Area churches offering Christmas programs

As Christmas approaches during this accelerated Advent, Valley churches are beginning to present their annual Christmas programs.

“Foothills Community Church will host performances of its Christmas production, titled “Bethlehem Project,” at 6:30 p.m. today and Sunday. The production is the musical version of the night of Jesus’ birth and the reconciliation it brought about between the rival shepherd children and the Bethlehem town kids.

The church is at 11102 N. Forker Road.

“A Christmas program and potluck dinner will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday at Opportunity Christian Church, 708 N. Pines. The program is an Advent musical called “Away from the Manger.” All are welcome to attend.

Festival of Light

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will host its annual Santa Lucia “Festival of Light” celebration Sunday at 5:30 p.m. According to the Santa Lucia legend, Lucia was a medieval saint who fed the hungry during a famine. She was reportedly accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake after admitting she was a Christian.

Those attending are asked to bring food for a potluck meal, plus finger-food desserts. Christmas carols will also be sung.

The church is at 810 S. Sullivan Road.

U-Hi choir to perform

Chanteuse, the women’s choir from University High School, is performing the music of Advent Monday and Wednesday.

The choir will perform music from across the world Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 E. 12th Ave., and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 W. Riverside Ave.

Admission is free.

For more information, call 228-5306.

Pancake breakfast

If you’re in need of a hearty meal Sunday morning, head to St. John Vianney Catholic Church for a pancake breakfast. The meal will be served after the 8 a.m. Mass through 12:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of the meal.

The church is at 503 N. Walnut Road.