LANDIS — Calvary Fundamental Baptist Church, 414 Upright St., will hold their covered dish Christmas dinner, today, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.
The Christmas program will be held Sunday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. The Rev. Allen Merrington is pastor.
MOORESVILLE — West Corinth Baptist Church presents its sixth annual Singing Christmas Tree, with Minister of Music Dean Orbison, on this evening, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. (and twice on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.) The tree has become a Christmas tradition in the Atwell township community. The church is located off Hwy. 152 between China Grove and Mooresville. The performances are free and open to the public with limited seating. Pastor is Robert Suttles. The church address is 110 Corinth Church Road.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church will host an Advent dinner tonight, Dec. 22, at 6:30 p.m. as a fund raiser for the Youth Group, which will serve as hosts. The church is located at 4401 Statesville Blvd, 704-245-5805.

CHINA GROVE — Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church’s choir will present the Christmas cantata “Behold the Star” at the 10:30 a.m. worship service Sunday, Dec. 23.
On Monday, Christmas Eve, at 6 p.m. the Christmas play, “The Best Christmas Present Ever” will be presented. The play is directed by Mary Lambert and Janet Parsons with members of the congregation participating. Later that night at 9 p.m. the church will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion service. The church is located at 750 Mt. Moriah Church Road, 704-857-5034.

The Children of Second Presbyterian Church at 732 Lincolnton Road, will present “Happy Birthday Jesus” during the 11 a.m. worship service tomorrow. Everyone is invited to join in as party goers.
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion will be at 7 p.m. on Monday. Jeremy Krider is guest organist.
ROCKWELL — Sometimes, something as simple as a pair of shoes can make all the difference. This message will be portrayed in the musical “The Christmas Shoe Tree,” performed by the children and youth of Immanuel Lutheran Church Sunday beginning at 7 p.m. during the church’s Christmas Family Night festivities.
The “cast and crew” previously challenged members of the congregation to bring new and gently worn shoes to augment the set for this performance, and bring shoes they did ­— oodles of shoes! After the Sunday night performance, the shoes will be sent to the Soles4Souls Challenge and given to those who either have no shoes or are in need of new ones.
The musical is directed by Amie Capano and Christy Trexler. Youth members Steffi Sides, Taylor Trexler, Mack Freeman and Dominique Karriker will perform the roles of the main characters. Mack and Alex Freeman, Dave Guo and Tyler McCubbins will perform special musical selections. As part of the celebration, the congregation will celebrate the Birthday for Christ by bringing gifts to the manger as Mary and Joseph light the candles on the birthday cake. Bryson Lane Blanton, born last Friday, Dec. 14, will make his debut as Baby Jesus under the watchful eyes of his parents, Samantha and Randy Blanton, who will portray Mary and Joseph. Following the service, all attending will receive a Christmas treat bag as the cast and other children in attendance will feast on the birthday cake!
Immanuel Lutheran is located at 2070 Emanuel Church Road.

LANDIS — Paul and Cindy Talley of Talley Ministries in Eden, will lead two Christmas music worship celebrations at Landis First Assembly, 302 E. Corriher St, on Sunday, Dec. 23, at the 10:30 a.m. worship service and the 6 p.m. evening worship. Light refreshments will be served after the evening service.
Paul Talley plays several musical instruments including electronic keyboard, several trumpets, accordion, and electric guitar, and Cindy plays the base guitar. In worship, Paul leads the congregation in singing original songs as well as more familiar songs. He also will preach a brief message at each service.
MILLBRIDGE — The children and youth of Thyatira Presbyterian Church will present the annual Joy Gift program, Sunday, Dec. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Refreshments in the fellowship hall will follow the program.

First Presbyterian Church at the corner of S. Fulton St. and W. Innes Streets, will celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent with music, stories and refreshments.
At 8:30 and 11 a.m. is worship in the sanctuary. The Resurrection Brass Ensemble and Sanctuary Choir will lead worship. At 8:50 a.m. in Lewis Hall is the Contemporary Service of Lesson and Carols, featuring the LCW Praise Team Band and Singers along with the Bell Tower Ringers.
The Advent Gathering (fellowship and light refreshments) is at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. A ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’ party for children ages 2 years through 5th grade will be held at 10 a.m. Also at 10 a.m., Karl Hales will be in Lewis Hall, telling stories of Christmas.

FAITH — On Sunday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., the children of Faith Lutheran Church will present “Christmas Letters – the Musical,” directed by Don Deming, choir director. Refreshments will be served following the program.
Faith Lutheran’s Christmas Eve Candlelight service, Dec. 24, will be at 10:30 p.m. The handbell choir will play the prelude. Choir selections during the communion service include “All is Well” arranged by Ronn Huff and featuring a solo by Emma Grace Shoe. An offering for Rowan Helping Ministries will be received. Faith Lutheran is located at 205 South Main St.

Mt. Tabor UMC celebrates Advent and Christmas Sunday, Dec. 23 at 11 a.m. with the Christmas Cantata Worship Celebration. Mt. Tabor UMC is located just north of Ellis Park at 4520 Old Mocksville Road. From downtown Salisbury get on Mocksville Ave. (the road that Rowan Regional Medical Center is on) and head north. Mocksville Ave. becomes Old Mocksville Road. Cross over E. Ridge Road and the church will be one mile on the right.

A worship service for the fourth Sunday of Advent is at 11 a.m. on Dec. 23 at First United Church of Christ. The Mark Schiemann family will be liturgist and light the candle of Love. The children’s message will be presented by pastor Carol Hallman.
At 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall a “Blue Christmas Service” will be held, an informal service designed for persons who feel they have nothing to be joyous about during this Christmas Season of joy. Possibly they have lost a job, lost a family member, or are alone with no family to share their feelings of loneliness. All are welcome at these special services
On Christmas eve, a candlelight worship service will be held at 7 p.m. The Brent Snipes family will be liturgist and light the Christ Candle. A special story of love will be shared by pastor Carol Hallman, Holy Communion will be observed and the chancel choir will have special music. Following the service a time of fellowship will be held in the fellowship hall.
First UCC is located in the Historic District of Salisbury, 207 West Horah St., 704-633-2723.

The Festival Of Nine Lessons and Carols at FUMC will be Sunday, Dec. 23 at 5 p.m., under the direction of Matthew Brown. The service will be accompanied by brass quintet, organ, harp, oboe, and timpani. The order of service is patterned directly after the renowned service held each year in Kings College Chapel Cambridge, England.
The church will open for guests at 4:15 p.m with a voluntary of music for harp beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The church is located at 217 S. Church St. For information, contact Matthew Brown at matthew@fumcsalisbury.org or 704-636-3121, ext. 104.

St. John’s Lutheran Church will hold a Contemporary Service of Lessons and Carols at 9 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 23 and a Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.
On Christmas Eve is family worship with a service of Holy Communion, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., in the sanctuary. The Music of Christmas is presented by the many youth of St. John’s beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and service of Holy Communion is Monday at 9 p.m. in the sanctuary.
St. John’s is located at 200 W. Innes St. For information, call 704-636-3431.
Providence AME Zion Church, 2415 Providence Church Road, will have the Third Sunday in Advent Season and Christmas Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 23. Dinner will be served at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Zacharias Allen, senior pastor, will preach.
Christmas events at the Potter’s House Outreach Ministries are:
Dec. 24: 11 a.m., Christmas Eve Community Candlelight and Communion Service.
Dec. 26-28: Call To Prayer Services, 7 p.m. nightly • Dec. 26, Rev. Leamon E. Brown, First Calvary Baptist • Dec. 27, Minister Rod Kerr, First Baptist Church; Dec. 28, First Lady Peggy Johnson, Antioch Baptist Church.
The church is located at 119A&B Clancy St.

CHINA GROVE — FUMC China Grove will have a 5 p.m. and a 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service on Monday, Dec. 24. Special music will be provided 15 minutes prior to the beginning of each the services. The church is located at 110 W. Church St.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 375 Lumen Christi Lane, announces its Christmas Eve and day Mass schedule:
• Monday, Dec. 24
5 p.m.
7 p.m.
9 p.m. (in Spanish)
• Tuesday, Dec. 25
11:15 prelude Christmas caroling
Midnight
10:30 am
Call 704-633-0591 for dtails.
SPENCER — Spencer Presbyterian Church will hold a candlelight and communion service Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. The church is located on 1st Street off of Salisbury Ave. across from the entrance to the NC Transportation Museum.
KANNAPOLIS — First Presbyterian Church in Kannapolis will conduct a Christmas Eve Service on Monday, Dec. 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This will be a candlelight service of carols and the Christmas story. To give participants an opportunity to unwind from the hectic day, an extended musical prelude will begin at 5:15 p.m. The service itself will consist of singing familiar Christmas carols, special music by the Chancel Choir, a brief message by pastor, Darryl Evans, and will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony. The tone of the service will be one of joy and celebration.
First Presbyterian is one of the few churches in the area which offer a Christmas Eve service earlier in the evening, geared to all ages. Many families find this more suitable to their schedules. For additional information, call 704-938-4623 or visit www.FirstPresb.org

First Baptist Church of Salisbury, located at 223 N. Fulton St., 704-633-0431, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Monday, Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

CHINA GROVE — Christmas Eve Services at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 326 N. Main St., are Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. with a family service where the story of Christmas will be shared. Following the service will be a celebration the birthday of Baby Jesus.
Preludes are at 9:30 p.m.; the service at 10 p.m. Come share the Christmas joy during our Candlelight Communion Service. The Rev. Dr. Keith Copeland is pastor, 704-857-2092.

ROCKWELL — Lyerly Evangelical Church, 1320 Crescent Road, will have a traditional candlelight worship at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The choir will present the “Worthy of Worship” cantata, which will include a multimedia presentation and member Linda Povalkins doing worship signing. Dr. W.C. Gaither Jr. is pastor.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul’s Church Road, will have two Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Dec. 24. Both services will include special music by the Bell Ensemble, Men’s Choir, and soloists, with scriptures, messages, and Holy Communion.
In addition, a six-week class taught by Rev. David L. Trexler on the book of Revelation will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church beginning in January. The class will be held on three different days, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Contact the church office at 704-633-0922 to register for the class that best works for you. If you need to miss a class on the day that you choose, simply come to one of the other classes that week; the same material will be taught. Classes begin on Sunday, Jan. 13, from 3-5 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m.-noon. There is no charge to attend the classes.

RICHFIELD — Mt. Zion Lutheran Church will celebrate Christmas with a candlelight communion service on Christmas Eve, Monday at 7 p.m. A special service of Lessons and Carols is also planned for Sunday, Dec. 30 at 10:30 a.m. Call the church at 704-463-7280 or visit www.mtzionrichfield.org

On Dec. 24 Christiana Lutheran Church will celebrate the birth of Christ and remember in candlelight vigil the tragedy at Newtown, Connecticut. Worship begins with special music by the Handbell Choir under the direction of Kathy Haynes, and by Becky Morris, music director and organist. The Service of Holy Communion begins at 7:30 p.m. Worship will conclude with a special candlelight vigil. The public is invited. Christiana is located at 6190 US Hwy. 52, five miles South of I-85 across from Old Stone Winery.

Enochville — St. Enoch Lutheran Church, 701 Campbell Ave., Kannapolis, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Holy Communion, Monday, Dec. 24, at 8 p.m. For information email stenoch@ctc.net or call 704-932-8461. Pastor is John Mark Beam.

St. Paul’s traditional Christmas Eve service begins at 10:30 p.m. with the “Caroling and Prelude to the Christmas Eve Mass” followed by mass at 11 p.m. with the Rev. Rick Williams, Vicar, officiating. St. Paul’s is located at 930 South Main St. at the corner of Harrison Street. Parking is behind the church. Visit http://st-pauls-salisbury.dionc.org/, 704-637-9404.
CHINA GROVE — The Real Meaning Of Christmas will be celebrated at South China Grove United Methodist Church with Christmas Devotions on Christmas Morning from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. This is an informal time when everyone is invited to come and share something of the Spirit of Christmas apart from the mere holiday hype with a fictional Santa. Doc Warner is pastor. The church is located at 230 Rose Ave.

KANNAPOLIS— The Mobile Meals Ministry, which is under the auspices of Unity United Methodist Church, 8605 Unity Church Road, has just been awarded a $10,0000 grant from Walmart’s “12 Days of Giving” campaign. Mobile Meals Ministry provides a free, hot noon day meal to the elderly, the physically challenged convalescing persons who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. They have 37 volunteers and three part time employees who prepare and deliver approximately 17,000 free meals yearly to parts of Rowan, Cabarrus and Iredell counties. “We rely on the generosity of local people, churches, fundraisers and grants like this on we are receiving from Walmart to make this ministry available to our recipients. Walmart has truly blessed us!” indicated Mary, administrative asst. of Unity United Methodist Church