A local church is reaching out to the community with its fourth annual candlelight service event.

Two community Christmas candlelight services are set Dec. 16 at Christ United Methodist Church’s south campus, at Dayton Christian School auditorium, 9391 Washington Church Road, in Miamisburg.

The first service will be held at 5:30 p.m. and the second service will be held 7:30 p.m. Holiday refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m., between the two services. The services are open to the public.

“The 5:30 service is more of a family service,” south campus pastor Wayne Botkin said. “There will be a kids’ choir performing. It is more of a contemporary style venue for worships, but there are traditional elements woven throughout.”

Lance Moyer, director of worship arts and administration, said visitors can expect a full band service.

“We have a very warm, welcoming atmosphere,” Lance Moyer said. “At the 7:30 service we will have special guest musicians.”

The church’s goal is to create a community candlelight experience.

“It is a traveler service, for people who will be out of town on Christmas Eve, but would like a candlelight service,” Botkin said. “It’s a great time to gather with others in the community.”

Nearly 300 people are expected to attend the two services.

For more information, call Moyer at 479-0932 or visit www.christumc.org.