Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Catholic Church will have an Advent mission starting Sunday night at 7 p.m. and concluding with a penance service on Thursday.
The Rev. William Gaffney, CSsR., of the Sacred Heart Apostolate in Syracuse, N.Y., will be assisted by Gloria Anson. The theme of the mission is “At Home with Jesus.”
On Sunday at 7 p.m., the team will discuss “Jesus is Alive ó More than ever, we need Jesus.” On Monday at 7 p.m., the theme will be “Jesus Forgives and Forgets: Let the transformation begin”; Tuesday, “Opening Our Hearts and Homes to Jesus”; Wednesday, “Building a Civilization of Love.”
Parishioners will be encouraged to celebrate the enthronement of the Sacred Heart in their homes.
Gaffney is a Redemptorist Missionary who will emphasize the importance of families during his homilies and talks with children.
The penance service will be 7 p.m. Thursday with visiting priests assisting in the Rite of Reconciliation.
Lessons and Carols
First United Church of Christ, 207 W. Horah St., will present an Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols at the 11 a.m. service this Sunday.
“Prophets and Angels” by Aaron David Miller is based on the message of prophets and angels heralding the good news of Christ. It includes carols and hymns, scripture readings, and reflective texts by Herbert Brokering.
Participating in the Lessons and Carols are readers of the congregation: Joshua Schiemann, Frances Wensil and Hayley Mikkelson; the Rev. Michael Childress, minister; Dennis Jewett, choir director; Susan Trivette, organist, Kim Tyler, oboist; and the Chancel Choir with Jackie Chapman, Kaitlin Springs, Kristopher Watson and Matthew Newton who are Catawba Choral Scholars. David and Dena Najarian with their son, Joseph will light the third Advent Candle of Joy.
The public is welcome to attend.
First UCC will also celebrate Christmas Eve by coming to God’s manger for a service on at 7 p.m. Dec. 24.
Worship will conclude with lowering the lights and each person taking the light of a single candle and passing it to the next person until the glow is throughout the sanctuary, as participants sing “Silent Night.”
A reception will follow in the fellowship hall, sponsored by Church Women.
Christmas cantata
KANNAPOLIS ó The First Presbyterian Church in Kannapolis will present the Christmas cantata “And Glory Shone Around” during the 10:55 a.m. worship service this Sunday in the sanctuary.
This choral work celebrating Love’s Perfect Light was written by Lloyd Larson and Douglas E. Wagner. It blends new melodies and familiar carols.
The cantata is under the direction of Dr. Don Simmons, and features the Chancel Choir with dramatic narration by members of the congregation.
The front of the sanctuary will be banked with poinsettias.
The public is welcome to attend.
For more information, call 704-938-4623 or visit www.FirstPresb.org.
Live Nativity
KANNAPOLIS ó Trinity United Methodist Church, across from A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, will present a live Nativity at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
Refreshments will be served.
This is the sixth year for the event.
It takes about 100 people working on various parts of the production to present the Christmas story.
Prospect PresbyterianMOORESVILLE ó The public is invited to a Christmas musical production celebrating the birth of Christ at 7 p.m. this Sunday at Prospect Presbyterian Church.
This Christmas musical pageant, “Isn’t It a Strange Way,” written by Prospect’s music directors Melody and Murdoch Morrison, will be presented by the chancel choir with a variety of children, youth and other adults involved in this big celebration.
For those who do not drive at night, transportation can be provided by calling the church office at 704-664-1514.
The church is located at 9425 West 152 Highway west of China Grove.
New Beginning
KANNAPOLIS ó New Beginning Church of God, 1124 Thomas Ave. Kannapolis, is holding revival services Dec. 15-17.
The theme is “Together We Stand, Divided We Fall: Women Building God’s Kingdom.”
Services are at 7 p.m. each evening.
The scheduled speakers are as follows:
Dec. 15: Evangelist Betty Simonton, Mooresville.
Dec. 16: Evangelist Barbara Chambers, Mooresville.
Dec. 17: Evangelist Willie Roseman, Salisbury.
Speakers are all from New Beginning Church of God
For more information, call the church office at 704-938-2088.
Calvary Lutheran
SPENCER ó The schedule of events being offered by Calvary Lutheran Church of Spencer, located on Fifth Street are:
– Dec. 17, “Journey Toward The Light.” A free meal will be provided at 6 p.m. and the service begins at 7 p.m.
– Dec. 19, 7-9 p.m., open house during Spencer 2008 Holiday Tour of Churches.
– Dec. 21, 11 a.m., “Candles & Carols,” Christmas cantata and children’s play.
– Dec. 24, 7:45 p.m., Christmas musical prelude, followed by 8 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight communion service.First Calvary Baptist
First Calvary Baptist Church, 400 S. Long St., is hosting the conclusion of a series of services with the Rev. Dr. James D. Ballard, evangelist and Baptist minister.
Ballard began a quarterly revival series at First Calvary in March. He will conclude the series at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. The public is invited to attend the service which will be held in the sanctuary.
Ballard, a native of High Point, has a career as theologian, educator and civil rights advocate spanning more than 53 years. He currently serves as interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina and is former pastor at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.
He is a member of the general board of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, the general board of the Lott Carey Foreign Missions Convention and the general board of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.
The Rev. Leamon E. Brown is pastor of First Calvary. For more information, call 704-633-2818.
Family workshop
First Calvary Baptist Church, 400 S. Long St., is offering a family conference and workshop on Saturday, Dec. 20, 1 to 4 p.m.
This is the first of a series of conferences and workshops aimed at family relationships. Exploring the theme, “Restoring The Family,” the initial conference will focus on ages 12 to senior citizens and will feature guest presenters, dramatizations, and group discussions.
Guest presenters include the Rev. Thomas Wyatt, pastor, and Mrs. Tina Wyatt of Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ. Both also serve as counselors, working with at-risk youth and their parents.The Livingstone College Theater Arts Department, under the direction of Dr. Michael Connor, will perform two skits written especially for the workshop.Representatives of the Adolescent Family Enrichment Council will also serve as resources in the conference which will address sensitive issues that impact self esteem and peer relationships, including self image, risky behavior, bridging the generation gap, healthy relationships and spirituality, media and its effect on youth.
The conference is open to the public and families are encouraged to attend. The content of the conference may not be age appropriate for children under 12.
For additional information, contact The Reverend Leamon E. Brown, pastor of First Calvary, at 704-633-2818.
Salem Lutheran
Salem Lutheran Church on Sherrills Ford Road continues its celebration of Advent. The Chrismon tree is on display in the chancel, covered with handmade ornaments made by Salem members through the years.
The congregation continues its baptismal emphasis this Sunday as new members are received at the 10:45 a.m. service. The three-week emphasis includes a baptism on each Sunday, and the reception of other members by transfer or by affirmation of baptism. Salem’s Youth and Family Team will present the children’s Christmas program at 5 p.m. Sunday, “The Christmas County Spelling Bee,” a musical that includes nine songs, including Michael W. Smith’s classic, “Emmanuel.”
Following the program, the congregation is invited to a meal in the fellowship hall.
The church is located at 5080 Sherrills Ford Road.
For more information, call 704-636-0352 or visit www.salemelca.org.
St. Matthews Lutheran
St. Matthews Lutheran Church invites the public to share in their celebrations of Advent. Preparations are being made by changing the paraments and putting up Advent wreath, garlands and wreaths, Chrismon tree and poinsettias a week at a time.
Other celebrations include Christmas caroling by the Jr.LYNC Dec. 14 at 4 p.m to shut-ins followed by a light meal served by the Unity WELCA group in the fellowship hall .
St. Matthews Sunday School, youth and scouts will participate with the Sharing Shepherd Ministry of the Salem Men’s Chorus by delivering Christmas gifts and clothes to the 68 children that have been adopted, and gifts toward food and electric bills for the winter for the 30 families represented by these children in McDowell County, W. Va.The annual cantata, “Holy Child of Bethlehem” by the senior choir, volunteers of the congregation, handbell choir and special solos will be the 10:30 a.m. service Dec. 21 with narration by Mike and Linda Ludwick. At 7:30 p.m., the annual Christmas play will be presented by the children of the church.
On Dec. 24, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a Christmas Eve worship service with Holy Communion and singing of hymns.There will be a short meditation at the 10:30 a.m. worship on Dec. 28, followed by the traditional reading of the Lessons and Carols.
The public is invited to all services.
Pastor Gary Coble will be joined by Volley Hanson, intern, in leading these services. The church is located at 9275 Bringle Ferry Road.
Southern City
EAST SPENCER ó Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church will have a Christmas concert this evening at 6 p.m.
The Rev. Thomas D. Lee, the church’s pastor, will be featured as the soloist along with other members of the choir. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of songs in celebration of the birth of Christ. A free will offering will be taken. Dinner will be served in the fellowship hall after the concert.
On Sunday, the church will culminate the end of a fund raiser for a baby grand piano. The musical instrument will be dedicated during the morning worship service. Elmira P. Henderson served as fundraiser chairman.
Dinner will be served in the fellowship hall after the service. The public is welcome to attend.
Southern City is located at 940 S. Long St.
Third Creek AME Zion
CLEVELAND ó The Stewardess Board of Third Creek AME Zion Church will celebrate their annual Family and Friends Pew Rally Sunday at 3 p.m.The Rev. David Rankin, a son of Third Creek, and the members of South Iredell AME Zion Church in Troutman will render the service.
Each family and friends of the family are asked to sit on the same pew together.
Dinner will be served at 1:30 p.m.
The church is located at 413 E. Main St. The Rev. Donnie C. Kent is pastor.
Resurrection Life
The Rev. Max Hayes will perform an evening of Christmas worship and praise on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Resurrection Life Church, located at 216 S. Main St.
Hayes has played piano and sung since age 8.
The candlelight service will center around the birth of Jesus Christ. A love offering will be received.
The Rev. Jerry Snipes is the pastor of Resurrection Life Church.
For more information, call 704-638-0002.
Moore’s Chapel
Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church, 500 Partee St., will host its annual Christmas music program entitled, “Holidays In Praise” this Sunday at 5 p.m
The program will feature in song Master Julian Hunter of Winston-Salem and Little Misses Lauren Black, Ann-Jelita Harrington, Francescia Harrington and Sage Staley.
The celebration will also feature soloists, Linda Cureton Dillard and Virginia Rush. Special guests will be The Life of Worship Praise Ministry of Kings Mountain.
All are invited to come and join in a celebration of song and praise. The Rev. Carolyn D. Bratton is the pastor.
Immanuel Lutheran
ROCKWELL ó The 30-member adult choir of Immanuel Lutheran Church will present the cantata “And Glory Shone All Around” by Lloyd Larsen and Douglas E. Wagner at the 11 a.m. service this Sunday.
This is a new cantata, written in 2008. It combines newly-composed melodies with traditional Christmas carols.
Nettie Loflin is director and organist. Also accompanying the choir will be Adelina Cato, violinist, and Dominique Karriker, flutist. Billy Goodman and Peggy Leazer will be narrators.
All present are invited to stay after the cantata for a reception in the fellowship building.
The Rev. Bruce C. Sheeks serves as pastor of Immanuel Church, located 2 miles southeast of Rockwell on Immanuel Church Road.