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Advent Lutheran

Performance: Jonathan Cring and Janet Clazzy will present music and humor in ?A Spirited Christmas!? Free; donations accepted to defray expenses. Books, music and videos available for purchase following the program. Refreshments provided. 7 p.m. Dec. 1. 8840 University City Blvd. 704-549-1555; www.adventlu.org.St. Matthew Catholic Santa?s craft show: More than 100 vendors, raffle items, photos with Santa, much more. Coffee and doughnuts for early shoppers. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 1. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.Grace Crossing Baptist Fellowship Concert: Second annual Appalachian Christmas featuring the band Amantha Mill from Boone, Martin Moore on the hammered dulcimer, and the Grace Notes. $12. Proceeds go to the building fund. 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Hickory Grove United Methodist Family Life Center, 6401 Hickory Grove Road. www.gracecrossingcharlotte.org.Regional AIDS Interfaith Network Gala anniversary celebration: RAIN celebrates 20 years of spreading awareness and education on HIV/AIDS. Guests include Jack Mackenroth and Caressa Cameron-Jackson. $75. 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at CenterStage@NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St. www.carolinarain.org/anniversary.The Billy Graham Library Christmas celebration: ?Christmas at the Library? will include carriage rides, story time, live music, lights, and a live nativity. Dec. 1-22. Christmas dinner will be served Thursday through Saturday. Operating hours are 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Christmas activities begin at 5 p.m. $10 parking fee after 3 p.m. 4330 Westmont Drive. www.billygrahamlibrary.org.Robinson Presbyterian Ballet performance: The RPC Ballet Program will present a unique version of ?The Nutcracker? in which Clara dreams of the birth of Jesus and the news spreading around the world. 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8. 9424 Harrisburg Road. Ticket information at www.rpcballet.com.Nations Ford Community Church Women?s holiday gala: ?You?re All I Need? theme. Food, singing, dancing, prizes, much more. Ages 16 and up. Admission is $10 and a toy to support our Joyland toy drive. 5-7 p.m. Dec. 1. Children?s musical: ?Joyland.? At the end of the production, Joyland becomes a free store where families in need may select Christmas toys. Free. 1 p.m. Dec. 8. 5901 Nations Ford Road. 704-522-6480; www.nationsford.org.Freedom Ministries of Jesus Christ International Turkey and toy drive: Churches in the Derita, Mallard Creek, and northeast Charlotte areas invited to help us provide 75 turkeys and toys for 50 needy families. The drive will continue through Jan. 31. 2230 W. Sugar Creek Road. www.fmjci.org.New Bethel Church of God in Christ Anniversary service: The church will celebrate 50 years of service in the Charlotte community. Noon Dec. 8. 1520 Little Rock Road. www.newbethelchurch.com.Christ United Methodist Wonderful Wednesdays: Drop-in meal, 5:30-6:15 p.m. Donations only. Small-group studies, youth group and children?s groups meet 6:15-7:30 p.m. 8020 Bellhaven Blvd. http://christumc-charlotte.org.Motivations Ministries Christmas charity luncheon: Live music, local artisans selling seasonal gift items, raffle. Proceeds go to Motivations Ministries and Hope Cancer Ministries. $20 or more donation may be made online or at the door. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Johnson Mansion, 1800 Queens Road W. www.MotivationsMinistries.org.Matthews United Methodist Walk through Bethlehem: Visitors will be transported back to Bethlehem as it was during the time of Jesus? birth, with Roman soldiers, a lively marketplace, a temple of worship and singing angels, culminating in a visit to the manger. Free. 3-8 p.m. Dec. 1. 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-847-6261; www.matthewsumc.org.St. John Neumann Catholic Masses: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Masses, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 9 a.m. Dec. 8. 8451 Idlewild Road. www.4sjnc.org.Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Blood drives: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 2 at Blair Road United Methodist, 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill. 4-7 p.m. Dec. 4 at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox, 5108 Kuykendall Road. www.cbcc.us.South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Alternative gift market: Purchase gifts in honor of friends or family to benefit the local community and global missions. Available items include clothing, food, school supplies, fairly-traded products and doctor visits. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 2. 8601 Bryant Farms Road. www.smpchome.org/alternative-christmas-gift-market.Harrison United Methodist, Pineville Service: ?A Quiet Christmas? is a service for those who have lost a loved one this year. This special program invites you to acknowledge your grief as you claim the hope of Christmas. Free. 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Live nativity: All are welcome to see live animals and experience a walk-through dramatization of the birth of Jesus. Free. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 8-9. Christmas cantata: Annual program ?The Messiah.? 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 9. 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville. www.harrisonumc.org.Sharon Presbyterian Performance: Television actor Frank Runyeon will present ?The 3? Stories of Christmas.? 5 p.m. Dec. 9. Free. A reception follows the program. 5201 Sharon Road. www.sharonpcusa.org.Calvary Church Christmas concerts: The Calvary choir and orchestra, youth and children?s choirs will present ?Born is the King.? Free. Child care available for children younger than 5. 9:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 9. ASL interpretation available at 9:45 a.m. 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.calvarychurch.com/christmas.Pineville Church of the Nazarene GriefShare: ?Surviving the Holidays? session will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. $5. Child care available. 8614 Pineville-Matthews Road. Register at 704-542-3618.All Saints Anglican Service: Advent lessons and carols with church choir, Carolina Youth Chorale and harp. Nursery provided. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 9. Services are held at Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. www.all-saints-anglican.org.Myers Park United Methodist Special service: ?Service of Hope and Consolation? for those who have suffered the death of a loved one or other loss. Child care available. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Love feast: The youth will lead a love feast with buns, beeswax candles and spiced tea. Child care available. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Singles? dinner: Singles 40 and over are invited to the ?Single Pointe? dinner program with music. $7. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Reservations: 704-376-5520 ext. 5900. 1501 Queens Road. www.mpumc.org.Sharon United Methodist Musical celebration: Come celebrate ?The Hope of Christmas? with an upbeat collection of celebration songs and seasonal favorites. 7 p.m. Dec. 16. 4411 Sharon Road. 704-366-9166.Good Shepherd Presbyterian Christmas concert: The music and creative arts ministries will present Andrew Peterson?s ?Behold the Lamb of God.? Free. 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Olde Providence Elementary School, 3800 Rea Road. www.gspc.net.Sardis Presbyterian Service: Thirty-minute, gently-paced service of lessons and carols includes Holy Communion. Intended especially for persons with physical limitations or early-stage dementia. Families invited to attend with older adult family members. 3-3:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the chapel. 6100 Sardis Road. www.sardis.org.Harris YMCA Christmas candlelight service: A service of lessons and carols will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 in the group exercise studio. Free. Reception follows. 5900 Quail Hollow Road. 704-716-6800.Sardis Baptist Beginners? yoga classes: Increase flexibility, balance, and strength. $10 per class. 4:35 and 6 p.m. Mondays and 4:30 and 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Call to register before 9 p.m. the day prior to class. 5811 Sardis Road. 704-535-2831; www.sardisbaptistcharlotte.org.Stallings United Methodist Christmas program: The children and youth drama teams will present ?A Charlie Brown Christmas? at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9. Free. 1115 Stallings Road, Stallings. www.stallingsumc.org.Forest Hill United Methodist, Concord Free clothing distribution: All sizes. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays in the Ministry Center, 251 N. Union St., Concord. Distribution will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. on Dec. 6. Concert: The Singing Saints will present ?Festival of Carols.? A love offering will be taken for Cooperative Christian Ministry and The Salvation Army. Refreshments follow the concert. 3 p.m. Dec. 2. 265 N. Union St., Concord. 704-782-1109; www.foresthillumc.org.Harrisburg Presbyterian Food collection: Bring a frozen turkey or ham to Sunday morning service to help feed 2,000 people over the holidays. Our goal is to collect 50 turkeys and hams by Christmas. Donations will go to the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte and to those in need in Harrisburg. 10 a.m. Sundays. 4815 N. C. 49 S., Harrisburg. 704-455-2491.Trinity United Methodist, Kannapolis Christmas concert: The Piedmont Singing Men will perform at 4 p.m. Dec. 2. 416 E. 1st St., Kannapolis. www.trinity247.org.All Saints? Episcopal, Concord Embroiderers Guild of America: Learn the art of hand embroidery. Correspondence courses from the national organization, expertise and support for all ability levels. Meetings monthly. 10 a.m. Dec. 4. 525 Lake Road, Concord. 704-782-2024; www.allsaintsconcord.org.Piedmont Choral Society Concert: The Piedmont Choral Society, accompanied by orchestra, will perform portions of Handel?s ?Messiah? along with familiar carols and hymns. Free. 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at First Presbyterian, 201 Vance St., Kannapolis, and 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Forest Hill United Methodist, 265 N. Union St., Concord. A reception will follow the Dec. 9 performance. kayy2000@gmail.com.Concord First Assembly Christmas musical: Adaptation of ?A Christmas Carol.? $5 general admission; $10 preferred seating. 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 15, and 3 p.m. Dec. 16. 150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd., Concord. www.cfaconcord.com.Tiny Hands Ministries, Concord Campaign: Churches and individuals asked to donate pennies to fill a ?Pennies From Heaven? memorial representing the nearly 57?million lives lost following the Roe vs. Wade decision. www.tinyhandsbook.com.Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Blood drives: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 2 at Cold Springs United Methodist, 2550 Cold Springs Road, Concord. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Harvest Community Church, 4284 Orphanage Road, Concord. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5 at All Saints? Episcopal, 5250 Lake Concord Road, Concord. www.cbcc.us.St. Alban?s Episcopal, Davidson Concert: Music at St. Alban?s presents the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra performing ?Ice,? wintery favorites from the Baroque era, including Vivaldi?s ?Winter,? Corelli?s ?Christmas Concerto,? and Bach?s ?Vergnugte Ruh.? A reception will follow the concert. General admission, $15; seniors, $10; children under 12, free. 3 p.m. Dec. 9. 301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson. 704-941-0650.St. Therese Catholic, Mooresville Special event: Breakfast with Santa and craft sale. Handmade crafts and gift baskets, baked goods, photos with Santa available. Proceeds benefit the church. 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 2. 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. 704-664-3992.St. Patrick?s Episcopal, Mooresville Concert: The Solas Leighis concert series presents Celtic instrumentalist Robin Bullock. Bullock will present Christmas carols and hymns spanning over 600 years, with selections for guitar, cittern, mandolin and piano. A wine and cheese reception follows the concert. Adults, $15; students, $10; younger than 6, free. Proceeds benefit community outreach. 7 p.m. Dec. 2. 201 Fairview Road, Mooresville. 704-663-5659; www.saint-patricks.org.Jewish Council of Lake Norman Hanukkah play date: Kids will enjoy Hanukkah-themed crafts, activities. Parents will have a chance to meet other families with young kids. Free. 9:45-11:15 a.m. Dec. 2 at Pre K Birthdays, 9624 Bailey Road, Suite G, Cornelius. Hanukkah celebration: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. www.jewishcounciloflakenorman.org.Hopewell Presbyterian, Huntersville 250th anniversary: The church will continue its year-long celebration with Children and Youth Sunday. 11 a.m. Dec. 9. 10500 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville. www.hopewellpresbyterian.com.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Huntersville Community nativity festival: More than 400 nativity scenes from around the world, local performers, decorations, more. Children will have the opportunity to dress in nativity costumes to reenact the holy night, make crafts, and go on a nativity scavenger hunt. Free. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 6-8. 7036 McIlwaine Road, Huntersville. www.nativityfestival.com.Mt. Zion United Methodist, Cornelius Christmas program: The children?s choirs and youth bells will present ?Candlelight Christmas Garden,? a celebration of the coming of Jesus. 3 p.m. Dec. 2. Christmas cantata: The chancel choir, instrumental ensemble and hand bells will present Joel Raney?s ?A Thrill of Hope.? 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 16. 19600 Zion St., Cornelius. www.mtzionumc.net.Unitarian Universalist Lake Norman Fellowship Meeting: Learn about Unitarian Universalism and the Lake Norman Fellowship. 9:45 a.m. Dec. 2. All are invited. UULKN is an inclusive community embracing spiritual growth. Services are held at the Woodlawn School, 135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville. www.uulakenorman.org.Vanderburg United Methodist, Mooresville Chicken port-a-pit: $8 per plate. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8. 1809 Charlotte Hwy., Mooresville. www.vanderburgumc.org.Davidson College Presbyterian Cantata: The church choirs, accompanied by the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, will perform J. C. Bach?s ?The Childhood of Christ.? 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 9. Christmas vespers: Davidson College invites the public to annual service of lessons and carols. The Davidson College Symphony Orchestra and Davidson College Chorale will provide music. 7:15 p.m. Dec. 9. 100 N. Main St., Davidson. www.dcpc.org.Davidson United Methodist Alternative gift market: The Missions Mall will offer unique gifts such as prayer shawls, donations to local children and families overseas, handmade items, more. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16. 233 S. Main St., Davidson. www.davidsonumc.org.St. Phillip Missionary Baptist, Huntersville Holiday recital: Students of Gerrie?s Christian Academy of Music will perform piano and vocal selections of the season. Free. 4 p.m. Dec. 8. 524 Dellwood Drive, Huntersville. 704-394-5689.4 Paws Home and Pet Services, Sherrills Ford Pet food drive: 4 Paws Home and Pet Services will host a campaign for the Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive. Proceeds will go to the East Lincoln Christian Ministries and The Christian Mission. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 12 at several Denver-area locations, including Bargain Center Discount Groceries, Little Mountain Veterinary Clinic, and Terrell Country Store. www.4pawshomeandpetservices.com.Triplett United Methodist, Mooresville Breakfast with Santa: Children up to fifth grade are invited for a hearty breakfast and Christmas activities prior to Santa?s arrival. 9 a.m. Dec. 8. Christmas cantata: 11 a.m. Dec. 9. 838 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville. www.triplettumc.org.Rehobeth United Methodist, Terrell Music event: The chancel choir will present ?Lead Me Back to Bethlehem,? a story of rediscovering the joy, peace and love of Christmas. 10:45 a.m. Dec. 9. 9297 Sherrills Ford Road, Terrell. www.rehobethumc.org.Troutman Baptist and Bethel Baptist, Troutman Live nativity: Drive through 20 scenes and view more than 175 cast members and live animals. 6 p.m. Dec. 6-8 at the Iredell County Agricultural Fairgrounds, 630 N. Main St., Troutman. 704-528-5193.Daniels Lutheran, Lincolnton and Trinity Lutheran, Vale Christmas cantata: ?Celebrate the Wonder, His Promised Arrival.? 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Trinity Lutheran, 2700 Trinity Church Road, Vale and 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at Daniels Lutheran, 3170 Reepsville Road, Lincolnton. 704-735-2388.The Hickory Choral Society Christmas concert: The Hickory Choral Society will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 8, and 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at First Baptist, 339 2nd Ave. N. W., Hickory. Free. www.hickorychoralsociety.org.Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, Hickory Service: The Rev. Bob MacDicken will speak on ?Great Expectations,? a look at what Mary?s ?magnificat? may have to say to us today. 11 a.m. Dec. 2. Meditation group: Meditation and discussion to foster mindfulness and clarity. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays. 833 5th St. S. E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.Blessed John XXIII Ecumenical Church, Hickory Services: 4:30 p.m. Saturdays in the old sanctuary of Zion Lutheran Church, 1911 Zion Church Road, Hickory. 828-850-2675.St. John?s Lutheran, Cherryville Wednesday evening ministry: Bible lessons and activities for youth in fifth grade and younger, 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Fellowship meal for all ages, 6 p.m. Youth and children?s music and adult ministries, 6:30 p.m. 310 W. Church St., Cherryville. www.stjohnscherryville.com.Catawba United Methodist Advent Bible study: ?The Journey? based on the writings of Adam Hamilton. Free. 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The Advent sermon series will correspond to this study. Confirmation Sunday: New members will be welcomed at the service. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2. 207 E. Central Ave., Catawba. 828-241-4868.Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Blood drive: Noon-3 p.m. Dec. 2 at First United Methodist, 140 N. Main St., Mount Holly. www.cbcc.us.York County Choral Society Concert: Dr. Katherine Kinsey will conduct ?In Dulci Jubilo: A Mosaic of Choral Masterworks and Contemporary Classics to Celebrate the Holiday Season.? Accompanists include Dr. Shirley Fishburne, the Rock Hill Community Handbell Choir, and a brass quintet. Adults, $20; seniors, $10; students, $5. Free parking available. 4 p.m. Dec. 9 in Byrnes Auditorium at Winthrop University, 701 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill. www.yorkcountychoralsociety.org.First Baptist, Clover Outdoor drama: ?A Visit to Bethlehem.? Easy walking tour of live reenactment of the night of Jesus? birth. Indoor waiting area. Free. 7-9 p.m. Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 8, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9. 117 S. Main St., Clover. 803-222-3216.Temple Solel, Fort Mill Services: Regular services will be held at 7 p.m. each second and fourth Friday. The first service will be a Kabbalat Shabbat, and the second service will be a Midrash, or learners?, Shabbat. The program will include prayer and a discussion topic. Religious school: Classes for children in kindergarten through B?nai Mitzvah using the curriculum of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life. 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Classes and services are held at St. Philip Neri Catholic, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill. www.templesolelsc.org.All Saints Catholic, Lake Wylie Tree lighting: The Knights of Columbus, All Saints Council 14475, will sponsor its annual ?Light Up for Christ? event to celebrate the beginning of Advent and the Christmas season. Guest speaker the Rev. Dwight Longenecker will discuss the significance of the Christmas season and why he converted to Catholicism. Free. 7 p.m. Dec. 4. 530 S. C. 274, Lake Wylie. www.allsaintslakewylie.com.Epiphany Lutheran, Rock Hill Women?s event: Cookie and ornament exchange. 3-5 p.m. Dec. 9. Worship services: 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays. 2370 W. Main St., Rock Hill. www.epiphany-rockhill.org.Grace Presbyterian, Fort Mill Family night: Annual chili cookoff. Bring a muffin tin to sample chili. Acoustic ensemble Joyful Noise will lead seasonal songs. The children?s choir, The Half Notes, will present ?Aaron, the Allergic Shepherd? after dinner. 5 p.m. Dec. 2. 2955 S. C. 160 W., Fort Mill. www.gracewired.org.

Source: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/12/01/3689839/religion-news.html

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