John Calvin

“Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem: A Spiritual Journey through Advent,” is a four week long Sunday school class meeting this month at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.

The class is inspirational and devotional in nature and is designed for those who want to slow down and sink into the Advent season.

John Calvin Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Overman Ave. and Brenner Ave., across from the V.A. Medical Center. Parking is in the rear, off of Overman. The class will be held in the hut, a small, light-gray building between the fellowship hall and the parking lot, beginning at 9:45 a.m.

Singing Christmas tree

A singing Christmas Tree presentation, “From the Manger to the Cross,” will be hosted by West Corinth Baptist Church on Dec. 16 and 17.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17.

The West Corinth choir will be joined by members of Shiloh United Methodist Church, Granite Quarry; Cascade Baptist Church, Mooresville; and Oak Grove United Methodist Church, China Grove.

The church is located at 100 Corinth Church Road off N.C. 152 between China Grove and Mooresville. The choirs are directed by Dean Orbison.

Hoffman concert

Composer/performer Marc Hoffman will be in concert at Park Avenue United Methodist Church for the 11 a.m. Sunday worship.

He will perform songs and pieces from his recently released Christmas CD, “Christmas Time.”

He studied voice, composition and piano at Pfeiffer University prior to attending the North Carolina School of the Arts, where he received a scholarship through the school’s Foundation to spend a summer studying at The Dartington International Summer School of Music in Devon, England.

He makes over 100 appearances yearly.

The church is located at 500 Park Avenue. For more information, contact the Rev. Annalee Allen at 704-633-4219.

First Presbyterian

KANNAPOLIS — First Presbyterian Church, 201 Vance St., will present its Christmas cantata, “Christmas Crossroads,” at the 10:55 a.m. Sunday worship.

The cantata will feature the Chancel Choir, Kidz Khoir, and youth in a contemporary collection of Christmas selections with readers’ theater.

Several familiar carols are set in a contemporary framework. Various solos will punctuate many of the 10 choral selections. The readers’ theater weaves the Christmas story with the musical selections.

The presentation, written by Dennis and Nan Allen, will be presented in the sanctuary.

For more information, call 704-938-4623.

St. John’s

The Crusader Choir of St. John’s Lutheran Church will present “Stars, Angels, Shepherds, Kings,” at the 10:45 a.m. Sunday service of worship.

The musical recounts the story of the birth of Christ as told by the attending stars, angels, shepherds, and kings. The choir will be directed by Rob Durocher with Joan Rusher as accompanist.

The music is by Patrick Messick and the original script is by Jill Jones. During the service, children will receive a traditional homemade chrismon.

An Advent luncheon will be served in the fellowship hall after the service. Tables will be decorated with congregation members’ holiday collections. Donations will be accepted for a special Christmas offering to Rowan Helping Ministries.

St. John’s Contemporary Service, Center Celebration’s sermon series for December is “Longing for God.”

Pastors Jennifer Ginn and Carl Sachtleben will present contemporary messages based on Bible passages from Psalm 51. Troy Buechler and Lindsay Wineka are worship leaders for December. Center Celebration starts at 9 a.m. Sundays.

St. John’s is located at 200 W. Innes St. The church is handicap accessible.

First Baptist

KANNAPOLIS — The Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church will present its annual Christmas musical on Sunday.

“Once Upon a Night,” written by North Carolina composer Pepper Choplin is Saint Luke’s account of the birth story.

The cast and choir will present the musical at 6:30 p.m.

The church is located at 101 N. Main St. For more information, call 704-938-4697.

Church of God

CHINA GROVE — Grady Ross will be facilitate the School of Prayer at South China Grove Church of God at 10 a.m. Sunday.

The Rev. Joyce Miles, pastor, will present a challenge to be faithful and fruitful at the 11 a.m. worship. There will be no evening service on Sunday as the church will be singing in at the Journey to Bethlehem at 6:30 p.m.

South China Grove Church of God is located at 163 Third Ave. For more information, call 704-467-4555.

First Methodist

CHINA GROVE — The First United Methodist Church Adult Choir will present the Christmas cantata, “Jesus, There’s Something About That Name,” at 8:30 and 11 a.m. services on Sunday.

The Christmas musical is based on one of the most cherished Gaither songs of all time. The Handbell Choir will present “Carol of the Bells,” during the service.

Lisa Troutman is the director of music ministries.

Neel Road Baptist

A Christmas cantata will be presented 7 p.m. Sunday at Neel Road Baptist Church.

The special presentation of Christmas music and drama will be held in the church sanctuary.

Neel Road Baptist Church is located at the corner of Neel Road and Mooresville Road, approximately five miles west of Salisbury.

Pastoral anniversary

A banquet will be held at First Baptist Church in honor of Overseer Annie L. Smith’s 13th pastoral anniversary.

Smith is the pastor of Lifeline Triumphant Pentecostal Church, located at 405 N. Lee St.

The anniversary observance will continue Sunday with the Rev. Terria A. George speaking at the 11 a.m. worship and Bishop Tony O. Carter speaking at 4 p.m. Services will be at the Lee Street church.

Providence AME Zion

The Senior Usher Board of Providence AME Zion Church, 2415 Providence Church Road, will sponsor a worship service at 3 p.m. SUnday.

The Rev. Jordan Boyd, pastor, Sills Creek AME Zion Church, Mooresville, will be the guest speaker. He will be accompanied by his choir, congregation, and ushers.

The Rev. Harold Jordan is the pastor of Providence AME Zion.

Christmas musical

The Adult Choir of Community Baptist Church will present the Christmas musical, On Christmas Day,” at 6 p.m. Sunday.

The choir will be under the direction of Darrell Carper.

The Rev. Christopher O’Guin is the pastor of Community Baptist Church, located on Carolina Street. For more information, call 704-636-0984.

Cantata presented

The combined choirs of First Reformed Church and Dayspring Community Church will present the cantata, “Jesus, No Other Name.” The presentation will be at 6 p.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall of First Reformed, 210 N. Central Ave., Landis.

Approximately 60 people are involved in the cantata and drama. Pastors of the churches are David Franks, First Reformed, and Gerry Steedley, Dayspring Community.

For more information, call 704-857-7119.

Trinity Wesleyan

The children and youth of Trinity Wesleyan Church will present a program of music and readings at 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Christmas message will be followed by a reception in the Family Life Center.

Trinity Wesleyan is located on the corner of Mooresville and Sherrills Ford roads.

Immanuel Lutheran

ROCKWELL — On Sunday evening, the Immanuel Lutheran Church Choir will perform the Christmas cantata, “Together for Christmas.” The cantata uses a blend of new music, beloved carols and traditional melodies with a narrative and texts to promote the theme for the season: hope, peace, joy and love.

The congregation will participate in the singing of several Christmas carols before the cantata. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall following the 7 p.m. performance.

Nettie Loflin is organist/director.

Immanuel Lutheran is located at 2070 Immanuel Church Road. The Rev. Bruce Sheeks is the pastor.

Jubilee Chorus

The Jubilee Chorus will present its annual Christmas concert, “Mary, had a Baby, O My Lord!” 5 p.m. Sunday at Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church, 500 Partee St.

The performance will open with a candle light procession, “The Morning Star.” After the concert, the congregation will join the choir in the singing of selected carols.

The service will close with “Silent Night,” as the candle light recessional.

The presentation is held jointly with members of St. Luke Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Donald Anthony, pastor, Crown In Glory Lutheran Church, will be liturgist. The Rev. Bobby Smith is the host pastor. Kay Wright Norman is music director.

Liberty AME Zion

COOLEEMEE — Liberty AME Zion Church will celebrate its 128th anniversary with a service at 3 p.m. Sunday. The speaker will be the Rev. Herbert R. Warren Jr., presiding elder of the Salisbury District, Western North Carolina Conference of the Piedmont Episcopal District.

He received a bachelor of science degree from Livingstone College and is working on a master of divinity at Hood Theological Seminary.

Before being promoted to presiding elder in 1998, he was the pastor of Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church, Hickory, for over 13 years.

He and his wife, the former Carrie Floyd of Brewton, Ala., have two children and four grandchildren.

Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Bertha E. Pittman is the pastor of Liberty AME Zion Church, 271 Gladstone St.