Pastors in Door and Kewaunee Counties are preparing to open their doors this week for Christmas Eve services. A 2010 Lifeway study shows about half of all Americans attend Christmas services compared to just 18 percent making their way to church on a weekly basis. Some churches get an early start with Christmas Eve services. Pastor Jennifer Emert of Algoma and West Kewaunee United Methodist Churches hopes people know that everyone is welcome to pray with them

Friends Community Church Pastor Nancy Bontempo says those who attend their service in Sturgeon Bay will learn about the sacrifices Jesus made during his brief time on Earth.

At Holy Trinity Parish in Casco and St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Luxemburg, Father Daniel Schuster believes it is sometimes harder to receive than to give.

While some churches will host services on one day or  the other, many have them on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is the first part of two in a series with area church leaders about the true meaning of Christmas.

TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS SERMONETTES AND SERVICE TIMES

Algoma and West Kewaunee United Methodist Churches: Christmas Eve 4 p.m. (Algoma) 7:30 p.m. (West Kewaunee)

Friends Community Church, Sturgeon Bay: Christmas Eve 4 p.m.

Holy Trinity Church, Casco: Christmas Eve: December 24 @ 4:00 pm & 11:00 pm, Christmas Day: December 25 @ 9:00 am; St. Mary's Catholic Church, Luxemburg: Tuesday, December 24 - 4pm, 8:30pm, Wednesday, December 25 - 7:30am, 10:30am

Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, Ellison Bay: 12/24 Christmas Eve -   3:45pm  Musical Prelude, 4:00pm  Family Service, 7:30pm  Musical Prelude, 8:00pm  Candlelight Service; 12/25 Christmas Day - 10:00am Traditional Christmas Day Service

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Kewaunee: Christmas Eve 6 p.m. Children's Service, 7:30 p.m. candlelight; Christmas Day 9 a.m.

National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, Champion: Christmas Day Midnight and 11 a.m. (Rosary prayers start 30 minutes before)