Churches Hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services

If you don't already have a church service you plan to attend this holiday, here is a list of services for you in our area.

It's a holiday tradition for many families, attending church Christmas Eve or day. If you plan to do so, but don't already have a service planned, here is a list of local churches you can attend: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, located along South Forty Drive, will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Greek Orthodox church will also hold Christmas Day services from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Gateway Christian Church, located along Des Peres Road, will hold two candlelight services at 6 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. A church spokesperson said the service "is going to be very inspirational and our theme will be to connect people from the manger to the cross of Christ." Destiny Church's theme for Christmas Eve …

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Culinary Corner

Noche Buena, a Mexican Christmas Eve Celebration

You don't have to travel south of the border, for a traditional mexican Christmas Eve dinner. Here's a small menu and recipes, plus where you can find all the ingredients locally.

Christmas celebrations and traditions in Mexico are beautiful, elaborate, even multicultural (Aztec or pre-hispanic and Hispanic) as well as historical and deeply religious celebrations. With this article I hope to bring you a slice of this layered culture. The Christmas celebrations start on Dec. 16 with the beginning of the posadas, which are reenactments of the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. They are basically processions of children singing villancicos, or religious Christmas carols from house to house. Finally, at a predetermined house the posada, or party, begins. The posadas continue through Dec. 24, which is Noche Buena or Christmas Eve. The nine nights of posadas represent the nine months that Mary was pregnant. …

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Your Weekly Patch Preview

Take a look at just some of what you'll find on Town and Country - Manchester Patch this week.

Coming up this week on your Town and Country - Manchester Patch site:   West County EMS and Fire Protection District to Charge for Service- A new policy is expected to be voted on that will allow West County EMS and Fire Protection District to bill a patient's insurance provider for ambulance use. The issue was discussed at the fire board meeting two weeks ago, but no vote was taken. It is back on the agenda for the 5 p.m. Monday meeting at the West County EMS and Fire Protection District at Firehouse One. Town and Country Budget- After postponing last Monday's expected vote, the Town and Country Board of Aldermen is expected to vote Monday on the 2011 FY budget, a pay raise for city employees and health care plans for city employees. …

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