A local church will offer a special Christmas Eve service for individuals with special needs.

Pam Brannon, director of Children and Family Ministries at Northwest United Methodist Church, said the "Gentle Worship Service" will begin at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, at the church, 5200 Riverside Drive.

She said the service will last 30 minutes.

"It will include a short message, scripture reading, prayer and quiet music," Brannon said. "This is a special service so that all may worship together. We want everyone to be themselves at this service."

Northwest will also offer a 6 p.m. family service, an 8 p.m. candlelight service and a 10 p.m. candlelight and holy communion service on Christmas Eve.

- Pamela Willis