Religion calendar

Eastern Washington This week

Newport United Church of Christ Holiday Gift and Bake Sale - Lunch served Friday from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Presented by the Women’s Fellowship. Newport United Church of Christ, 430 W. Third St., Newport. $5/lunch. (509) 447-4121.

Advent - A time of Waiting - You are invited to an Advent day of prayer and reflection. Join others for this retreat which will include Advent thoughts, guided reflection through time and prayer, personal quiet and sharing with others. 10 a.m., St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior St. $25. (509) 483-6495.

Christ’s Hands on Afrika - Christmas shopping with vendors, live performances, food and a silent auction. Funds raised will go toward sending supplies to West Africa to help with the Ebola crisis. 5-9 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schafer Road, Spokane Valley. (509) 926-6363.

Songs of Christmas - The community is welcome to usher in Christmas through vocal and instrumental music of the season. Pre-concert dialogue about the music followed by the concert at 7 p.m. 6:15 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Spokane Valley, 13608 E. 40th Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 926-5091.

“Ave!” Celebrate and Rejoice - Fifth annual concert presented by Holy Names Music Center, Spokane’s community music school, featuring 16th century to modern day music that will lift your spirits. Concert filled with music of devotion and works that span the centuries. Reception will follow. All proceeds benefit the HNMC programs and music education outreach in our community. Sunday, 2 p.m., Convent of the Holy Names, 2911 W. Fort George Wright Drive. Free, donations accepted. (509) 326-9516.

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.

Nine Lessons and Carols - Traditional service presented by the Cathedral Choir of St. John the Evangelist. Sunday, 4 p.m., St. John’s Cathedral, Great Hall, 127 E. 12th Ave. (509) 838-4277.

Feed Medical Lake – Free meal, 5-6 p.m. Monday, St. John Lutheran Church - Medical Lake, 223 S. Hallett St., Medical Lake. (509) 714-1150.

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 Reflection - Tuesdays, through Dec. 23, from 2-2:30 p.m. Enjoy music and prepare for the miracle and mystery of Christmas. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 1926 W. Chelan Ave. (509) 326-1252.

Simplify Your Holidays - Bring joy back to the holiday season with thoughtful exercises and discussions to help you reflect what these celebrations mean to you. Classes facilitated by Georgette Thornton. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Unity Spiritual Center, 2900 S. Bernard St. $5-$10/suggested donation. (509) 838-3807.

Advent Compline Service - Evening prayer service followed with fellowship, wine, juice, crackers and cheese. Wednesday and Dec. 17, 7 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. Free. (509) 747-6677.

Candlelight Christmas Concert - 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 Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets online at commerce.cashnet.com/ GUCHOIR. St. Aloysius Church, 330 E. Boone Ave. $15/online, $20/door. (509) 313-6733.

The Living Nativity - This narrated drive-through event that allows you watch the Christmas story unfold. You encounter Roman soldiers, Caesar, shepherds, wise men, a bustling marketplace and lots of live animals. Friday, 6 p.m., Amazing Grace Fellowship, 416 W. Betz Road, Cheney. Free. (509) 235-6199.

Upcoming

Christmas for Kids - For ages 3-12 for a fun-filled day of Christmas activities. Crafts, songs, creative learning activities, cookie decorating, and a special birthday party for Jesus. Parents are invited to a closing song program at 12:20 p.m., at which time the children will sing the Christmas song they learned. Register online at www.StMatthewSpokane.org or by phone. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 6905 N. Country Homes Blvd. Free. (509) 326-3766.

A Clear Vision of Jesus’ Birth - A DVD Advent series with Kenneth E. Bailey during the adult education hour. Dec. 14, 21, 8:45 a.m., Northwood Presbyterian Church, 6721 N. Monroe St., Town and Country. Free. (509) 328-2012.

Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Concert and Community Sing-along - A century-long tradition featuring full choir, chamber orchestra and soloists. Concert starts at 4 p.m. Want to sing along? For community sing-along 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. 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.

Christmas Cantata - Enjoy “O Holy Night” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Foothills Community Church, 11102 N. Forker Road. (509) 926-4971.

North Idaho This week

19th Annual Craft and Gift Fair - Presented by Coeur d’Alene Christian School. Featuring craft and gift items, lunch, coffee, hot cocoa, hot cider and baked goods. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Christian School, 6439 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Free admission and parking. (208) 772-7118.

St. Luke’s Snowflake Faire - Handmade crafts, affordable gifts, homemade soup and pie, original art, raffles, gently used treasures, baked goods, stocking stuffers. 9 a.m., St. Luke Episcopal Church, 501 W. Wallace, Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free admission. (208) 664-5533.

Ceremony of Remembrance - Speaker for the 11th annual event is William Paul Young, best-selling author of “The Shack and Crossroads.” Enjoy a free continental breakfast, Christmas music, reading of names and memorial Christmas ornament, to honor loved ones who have died, whether that loss is recent or long ago. Please register at www.lakecitycc.org/ceremony. 9:30 a.m., Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 676-0632.

Friendship Kitchen - Community meal on Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m. St. George’s Parish Center, 2010 N. Lucas St., Post Falls. Free. (208) 773-4715.

Upcoming

Celebrate the Christmas Story - The Christmas story in dance and drama, performed by the Paradosi Ballet Company of Tacoma. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit 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.

Gospel Jubilee - Featuring The Jubileers, Noah and Friends and Juanita Anstine. Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m., Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. (208) 704-2739.

Christmas Music Cantata - “Images of Adoration – Reflections of Christ in Symbols of the Season,” a special morning of music which includes a choir of more than 25 singers, soloists, an instrumental ensemble of 12, narrators and visuals. Two free performances: 9 and 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided for children. Dec. 14, Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 765-8800.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - Celebrating the birth of Jesus, Dec. 24, 5 p.m., Pacific Avenue Christian Church, 3639 W. Prairie Ave., Hayden. (208) 772-7541.