Religion news

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Compiled by Erica Batten

Sharon Presbyterian

Performance: Television actor Frank Runyeon will present “The 3½ Stories of Christmas.” 5 p.m. Dec. 9. Free. A reception follows the program. 5201 Sharon Road. www.sharonpcusa.org.

St. Gabriel Catholic

Performance: The Worth School Choir of West Sussex, England, will present a program of Christmas music. 7 p.m. Dec. 15. 3016 Providence Road. www.stgabrielchurch.org.

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.

Harris YMCA

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.

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 older 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.

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.

Motivations Ministries

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.

St. John Neumann Catholic

Masses: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Masses, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 9 a.m. Dec. 8. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 7 p.m. Dec. 12. 8451 Idlewild Road. www.4sjnc.org.

Sardis Presbyterian

Special service: “A Service of Hope and Remembrance” for those who have lost a loved one. Lay counselors and pastors will be available after the service. 7 p.m. Dec. 12. 6100 Sardis Road. www.sardis.org.

Spirit of Joy Lutheran

Handbell concert: Queen City Ringers will present “Home for the Holidays.” Free. 7 p.m. Dec. 11. 8600 Potters Road, Weddington. www.queencityringers.com.

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.

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.

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.

Harrison United Methodist

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 Hwy., Pineville. www.harrisonumc.org.

Grace Lutheran

Christmas for kids: One-day Bible school filled with fun activities to help children learn about the true meaning of Christmas. Light breakfast served. 9:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 8. Please register. 7000 Providence Road. www.grace-charlotte.org.

St. Luke’s Lutheran

Special service: The music department will present Handel’s “Messiah.” Guest accompanists include organist Marilyn Wade and a string quartet from the Charlotte Symphony. 10 a.m. Dec. 9. 3200 Park Road. 704-523-7981.

Temple Israel

Hanukkah candle lighting: During this joyous festival of rededication, we will have candle lighting after Minyan. 4:45 p.m. Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10-13, and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Hanukkah Shabbat service: Shabbat service and dinner for families with young children. 5:45 p.m. Dec. 14.

Hanukkah family dance: Men’s Club father-daughter dance. Bring the whole family. $25 per parent-child pair; $10 for each extra child. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 15. www.templeisraelnc.org.

First Baptist

Christmas production: “The Joy of Giving – An Indian Trail Christmas 2012.” 7 p.m. Dec. 14-16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 15-16. 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail. Tickets: 704-882-1005; www.fbcit.org.

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.