Religion Calendar

Eastern Washington

Candlelight Christmas Concert - Traditional and contemporary music from around the world performed by Gonzaga University’s four choral ensembles, directed by Dr. Timothy Westerhaus. The concert will feature works by composers from G.F. Handel to Ola Gielo and Will Todd, as well as works in Spanish, German, Latin and more. Today 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.

“The First Christmas” - Dessert theater setting with a 40-voice choir performing new and traditional pieces, a children’s choir and drama vignettes. Today at 6 p.m. First Church of the Nazarene, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd., Town and Country. (509) 467-8986.

Christmas for Kids - For children ages 3-12, crafts, songs, creative learning activities, cookie decorating, Christmas video, the Christmas story, and a birthday party for Jesus. Parents are invited to a closing song program at 12:20 p.m. Preregister online at www.StMatthewSpokane.org or by phone. Today, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 6905 N. Country Homes Blvd. Free. (509) 326-3766.

Handel’s “Messiah” Concert and Community Singalong - A centurylong tradition featuring full choir, chamber orchestra and soloists. Concert starts at 4 p.m. Want to sing along? There is a pre-concert 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. Sunday, First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St. Free. (509) 747-1058.

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

Community Hymns Concerts - Sunday, 3 p.m., Northwood Presbyterian Church, 6721 N. Monroe St. Free. (509) 534-8080.

Moran United Methodist Church 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. Sunday, 3 p.m., Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Ave. Free. (509) 448-7102.

DeColores Handbell Choir in Concert - Concert of traditional and familiar Christmas music. Sunday, 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Baptist Church, 1222 S. McDonald Road, Spokane Valley. Optional donation. (509) 924-1234.

Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candlelighting - 18th annual event to remember children who have died at any age, from any cause. The candlelighting service begins at 6:30 p.m. with remembrance readings and music. At 7 p.m., a central candle will be lit in honor of children around the world, after which participants may light a candle and say the name and something about the children they are honoring. Candles will be provided. After the candles are lit there will be refreshments and time to socialize. The central candle is extinguished at the conclusion at 8 p.m. Bring photos and mementos of loved ones you are honoring to place on a table for everyone to see. Please bring a dessert item to share. For more information email info@tcfspokane.org, or visit Facebook at www.tcfspokane.org. Any changes will be posted on Facebook. Sunday, 6:30 p.m., Veradale United Church of Christ, 611 N. Progress Road, Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 850-0823.

Christmas Concert - Featuring His Song, a Christian men’s choral group. Sunday, 7:30 p.m., Plymouth Congregational Church, 1502 W. Eighth Ave. Free. (509) 838-8667.

Advent Reflection - Held Tuesdays, through Dec. 23, from 2-2:30 p.m. Let soft music support your intimacy with God and prepare for the miracle and mystery of Christmas. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 1926 W. Chelan Ave. (509) 326-1252.

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

“The Gift of Wait Time” - Episcopal missionary Carolyn Terry will continue a spiritual discussion and prayer event for people of all denominations. “The Gift of Wait Time” will discuss how to learn the value of waiting in the midst of a fast service culture and, while we wait for the coming of Christ in Advent, we will ponder the gift that wait time gives us. Reservations requested. Wednesday, 9-11 a.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $10/person. (509) 448-1224, ext. 102.

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. Children’s class and crafts after the meal. The whole family is welcome in making this special season a joyous time. Wednesday, 6-7:45 p.m., Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Ave., Fellowship Hall. Free. (509) 448-8522.

Advent Compline Service - Following worship, wine, juice, crackers and cheese will be served for fellowship. Wednesday, 7 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. Free. (509) 747-6677.

A Service of the Longest Night - A service of healing and hope for those experiencing grief, loss, or just are not feeling all that merry this year. Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Audubon United Methodist Church, 3908 N. Driscoll Blvd. Free. (509) 290-1992.

Hanukkah Lego Menorah - Chabad of Spokane invites you to the annual Hanukkah celebration. Watch as they build a large Lego Menorah in the Northwest and light it. There will be an olive press, candle making, latkes, doughnuts, Hanukkah gelt, Hanukkah arts and crafts, Klezemer band and more. Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1428 W. Ninth Ave. $12. (509) 443-0770.

Fireside Discussion of the Baha’i Faith - A PowerPoint presentation of the basic history and beliefs of the Baha’i Faith will be used to encourage discussion for this month’s event. Friday, 5-6 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 893-8400.

“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” - Featuring a 1940s-style presentation and (mostly) live sound effects. Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m., Central Lutheran Church, 512 S. Bernard St. Free; donations accepted. (509) 624-9233.

Harmony for the Holidays - Internationally acclaimed singer Jonathon Mancheni will perform a holiday-themed concert to benefit Catholic Charities Foundation. Friday, 8 p.m. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $25. (509) 227-7638.

Upcoming

“We Were the Reason: A Multicultural Christmas Concert” - Women’s Healing and Empowerment Network presents its second annual concert. Songs will be featured from cultures including Russian, African, Hispanic and German. You are invited to wear a costume from your favorite culture. An offering will be taken to support the programs and services of WHE Network. Dec. 20, 7-8:30 p.m., West Central Multi-Cultural Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1201 W. Spofford Ave. Free. (509) 323-2123.

German Christmas Service - The service will be given in German and English and will be officiated by the Rev. James Stern. For more information, email info@germanamerican society-spokane.org. Dec. 21, 3 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. (509) 747-6677.

Blue Christmas Service - Not everyone is feeling up and cheery for the Christmas holiday; some are feeling blue. This quiet and contemplative service is for people living through a dark time in their lives; we hold out for hope and healing. Dec. 21, 8 p.m., Covenant United Methodist Church, 15515 N. Gleneden Drive. Free. (509) 466-1768.

Clarion Brass - This Is What Christmas Sounds Like - Spokane’s virtuoso brass masters bring their quirky, playful and gorgeous original take on seasonal favorites. The jolly old lead elf for Clarion Brass, William Berry, hammers out sparkling new music every year and he drops them down the chimneys of good little brass ensembles all over the globe. Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. $20. (800) 325-SEAT.

Christmas Eve Services - Two evening services will be offered at 7 and 9 p.m. Dec. 24, Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 924-7262.

Christmas Eve Worship - Celebrate the season at three Christmas Eve worship services: Holy Communion and candlelight family worship, 4 p.m.; Holy Communion, candlelight and carols, 6 p.m.; and Holy Communion, candlelight and carols with the Chancel Choir, 11 p.m. Dec. 24, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. Free. (509) 747-6677.

Christmas Eve Services - Three Christmas Eve services will be held: A family service, 5 p.m.; candlelight service, 8 p.m.; candlelight and Communion service, 11 p.m. Dec. 24, Covenant United Methodist Church, 15515 N. Gleneden Drive. Free. (509) 466-1768.

Christmas Eve Services - Celebrate the birth of Jesus with two Christmas Eve services at 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 24, Audubon United Methodist Church, 3908 N. Driscoll Blvd. Free. (509) 290-1992.

Christmas Eve Services - A traditional worship service with Christmas carols and a celebration of Christ’s birth through Scripture will be at noon. Family candlelight service at 5 p.m. Enjoy a candlelight Communion service at 7 p.m., filled with Christmas music by the Chancel Choir. Dec. 24, Zion Lutheran Church, 8304 E. Buckeye Ave. Free. (509) 926-5407.

Spokane Christmas Church Walk and Carol Sing - Presented by the American Guild of Organists Spokane. The group will begin at Central United Methodist Church, 318 W. Third Ave., and then move on to Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ, 411 S. Washington St., before ending at Central Lutheran Church, 518 S. Bernard St. Dec. 26, 4 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, 518 W. Third Ave. (509) 838-1431.

Glad City New Year’s Party - Bring in 2015 with a dance party for all ages. Enjoy a live DJ, dance competitions, prizes, live performances and fun activities for kids. Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Millwood Presbyterian Church, Community Center, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Spokane Valley. $5/general, free/age 4 and younger, $20/family. (509) 348-0132.

Joya-E New Years Service - Ring In 2015 with the “Bell of the Last Night,” a Buddhist observance called Joya-E. Everyone who attends will participate in ringing the “calling bell” 108 times during the service, which symbolically rings out the 108 delusions of woman and man and rings in our aspiration to overcome ignorance, greed and anger in the coming year. There will be a short 30-40 minute service. Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. Free. (509) 534-7954.

North Idaho

This week

Celebrate the Christmas Story - Experience 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. Today, Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls. $14/individual, group seats available. (208) 777-7325.

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

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

Upcoming

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.