singing experience required.
Evensong Worship | Monday, December 15 at 7:00 PM
This unique and powerful worship service features beautiful music sung by a professional choir. Evensong is a service rich with prayer and scripture, offering a contemplative worship experience.
Blue Christmas | Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 PM
This ecumenical service, also referred to as Longest Night, focuses on God's comfort and presence in the midst of life's challenges and losses. The service will be held at Church of the Redeemer UMC, 2420 S. Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.
Advent Sermon Series: What Do You Fear?
Throughout the Advent season, Church of the Saviour is exploring the theme "What Do You Fear?" based on Luke's Gospel. The series examines how Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi moved through their fears with courage and trust, offering hope for facing fears in today's uncertain world.
About Church of the Saviour
Church of the Saviour United Methodist Church has served the Cleveland Heights community since 1875, when it was first established as Fairmount Methodist Episcopal Church. The congregation moved to its current Gothic-style building on Lee Road in 1927.
The church's mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Church of the Saviour is a Christian community growing deeper in faith and pursuing God's hope for every life. The congregation is blessed with tremendous diversity—racially, economically, politically, and theologically—yet united in love for Jesus Christ.
Church of the Saviour offers three distinct Sunday worship services, vibrant ministries for children and youth, small groups for growth and accountability, and ongoing missions both local and international. The church serves the community through various programs including a nursery school cooperative and community outreach initiatives.
Regular Sunday worship services are held at 8:30 AM in the Chapel, 9:30 AM (LifeSong Worship), and 11:00 AM (Sanctuary Worship).
