Wheeling, WV — As Advent begins and Christmas draws near, Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church in Wheeling, West Virginia, warmly invites the community to experience a season filled with worship, music, fellowship, and service. Under the leadership of Reverend Erica Harley, the church welcomes everyone to share in the spirit of love and generosity that defines this sacred time of year.
“Our doors are open to all who wish to celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth,” said Rev. Harley. “This season reminds us that even in the most difficult of times, through faith and community, we can share God’s light with the world.”
Located at 905 National Road in Wheeling, Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church is part of the Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery. The church serves as a beacon of hope and compassion for all.
For more information, contact the church office at (304) 232-0980 or email office@vancechurch.org.
Holiday Events and Worship Opportunities
Let the Music Live Concert Series
Celebrate the season through music and fellowship!
All concerts are free and open to the public, with a reception following each performance.
- Thursday, November 20 | 6:15–7:15 p.m.
Pre-Holiday Extravaganza Concert featuring an ensemble of local voices and musicians from across the Ohio Valley, including Pipe Major Betsy Bethel-McFarland of the Macdonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh. The concert will include uplifting musical selections from soloists, ensembles, percussionists, and instrumentalists. Vance Voices of the Valley, the church’s own musical ensemble, will sing. Ohio Valley Brass Quintet will play, and a local group called Vets with Guitars will perform Silent Night. Select students from Ohio, and Marshal County schools and West Liberty University will also participate.
- Sunday, December 7 | 6:15–7:15 p.m.
Wind Symphony Concert directed by Pat Garrett, offering a joyful and uplifting program to usher in the Christmas spirit. Mr. Garrett started his career at Tyler County High and Ellsworth Middle School as the director of bands before moving to Wheeling Park High School to direct and shape the band program for the next 27 years. After, Mr. Garrett spent a decade as an outstanding Professor of Music Education at West Liberty University. His impact on hundreds of students and the landscape of the region’s music education has been truly incomparable.
Advent Worship Services
Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17 at Noon
Held in the chapel next to the sanctuary, these reflective midday services feature Scripture, prayer, and the lighting of the Advent wreath. A light lunch will follow each service in the narthex.
Congregational Christmas Potluck
Sunday, December 14 | Worship at 11 a.m., Potluck to Follow
Join the Vance Church family for a festive meal of ham, turkey, and shared dishes. Bring a side or dessert or simply bring yourself. All are welcome as we give thanks and celebrate the season together.
Christmas Eve Services
Wednesday, December 24
- 7:00 p.m. — Candlelight Family Service
- 11:00 p.m. — Service with Holy Communion
Come and experience the beauty and mystery of Christ’s birth through candlelight, carols, and communion.
Appalachian Christmas Project
Help spread holiday cheer across Appalachia by donating a filled shoebox of personal hygiene gifts for veterans, nursing home residents, domestic violence shelters, and other outreach partners.
- Gift Deadline: November 22, 2025 (Delivery December 2)
- Shoebox Wrapping Party: All are welcome to help wrap and pray over gifts before they’re delivered to those in need on Sunday, November 23 after worship service.
Community Dinners
Vance Church hosts a free community meal on the second Thursday of every month, 5:00–6:00 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall (third door from the main entrance). No reservations needed—all are welcome!
- November 20: Spaghetti Dinner followed by the “Let the Music Live” Concert.During the dinner select students from Marshall and Ohio County schools will play strings with their teachers and West Liberty University students from the American of Choral Directors Association will perform.
