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

Compiled by Erica Batten

All Saints Episcopal, Gastonia

Blue service: Service held on the “longest night” for those who are experiencing loss and grief this holiday season. Sing, pray and offer up the pain and loneliness to Jesus Christ. 6 p.m. Dec. 21. 1201 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia. 704-864-7201.

Newell Baptist

Christmas music program: The choir and drama team led by Larry Ritter will present “Repeat the Sounding Joy,” a variety of music styles and traditional hymns. 11 a.m. Dec. 16. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184.

St. Paul United Methodist

Cantata: The combined choirs of Mouzon and St. Paul United Methodist will present “Behold the Star! A Christmas Journey to the Light of Christ.” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16. 2830 Dorchester Place. 704-523-0077; www.stpaulcharlotte.org.

Sardis Presbyterian

Choral service: Choral Director Ken DeBoer has taken readings from theologian and Nazi-resister Dietrich Bonhoeffer and woven them throughout a choral composition titled “Savior of the Nations, Come” by Michael Burkhardt. The sanctuary choir, accompanied by handbells, timpani, and organ, will present the program at 11 a.m. Dec. 16 in the sanctuary. 6100 Sardis Road. www.sardis.org.

Quail Hollow Presbyterian

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

Hickory Grove and St. Andrew’s United Methodist

Christmas musical: The combined adult, youth, and children’s choirs of Hickory Grove and St. Andrew’s will present “When Love Was Born.” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at St. Andrew’s United Methodist, 1900 Emerywood Drive. A reception follows the performance. www.standrewsumc.com.

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.

Newell Presbyterian

Carols and cookies: The voice and bell choirs will perform. The youth group will perform a special skit. Christmas cookies follow the program. 11 a.m. Dec. 16.

Live Nativity: The Christmas story is read from scripture as actors and animals recreate the drama. Children invited to pet the donkeys and sheep after the presentation. 7 p.m. Dec. 19. 1500 Rocky River Road W. www.newellpresby.org.

First Presbyterian

Choir program: The sanctuary choir and Charlotte Chamber Orchestra will perform John Rutter’s “Gloria.” 9 and 11 a.m. Dec. 16.

Children’s Christmas pageant: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in Wood Fellowship Hall.

Advent worship: The Rev. Wes Barry leads a series. Noon Dec. 19.

Healing service: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19. 200 W. Trade St. www.firstpres-charlotte.org.

Cokesbury United Methodist

Christmas program: The chancel choir will present “The Christmas Story” at the worship service. 10:45 a.m. Dec. 23. 6701 Idlewild Road. www.cokesburyumc.net.

Trinity United Methodist

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

Archdale Church of Christ

Community class series: Russ McCullough will present a series examining the Bible’s veracity as the word of God. The text will be Neil Lightfoot’s “How We Got the Bible.” Free. Refreshments will be served. 7:30-9 p.m. every other Tuesday, Jan. 8-March 19. 2525 Archdale Drive. www.archdale.org.

Community Bible Study

Women’s Bible study: A study of the book of Hebrews. Class resumes Jan. 3. 9:15-11:30 a.m. Thursdays at Church at Charlotte, 2500 Carmel Road. www.charlotte.cbsclass.org.

Avondale Presbyterian

Advent services: “A World in Waiting…Working for Peace.” Worship at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays. Sunday school at 10 a.m.

Children’s musical program: The children will present “The Best Christmas Present Ever.” Cookie reception follows the program. 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16. 2821 Park Road. 704-333-6194; www.avondalepresbychurch.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.

Myers Park United Methodist

Concert: The Adults Plus! concert for ages 55 and older will be at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19. A meal follows for $5. Meal reservations: 704-376-5520 ext. 5200. 1501 Queens Road. www.mpumc.org.

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 on Dec. 16. 110 S. Polk St., Pineville. 704-889-2022; www.pinevilleumc.org.

Providence United Methodist

Service: Annual service of “The Longest Night.” Consolation and hope for those experiencing grief, loss, or difficulty. Speaker John Arey, executive director of the Methodist Counseling and Consultation Services. Special music by Alexandra Rabey and Adam Ward. Nursery provided. 7 p.m. Dec. 21. 2810 Providence Road. www.providenceumc.org.

Wesley United Methodist

Service: “Silent Night! Holy Night!” features the beautiful and inspiring music of the Christmas season performed by the music team and guest musicians. They will tell the story of Christmas with a collection of familiar carols and new songs. Child care provided. 11 a.m. Dec. 16. 3715 Rea Road. www.wesleyumccharlotte.com.

St. John Neumann Catholic

Advent penance service: 7 p.m. Dec. 20. 8451 Idlewild Road. www.4sjnc.org.

St. Matthew Catholic

Healing prayer service: St. Peregrine service for those suffering with cancer and other diseases. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 in the sanctuary. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. 704-543-7677; www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Sharon United Methodist

Christmas music service: “The Hope of Christmas.” Songs and carols in rock, jazz, gospel and traditional styles. 7 p.m. Dec. 16.

Blue Christmas service: 4 p.m. Dec. 23. 4411 Sharon Road. 704-366-9166; www.sharonumc.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 23 at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist, 503 Maurice St., Monroe. www.cbcc.us.

Harrisburg Presbyterian

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

St. Enoch Lutheran, Kannapolis

Contemporary worship service: Join us for upbeat music and worship to celebrate Christ’s birth. 7 p.m. Dec. 18 in the fellowship hall. 701 Campbell Ave., Kannapolis. 704-932-8461.

Denver United Methodist

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

Rehobeth United Methodist, Terrell

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. Bring canned good donations for local food bank. 6 p.m. Dec. 16. 9297 Sherrills Ford Road, Terrell. www.rehobethumc.org.

Mt. Zion United Methodist, Cornelius

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.

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 will follow the performance. A love offering will be accepted. 6 p.m. Dec. 16. 150 S. Church St., Mooresville. www.fbcmooresville.com.

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Cantata: The chancel choir will present “He is the Light of the World” at the 11 a.m. worship service Dec. 16.

Children’s activities: Birthday party for Jesus and Christmas showcase of children’s talent. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19.

Contemporary worship service: Christmas favorites and new songs. Child care provided for grade three and younger. Light refreshments follow the service. 7 p.m. Dec. 22. 1430 Mecklenburg Hwy., Mooresville. 704-664-2880.

Vanderburg United Methodist, Mooresville

Christmas cantata: 11 a.m. Dec. 16. 1809 Charlotte Hwy., Mooresville. www.vanderburgumc.org.

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. 838 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville. www.triplettumc.org.

Davidson College Presbyterian

White gift pageant: High school youth-led program of worship, celebration and charity. Consider bringing a gift of food for distribution to families in the community. Requested foods are canned ham, boxed stuffing and potatoes, and canned yams. A soup and sandwich supper will follow the service; cash donations requested. 5 p.m. Dec. 16. 100 N. Main St., Davidson. www.dcpc.org.

St. Mark’s Lutheran, Mooresville

Advent program: “Fear Not” program includes stories from scripture with Advent music presented by the chancel and youth choirs and Luther Ringers. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16. Join us for coffee and fellowship at 9 a.m. There is only one service and no Sunday school. 454 Fieldstone Road, Mooresville. 704-664-5474.

Prospect Presbyterian, Mooresville

Blue Christmas service: Intimate worship for those who are experiencing loss or sadness. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. 7 p.m. Dec. 18. 9425 N. C. 152 W., Mooresville. 704-664-1514.

Davidson United Methodist

Healing workshop: The Rev. Dr. John Rowe, director of the counseling center, will lead a grief and healing dialogue. Participants invited to attend worship service following the workshop. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16. 233 S. Main St., Davidson.

Worship service: The Rev. Dr. Jody Seymour will lead a service for hope and healing for those experiencing grief and loss during the holidays. Child care provided. 7 p.m. Dec. 16 in the chapel, 304 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-892-8277; www.davidsonumc.org.

The Bahá’ís of Huntersville

Devotional gathering: The public is invited for light refreshments and discussion on the topic “Peace and Justice.” 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Huntersville Arts and Cultural Center, 109 S. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. www.huntersvillebahai.org.

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.

Daniels Lutheran, Lincolnton

Christmas cantata: A combined choir from Daniels Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran will present “Celebrate the Wonder, His Promised Arrival.” 4 p.m. Dec. 16. 3170 Reepsville Road, Lincolnton. 704-735-2388.

Augustana Lutheran, Hickory

Breakfast: The church and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provide a free, home-style breakfast of scrambled eggs, grits, bacon, sausage, handmade biscuits, more. 7-10:30 a.m. Dec. 22. 1523 16th St. S.E., Hickory. www.augustanalcms.org.

May’s Chapel United Methodist, Maiden

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.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, Hickory

Pageant: Director of Religious Education Marie Houk will direct the UUCCV players in a special presentation based on one town’s response to holiday prejudice. 11 a.m. Dec. 16.

Annual candlelight service: Music and candle lighting ritual with Christmas carols and songs that honor other traditions. Refreshments follow the service. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19. 833 5th St. S. E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

Catawba United Methodist

Children’s Christmas program: “Hang On To Your Hat!” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 in the Family Life Center, 209 E. Central Ave., Catawba. Early service, 8:30 a.m. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.

Cantata: The choir will present “Silent Night, Holy Night!” with narration by Hal Gatewood. A covered-dish meal will follow the program. 6 p.m. Dec. 16. 207 E. Central Ave., Catawba. 828-241-4868.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 22 at Myers Memorial United Methodist, 301 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia. www.cbcc.us.

Fort Mill Church of the Nazarene

Christmas cantata: Adult and children’s cantata. Nursery provided. 10:45 a.m. Dec. 16.

Combined service: Message on “Anticipation” by Pastor A. D. Smith. Nursery provided. No Sunday school or evening service. 10:45 a.m. Dec. 23. 109 Harris St., Fort Mill. 803-548-4633.

Grace Presbyterian, Fort Mill

Christmas cantata: The Grace Notes Choir will present Joseph Martin’s “The Mystery and the Majesty.” Nursery provided. 7 p.m. Dec. 16. 2955 S. C. 160 W., Fort Mill. www.gracewired.org.