Christ Episcopal has family nights

Christ Episcopal Church has begun its annual advent family nights, which will continue Dec. 10 and 17. The evenings include a potluck dinner, prayer and a family “make ‘n take” seasonal craft project. The public is invited.

The Christmas Saints and Sinners party will be held this year at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the home of Peter and Jane Bram in Maysville. Dinner and a humorous gift exchange will highlight the evening.

The Amy Golding Guild is sponsoring its annual Christmas White Elephant sale in the parish hall of Christ Church. Many Christmas items can be purchased at bargain prices, and the public is encouraged to browse and shop between the 8 and 10 a.m. services and again following the 10 a.m. service on Sundays.

Ashland UMC plans concert

The music ministry of Ashland United Methodist Church, 2711 Ashland Ave., with the St. Joseph chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will present “Glory to God in the Highest” at 3 p.m. Dec. 7. It is a joint concert featuring the AUMC chancel choir under the direction of Shaun Agnew, as well as local organists. The featured work for the concert will be Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” a 25-minute cantata. Composed in 12 movements, the piece was written in the mid-1700s and will feature soloists Hannah DePriest, Sally Myers and Mary Ann Penniston. Other performers will be Tom Smith, David Lewis, Sharon Gray and Donna Young, all playing holiday favorites. The concert is free to the public.

Wyatt Park Christian has nativity display

Wyatt Park Christian Church will be presenting its 18th annual drive-through nativity from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13. To view the nativity, enter at 27th and Seneca. The nativity tells the Christmas story in 10 different scenes. The scenes consist of live animals, biblically dressed characters and singers. This is Wyatt Park Christian’s gift to the community; please come and enjoy. For more information, call the church office at 232-3374.

South Park Assembly of God presents musical

South Park Assembly of God, 4405 S. 22nd St., will present “Two from Galilee,” a Christmas musical, at 7 p.m. Dec. 12. The entire cast is made up of students of South Park Christian Academy. A pre-show musical presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Seating is limited, and tickets are $5 per person or five tickets for $20. Refreshments will be served afterward in the school gym. For reservations, call 232-6424.

The musical drama is based on the love story of Mary and Joseph, depicting the overwhelming situation they faced. The play is directed by Rachel Riley.

Announcements from Wesley UMC

Wesley United Methodist at Ajax and Pear streets will be holding services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday with special music by Debbie Schwamp. A covered-dish dinner and council meeting will immediately follow the second service. The children’s Christmas program will begin at 6 p.m.

Sophia Center has presentation

Sophia Center, 751 S. Eighth St. in Atchison, Kan., will host “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” presented by Gabrielle Kocour, OSB, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16. The fee is $40. For more information, call (913) 360-6173.

Amity UMC plans Christmas event

The Amity, Mo., United Methodist Church will present “A Celebration of Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the church. The church youth will perform bell choir numbers, instrumental solos and vocal pieces followed by the Cantata Choir singing three numbers with narration from “Let Us Adore Him” by Lau. The Christmas story from Luke will be read as the youth reenact the nativity. The congregation will then join in singing favorite Christmas carols. Following the celebration, refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend.

First Presbyterian offers financial peace course

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is coming to First Presbyterian Church, 301 N. Seventh St., for 13 weeks beginning Jan. 7. The program, which will be held from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m., is for you if you want to know what God says about money. FPU is a biblically based, video-driven small-group study that teaches families to beat debt, build wealth and give as they have never been able to before.

Dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m., and free activities will be offered afterward for children and youth. The cost is $50 per household, and payment plans and limited scholarships are available. This cost covers a “Financial Peace” book and workbook, an audio CD library, budgeting forms, an envelope system, a bonus CD and more. The deadline to register is Dec 17. Call or e-mail the church office at 232-3358 or fpcoffice@stjoelive.com. All are welcome.

Walk remembers homeless

Bring a flashlight and light the night in a silent walk in memory of homeless men and women and in memory of Mike Feurt, a veterans homeless advocate, and the Rev. Richard Dierkes, a homeless advocate and supporter.

A National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day silent walk and lighted service will begin at 5:30 Dec. 18 at the Salvation Army, 618 S. Sixth St. It will end at Juda House, 700 Olive St.

Since 1990, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has sponsored National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. This year, National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) will co-sponsor this event. The local event is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Continuum of Care. For more information, contact Kathy Welsch at 390-8884 or kathy@communitymissionscorp.org or Kelly Ingram at 232-5824 or Kelly_Ingram@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Donations of blankets, sleeping bags, gloves, hats, socks, insulted coveralls and work boots will be accepted and will be given to area shelters for distribution.

Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached at religion@npgco.com.