Religion news

Compiled by Erica Batten

Indoor display of hundreds of nativity sets from around the world, photo booth with nativity scenery and costumes, crafts, scavenger hunt, musical performances by school, church and community groups. People of all faiths are welcome to attend. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 10-12. 5815 Carmel Road. www.charlottenativityfestival.com.

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. Third St. Tickets: www.carolinapromusica.org.

4 p.m. Dec. 13.

6 p.m. Dec. 18. 1901 Archdale Drive. www.standrewsumc.com.

“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.

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.

Based on Pete Briscoe’s “A Savior is Born,” we will 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. The chancel choir will present “A White Dove Flew From Heaven” and “Song of Mary.” 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 13. 2810 Providence Road. www.providenceumc.org.

10 a.m. Dec. 13. 7000 Providence Road. www.grace-charlotte.org.

The church choir and orchestra, youth and children’s choirs will present “Prepare Him Room.” 9:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 13. ASL interpretation provided at 9:45 a.m. 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.calvarychurch.com/christmas.

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

6:45-7:15 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16. 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 13 and 20.

“Your Journey from Mourning to Joy” will offer help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. Sessions begin in January. 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. www.matthewsumc.org.

The community is invited to drive through the Good News story of Christmas. Scenes from Old Testament prophesy to the birth of Christ. Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 14-15. 2048 Carmel Road. www.carmelpresbyterian.org.

Join us for “Caroling on the Lawn.” Bring lawn chairs, flashlights, and merry Christmas voices. Instruments welcome. 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17. 737 E. Woodlawn Road. 704-523-5052.

The chancel choir, accompanied by pianist Dr. Mark Lewis and members of the Charlotte Symphony, will present “Were You There on That Christmas Night?” 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13. 4200 McKee Road. www.stfrancischarlotte.org.

Free. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 12-13. 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. www.harrisonchurch.org.

Come be a part of our multi-ethnic prayer and praise service, a lively time of celebrating the living presence of God among us! 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 3100 Selwyn Ave. www.mouzonumc.org.

“Breath of Heaven.” 5 p.m. Dec. 13. Annual church family Christmas party follows. 6713 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe. 704-301-6929.

Three major collections have been taking place at the church to provide food, clothing, blankets, toys and gifts to people who are struggling. The Thanksgiving food drive provided hundreds of families a bag of food and a $25 gift card to purchase fresh meat. A coat, blanket and toy drive provides new and gently-used items to people in need. The Angel Tree project provides new clothing and toys for children and adults. 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. www.stmarknc.org.

Amy Grant and Art Garfunkel’s “The Animals’ Christmas” tells the story of Jesus’ birth from the perspective of the animals. Free. 8 p.m. Dec. 11. 20700 N. Main St., Suite 104, Cornelius. www.pogchurch.net.

Please join us for a service of Advent lessons and carols 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.

Robert Hobby’s “Holy Light” has scripture readings, meditations, and carols with organ, brass, piano and handbells. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 13. 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius. www.mtzionumc.net.

Concert includes choirs and handbells. 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 13. An outside living nativity will be on view 30 minutes prior to each performance. 150. S. Church St., Mooresville. .fbcmooresville.com, 704-664-2324.

The church welcomes all to “Darkness Into Light: A Christmas Musical Journey” by Mary McDonald. 6 p.m. Dec. 13. 1430 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville. www.fairviewumc.org.

Gerrie Daniel’s Christian Academy of Music presents “A Holiday Recital” featuring children ages 5-17, along with their parents, playing instruments, singing and dancing to sacred and secular music. 5 p.m. Dec. 19. 524 Dellwood Drive, Huntersville. 704-875-6180.

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.

Frank Dooley will lead the combined choirs of Newell Baptist and Iglesia Bautista Filadelfia, which worships at Newell Baptist, as they present “The First Noel, Jesus is Born.” 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 11 a.m. Dec. 20. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184; www.newellbaptistchurch.com.

At a special service held Nov. 22, the church welcomed the Rev. Wesley Frye as their new pastor. Frye is a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University. He earned a master of divinity from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, S.C. Frye and his wife, Elicia, have four children.

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.

Hot dogs and taco soup, $1.50. Chips, drinks and homemade desserts also available. Proceeds support local missions. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays. 1030 Burrage Road N.E., Concord. www.epworthnc.com.

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.

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.

Performances by local artists, including Christian rap by Just HIS League, mime by Erica Kiser and solo artists Kenyatta Sanders and Ametrius Davis. $10; free for age 5 and younger. 2-4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Carole Hoefener Center, 610 E. Seventh St. www.eventbrite.com/e/gospel-celebration-tickets-19135603104.

The Grace Notes Choir and Grace Ringers will present “Festival of Carols.” Celebrate the story of the birth of Jesus through beautiful music and the reading of the nine lessons from scripture. 7 p.m. Dec. 13. 2955 S.C. 160 W., Fort Mill. www.gracewired.org.

The choir and handbell ensemble will present an Advent service of lessons and carols. 2 p.m. Dec. 13. 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill. 803-548-7282 ext. 249.

“The Storyteller’s Gospel Show” with Margaret Caldwell will air at 9:30 a.m. Sundays. www.wrhi.com.

Kids’ craft stations, face painting, photo booth, artists’ bazaar, games, latkes, much more. Free and open to the public. 4-6 p.m. Dec. 12. Brisket dinner and menorah lighting, 6-7 p.m. $10 for nonmembers. 303 Tom Hall St., Fort Mill. RSVP: yorksynagogue@gmail.com.

The Reform Jewish Congregation is currently holding Shabbat services at 7 p.m. each second and fourth Friday in the ministry building at Saint Philip Neri Catholic, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill. Religious education is held 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Blooming Einsteins, 2752 Pleasant Road, Suite 103, Fort Mill. 803-619-9707; www.templesolelsc.org.

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 13 at First Baptist Church West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave. www.cbcc.us.

Speak with the townspeople, visit the marketplace and stable as it was when Jesus was born. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

7 p.m. Wednesdays. 950 Bradley St., Concord. www.clcofconcord.org.

This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Religion news."