In typical years, the Christmas Eve service at St. John United Methodist Church would reach capacity.
Those who haven’t regularly attended church during the year made a trip on that night to hear the carols and join with others in the glow of flickering candles as Christmas morning approached.
Although she could guess, Jamie Council Garvey, who has served as the church’s director of music for four decades, said she doesn’t know the reason the service is so popular. She only knows that it is.
There are two distinct parts to the happenings at St. John at 736 Greene St. on Christmas Eve, according to Garvey.
The first part of the evening is Concerts with a Cause, a series of live music which generates funds for community organizations.
“Since its beginning in 2003, Concerts with a Cause has donated $214,837.20 to 55 local organizations,” according to St. John’s website.
Garvey said most seasons have six concerts. This season will only have four with the Christmas concert being the third in the line-up.
[adrotate banner=”54″]
The Concerts with a Cause portion begins at 10:30 p.m.
An offering will be taken for Child Enrichment and then it will transition to the Lessons and Carols portion of the Christmas Eve worship service.
The service is held in the festively decorated church with its huge tree adorned with crocheted ornaments. The candlelight brings the warmth and light into a cold, dark part of the year, she said.
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful experience,” she said.
Garvey said they’re asking for people attending to be vaccinated.
St. John’s service is one of several in the area. A few of the other area churches with Christmas Eve services include:
- Stevens Creek Church, at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 24, at its 600 Stevens Creek Rd., Martinez location and at 5 p.m. at 3358 Peach Orchard Rd.
- Quest Church, 5001, Gateway Blvd., Grovetown, at 2:30, 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m.
- Church of the Good Shepherd, 2230 Walton Way, 4, 6 and 10 p.m.
- Victory Baptist Church, 620 W. Martintown Rd., North Augusta 2:30 p.m.
- St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 4921 Columbia Rd. Grovetown, 4:30, 8 p.m. and midnight
- Saint Paul’s Church, 605 Reynolds St., 4 and 10 p.m.
- Church of the Most Holy Trinity, 720 Telfair St., 4 and 6:30 p.m. and midnigh
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
