Churches present Christmas programs
The Christmas spirit starts to flow in earnest this weekend as several Valley churches put on annual Christmas programs. You can take in one (or two) to create a few special Christmas memories.
•Valley Assembly of God will put on three performances of its dramatic musical production “A Spokane Valley Christmas.” The play is set in Watertown, New York, in 1890. The family friendly drama will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and next Saturday and at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the church, located at 15618 E. Broadway Ave.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Call 924-0466 for more information.
•The Sunday School students at Foothills Community Church will perform their Christmas program at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the church, located at 11102 N. Forker Road. The program is titled “Christmas Q & A.”
•The children’s Christmas program will be presented during the 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services Sunday at Milllwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road.
•The children of Opportunity Christian Church will present their annual Christmas program at 5 p.m. Sunday. The play is titled “The Dream.” The program will be followed by a potluck dinner and a guest from the North Pole. The church is at 708 N. Pines Road.
•The teen and children’s choirs at Spokane Valley Nazarene will join the production of “Christmas Starr” during the 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services Sunday. The church is at 15515 E. 20th Ave.
Celebrate Christmas
The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection will host a Christmas party and potluck Sunday at 5 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to share. Rumor has it that a certain jolly man with a red suit and white beard will make an appearance.
The church is at 15319 E. Eighth Ave.
Santa Lucia
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 810 S. Sullivan Road, will host its annual Santa Lucia Festival of Light Sunday at 5:30 p.m. The evening includes a potluck dinner, so bring a dish to share along with “finger” treats. There will also be Christmas carol singing.
A Christmas story
Every year the Rev. Linda Crowe of the Veradale United Church of Christ writes a Christmas story to read to her congregation in the weeks before Christmas. The contemporary story will be included in the 10:30 a.m. worship service Sunday. The church is at 611 N. Progress Road.
Living nativity
New Life Assembly of God Church has become known for its outdoor living nativity with its extravagant (and very large) set. This year’s effort includes live actors, lighting, music and special effects. Each performance is 15 minutes long, and performances run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. each evening beginning Friday and continuing through Dec. 19.
Free refreshments are served, and Santa drops by for a visit every night. The church is at 11515 E. Broadway Ave. Call 926-0362 for more information.
A Blue Christmas
The holiday season can often be a tough time of year for those who have lost loved ones. Zion Lutheran Church will host a special “Blue Christmas” service for those struggling with loss and depression at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The church is at 8304 E. Buckeye Ave.