In addition to regular worship services at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, additional worship services will be held during Advent at Grace Lutheran Church, 211 S. Ninth St. The community is invited.

On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., the church will celebrate St. Nicholas (a.k.a. “Santa Claus”). He was known for his generosity so that will be the theme that evening. With special music and a little surprise, it should be an uplifting experience.

At noon on Dec. 18, there will be a light lunch (soup) and a “Longest Night” worship where we acknowledge the dark, yet holy side of this season. This can be a difficult time for people who have experienced pain or loss or who perhaps are struggling with illness. On this Wednesday closest to the winter solstice, when the nights are the longest, we gather together in a casual and contemplative time of worship to support each other and recognize that even in the dark times God is present.

There will be a family worship service at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and a “Candles and Carols” service at 9 p.m. Families are welcome at this service, too.