Religion Calendar

Eastern Washington

This week

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.

Advent Reflections - Tuesdays, through Dec. 23, from 2-2:30 p.m. Get away during this quiet time each week and 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.

“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.

Newport United Church of Christ Holiday Gift and Bake Sale - Friday-Dec. 6. Christmas gifts, baked goods, handcrafted items, white elephant table. Lunch served Friday from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sale Friday and Saturday, 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.

“The Proof of Serenity: Immersion in the Serenity Prayer” - Serenity 12-Step Retreat held Friday-Dec. 7 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.

Coming up

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. The event will include a catered lunch donated by Texas Roadhouse BBQ and appearances from Santa, Disney princesses, “Star Wars” characters and Santa’s helpers. Families can make arts and crafts, open gifts, play bingo, take pictures with Santa and more. Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Valley Real Life Ministries, 1831 S. Barker Road, Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 232-0840.

Advent - A Time of Waiting - An Advent day of prayer and reflection. Join others for this retreat day that will include Advent thoughts, guided reflection through time and prayer, personal quiet and sharing with others. Dec. 6, 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 performers, food and a silent auction. Funds raised will go toward 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.

“Light the Winter’s Dark” - Heidi Muller and Bob Webb cross the musical boundaries between original songs and traditional tunes. With dulcimers, guitars, mandolin, electric cello and Muller’s vocals, they have released three recordings and perform across the nation. Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W. Fort George Wright Drive. $12 adults, $15 at the door, $5 students 12 and younger, free child care. (509) 448-2631.

“Ave!” Celebrate and Rejoice - Fifth annual concert presented by Holy Names Music Center. World premier performance of William H. Mays’ composition of The Psalms 23 The Lord is My Shepherd sung by Andrea Dawson. Reception will follow. All proceeds benefit the HNMC programs and music education outreach in our community. Dec. 7, 2 p.m., Convent of the Holy Names, 2911 W. Fort George Wright Drive. Free, donations accepted. (509) 326-9516.

A Clear Vision of Jesus’ Birth - A DVD Advent series with Kenneth E. Bailey during the adult education hour. Dec. 7 and 14, 8:45 a.m., Northwood Presbyterian Church, 6721 N. Monroe St. Free. (509) 328-2012.

Christmas Cantata - Join us for a special Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah.” The Millwood Community Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir will perform this classic work with a string quartet from the Spokane Symphony. Dec. 7, 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. Dec. 7, 4 p.m., St. John’s Cathedral, Great Hall, 12th and Grand Blvd. (509) 838-4277.

Feed Medical Lake - Free Meal - Second Monday of the month, 5-6 p.m. Dec. 8, 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. Dec. 9, Center for Spiritual Living, 2825 E. 33rd Ave. (509) 534-1011.

Simplify Your Holidays - Exercises and discussions to help you create more authentic holidays that reflect what these celebrations mean to you. Classes facilitated by Georgette Thornton. Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m., Unity Spiritual Center, 2900 S. Bernard St. $5-10/suggested donation. (509) 838-3807.

The Living Nativity - This is a drive-through event in which you watch the Christmas story unfold on a CD-narrated journey to Bethlehem. 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 crafts, songs, creative learning activities, cookie decorating, Christmas video, the Christmas story and a special birthday party for Jesus. 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.

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. For community sing-along singers, 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. 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.

“Light for the Journey” Holiday Concert - Spokane Area Youth Choirs and special music guests perform holiday favorites. SAYC offers choral music training to students ages 7-18. Dec. 14, 3 p.m., Westminster Congregational Church of Christ, 411 S. Washington St. $8. (509) 624-7992.

Decolores Handbell Choir - Dec. 14, 4 p.m., Spokane Valley Baptist Church, 1222 S. McDonald Road, Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 924-1234.

Community Hymns Concerts - Dec. 14, 3 p.m., Northwood Presbyterian Church, 6721 N. Monroe St. 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. Reservations requested. Dec. 17, 9-11 a.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $10/person. (509) 448-1224, ext. 102.

North Idaho

Coming up

Friendship Kitchen - Community meal on Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 11, St. George’s Parish Center, 2010 N. Lucas St., Post Falls. Free. (208) 773-4715.

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. Dec. 6, 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. Dec. 6, 9 a.m., St. Luke Episcopal Church, 501 W. Wallace St., 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, self- serve continental breakfast, Christmas music, reading of names and memorial Christmas ornament, to honor loved ones who have passed away, whether that loss is recent or long ago. Please register at lakecitycc.org/ceremony. Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m., Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. Free. (208) 676-0632.

Celebrate the Christmas Story - Join us for a living worship experience of the Christmas story in dance and drama, performed by the Paradosi Ballet Company of Tacoma. Enjoy great food and a Christmas experience you won’t soon forget. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit www.reallifeministries.com. Dec. 13, Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls. $14/individual; group prices available. (208) 777-7325.