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Compiled by Erica Batten

The Charity League of Charlotte

Artisan showcase: 65th annual event features holiday home decorations and gift items hand-crafted by league members and area artisans. Items include pottery, jewelry, glasswork, quilting, photography and more. The Charity League Cookbook will also be available for purchase. Raffle tickets, $1, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at St. Gabriel Catholic School, 3028 Providence Road. www.charityleagueofcharlotte.org.

St. Mark’s Lutheran

Conference: The church has acquired an original copy of the Book of Concord from the year 1580 and will host a conference to educate the community about its significance. The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia will speak at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 17 and at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Nov. 18. Saturday lunch is $10; reservations requested. A potluck lunch will follow the Sunday programs. 1001 Queens Road. For lunch reservations or information, email Pastor Emily Hartner at pastoremilyhartner@gmail.com.

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Guest speaker: Dan Raviv, Washington-based correspondent for CBS News and host of national radio magazine “Weekend Roundup,” will speak about his new book “Spies Against Armageddon: Inside Israel’s Secret Wars.” Free. 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts at Shalom Park, 5007 Providence Road. www.jewishcharlotte.org.

Calvary Church

Kids’ basketball league: Upward Basketball for boys and girls ages 5 to 12. Registration open. Practices start the week of Nov. 26. 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.champsportsinfo.com.

First Presbyterian, Monroe

Community jubilee: Homemade baked goodies and casseroles, ham biscuits and lunch items, plus a variety of vendors. Proceeds go to church building fund. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 17. 302 E. Windsor St., Monroe. www.fpcmonroenc.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 17 at Siler Presbyterian, 6301 Weddington-Monroe Road, Wesley Chapel. 8 a.m.-noon, Nov. 18 at Providence United Methodist, 2810 Providence Road. 704-972-4700; www.carolinadonor.org.

Steele Creek Church of Charlotte

Men’s conference: 2012 Iron Sharpens Iron men’s conference is a regional event unifying men. Open to ages 13 and older. 8:30 a.m.-4:55 p.m., Nov. 17, 1929 W. Arrowood Road. Registration and details at www.CRCMM.org.

Covenant Presbyterian

Guest speaker: The church will host Melissa Rogers, director of Wake Forest Divinity School’s Center for Religion and Public Affairs, as the final speaker in its series “Soul in the City: When Faith, Politics and Morality Meet.” 6:30 p.m., Nov. 14.

Workshop: “Parenting in the Teen Years” led by Dave and Ellen Verhaagen. $10. 6 p.m. Nov. 18. RSVP for event and child care by Nov. 14. 1000 E. Morehead St. 704-804-7565; www.covenantpresby.org.

Common Heart, Indian Trail

Food collection: The Common Cupboard food pantry is collecting monetary donations, turkeys and other groceries for its annual Great Turkey Countdown. This year’s goal is to package 500 Thanksgiving family feasts and deliver them to families in need. Freezer space is limited, so monetary donations are preferred; contact the food pantry before bringing food donations. Volunteers will also be needed to package and deliver the meals, 8-10 a.m., Nov. 17. 116-A Business Park Drive, Indian Trail. www.thecommonplace.org.

Matthews United Methodist

Holiday shopping: More than 70 vendors will offer handmade items for the home as well as all age groups on your gift list. Holiday desserts, breakfast and lunch available. Sponsored by Prime Time Adults Senior Ministries. Proceeds support local missions. Free admission and parking. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 17. 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-847-6261; www.matthewsumc.org.

Holy Yoga

Yoga classes: Gentle yoga at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, level 1 and 2 at 10:45 a.m., Wednesdays in Ligon Hall at Carmel Presbyterian, 2048 Carmel Road. A varied class will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursdays. kristiner@holyyoga.net.