Guided tours of the Nativity Museum and replica of Bethlehem’s cave are being offered at 2 p.m. Thursday through Dec. 30 at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Road, Springfield Township.
The museum displays scenes portraying the birth of Jesus and representing cultures from around the world. The Nativity sets, collected for more than 30 years by the Rev. David Halaiko, are created from a variety of materials, ranging from paper to semi-precious stone. Many are handmade and come from all parts of the globe, including Brazil, China, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Israel (Bethlehem and Jerusalem), Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Slovakia, Tanzania, Uruguay and Vietnam.
Next to the museum, in the basement of the church, is a replica of the cave where it is said Jesus was born, as it appears in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The Bethlehem cave, one of only two such replicas in the nation, serves as a chapel and a place for pilgrimage.
Although the museum is open all year, it is especially popular during the Christmas season. In addition, images of the Christmas story can be found in the church itself, which is designed to reflect the fourth-century Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. A depiction of the star of Bethlehem shines in a stained-glass window of the gathering space adjacent to the Roman-Basilica-style sanctuary.
Although the museum is open all year for self-guided tours, the guided tours are available during the Christmas season and by reservation. A special Bethlehem marketplace experience can also be arranged for schools.
For more information, call 330-699-5086 or visit www.nativityofthelord.org.
In other religion news:
Holiday services and events
Centenary United Methodist Church — 1310 Superior Ave., Akron. 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Presenting Angels Point of View. It will reveal what angels discuss as they observe the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Open to the public.
The Chapel in Marlboro — 8700 State Route 619, Marlboro Township. 10:15 a.m. Sunday. JAMmies with Jesus, a party celebrating the birth of Jesus, will be held for grades K-5. Children are invited to wear pajamas (with parental permission), bring blankets to lie on, a favorite stuffed animal and slippers. A film will be shown and refreshments served. JAM is an acronym for Jesus and Me, the children’s ministry at the church. 330-935-0132.
Church of Our Saviour — 471 Crosby St., Akron. Christmas Eve services Tuesday: 4 p.m., Vigil of The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Family Mass with Christmas pageant and handbell choir; 10:30 p.m., the music of Christmas featuring flute and organ, choir anthems, congregation and choir carol sing; 11 p.m., Festival Mass. On Christmas Day at 9:30 a.m., Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Said Eucharist. On Dec. 29 at 10:30 a.m., Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols and Eucharist. 330-535-9174.
Cottage Grove Evangelical Congregational Church — 3133 Cottage Grove Road, Coventry Township. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Annual Christmas Eve candlelight service. 330-644-5616.
Cross Community Church — at Sam Salem Community Learning Center, 1222 W. Waterloo Road, Akron. 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Celebrating Christmas with Santa vs. Jesus. 330-310-2127.
Goodyear Heights Community Church — 464 Brittain Road, Akron. 6 p.m. Sunday. Christmas candlelight communion service. Music and a special message. Child care provided. 330-733-6664.
Grace United Methodist Church — 1720 Schneider St. NW, Plain Township. 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday. Christmas Eve candlelight services will be held. The early one is a contemporary praise service with candlelight in the Family Life Center. The 7 p.m. service is a traditional one with candlelight and choir in the sanctuary. 330-499-2330.
Messiah Lutheran Church — 4700 S. Main St., Green. Christmas Eve worship services on Tuesday. At 4:30 p.m., an informal family celebration with Holy Communion; and at 7:30 p.m., a traditional candlelight worship with Holy Communion. 330-882-4244.
Mogadore Christian Church — 106 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Christmas Eve service, with carols and candlelight. 330-628-3344.
Pavilion of Praise — 976 W. Waterloo Road, Akron. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Christmas meals provided for families in need. There will also be a Christmas program. 330-564-5382.
Queen of Heaven Church — 1800 Steese Road, Green. Christmas Masses will be on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the church and hall, and 8 and 10:30 p.m. with music a half hour before the two late Masses; and Wednesday at 9 and 11 a.m. 330-896-2345.
St. Mark Lutheran Church — 158 North Ave., Tallmadge. 10 a.m. Sunday. A Christmas program, A Super Christmas, will be held. Wassail and cookies will be served in Fellowship Hall following the program. At 7:30 and 11 p.m. Tuesday, Christmas Eve candlelight communion services will be offered. 330-633-3718.
South Arlington United Methodist Church — 790 S. Arlington St., Akron. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Christmas Eve service. The chancel choir will perform the cantata, Rise Up, A New Light A-Comin.’ Candlelight Silent Night. 330-724-1334.
Tallmadge Lutheran Church — 759 East Ave., Tallmadge. 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Presenting The Emmanuel Project, a Christmas cantata, at both services. Christmas Eve will be celebrated with services at 5:30, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Christmas Day worship at 10:30 a.m. All services include special music. 330-633-4775.
Trinity Lutheran Church — 600 S. Water St., Kent. On Christmas Eve, there will be a Family Service of Holy Communion with nursery care provided, and at 10 p.m. there will be a Festival Service of Holy Communion (no nursery). At 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day, there is a Holy Communion Celebration. Children of all ages are invited to bring in their favorite gift for blessing of the toys. 330-673-5445.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron — 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn. 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tuesday. Two Christmas Eve candlelight services will be held. Readings and carols and the lighting of the candelabra. A children’s Christmas pageant highlights the early service. The chancel choir performs in the evening service. 330-836-2206.
Westminster Presbyterian Church — 1250 W. Exchange St., Akron. 5 p.m. Tuesday. Christmas Eve candlelight service. A traditional service with organ music including carols, anthems and the Paragon Brass Quintet. Child care for infants and toddlers. 330-836-2226.
Events
Jersusalem Missionary Baptist Church — 1225 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron. 7 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Dec. 28. The Christian Women of Strength will sponsor a Youth Holiday Lock-in for ages 6-17. Age-appropriate activities with games, prizes, movies and food, including dinner and breakfast. Price is $15 for first child and $10 for each additional child. Children should bring their own sleeping bag or blanket. Reservations required by Monday with Bernice at 330-760-1858 or Rosetta at 330-753-6992.
Love Akron Network — at The Chapel, 135 Fir Hill, Akron. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 8. Start the new year with prayer. All Christian leaders are invited to the first quarterly prayer event of 2014. Lunch immediately following. 330-384-8124.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron — 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn. 6:30 p.m. today. The 15th annual Candlelight Winter Solstice will be held. Guest musicians and talent will perform. Warm spirits and tasty treats. Child care available. 330-836-2206
Wintergreen Ledges Church of God — 1889 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday. Free hot meal. Also, free coats, hats and gloves while supplies last. 330-753-3027.
The deadline for Religion Notes is noon Tuesday. Items must be in writing. Please fax information to 330-996-3033, email it to religion@thebeaconjournal.com or send it to Religion, Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44309.