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Compiled by Erica Batten

Kilgo United Methodist

Concert: Handel’s “Messiah” performed by a community choir from St. Luke, Commonwealth, Kilgo, and Cole Memorial United Methodist and St. Paul Baptist with the Community Singers. Orchestra students from Shamrock Gardens Elementary will assist with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” 7 p.m. Dec. 14. 2101 Belvedere Ave. www.kilgoumc.com.

St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox

Presentation and discussion: Archbishop Vicken Aykazian will present “The Challenges of Christians in the Middle East.” Open to community. 6 p.m. Dec. 8. 5108 Kuykendall Road. www.stnektarios.org.

Providence United Methodist

Cookie walk: Hosted by the church women. Stroll among tables and fill boxes with your choice of homemade baked goods. $8 for one box or $15 for two. Specialty items also available. Proceeds go to missions. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8 in the Charter Hall Annex. 2810 Providence Road. www.providenceumc.org.

Covenant Presbyterian

Candlelight service: Annual service of lessons and carols featuring choirs of all ages, orchestra, handbells and readers from across the congregation. 5 p.m. Dec. 8-9. Prelude music begins at 4:30 p.m. 1000 E. Morehead St. 704-804-7565. The services will be streaming live at media.covenantpresby.org.

Central United Methodist

Live nativity: Church members will present a live nativity tableau with animals in front of the church. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14-15. 6030 Albemarle Road. 704-536-9157.

Quail Hollow Presbyterian

Live nativity: Come experience Christmas at the live nativity, offered as a gift to the community by the children and youth of the church. 6 and 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16. 8801 Park Road. 704-554-5714.

Myers Park United Methodist

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.

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.

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.

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 additional child. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 15. www.templeisraelnc.org.

Sardis Baptist

Taize prayer service: Service with candles, choruses, chants and silence in the style of the Taize monastic community of France. 6 p.m. Dec. 9. 5811 Sardis Road. www.sardisbaptistcharlotte.org.

Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Weddington

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

Freedom Ministries of Jesus Christ International

Turkey and toy drive: Churches in the Derita, Mallard Creek, and northeast Charlotte areas are 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.

Advent Lutheran

Special service: “Tell Me the Story Again.” Congregation, combined choirs, instrumentalists and soloists will tell the story of Christ’s birth in song, drama and word. 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 16. 8840 University City Blvd. 704-549-1555; www.adventlu.org.

Mount Vernon Baptist

Concert: Room at the Cross Community Choir will present “Christmas With the Cross and Friends: Homeless for the Holidays.” The concert will feature spoken word, mime, liturgical dance, singing and more. Donations will be accepted for community organizations, including The Salvation Army and Crisis Assistance Ministry. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. 2901 Oneida Road. shanay.rtcministries@gmail.com.

Pineville United Methodist

Service: The music ministry, featuring the combined chancel choir, praise team and guest musicians, will present special Christmas music for the 9 and 11 a.m. worship services Dec. 16. 110 S. Polk St., Pineville. 704-889-2022; www.pinevilleumc.org.

Grace United Methodist

Christmas cantata: The adult choir will present Joseph Martin’s “Canticle of Joy” with additional music by the Grace Notes handbell choir. A reception will follow. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16. 737 E. Woodlawn Road. 704-523-5052.

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 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.

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.

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.

Harrison United Methodist, Pineville

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. 9.

Christmas cantata: Annual program “The Messiah.” 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 9. 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville. www.harrisonumc.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.

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.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 8-11:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at Providence Road Church of Christ, 4900 Providence Road. www.cbcc.us.

St. Luke United Methodist

Special service: “A Quiet Christmas” for those dealing with grief. Be still and reflect on the hope that we have in Jesus. 7 p.m. Dec. 10. 2019 Shamrock Drive. 704-537-9286.

Trinity United Methodist

Christmas concert: The sanctuary choir will present “Silent Night, Holy Night” at 5 p.m. Dec. 9.

Children’s Christmas program: “Jingle for Jesus II” features music, dance, and more, including Santa and snacks. 5 p.m. Dec. 16 in the family life center. 6230 Beatties Ford Road. www.trinityumcofcharlotte.com.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: Noon-3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Paw Creek Presbyterian, 7400 Mt. Holly Road. Noon-3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Hope Community Church of Metrolina, 3205 Sam Wilson Road. www.cbcc.us.

St. John Neumann Catholic

Mass: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 7 p.m. Dec. 12. 8451 Idlewild Road. www.4sjnc.org.

St. Matthew Catholic

Symposium: Join us for a viewing of the Rev. Robert Barron’s television series “Catholicism.” Monthly meetings will include video and small-group discussion. The Rev. Thomas Kessler will lead the next session, “Mary, the Mother of God.” 7-9 p.m. Dec. 13. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 1-6 p.m. Dec. 9 at New Hope United Methodist, 3221 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe. www.cbcc.us.

First Baptist, Indian Trail

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.

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.

Harrisburg Presbyterian

Food collection: Bring a frozen turkey or ham to Sunday morning service to help feed 2,000 people during 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.

Children’s Christmas musical: Friends of all faiths are invited to celebrate with the children’s ministry as they present “The Secret of Snowflake County.” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16. 4815 N. C. 49 S., Harrisburg. 704-455-2491.

Mt. Hermon Lutheran, Concord

Live nativity: Experience the six stations of “The Journey to Bethlehem,” plus crafts, refreshments, Christmas songs and displays of family nativity scenes. Free. 5-7 p.m. Dec. 9. 3600 U. S. 601 S., Concord. 704-782-2326.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Kimball Memorial Lutheran, 101 Vance St., Kannapolis. www.cbcc.us.

Mt. Zion United Methodist, Cornelius

Hospice service: “Light Up a Life: A Celebration of Life Memorial Service.” Special music, readings and candle lighting to celebrate the memory of loved ones. Hosted by the Stephen Ministry. Refreshments will be served. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11.

Christmas program: 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.

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.

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 Bargain Center Discount Groceries, the Little Mountain Veterinary Clinic and the Terrell Country Store. www.4pawshomeandpetservices.com.

Hopewell Presbyterian, Huntersville

250th anniversary: The church will continue its yearlong celebration with Children and Youth Sunday. 11 a.m. Dec. 9. 10500 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville. www.hopewellpresbyterian.com.

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Children’s Christmas pageant: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

Cantata: The chancel choir will present “He is the Light of the World” at the 11 a.m. worship service Dec. 16. 1430 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville. 704-664-2880.

Triplett United Methodist, Mooresville

Children’s Christmas program: The children’s choir will present “A Super Heroes Christmas.” 6 p.m. Dec. 16.

Bible study: 10 a.m. Dec. 17 at Lowe’s YMCA, 170 Joe Knox Ave., Mooresville. The church is at 838 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville. www.triplettumc.org.

St. Therese Catholic, Mooresville

Services: Advent penance service, 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and celebration, 6 p.m. Dec. 12. Advent meditation service, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. 704-664-3992.

First Baptist, Mooresville

Special event: “The Mooresville Christmas Celebration.” Musical performances by more than 100 voices, including children, student, adult and senior adult choirs. Instrumental music features handbells and orchestra. Dramatic scenes from the nativity will be portrayed. A free reception and living nativity with live animals will follow each performance. A love offering will be accepted. 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Dec. 15, and 6 p.m. Dec. 16. 150 S. Church St., Mooresville. www.fbcmooresville.com.

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.

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. Mark’s Lutheran, Mooresville

Children’s program: “Bows of Holly,” a musical drama about being a blessing to others. 5 p.m. Dec. 9 in the sanctuary. Advent fellowship dinner will follow the program. All are welcome; bring a covered dish or dessert. 454 Fieldstone Road, Mooresville. 704-664-5474.

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist, Sherrills Ford

Special family event: Former “American Idol” contestant and Tourette’s Syndrome spokesperson Dave Pittman will share music and his story. Free. 5 p.m. Dec. 9. 4136 Mt. Pleasant Road, Sherrills Ford. 704-483-3087; www.mtpumc.org.

Denver United Methodist

Youth Christmas party: 7 p.m. Dec. 16. 3910 N. C. 16 S., Denver. www.denverumc.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.

Christmas presentation: The FLY youth and UMKids host a faith walk with Jesus through musical presentations, skits, more. Church-wide Christmas party, with a visit from Santa, follows the service. Free. Please bring canned good donations for local food bank. 6 p.m. Dec. 16. 9297 Sherrills Ford Road, Terrell. www.rehobethumc.org.

First Baptist, Cornelius

Senior citizens’ group: Programs, fellowship and travel opportunities. New people are welcome. Meetings at 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month. 21007 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. For information, contact Margaret Smith at 704-875-9306.

Al-Anon

Family group: Al-Anon is an anonymous fellowship whose purpose is to help families and friends of those who have a problem with alcohol. “Starting Over” group meets 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays at Lake Norman Lutheran, 1445 N.C. 16 N., Denver and 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Bethel Methodist, 7284 Campground Road, Denver. 704-489-8657.

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.

St. John’s Missionary Baptist, Gastonia

Library hours: The Outreach Center Library will be open 10-11:15 a.m. Dec. 15. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. 704-864-6222.

Victory Baptist, Hickory

Christmas play: “Everlasting Love.” Free treat bags after the show. 7 p.m. Dec. 20. 7255 Burke County Line Road, Hickory. 828-324-4233; www.vbministries.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, Hickory

Adult forum: Discussion of “Revisiting the Christmas Story.” 9:30 a.m. Dec. 9.

Service: The Rev. Bob MacDicken will speak on, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” part two of the two-part Advent sermon. 11 a.m. Dec. 9. 833 Fifth St. S.E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

May’s Chapel United Methodist, Maiden

Blood drive: 2-7 p.m. Dec. 13 in the fellowship hall.

Christmas caroling: 3 p.m. Dec. 16 at Abernethy Laurels, 102 Leonard Ave., Newton. Meet in the lobby.

Worship services: Traditional worship, 8:15 a.m. Sundays. Christian education for all ages, 9:30 a.m. Relaxed worship, 10:30 a.m. 1707 Mays Chapel Church Road, Maiden. 828-428-2416.

First Baptist, Clover

Outdoor drama: “A Visit to Bethlehem.” Easy walking tour of live re-enactment of the night of Jesus’ birth. Indoor waiting area. Free. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 9. 117 S. Main St., Clover. 803-222-3216.

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.

York County Choral Society

Concert: The York County Choral Society will open its 32nd season with the premiere concert performance under the direction of Dr. Katherine Kinsey as conductor and artistic director. “In Dulci Jubilo: A Mosaic of Choral Masterworks and Contemporary Classics to Celebrate the Holiday Season” will feature the YCCS chorus and Chamber Singers. Accompanists include Dr. Shirley Fishburne, Susan Read, a brass octet, and the Rock Hill Community Handbell Choir. $20 general admission; $15 for seniors and Winthrop faculty with ID; $5 for students; free to Winthrop students with ID. Free parking available. 4 p.m. Dec. 9 in Byrnes Auditorium at Winthrop University, 701 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill. www.yorkcountychoralsociety.org.

Glenrock Baptist, Fort Mill

Fundraiser: Crafts and other vendors, silent auction, hot dog sale. Proceeds will help buy a church van. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 15. 1815 Doby Bridge Road, Fort Mill. http://glenrockbaptistchurch.org.

Riverview Presbyterian, Fort Mill

Live nativity: Re-enactment followed by still-life nativity scene. 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 15. 124 N. Sutton Road, Fort Mill. 803-547-2581.

Grace Presbyterian, Fort Mill

Longest night service: Quiet service to acknowledge our losses and experience the sustaining presence of God. 4 p.m. Dec. 9. 2955 S. C. 160 W., Fort Mill. www.gracewired.org.