Religion news

Compiled by Erica Batten

Carolina Pro Musica’s annual “Christmas at Saint Mary’s” will feature music from the 18th century, readings of the season, and carols for all to sing. Bob Sweeten will narrate. $16 regular admission; $8 for students and seniors. 7 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12. 1129 E. 3rd St. Tickets: www.carolinapromusica.org.

A community sing-along of Handel’s “Messiah” features soloists, instrumentalists and chorus. 7 p.m. Dec. 5. 5815 Carmel Road. 704-541-1480.

Christmas-themed arts and crafts for children and adults, live music, refreshments. Donations accepted. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 4 and 1-5 p.m. Dec. 5. Danen Kane will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and Mark Kroos will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. 220 Main St., Pineville. www.the-well.org.

The Ladies Philoptochos Society will hold its annual sale with baklava, melomakarona, kourambethes and koulourakia. 8-10 a.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19 across the street from the farmers market in downtown Matthews. www.stnektarios.org.

A Quiet Christmas is a special service for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Child care available upon request. 7 p.m. Dec. 7. 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville. Contact Sally Ainslie at sallyainslie@gmail.com to RSVP. www.harrisonchurch.org.

“Hope in the Heartland: An American Christmas, Bluegrass Style.” Free, family-friendly event. 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13. 1117 South Blvd. Tickets: 704-376-1571; www.pritchardmemorial.com/events/hope-in-the-heartland.

Based on Pete Briscoe’s “A Savior is Born,” study God’s intentionality in every detail of his plan to bring His Son into the world. 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays. 3715 Rea Road. www.wesleycharlotte.org.

Traditional services glorify God with music of the season. 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 6.

7 p.m. Dec. 6. 2810 Providence Road. www.providenceumc.org.

Petting zoo, inflatable games, refreshments, and live music including a choir from Montclaire Elementary School. Free. 4-6 p.m. Dec. 6. 1901 Archdale Drive. www.standrewsumc.com.

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5.

“Drugs of Abuse in the Adolescent Population.” Learn about drugs and methods to keep your children safe. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8.

The Compassionate Friends Charlotte Chapter invites parents, family and friends to the Worldwide Candle Lighting in honor of all the children who have died from any cause and at any age. Words of remembrance and music will precede the candle lighting. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Photos with Santa, crafts, holiday store for children to shop. $5 per person; free for children younger than 2; $20 family maximum. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12. 300 Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews. Tickets: 704-844-8997.

Music in the sanctuary featuring jazz reflections with Tyris Washington and Friends followed by nativity with live animals in the courtyard. 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Dec. 5. 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. www.MatthewsUMC.org.

Dec. 5 is the church’s 100th anniversary; the church community will culminate its yearlong celebration with special events. A workshop to prepare activity packs for students at the Learning Collaborative will be held 10 a.m. Dec. 5. The Jim Boyce Silver Tones Steel Drum Band will present a free concert at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. A worship service with guest speaker Bishop Larry Goodpaster will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6. The chancel choir, accompanied by a full orchestra, will premiere a new work commissioned especially for the church’s centennial. Reception follows. 501 Hawthorne Lane. www.hlumc.org.

Enjoy fellowship and choose gifts that continue to give long after the holidays. Donation cards will be available. Part of the Christmas in Davidson celebration. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3-4 in the Congregation House.

Enjoy some holiday tunes and jam with other musicians during Christmas in Davidson. Coffee and hot cocoa will be served. 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 3 in Lingle Chapel.

Gerardo Marti, professor of sociology at Davidson College, will teach “Innovation, Resistance, and the Near Future of the American Church.” 9:45 a.m. Dec. 6, 13, and 20 in the Congregation House. 218 Concord Road, Davidson. www.dcpc.org.

A service of Advent lessons and carols will be presented by the adult, children’s, youth and handbell choirs. Traditional carols for everyone. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. 704-664-3992.

Robin Bullock and Steve Baughman will present “Celtic Guitar Christmas.” Tickets include a wine and cheese reception. 7 p.m. Dec. 6. 164 Fairview Road, Mooresville. www.welcomestpat.org.

10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Dec. 3-5. Musical performances nightly 6-8:30 p.m. 7032 McIlwaine Road, Huntersville. www.nativityfestival.com.

Interesting programs, fellowship, and travel opportunities. New people welcome. Meetings at 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month. 21007 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. For information, call Pat Alleshunas at 704-787-9257.

Free individual, marriage and family counseling. Daytime and evening appointments available. 2487 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. To schedule an appointment, provide your name and contact information to 704-664-7705 ext. 1.

Presented by the church Celebration Choir, drama ministry, Exaltation Ringers, Psalm 150 Orchestra, Renovation Youth Choir, Spirit Singers, tech team and guest soloist Becky Cook-Carter, director of opera at CPCC. Free; a portion of the love offering will go to the Urban Ministry Center. Child care for ages 0-5 available by reservation. 7 p.m. Dec. 4. 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd. www.ucumc.org.

The Queen City Ringers will present “Traditions of Christmas.” Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 5. 4012 Central Ave. 704-537-2060.

The Joyful Ringers will perform. 6 p.m. Dec. 5. 3545 Beatties Ford Road. 704-399-2717.

Celebrating 20 years of service. $25 donation to attend. 4 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Ulysses Elder Family Life Center. Reservations needed.

Guest the Rev. Donald Davis and the Christian Mission Baptist Church family. 3 p.m. Dec. 13. 821 Hawley St. 803-242-6903.

To begin this Jubilee Year of Mercy, reconciliation will be offered 11:15-11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday and 4-4:45 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 23. 507 S. Tryon St. www.stpeterscatholic.org.

Leagues for ages 5-11 and middle school. One weekly 90-minute session includes training, a game and devotion. Season begins in January. $80 for first child; $70 each additional child. 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail. www.316-Sports.com.

The Queen City Ringers will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 8. 8600 Potter Road, Weddington. www.spiritofjoy.us.

Michael O’Brien, Christian recording artist and former lead singer of Newsong, will perform a free concert. Representatives from the Heartline Foundation will share details about their work in Haiti. 7 p.m. Dec. 5. 1069 Central Drive N. W., Concord. 704-782-0565.

Pastor CeCee Mills will preside. Guest Pastor Lonnie Karriker will give the sermon. A complimentary lunch will follow the service. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6. 240 Pitts School Road N.W., Concord. 704-782-0671.

Annual “Appalachian Christmas” celebrates Christmas the way it used to be with bluegrass, country and gospel favorites of the season. Featured performers are the Amantha Mill band, Martin Moore on the hammered dulcimer, and young fiddlers Gabe and Grace Bemus. $12; children younger than 10, free. 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5. 5600 Rocky River Road. www.gracecrossingcharlotte.org.

“Emmanuel.” All are invited. Free. 6 p.m. Dec. 6. 6900 Hickory Ridge Road, Harrisburg. 704-455-5812.

Hot dogs, $1.25 each. Homemade desserts, chips, and drinks also available. Eat in or take out. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays. 1428 Old Charlotte Road, Concord. For delivery, call 704-782-3579.

Frozen turkeys and hams will be collected for Harrisburg Crisis Assistance Ministry, The Salvation Army and the Urban Ministry Center. Monetary donations go toward bulk purchases. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 4815 N. C. 49 S., Harrisburg. 704-455-2491.

Eat in or take out. Delivery for orders of $10 or more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays. 301 Mount Olivet Road, Concord. 704-782-8846; www.mtochurch.com.

Manna House provides hot, fresh meals to anyone in the community who needs them. Guests are served at the table, restaurant-style. Volunteers from the church and community cook and serve the weekly meals. Special projects of Manna House include winter coat drives, care kits, Thanksgiving meals and more. The weekly meals are served noon-2 p.m. Saturdays. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. 44 Cabarrus Ave., Concord. www.impactci.org.

8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 5 at Marathon Praise Ministries, 2230 Bancroft Drive. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Antioch Baptist, 232 Skyland Ave. www.cbcc.us.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 11:24 AM with the headline "Religion news."