Modesto area churches prepare to mark Christmas Eve with services

Candlelight, "Silent Night" and the Christmas story will be part of most Christmas Eve services on Monday.

Some churches hold early "family friendly" times and themes — one of those even will be outdoors — while others stick to traditional services later in the evening with choir anthems and familiar Bible readings. Some do both, and at least one church offers four services throughout the evening, all a little different in content and style of music.

Here is a list of some of them:

CHRISTMAS EVE

• HOME FOR CHRISTMAS — 4 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Church, 4242 Coffee Road, Modesto. Traditional music and children's story from the Rev. David Seifert. Child care for infants to 5 years old. 11 p.m., "Reflections" service with candlelight and inspirational message.(209) 567-3200.

• CHRISTMAS STORY — 4 and 5:30 p.m., Big Valley Grace Community Church, 4040 Tully Road, Modesto. Hourlong family-friendly service includes special music and Christmas story. No child care. (209) 577-1604.

• "SURPRISING PAGEANT" — 5 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 850 16th St., Modesto. Family-friendly service, "The Surprising Christmas Pageant." 11 p.m., Holy Communion and candlelight. Sermon: "The Shepherds Living in the Fields." (209) 522-9046.

• "HOPE IS BORN" — 5:30 p.m., Modesto Covenant Church, 913 Floyd Ave., Modesto, outdoor family service in courtyard around fire pits with carols, message, candlelight. 8 p.m., traditional candlelight service in sanctuary.(209) 527-4110.

• FOUR SERVICES — 5:30 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, Norwegian and McHenry avenues, Modesto. Family service with Christmas message for children. 7 p.m., contemporary service with drums and guitars. 9 p.m., more traditional with organ, piano and choir. 11 p.m., classical service. All include candle lighting. (209) 527-5441.

• READINGS & CAROLS — 6 p.m., Escalon Presbyterian Church, 1612 First St. Candlelight service with Scripture and carols. Free. (209) 838-2798.

• CANDLELIGHT — 7 p.m. St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3461 Merle Ave., Modesto. Traditional candlelight service with Scripture readings and Christmas carols. Message: "Christmas Is for Us!" (209) 551-0563.

• SILENT NIGHT — 7:30 p.m., Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave. Candlelight, Christmas story, carols, choir, bell choir, concluding with "Silent Night." (209) 523-1438.