STAFF CHANGES
• Matthew McCreany, to Rock Hill Church, Stafford, as pastor, effective Dec. 5.
• Larry Fields, resigning as pastor of Springfield Church, Castlewood.
• Michael Moore, resigning as pastor of First Church, Woodstock.
• Elizabeth Mangham Lott, to Westover Church, Richmond, as associate pastor.
RETIREMENTS
• Edward Inabinet has announced his plans to retire as senior pastor of Mathews Church, Hudgins, effective Dec. 31. He has served there for 28 years and been active in the Mid-Tidewater Association.
• Mark Pullen Sr., senior pastor of Bayside Church in Virginia Beach, recently announced his plan to retire, effective Dec. 31.
• Robert Wayne is retiring as associate pastor at Vinton Church, Vinton.
DEATH
• Virginia Baptist minister Kenneth Archer died Nov. 23 at the age of 81. He had served as minister of music at Melrose Church in Roanoke, First Church in Galax and Branch’s Church in Richmond. For over 30 years he was music minister at Chamberlayne Church in Richmond; and most recently, served as choir director at Glen Allen Church, Glen Allen. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ettner; children, David and Bill Archer and Tina Gaflo; a daughter, Ellie Culbertson and stepchildren, Heather Bruner and William McCoy; and five grandchildren. Funeral services were held Nov. 27 at Glen Allen Church.
LIVE NATIVITIES
• Bedford Church, Bedford; live nativity Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m.
• Mill Creek Church, Fincastle; live nativity Dec. 11 and 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Buchanan Carnival grounds.
• Mount Olivet Church, Beaverdam; living nativity Dec. 18 and 19 at 6 and 7 p.m. Refreshments following each presentation.
CHURCH NEWS
• Cool Spring Church, Mechanicsville, will offer “The Bethlehem Experience” on Dec. 4 from 2-7 p.m. The Bethlehem Experience asks what it may have been like on the night of that first Christmas in Bethlehem. What did it smell like, look like, feel like? Walk the streets, meet the people and see for yourself. This year, come to Bethlehem and take a fresh look at what makes this season so important.
• The music ministry of Derbyshire Church, Richmond, will present “An International Christmas Festival” Dec. 10 and 11 at 7:00 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 4 and 7 p.m. The concert will encourage attendees to journey around the world and hear anew the Christmas story through multi-cultural carols and native language Scripture readings in a presentation by its Chancel Choir and orchestra. Admission is by ticket only. Call 804-740-7238.
• Sandston Church, Sandston; will host its first nativity exhibit, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” on Dec 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Nativity exhibits from many church members will be on display. Visitors will be able to get into costume and be part of a “life size” nativity exhibit. Musical entertainment and refreshments provided. Call 804-737-2171.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND DRAMA
• Alum Spring Church, Culpeper; “Joy Has Dawned,” Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.
• Azalea Church, Norfolk; “On This Very Night,” Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
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• Bedford Church, Bedford; “Once Upon a Night,” Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.
• Bethany Church, Callao; “A Baby Changes Everything,” Dec. 12.
• Courtland Church, Courtland; “Joy Has Dawned,” Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
• Cradock Church, Portsmouth; “The Christmas Story,” Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
• Derbyshire Church, Richmond, “Lessons & Carols,” Dec. 1 at 6:15 p.m.
• Downtown Church, Alexandria; “Forgiving Shepherd, Forgetful Sheep,” Dec. 12 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
• Fairmont Memorial Church, Richmond; “The Christmas Story,” Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
• First Church, Bluefield, WV; “FBC Family Christmas,” Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
• First Church, Chase City; “The First Noel, Born is the King,” Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.
• First Church, Danville; “A Ceremony of Lessons & Carols,” Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m.
• First Church, Waynesboro; “For Us the Light Has Come,” Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.
• First Church, Martinsburg, WV; “A Mt. Zion Christmas,” Dec. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m.
• Fredericksburg Church, Fredericksburg; “The Word Became Flesh,” Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.
• Gordonsville Church, Gordonsville; “Mystery of the Manger,” Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.
• Grace Church, Richmond; “Harp! The Herald Angels Play,” featuring over 50 harpists, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. Adults $10. Seniors and children $5.
• Harrisonburg Church, Harrisonburg; “I Hear the Prophet Callin’,” Dec. 5 at 9 and 11 a.m.
• Hollins Road Church, Roanoke; “Hard the Herald,” Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m.
• Maple Grove Church, Coeburn; “To See Christ in Christmas,” Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
• Memorial Church, Hampton; “Beautiful Star,” Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
• Mill Creek Church, Fincastle; “The First Noel,” Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 6 p.m.
• Monument Heights Church, Richmond; “Journey of Faith,” Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.
• New Highland Church, Mechanicsville; children’s Christmas musical, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
• Powers Memorial Church, Hopewell; “The First Noel,” Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.
• Remington Church, Remington; “O Holy Night,” Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
• Rivermont Church, Lynchburg; “The King,” Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.
• Salem Church, Salem; “Glorious Impossible,” Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.
• Sandford Memorial Church, Broadnax; “Saint’s and Angel’s Song,” Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.
• Warfield Church, Warfield; “Candles and Carols,” Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
• West Hampton Church, Hampton; “Beautiful Star,” Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m.
• West Lynchburg Church, Lynchburg; “The First Noel: Born is the King,” Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
• Wylliesburg Church, Wylliesburg; “O Holy Night,” Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.