A number of Mid-coast congregations are planning special services and observances during December. Among them:

North Harbor Community Church

TOPSHAM — North Harbor Community Church is sponsoring its second annual Free Community Christmas Concert on Sunday at 10 a.m.

The church welcomes The Koelker Martelle Band as it presents Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God, the true tale of the coming of Christ” at the Orion Performing Arts Center, 50 Republic Ave.

North Harbors Kids Cove ministry will be open and available for parents during the performance. For more information, contact North Harbor Community Church at 319- 7065.

Lessons and carols canceled

BATH — The “ Neighborhood Faith Community,” the United Church of Christ Congregational, has announced the cancellation of the planned Community Service of Lessons and Carols.

This service was scheduled to be held at 2 p. m. on Dec. 11 at the church, according to a news release. “The church wishes to thank those who have expressed an interest in this service that shares participation with other faith communities in the Bath area and apologizes for any inconvenience that may have occurred. We wish everyone a blessed and peaceful Christmas season.”

Historic East Harpswell Baptist Church

HARPSWELL — A public vesper service will be held on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., at the historic East Harpswell Baptist Church on Cundy’s Harbor Road on Great Island.

The familiar carols will once again ring in the Christmas season accompanied by the island choirs. The Rev. George Dole of Bath will deliver a Christmas message. For the service the church will be lighted by the original oil lamps of the 1840s structure.

The church is fully accessible, thanks to the work last year of Eagle Scouts under the guidance of James Herrick.

The historic East Harpswell Baptist Church was maintained over many years by the Sebascodegan Garden Club. Period faux grain panels and old graffiti have been preserved. In 2008 the deed for the property was transferred from the church trustees to the Harpswell Historical Society whose president, David Hackett, will be taking part in this service.

For more information, call 729- 9755.

Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church

TOPSHAM —Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church has planned a number of special services and events throughout December in celebration of Christmas.

On Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., the DaPonte String Quartet will play a free concert of Christmas music at the church, 84 Main St. Attendees are asked to bring a canned or dry good donation to benefit local food pantries.

On Dec. 17 at 7 p. m., Mid- Coast Presbyterian Church will host a concert of TEN Saxophones in Symphony playing Christmas favorites with a community sing at the conclusion. Offerings of canned or dry goods are requested in an effort to replenish the shelves of the Mid-Coast Hunger Prevention Program.

The church will hold a special service, “Courage for Christmas,” on Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. The service is a different approach to the upcoming holy days, according to a news release.

“Not everyone is happy during this season. Some people face challenges from grief, depression, loss of work, ill health or dysfunctional family relationships. Others are especially hard hit by these hard economic times. And, families with special needs children face their own challenges as schedules change and stress increases,” the release states. “Whatever is challenging one’s ability to join the festivities of the season, this service welcomes all and will be ‘come as you are,’ planned, and as participatory as desired by each individual. We offer this service to renew hope and to give people more courage to face the days before and after Christmas.”

A Candlelight Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols with bells will take place on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. There will be special music as well as choral music and plenty of singing with the congregation. A special story for children will be read by “Miss Shirley” with a coloring book at the end. All are encouraged to bring bells to ring as the congregation celebrates together.

A special Sunday service of worship is planned on Christmas Day at 11 a. m. to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ with a party.

Finally, there’ll be an Epiphany children’s pageant on Jan. 8, the Sunday following Epiphany. There’ll be an opportunity to meet the characters who went to the manger and hear their stories about how they got there. Worship begins at 10:10 a.m. and the pageant will be offered during that service.

The church is fully accessible. For more information, email church@mcpcmaine.net or call 729-3193.

Bath United Methodist Church

BATH — The United Methodist Church at 340 Oak Grove Ave. invites the greater Bath area community friends and neighbors to attend the Bethlehem Inn Christmas Pageant and Brunch on Dec. 18 at 10:15 a.m.

The “ you are there” Christmas Pageant is set in the dining room of the Bethlehem Inn on the night of Jesus’ birth. Bethlehem Inn guests will join the innkeeper and his family for a joyous and free brunch. The inn guests, servants and the nearby stable animals will also enjoy seasonal carols and fellowship, according to the news release.

It’s an opprtunity to “witness the birth of Jesus anew,” the release states.

Although reservations are not required, community members and neighbors can reserve a place in the Bethlehem Inn dining room by phoning 443-4707.