The ApologetiX band, now on its 20th anniversary tour, will stop at Gainesville United Methodist Church, 13710 Milestone Court, in Gainesville VA on Saturday, Sept. 29. "ApologetiX specializes in biblical parodies of classic and modern rock songs" and is suitable for all ages, according to J.Jackson, the band's lead singer and songwriter. Tickets at the door.

Sean Rousseau, a former Roman Catholic priest who was received into the Episcopal priesthood in 2011, will become the new priest-in-charge of St. Paul's Haymarket VA on Sept. 1, according to a news release from the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.

Local churches are gearing up for celebrations of Christmas. Come take part in celebrating Christ’s birth in many different ways. Here’s a look (in alphabetical order of churches’ names) at some offerings to help locals remember the reason for the season.

Animals were blessed during a service at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi.

Characters from the Wizard of Oz: The Chalice sisters of Catharpin, Laurie as the "Bad Witch" at left and Carol as Dorothy at right. In the center is Lorri Helberg as the "Good Witch." These characters were part of Park Valley Church's annual trunk-or-treat event on Oct. 30 in Haymarket. Photo by Heidi M. Baumstark

Prince William County churches have many vacation Bible schools planned. Parents looking to have their children participate in religious learning may want to check out the June 3 issue of the Bull Run Observer for a more lengthy list of summer offerings.