Religion calendar
This week
Thanksgiving Day Worship - Annual service includes a Bible lesson, National Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, prayer and hymns. Today, 10 a.m., First Church of Christ, Scientist, 310 E. 14th Ave. Free. (509) 624-1637.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner - St. Aloysius Parish, Gonzaga University and Sodexo Food Services will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for all who might otherwise be eating alone on Thanksgiving Day. If you would like to volunteer as a host or greeter, call (509) 313-7001. There will be bus service to and from the dinner at the following locations: 11:30 a.m. at House of Charity, 32 W. Pacific Ave.; noon-12:15 p.m. at Union Gospel Mission, 1234 E. Sprague Ave.; and 12:30-12:45 p.m. at UGM Men’s Shelter and Recovery, 1224 E. Trent Ave. Today, noon-2 p.m., Gonzaga University, Cataldo Hall, Globe Room, 402 E. Boone Ave. Free. (509) 313-7001.
Outdoor Christmas Tree Lighting Event - Festivities include games, crafts, live nativity, carols and refreshments. Sunday, 3-5 p.m., Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley. (509) 924-7262.
Advent Party - Annual event includes crafts for children and adults, singing Christmas carols and sharing bounty of snacks. Sunday, 4-7 p.m., Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood.
Spokane Valley Quilter Christmas Party - Potluck at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m. Bring a $10 wrapped gift for exchange. We will be collecting food for the Spokane Valley Food Bank. Open to the public. Tuesday, Spokane Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley. (509) 924-6320.
“Journey to Christmas” - Advent of Prayer led by the Rev. David Kuttner, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tekoa and St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Oakesdale. Day of Prayer begins with a Rosary at 9 a.m. and includes two conferences, lunch, the sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass. The Day of Prayer will close with Adoration. Wednesday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $35, includes lunch. (509) 448-1224, ext. 109.
The Resiliency Project: The Story of Life in Unlikely Places - An initiative of Youth for Christ giving young people a platform to share their stories with our broad community through creative arts. Youth from West Central and Hillyard will be sharing their stories of resiliency through music, art, dance, and poetry. Wednesday, 6 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $20. (509) 327-7721.
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. There will be classes and crafts for youths after the meal. The whole family is welcome in making this special season a joyous time. Wednesdays through Dec. 17, 6-7:45 p.m., Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Ave., Fellowship Hall. Free. (509) 448-8522.
Coming up
Christ’s Hands on Afrika - Christmas shopping with vendors, live performers, food and a silent auction. Funds raised will go towards sending supplies to West Africa to help with the Ebola crisis. Dec. 6, 5-9 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schafer Road, Spokane Valley. (509) 926-6363.
Spokane Inter-Faith Council - Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Center for Spiritual Living, 2825 E. 33rd Ave. (509) 534-1011.
The Living Nativity - This is a drive-through event that you watch the Christmas story unfold on a CD narrated journey to Bethlehem. You encounter Roman soldiers, Caeser, shepherds, wisemen, a bustling marketplace and lots of live animals, sheep, goats and camels. Dec. 12, 6 p.m., Amazing Grace Fellowship, 416 W. Betz Road, Cheney. Free. (509) 235-6199.
Christmas for Kids - For children ages 3-12 for a fun-filled day of Christmas activities. Crafts, songs, creative learning activities, cookie decorating, Christmas video, the Christmas story, 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.
Community Hymns Concerts - Dec. 14, 3 p.m., Northwood Presbyterian Church, 6721 N. Monroe Blvd. Free. (509) 534-8080.
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. Free. (509) 924-1234.
“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. Dec. 17, 9-11 a.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $10/person. (509) 448-1224, ext. 102.