Religion calendar
This week
Comedian Anita Renfroe - Hosted by Friends of Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Program in Coeur d’Alene. Purchase tickets at anitainspokane.eventbrite.com/. Today, 7 p.m., Valleypoint Church, 714 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. $20. (208) 699-6262.
“The Proof of Serenity: Immersion in the Serenity Prayer” - Serenity 12-Step Retreat held Friday-Sunday and led by Sister Julie Wokasch. Begins with dinner at 6 p.m. and extends through lunch on Sunday. Register at www.ihrc.net or by phone. Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $185/single, $280/couple. (509) 448-1224, ext. 109.
American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest Holiday Party - Valley Real Life Church will host the American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest’s annual Holiday party and Reunion. Families can make arts and crafts, open gifts, play bingo, take pictures with Santa, and more. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Valley Real Life Ministries, 1831 S. Barker Road, Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 232-0840.
Christ’s Hands on Afrika - Christmas shopping with vendors, live performances, food and a silent auction. Funds raised will go towards sending supplies to West Africa to help with the Ebola crisis. Saturday, 5-9 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schafer Road, Spokane Valley. (509) 926-6363.
Christmas Cantata - Join us for the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah.” The Millwood Community Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir will perform with a string quartet from the Spokane Symphony. Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. Free. (509) 924-2350.
Spokane Inter-Faith Council - Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Center for Spiritual Living, 2825 E. 33rd Ave. (509) 534-1011.
Advent Soup Suppers - The Advent devotional will focus on “Not a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem” by Adam Hamilton presented by the Rev. Barbara Caviezel. Classes and crafts for children and teens after the meal, as well. The whole family is welcome in making this special season a joyous time. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6-7:45 p.m., Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Ave., Fellowship Hall. Free. (509) 448-8522.
Coming up
Candlelight Christmas Concert - Dec. 12-13. Hear traditional and contemporary music from around the world performed by Gonzaga University’s four excellent choral ensembles, comprising around 150 singers in total and directed by Dr. Timothy Westerhaus. Two performances, Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/GUCHOIR. St. Aloysius Church, 330 E. Boone Ave. $15/online, $20/door. (509) 313-6733.
Celebrate the Christmas Story Join us for a unique living worship experience of the Christmas story in dance and drama, performed by the Paradosi Ballet Company of Tacoma. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit http://www.reallifeministries.com/ real-life-womens-event-celebrate- the-christmas-story/. Dec. 13, Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls. $14/individual; group prices available. (208) 777-7325.
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Concert and Community Singalong - A century-long tradition featuring full choir, chamber orchestra and soloists. Concert starts at 4 p.m. For community singalong singers, there is a rehearsal at 2:30 p.m. Please arrive by 2:15 p.m to check out a score (or bring your own) and get seated. Dec. 14, First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St. Free. (509) 747-1058.
Moran United Methodist Church’s Children’s Christmas Program - After the program, enjoy refreshments in the Fellowship Hall with a special appearance by Santa Claus. Free pictures will be taken with Santa and treats provided. Any child who would like to participate in the Christmas pageant is welcome. Rehearsals are held at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays in the education classrooms. Dec. 14, 3 p.m., Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Ave. Free. (509) 448-7102.
Decolores Handbell Choir - Dec. 14, 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Baptist Church, 1222 S. McDonald Road, Spokane Valley. (509) 924-1234.