EVENTS
Christmas at Bethany: Annual Christmas Concert with a 30-piece orchestra and 100-voice choir will be 3 and 7 p.m. today, at Bethany Christian Assembly, 2715 Everett Ave., Everett. Open seating and free admission. More info: www.bcachurch.com.
Arlington Nativity Festival: This free, non-denominational event includes hundreds of nativities from around the world, a live nativity scene and live musical performances along with children’s crafts and photo opportunities. The festival is open noon-8:30 p.m. today and 3-8:30 p.m. Sunday. Choir concert is at 7 p.m. Hosted at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 17222 43rd Ave. NE, Arlington. More info: www.arlingtonnativityfestival.org.
Walk-Through Living Nativity: Free program wraps up from 6:30-8 p.m. today at Cedarhome Seventh-day Adventist Church, 28505 68th Ave. NW, Stanwood. Hear the Wise Men tell the Christmas story anew, listen to an angel choir and visit Mary and Joseph in the stable. Cookies and hot drinks, too.
Carols: The Northwest Boychoir’s “A Festival of Lessons and Carols” concert series visits Bothell at 7:30 p.m. today at Bothell United Methodist Church, 18515 92nd Ave. NE. The concert features a 90-member combined chorus of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle and is patterned after the Christmas Eve observance at King’s College in Cambridge, England, with readings and carols. Tickets are $15-$25. Another concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. SW in Lynnwood, with tickets running $10-$25. To reserve in advance: 206-524-3234 or www.nwchoirs.org.
Festival of Lights: The Chabad Jewish Center of Snohomish County invites the public to celebrate the Festival of Lights at a Menorah Lighting Ceremony, a first in the county’s history. The Chanukah celebration will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Centennial Plaza in downtown Edmonds, 121 Fifth Ave. N. Participants are encouraged to bring a candle. The event will feature speeches by the new rabbi of the Jewish Center and a representative of Freedom Foundation, the kindling of the giant nine-foot Menorah, and delicious holiday doughnuts. More info: 425-640-2811.
Debate on God’s existence: The Rev. Gary Jensen of Zion Lutheran Church in Snohomish and Jim Corbett of the Humanist Society of North Puget Sound will hold a public debate, “Does God Exist?,” at 7 p.m. Monday in the Wilderness Auditorium, Jackson Center, at Everett Community College, 2000 Tower St., Everett. “Where do the facts of science and history and the insights of human experience point?” Donations for the Red Cross will be accepted.
Community Chanukah: The Chabad Jewish Center, 19626 76th Ave. W. in Lynnwood, will hold a Community Chanukah celebration 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The event will feature a live olive press show, latkes and doughnuts, arts and crafts and face-painting for children. More info: 425-640-2811, Rabbi@JewishSnohomish.com.
Advent Soup Supper: Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 615 E. Highland Drive in Arlington, holds soup suppers on Wednesday and again Dec. 19, followed by a short Advent worship service at 7 p.m. on the theme “Prepare the Royal Highway.”
Holiday Luncheon: The Mill Creek Christian Women’s Connection will hold its holiday luncheon Dec. 13 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 2066 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Cost is $22. Bring homemade goodies to sell at a mini-bazaar and money for dollar bags. Sing Christmas songs with special music guests, Max and Ilyse Yuleman of Lynnwood, and hear Kathy Murphy of Bellingham speak about “One Doll’s Journey.” Reservations required by Dec. 10. Contact Connie at 425-774-4571 or millcreekcwc@yahoo.com.
Evening Shabbat and Chanukkah Celebration: Bring your Chanukiah and join in a communal lighting and musical Shabbat celebration at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 followed by an ice cream sundae oneg at Temple Beth Or, 3215 Lombard Ave., Everett. Led by Rabbi Jessica Marshall. More info: 425-259-7125, office@templebethor.org.
Day of Recollection: The Rev. Paul Koenig will present a message, “Emmanuel: ‘God With Us,’” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Carmelite Institute of Spirituality, 27008 78th Ave. NW, Stanwood. Suggested donation is $15 to $20. Bring a sack lunch. Coffee and tea provided. More info: 360-629-4032.
Holiday Food Baskets: Help Advent Lutheran Church in Mill Creek fill more than 600 grocery bags with traditional holiday food items and other essentials for 200 needy families. The assembly line starts at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 15. The church is located at 4306 132nd St. SE. More info: 425-337-5373, www.adventlutheran.net.
Christmas concert: The Boeing Employees Choir presents holiday classics for all ages at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Cedar Cross United Methodist Church, 1210 132nd St. SW, Mill Creek. No admission charge; freewill offering. More info: 425-338-7845.
The Christmas Rose: The Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church choir, under the direction of Laurie Breon, will present this Christmas concert during the 10:30 a.m. service Dec. 16. The church is at 615 E. Highland Drive in Arlington.
Christmas Wishes: Arlington United Church, 338 N. McLeod Ave., invites the community share their Christmas wishes for a better place or a special joy on provided waterproof greeting cards and then tie them to a decorated fence south of the sanctuary. Cards will be available throughout December. The public is welcome to read and enjoy the cards. Then, on Dec. 23, the cards will be taken down and brought to the altar and dedicated by Deena Jones, pastor. More info: 360-435-3259.
Food drive: The Christian Science Church, 1718 Broadway in Everett, is sponsoring a food drive through Dec. 17 to benefit Volunteers of America Food Bank. Bring donations to the church. More info: 425-252-9182.
Quiet Lights Candles Christmas Festival: Tour the Convent of the Meeting of the Lord in Stanwood, make your own beeswax candles or buy others made by Orthodox Christian nuns at this small convent. Hours are noon-7 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22. Call the convent to arrange a weekday visit. The convent is located at 29206 64th Ave. NW. More info: 360-629-0285, www.quietlightcandles.com.
MEETINGS, SERVICES
Honoring Bodhi Day: Living Interfaith Church’s 11 a.m. Sunday service will remember Chanukah but focus largely on Bodhi Day. In Buddhism, Bodhi Day celebrates both enlightenment and the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment. Guest speaker Cathy Merchant will talk about what “enlightenment” refers to, and ponder who our “everyday buddhas” might be. As always, donations of nonperishable food items (for people and pets) for the Lynnwood Food Bank are encouraged. A potluck social time will follow the service. Living Interfaith meets in the cafeteria at Alderwood Middle School, 20000 28th Ave. W., Lynnwood.
Advent services: Grace Lutheran Church hosts advent services Wednesdays in December through Dec. 19. Dinner is ready at 6 p.m. followed by services at 7 p.m. The church is at 8401 Holly Drive, Everett. More info: 425-353-1852 or www.grace-everett.com.
A Service of Light on the Longest Night: On the longest night of the year, in the season of long dark nights, this quiet meditative service will offer a place to share our hurting places with God. The service, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, will be held in the chapel at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St., Edmonds.
Longest Night “Blue” Eucharist: A Christmas worship service that is quietly reflective, with the opportunity for those who attend to formally remember those they have lost and who may choose to also receive the sacrament of healing (anointing), in addition to communion. The service, at 7 p.m. Dec. 21, will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2301 Hoyt Ave., Everett. More info: 425-252-4129.
Mill Creek Longest Night Service: A special evening service on the longest night of the year geared at those who struggle with the holidays because of grief, job loss and other concerns will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Cedar Cross United Methodist Church, 1210 132nd St. SE in Mill Creek. All are welcome. More info: 425-338-7845.
Independent Bible Study: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Christian Science Reading Room, 1718 Broadway, Everett. More info: 425-252-9182.
No Disabled Souls Ministry: Anyone with special needs is welcome at No Disabled Souls Ministry sessions 7-8:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month in Green Room off Henson Hall at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 2619 Cedar St., Everett. The ministry focuses on art as a therapeutic tool. More info: Carlene Nelson, 425-355-3138.
Torah Studies: Chabad of Snohomish County hosts Torah Studies classes 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Torah Studies is a program of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. Classes run through Dec. 26 at 19626 76th Ave. W., Suite B, Lynnwood. More info: www.jewishsnohomish.com or 425-640-2811.
Christ-based recovery group: Harbor Light Church, 132 112th St. SW in Everett, hosts a recovery group at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Open to all. More info: 425-353-2837 or 206-427-5123.
free meals, clothing
Sanctuary Ministries: provides gently used clothes 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursdays in its Care Center at 15533 75th St. NE, between Lake Stevens and Granite Falls. More info: 360-386-9871.
Meals in Everett: Gold Creek Community Church hosts a free hot meal and provides sack lunches, 5-6 p.m. the first, third and fifth Sunday of the month in the parking lot of Central Lutheran Church, 2702 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Clothes available some days.
Salt of the Earth Soup Kitchen: noon Tuesdays at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2531 Hoyt Ave., Everett. Free sack lunches or hot meals served to the homeless, low-income seniors and families, and kids on the street. Volunteers needed to help cook, set up, serve and clean up. More info: Sandra, 425-355-1042.
Annie’s Community Kitchen: 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Edmonds Lutheran Church, 23525 84th Ave. W., Edmonds. All are invited for food and fellowship.
Dinner at the Bell: 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Everett First Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. More info: 425-259-7139.
Dinner Bell Outreach: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. More info: 425-252-7224.
Sanctuary Care Ministries: Free clothing available 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursdays at Sanctuary Ministries Church, 15533 75th St. NE, Lake Stevens. More info: 360-386-9871.
Community dinner at Zion Lutheran Church: 6 p.m. Wednesdays at 4634 Alger Ave., Everett. More info: 425-252-1429 or www.zionlutheranofeverett.com.
Community dinner at Northlake Christian Church: 6 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at 19029 North Road, Bothell. More info: 425-672-8044.
First Nazarene Church of Everett lunch: Noon every Monday at 2502 Lombard Ave., Everett.
Faith Lutheran Church free community lunch: Noon-1 p.m., social hour 1-2 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month. Faith Lutheran is at 6708 Cady Road, Everett. More info: 425-353-4758.
Everett First Baptist Church Friday meal outreach: 5:15 p.m. Fridays at Everett First Baptist, 1616 Pacific Ave., Everett.
The Table free community dinner: 6 p.m. Thursdays at Mountain View Church, 9015 44th Drive NE, Marysville. Children welcome. More info: 360-659-0445.
Loaves and Fishes free community supper: 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays at Sultan Community United Methodist Church, 212 Birch St., Sultan.
Salvation Army of Everett fellowship meals: 5:15 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Recovery meetings held at 6 p.m. Mondays. The Salvation Army is at 2525 Rucker Ave., Everett. More info: 425-259-8129.
Snohomish community kitchen at St. John’s: 4:30-6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at the church at 913 Second Ave. More info: 360-568-4622.
Valley Clothing: 10 a.m.-noon and 6-8 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 17146 Beaton Road SE, Monroe. More info: 360-794-7749. Clothing donations accepted during open hours or by arrangement. Email SnoValleyClothing@yahoo.com.
Send Faith Calendar items to newstips@heraldnet.com.
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