East Portland, Oregon Christmas Eve Church Services

Portland, Oregon has many churches, but it also has a high percentage of unchurched residents. If you're not currently a member of any church, or if you're a visitor and would like to attend a Christmas Eve service, here are some options on the outer east side of Portland, Oregon.

St. Joseph the Worker

St. Joseph the Worker is a Roman Catholic Parish, but anyone is welcome to attend services. There are three Christmas Eve services. The Children's Nativity Mass is at 4:00 p.m. Parish children act out the nativity play during this Mass. It is family oriented and often quite crowded; it's a good idea to get there early to get seats. This service is followed later by two quieter services: a Candlelight Service at 8:00 p.m. and Midnight Mass at 12:00 a.m. All Masses do include communion for Roman Catholics.

St. Joseph the Worker is located at 2310 SE 148th Avenue. Plenty of off-street parking is available. For more information, visit http://stjosephtheworkerpdx.com .

Parkrose United Methodist Church

Parkrose United Methodist holds its Christmas Eve service at 7:00 p.m. Child care is provided during the service. According to the church website, the service will include a "message of hope, candlelight and music." Parkrose United Methodist has an excellent choir, directed by Lesley Bossert, which also performs at the Grotto's Festival of Lights.

Parkrose United Methodist is located at 11111 NE Knott Street. Off-street parking is available. For more information, visit http://www.parkroseumc.org .

Parkrose Community United Church of Christ

Parkrose Community United Church of Christ also has a 7:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. This is a candlelight service with a choir, Scripture readings, and Communion.

Parkrose Community United Church of Christ is located at 4715 NE 106th Avenue. For more information, visit http://parkroseucc.org.

The Grotto

The Grotto, also known as the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, also offers Roman Catholic services. Christmas Eve Masses are at 10:00 p.m. and 12:00: a.m. Visitors can also plan to take in the Grotto's Festival of Lights before Mass. This is a walk-through event that includes light displays, musical performances, children's activities, and a petting zoo. The Festival of Lights is open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and admission is charged ($7.50 general, $3.00 ages 3-12, 2 and under free).

The Grotto is located at 8840 NE Skidmore Street (NE 85th and Sandy). On-site parking is available. For more information about Christmas Eve services, visit http://thegrotto.org . For information about the Festival of Lights, visit http://www.thegrotto.org/events/lights.htm

Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist

The Eastrose Fellowship holds two Christmas Eve services. The first is an all-ages Children's, Choir and Carol service at 5:30 p.m. This will be followed by a quieter Musical, Carol and Meditation and Sharing service at 9:00 p.m.

Eastrose Fellowship is located at 1133 NE 181st Avenue in Gresham, Oregon (between Glisan and Halsey). For more information, visit http://www.eastrose.org .

SOURCES

All information is from the church websites listed above or from personal experience.