Religion almanac

Religion Almanac, a roundup of local religious events open to the public, is published weekly in Faith & Values. Deadline for news releases is noon Monday for the Saturday edition. Send them to Faith & Values, Bradenton Herald, P.O. Box 921, Bradenton, FL 34206, fax them to 745-7097 or e-mail to jajones1@bradenton.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Rummage sale: The United Methodist Women of Ellenton United Methodist Church, 3607 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, will hold their semi-annual rummage and bake sale 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. March 19-20. The Christian Life Center and the Fellowship Hall will be full of household goods, collectibles, seasonal items, clothing, linens and other treasures. Lunch will be available along with homemade baked goods. Proceeds will go toward mission projects.

Folk festival: International Folk Fest celebrating cultural diversity will be held at St. Mark Orthodox Christian Church, 1517 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton, 9 a.m-6 p.m. March 20 and noon-6 p.m. March 21. Planned are ethnic food, music, raffles, cultural items display and fun for children. Admission is Free. The public is invited. Information: 920-2708.

Musical concert: Bonnie Gray and Friends will perform music from the 1940s to the 1970s at 2 p.m. March 20 at Manatee United Methodist Church, 315 15th St. E, Bradenton. The public is invited. Information: 746-0101.

Crop Walk: Members of Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3011 19th Ave. W., Sarasota, will be taking part in Crop Walk to help stamp out hunger March 21. Volunteers are needed to hand out water, direct traffic and hand out T-shirts. Information: 351-1114.

Concert: The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra performs “The Gypsy Baron” concert version by Johann Strauss II at 2 p.m. March 21 at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Tickets are available at the Anna Maria Island Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, the door or by calling 778-8585.

Music, music: A “Musical Extravaganza” will be presented at 3 p.m. March 21 at Faith United Methodist Church, 7215 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Numerous musical guests will be performing, including Juilliard pianist Glen Rasmussen; Don Huntsinger, who performs at Nikki’s; and Marianne Barnebey, Bradenton City Councilwoman, who will be the emcee as well as entertain. A free will offering will be taken. Information: 794-8067.

Gospel music: Big Band Gospel with Davie Boyer and Live Band is set for 6 p.m. March 21 at First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St. W., Bradenton. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Doors open at 5 p.m. Information: 794-1685.

Preschool invitation: Temple Emanu-El Preschool, 151 McIntosh Road in Sarasota, will hold an open house 9-10:30 a.m. March 26. Reservations are requested by March 23. Information: (941) 377-8074.

Garage sale: Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 5115 Cortez Road, will have a garage sale 8 a.m.-noon March 27. Lots of furniture, lamps, TVs, entertainment centers and assorted small appliances will be for sale.