Maranatha Bible Church celebrates Advent

Maranatha Bible Church, 2320 Statesville Blvd., ushers in the season with the presentation “The Gift of Christmas” on Sunday at the 10 a.m. service.

Holy Cross hosts Fall fellowship

MOCKSVILLE — On Sunday the Finance and Stewardship Committee of Holy Cross Lutheran, 1913 US Highway South, is hosting its annual Fall fellowship luncheon. There will also be a short congregational meeting to distribute the 2017 budget.

The Christmas program will follow. The story is set in Bethlehem and is focused on the animals gathered around the Nativity. Children and adults will take part.

A pot luck lunch will be shared, with beverages and dessert provided. Worship is at 9 a.m. followed by the morning’s activities.

Dedication of new organ at Shiloh

GRANITE QUARRY — Shiloh United Methodist Church, 234 S. Main GQ St., will present a concert on Sunday at  3 p.m. to dedicate the new Rodgers 559 Organ. The organ is a two manual 233-voice organ installed by R.A. Daffer Church Organs.

The organ is a gift from the estate of Philip Maxwell Brown. Organist for the concert will be Susan Brown Trivette, niece of the donor. Mrs. Trivette is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Greensboro with concentrations in flute and organ. She formerly served as organist at Shiloh United Methodist Church and is currently organist at First United Methodist Church of Christ, Salisbury.

The program will include selections by Bach, Handel, Pachelbel and Vivaldi, as well as hymn arrangements and Christmas selections.

The public is invited to attend this free concert.

Matthew Weaver at Maupin Ave.

Matthew Weaver will present a program of holiday and sacred music at Maupin Avenue AR Presbyterian Church at the Women’s Ministry annual Christmas party at 5 p.m. on Sunday, which is open to all.  The music will be followed by food and fellowship.  For more information call Betty Sunding at 704-636-7756.

Calvary Baptist presents ‘Heaven’s Child’

Sunday at 6 p.m., the Music Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church, 2255 E. Ridge Road, will present the Christmas musical/drama “Heaven’s Child,” presented by the adult choir and assisted by the grade school children’s choir and the church’s drama ministry.

This free event is the kickoff to the Christmas worship and celebration season. For more information call 704-633-2567. Host pastor is Dr. Rick Cockerham and music minister is the Rev. David R. Hutchins.

The Piedmont Singing Men

CONCORD — The Piedmont Singing Men will be performing a free Christmas concert on Sunday, at 6 p.m. at New Gilead Reformed Church, 2400 Old Salisbury Concord Road.

Candlelight service at United Baptist

KANNAPOLIS — Celebrate with the missionaries at United Baptist Church, 3001 Clermont Ave., at the candlelight service at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Rev. Tiffany Miller of Salisbury’s Macedonia Baptist Church will be the minister of the hour. The Rev. John E. Jones is host pastor.

Liberty UMC seniors meet

GOLD HILL — On Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. the Sunshine Seniors will have a covered dish meal and bingo at Liberty United Methodist Church, 3940 Liberty Road.

In My Father’s House, led by the Rev. Roosevelt Jenkins, meets the first two Thursdays of each month. The next service is Dec. 8 and will meet in the second floor conference room number 4.

Rev. Jenkins is continuing in the study of “The Purpose Driven Life’ and  on the book ‘The Love Dare.’

Live drive-through Nativity at Cleveland First Baptist 

Submitted by Pastor Kestler Ruth 

CLEVELAND — Cleveland First Baptist Church is beginning a new tradition this year by hosting its inaugural free Live Drive-Through Nativity.

Discussion over the past two years has been in the air to make this happen, but this year it is coming true.  Live characters and animals will be present.  Excitement is in the air as set-up is underway.

Their mission in this new ministry to the community is to present a short, simple presentation of the true meaning of Christmas to everyone without any viewers having to get out of their vehicle.  The church also provides all viewers to enjoy the presentation with some complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

The dates for this event are Dec. 9-10 from 6:30-8 p.m. Bring family, friends or church groups to celebrate the season.

Pit cooked meals at  First Baptist Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS — First Baptist Church, 1311 East First St., will be sponsoring a pit-cooked chicken and rib meal on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $10 for half chicken, two sides, dessert and drink or ribs (4), two sides, dessert and drink. To pre-order call the church at 704-933-6601 Tuesday through Friday  10 a.m.-4 p.m. With questions, contact Sherri Robinson, financial secretary, at 704-652-2036.

Assemblies & Lifeline United hosts Young

HIGH POINT — The Rev. Dr. Mary Young of Richmond, Va. will be the guest speaker for Overseer Annie Smith’s pre-anniversary service. Services will be held at Assemblies & Lifeline United, 301 East Lexington Ave., in High Point on Dec. 11 at 11 a.m.

Blue Christmas at St. Luke’s Lutheran

MT. ULLA — On Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 11020 NC Hwy 801, will host a “Blue Christmas” worship. If your heart is heavy or stressed and worried with burden this “season of joy,” join this special shorter and quieter Blue Christmas worship service. Call 704-278-2710 or visit www.stlukesmtulla.org to learn more.