Hall’s Chapel giveaway

Hall’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church’s annual clothing and small item giveaway is today starting at 8 a.m. A light lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 611 E. Monroe and the corner of S. Clay St.

Small church with big heart provides free toys

Today from noon-4 p.m., Salisbury families can pick up free gifts for their children at New Birth All Nations Pentecostal Church, 132 E. Innes St. Led by Pastor Donnie Witherspoon, church members and volunteers will be giving away toys, gift cards, clothing and baked goods. This is the second year of the church’s existence and the second year it has hosted this event. The doors are open open to all community members. Contact Pastor Witherspoon at 704-433-7863.

‘The Light of the World’ live Nativity

CHINA GROVE — This evening from 6-9 p.m. “The Light of the World” Live Nativity will be presented on the front lawn of Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, 750 Mt. Moriah Ch. Road. Visitors may drive through or park and come to the manger for a closer look at the animals and costumed characters. Rain date: Sunday, Dec 18.

On Sunday at 10:30 a.m. the Chancel Choir will perform “While the World Slept,” directed and accompanied by Michael Kotish. The hand bell and children’s choir will also perform. For more details, call 704-857-5034.

St. Paul’s Lutheran hosts ‘Bethlehem Experience’ 

6.-8 p.m. Dec. 17 : Have you ever wondered what is was like in the town of Bethlehem on the night of Christmas Eve? What were the people like? Did they know something miraculous was going to happen in their humble home? Everyone will have the opportunity to experi-ence the little town of Bethlehem and witness,

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church’s “Bethlehem Experience” will take place in the fellowship hall. Light refreshments will follow. 205 St. Paul’s Church Road, 704-633-0922, www.splcweb.org

Christmas play at Erwin Temple CME

The Board Of Christian Education will host a Christmas program at 6 p.m. today at Erwin Temple CME Church, 155 Erwin Temple Church Road. The play titled “A Star Too Far” will be presented under the direction of Joan Geter. Praise Dancing will be given by a youth group during the program. Light refreshments will be served afterward. The Rev Ervin L. Hannah Jr. is host pastor.

12th annual Singing Christmas Tree

MOORESVILLE — West Corinth Baptist Church, 120 Corinth Church Road, will present its 12th annual Singing Christmas Tree titled “The Tree of Light” this evening Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The performances are free and open to the public with limited seating. Dean Orbison is the minister of music.

Breakfast with Santa at GLC

Gospel Lighthouse , 435 Concordia Church Road, will have Santa Claus at church on Sunday at 10 a.m. Come and see Santa and have your picture made with him and enjoy some breakfast. There will be no Sunday School that day, then stay for the 11 a.m. service. Gospel Lighthouse is one fourth mile behind Atwell Fire Department.

St. Mark’s Lutheran

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Mooresville Hwy. continues its series of Advent services. A children’s skit, “The New Star,” will be presented Sunday at 10:30 a.m., telling the story of Christ’s birth as told by the star whose light shined the way.

Organ Lutheran

On Sunday Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Organ Lutheran Church, 1515 Organ Church Road, will present a Service of Lessons & Carols, including the singing of favorite carols. The lessons will tell the story of Jesus’ birth. At 6:30 p.m. is the Christmas play, “Bed, Bethlehem, & Beyond — When Heaven Touches Earth.”

Lyerly Evangelical 

ROCKWELL — The choir of Lyerly Evangelical Church, 1320 Crescent Road, will present a Christmas cantata on Sunday at its 10:30 a.m. service. Directed by Jeff Price, the cantata features “O, Holy Night” and soloist Wendell Fisher. Carolyn Barker is accompanist. Dr. W.C. Gaither Jr., is host pastor.

St. Paul’s Lutheran

On Sunday, Dec. 18, at 10:30 a.m. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul’s Church Road, will present a Service of Lessons & Carols, featuring seven scripture lessons read by members of the congregation and carols sung by the senior choir and congregation. 704-633-0922, www.splcweb.org

Mt. Zion UCC children’s program

CHINA GROVE — During the new 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday the Mt. Zion children and youth will present the Christmas pageant “The Inn Crowd” under the direction of Pat Corriher, Jason Harwood and Carole Brooke. Mount Zion UCC, 1415 S. Main St., 704-857-1169, mtzionchinagrove.com. The Rev. Mark Burns is host pastor.

Choir program at S. China Grove Baptist

CHINA GROVE — A Christmas Celebration will be held at South China Grove Baptist Church, 501 Haney St., on Sunday, Dec. 18. The choir will present a musical “While the World Slept,” during the 10:45 a.m. service. A covered dish meal will be held at 4:30 p.m. and afterward, a praise celebration will be held in the sanctuary, followed by a candlelight service. The church is located one block off Thom St. between Hwys. 29 and 29A. Host pastor is the Rev. Tony Wagoner, 704-857-3611, www.scgbc.com

Christmas cantata at New London UMC

NEW LONDON — On Sunday, Dec. 18, the chancel choir of New London United Methodist Church, 206 S. Main St., will present “I Heard the Bells,” arranged by David Culross, as part of the 11 a.m. service. The chancel choir is under the direction of Suzie Martin, and is accompanied by Daniel Dickens and Danny Harris. A nursery is provided.

Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship 

THOMASVILLE — Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship, 108 Salem St., will celebrate 30 years in ministry for Bishop Dr. George B. Jackson, who is the pastor and founder, on Sunday at the 11 a.m. service. Jackson is the Presiding Prelate of Citadel Ministries International, and president of United Cornerstone University. A Christmas party is to follow the morning service with food, fun, and fellowship. For more information visit www.citadeloffaith.net or call 336-476-7218.

First United Church of Christ 

A worship service for the fourth Sunday of Advent will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday at First United Church of Christ, 207 W. Horah St. The Eric Webster family will be the Advent candle liturgist and light the candle of joy. Bless These Stitches knitting group will honor the first year college students. After the service, there will be a soup luncheon followed by Christmas caroling to shut in members and to several nursing homes in the Salisbury area. A Blue Christmas Service of Light and Hope will begin at 6:30 p.m., a service to acknowledge that Christmas is not always a joyous time for everyone, but it is a time of reflection and hope. First United Church of Christ is located in the Historic District of Salisbury; 704-633-2723.

Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble 

At 3 p.m. on Sunday there will be a special performance of the Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble at Christ United Methodist Church, 3401 Mooresville Road. Hot cider and cookies afterward. A free-will offering will be taken as an honorarium for the choir. The Rev. Jill S. Smith is host pastor.

Original program at Henderson Grove

Henderson Grove Missionary Baptist Church will present its annual Christmas program on Sunday at 3 p.m. The program will feature poetry, praise dances, Christmas music and an original play titled “Miss Bertha’s Christmas” written by Brenda Rice-McNeely. The Rev. Perry Dye is the host pastor.

Outreach Christian Ministries

Outreach Christian Ministries, 722 West Horah St., will be hosting its Christmas program titled “Oh Come Let Us Adore Him” on Sunday Dec.18 at 5 p.m. Come celebrate the birth of our savior though drama and song.

FFUMC Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

 The Stanback Department of Sacred Music of First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., hosts its annual Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Sunday at 5 p.m. The service is presented in the same format as the Christmas Eve service held at King’s College, Cambridge, England in 1918, with alternate readings from the Bible with carols for choir and congregation. Accompanying the choirs will be a brass quintet, organ, harp, oboe and timpani. Lectors include representatives from current church leadership and benevolent organizations. The choirs will be conducted by Matthew Michael Brown with Stephen Gourley at the organ. Repertoire will include music by Paul Halley, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Rutter, Kim André Arnesen, William Bradley Roberts, Morten Lauridsen, and others. A prelude of music for bells, harp and brass precedes the service at 4:30 p.m. An offering will be received for the music memorial fund. www.fumcsalisbury.org

Jubilee Community Choir 

Soldiers Memorial AME Zion Church hosts its annual Jubilee Communty Choir Christmas Celebration on Sunday at 5 p.m., featuring an opening reading by the Rev. Dr. Ethel Bamberg-Revis. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Kay Wright Norman is music director, assisted by Phyllis Partee.

Gloria Dei dinner and program

On Sunday, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Statesville Boulevard will have a Christmas dinner at 5 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. a Children’s Christmas Program will begin.

Musical at North Kannapolis Baptist

KANNAPOLIS — The adult choir and cast of North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust St., will present the musical “Jesus, Hope for Humanity” on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5:30 p.m. under the direction of Patrick Hunter. Call 704-933-2125 to learn more.

Pine Ridge Baptist Christmas program

CHINA GROVE — Sunday evening at 6 p.m., Pine Ridge Baptist Church, 880 Old Linn Road, will be presenting its Christmas program titled “The Night Of Miracles.” The story begins with Gabriel’s visit to Mary, their travel to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus.

North Main Baptist Christmas Cantata

“Almost There,” created by Michael W. Smith, Wes King, Bradley Knight and Luke Gamble will be presented Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at North Main Baptist Church, 1501 North Main St., 704-637-2929. Experience the awe and wonder of Christmas through the eyes of Mary.

Christmas play at The Arbor UMC 

The Arbor United Methodist Church, 5545 Woodleaf Road, will present an interactive Christmas play at 6 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 18 in the sancturary. This involves all ages of the church and Lauren Gaskill, youth director, is in charge. There will be a gathering in the fellowship hall after the play. The Revs. Frank and Mary Gordon are ministers at The Arbor.

Landmark’s annual Christmas rogram

Landmark Church, 1910 Mooresville Road, will present its annual Christmas program on Sunday at 6 p.m. The adult choir, under the direction of Mary Williams, will present a cantata “Bethlehem Morning,” featuring the youth and children in theatrical presentations depicting the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. Merritt Robinson is choreographer, assisted by Faye Wiles and Mica Poteat. Featured soloists for the event are Megan Smith, Bailey Zino and Merritt Robinson. In keeping with a Landmark tradition, old fashioned treat bags will be handed out at the conclusion of the program. A time of fellowship with refreshments will follow. For more information call 704-633-8200.

Extravaganza at Main Street Baptist 

CHINA GROVE — Main Street Baptist Church, 1615 N. Main St., will host an extravaganza celebrating Christmas, on Sunday at 6 p.m., featuring local band Vertical Praise in concert and a special “theater style” evening with music, stories and snacks. Please bring non-perishable food items to be donated to Main Street Mission in China Grove. Host pastor is Bill Beaver. The church is on Hwy 29 across from Grove Supply.

Piedmont Singing Men Concert

CONCORD — The Piedmont Singing Men will be in concert on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at Eastside Baptist Church, 199 Elgin Drive NE.

United Ministerial Alliance joint service

The United Ministerial Alliance will host its joint worship service at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, at Fairview Heights Baptist Church, 704 Old Concord Road. Elder Dr. Doris Clawson, pastor of Lilly’s Chapel Church of God, will deliver the message. The Rev. Clarence Marlin is host pastor.

Children’s program at New London UMC

NEW LONDON — On Sunday, Dec. 18, the children of New London United Methodist Church, 206 S. Main St., will present the children’s Christmas play, “The Littlest Christmas Tree,” written by Wilard Rabert Jr., Wanda Reda and Lisa Sensinger, at 7 p.m. The play is under the direction of Karen Morris, with assistance from Jackie Almond, Julie Wittman, and Judy Stickney. Daniel Dickens will be leading the children in song.

Immanuel Lutheran continues 35-year tradition

ROCKWELL —Immanuel Lutheran will host its annual Christmas Family Night and Birthday for Christ Celebration on Sunday evening, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.  The night’s festivities will begin with a musical production entitled, “A Christmas to Believe In” performed by the children and youth of Immanuel. The musical is directed by Amie Capano and Christy Trexler with Dr. Dwayne Robertson (Dr. Rob) serving as accompanist. As part of the festivities, the congregation will celebrate the Birthday for Christ by bringing gifts to the manger as Mary and Joseph light the candles on the birthday cake. The gifts will be delivered to the Health and Rehab Center at Trinity Oaks. This is the 35th year that Immanuel has continued this Birthday for Christ Celebration in partnership with Trinity Oaks and its inception was created by Rev. Bruce Sheeks during his first year as pastor of Immanuel. Immanuel Lutheran is located at 2070 Emanuel Church Road. During the children’s sermon portion of the 11:00 a.m. worship service the Children’s Sunday School classes will give a presentation entitled The Gifts of Christmas. The students, led by Connie Walls  and Carolyn Barringer, will present their own handcrafted ornaments to each person in attendance.

Milford Hills Baptist Church, 1238 W. Colonial Drive, will be hosting its monthly Community Brunch on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. The community is invited to attend this Christmas-centered event that features good food and entertainment.

St. Luke Youth for Christ

St. Luke Youth for Christ will be presenting their Christmas program on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Vanessa Heggins is the chair, Delaine Woods, Betty Hopkins-Robinson and Joyce Blackwell are adult advisors. Host pastor is the Rev. Arthur L. Heggins.

Word of Life celebrates Christmas

On Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. the Children’s Ministry and Youth of Word of Life Family Worship Center will present “Psalty and Youth in Christmas Praise,”  including recitations and liturgical dance. The church is located at 726 East Liberty St.  For information or transportation call 704-633-2431.

Christmas services Friday at Erwin Temple CME

Christmas services at Erwin Temple CME Church, 155 Erwin Temple Church Road, will be held on Friday, Dec. 23, beginning at 7 p.m. instead of on Christmas Day. Order of services will remain the same. All three choirs will participate as one. Attendees are requested to wear red and black.

Lake Community Church services 

Lake Community Church, 7800 Bringle Ferry Road, will be celebrating Christmas with our Christmas Eve-Eve Worship Gathering on Friday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. Childcare will be provided for children age 5 and under. There will be no worship gatherings on Sunday, Dec. 25. Host pastor is the Rev. Ronnie Pinyan.

Christmas Eve services will be listed in next week’s faith briefs