EXCELSIOR SPRINGS –Barbee Memorial Presbyterian Church members will observe the four Sundays of Advent starting Sunday and invite everyone to help celebrate in preparation for the Christmas Eve service.

During each service, Pastor Adel Thalos will share the message of the good news of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, the congregation will light the first candle of Advent and decorate the Chrismons tree in the sanctuary. Chrismon is a combination of the word Chris(t) and monogram (mon), representing symbols used by early Christians who would follow the signs in the underground when it was not safe for Christians to gather in worship, church information states. The Chrismons are traditionally white, representing the purity of Christ. They are trimmed in gold and silver to represent Christ’s majesty and glory as King of Kings.

There will be carol singing with keyboard accompaniment and musical selections by Debbie Lehmann. The other three Sundays of Advent are Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Each service will feature Christmas music selections.

Barbee’s Christmas Eve communion and candlelight service will begin at 7 p.m.

During Advent, the congregation will collect gift cards purchased at local businesses. Those cards – in amounts of $5, $10 or more – will be gifted to members of the community by the Good Samaritan Center. Congregants are collecting large-piece puzzles, largeprint word searches and other puzzles for nursing home residents. Also, church members are collecting food for local food pantries. To donate, call 816-630-3459.

“If you are looking for a place to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, join the members of Barbee Memorial at 501 Tiger Drive, across the street from the Excelsior Springs Community Center and high school,” church information states.