Religion news

If you have news about your faith community, send announcements and photos to ebattenobserver@gmail.com and stories@newsofsouthcharlotte.com.

Compiled by Erica Batten

Harrison United Methodist, Pineville

Service: “A Quiet Christmas” is a service for those who have lost a loved one this year. The program invites you to acknowledge your grief as you claim the hope of Christmas. Free. 7 p.m. Dec. 3. 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. www.harrisonumc.org.

St. Matthew Catholic

Santa’s craft show: More than 100 vendors, great raffle items, photos with Santa, more. Coffee and doughnuts for early shoppers. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 1. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Peace Moravian

Annual bazaar: Candle tea and bazaar with crafts, traditional baked goods, new peace cookbooks for sale. Nativities will be displayed in the sanctuary. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 1. 4418 Rea Road. www.peacemoravian.com.

Myers Park Baptist

Meeting: The Faith Communicators, an informal network of nonprofit communicators and marketers, meets monthly for networking and a program on public relations. Coffee and Danish will be served. Free. Courtney St. Onge of Covenant Presbyterian will lead a program on basic copy-editing tips at 10 a.m. Nov. 30 at the Cornwell Center. 2001 Selwyn Ave. 704-295-4819; ken@mpumc.org.

Matthews United Methodist

Walk through Bethlehem: Visitors will be transported back to Bethlehem as it was during the time of Jesus’ birth, complete 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.

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.

Shepherd’s Center SouthEast

Book club: Discussion of Tim Farrington’s “The Monk Downstairs.” Please read selection prior to the meeting. Newcomers welcome. The club meets the second Tuesday of each month. 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at The Ivey, 6030 Park South Drive. 704-321-0325; pegndale@gmail.com.

Sharon Presbyterian

Performance: Television actor Frank Runyeon will present “The 3 1/2 Stories of Christmas.” 5 p.m. Dec. 9. Free. A reception follows the program. 5201 Sharon Road. www.sharonpcusa.org.

Pineville United Methodist

Grief support group: Open to anyone experiencing a loss, including death of a loved one, loss of a job or end of a relationship. Facilitated by professional counselor Lotes Nelson. 12:15 p.m. each first and third Sunday. 110 S. Polk St., Pineville. www.LotesNelson.com.

Congregation Ohr Hatorah

Shabbat story hour: Children 5 or younger will enjoy Shabbat stories, traditional crafts and games followed by junior Kiddush. Meets monthly at Ohr Hatorah, 6619 Sardis Road, and Chabad of Ballantyne, 8632 Bryant Farms Road. www.ChabadNC.org.

Sardis Baptist

Beginners’ yoga classes: Increase flexibility, balance and strength. $10 per class. 4:35 and 6 p.m. Mondays and 4:30 p.m. 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.

Pineville Church of the Nazarene

GriefShare: “Surviving the Holidays” session will be held 7 p.m. Dec. 5. $5. Child care available. 8614 Pineville-Matthews Road. Register at 704-542-3618.

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.