Religion Almanac: Dec. 10

The Center for Spiritual Living Manatee holds services at 11:30 a.m. Sundays at the Unity-in-the-Woods campus at 4200 32nd St. W., Bradenton. Rev. David Owen Ritz on Dec. 11 and 25. Rev. Maria Shamaya Clemente on Dec. 18. Potluck and fellowship are offered after services. spirit@cslmanatee.org.

The Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road, will host an afternoon of fun at the Manasota Hanukkah Shopping and Crafts Fair 1-4 p.m. Dec. 11. Inaugurate the Festival of Lights with music, crafts for children, Hanukkah tales and gifts. 941-313-9239; www.alkatzcenter.org

The Anchormen, 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at Happy Gospel Church, 1915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. Love offering. 941-756-6942.

Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will the following holiday events:

Study: “With Melody in Our Hearts” at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20 in Roser Memorial Chapel. Everyone is invited to this unique study based on the familiar carols of Advent and Christmas taught by Dr. Bob O’Keef.

Advent Music Festival: Musicians at Roser Community Church will perform a special musical presentation at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Dec. 11 in the Roser Sanctuary. This Advent Music Festival will feature all ensembles at Roser Church – Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Joyful Noise Children’s Choir, Roser Ringers Handbell Choir and the Jazz Combo – as well as guest instrumentalists. Selections will range from classical to gospel to contemporary Christian, woven together with scriptural narrative based on the nativity story.

Ditchfield Family Singers: 4 p.m. Dec. 11. Free will offering. Doors open at 3 p.m.

For more information call the office at 941-778-0414 or go to www.roserchurch.com.

Mark your calendar now for Advent Services at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, 753-9365. 7 p.m. Dec. 14. A special “Blue Christmas” service is at 7 p.m. Dec. 21.

The Tabernacle Church, 4141 DeSoto Road, Sarasota, presents The Living Nativity Dec. 10-11 with one performance nightly at 7:30 p.m. at a new and improved and larger staging area on the church grounds. The Living Nativity features nearly 100 cast members, live animals and flying angels. Attendees will be able to interact with costumed cast members and kids will be able to pet manger animals. All performances are held outside, weather permitting. Admission is free to this community event. The Tabernacle Church is just 2 miles west of I-75 off University Parkway.

Parrish United Methodist Church, 12180 U.S. 301 N., Parrish, will host its annual Living Nativity 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Walk through outdoor scenes with live animals and actors depicting the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Tours begin approximately every 10 minutes from the sanctuary. This event is free and family-friendly. parrishumc.com, 941-776-1539.

Bobby Mach will be performing a musical Christmas Extravaganza Concert at 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 10 at Faith United Methodist Church, 7215 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Free will offering accepted. “Invitation to a Miracle,” a Christmas cantata, is 10:15 a.m. Dec. 18. 941-794-8067.

“What Sweeter Music —A Festival of Carols” cantata service will be 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. 941-792-3141.

Palm View First Baptist of Palmetto will host its annual Christmas drama and concert music presentation, “Christmas IS Jesus,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Everyone is welcome. There is no admission charge, a love offering will be taken. Palm View First Baptist is at 415 49th St. E., off U.S. 41N in Palmetto. 941-722-5077.

“Voices of Christmas” Christmas Cantata, presented by the choirs and musicians of Manatee United Methodist Church, is 4 p.m. Dec. 11. Desserts follows. Manatee United Methodist Church, 315 15th St E, Bradenton. 941-746-0101.

The Music Ministry of First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, presents “The Silence and the Sound” at 5 p.m. Dec. 11. Featuring choir, orchestra and handbells, this worship experience will explore both the mystery and majesty of Christmas. Light refreshments will be served after the concert. firstpresbradenton.com, 941-746-6141.

Harbor Community Church presents a Live Nativity Christmas play at 5 p.m. Dec. 11 on the back lawn at the Bradenton YMCA, 3805 59th St. W. harborcommunitychurch.org.

Tim Shrimpton will speak on “Racial Unity: The Oneness of Mankind” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the South Manatee Branch Library 6081 26 St. W., Bradenton. There is no charge, neither will there be a collection taken of any kind. The conversation is being hosted by the Baha’i Faith of Manatee County.

Christmas music will be featured at Bradenton First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St. W. on Dec. 18. The 50-voice choir will present “Imagine — a Christmas worship concert” at 10:45 a.m. A community carol sing with special features will be held at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. A buffet of seasonal finger foods will follow the “Carol Sing.” Both will be directed by Wes Hurles, worship/music pastor.

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7461 Prospect Road, Sarasota, invites the community to join them at 4 p.m. Dec. 18 for “A Celebration of Christmas Music” offered by the Oceans 11 Big Band of Sarasota and the Beautiful Savior Church choir. The event is free, and a free-will donation will be accepted. Refreshments will follow the concert.

Do you like to celebrate Christmas singing songs? Join The Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, for readings and carols at 4p.m. Dec. 18. This event will be in collaboration with St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church.

First United Methodist Chruch, 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, will present a Christmas concert and community carol sing at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 featuring the First Church Singers and Belle Canto, Sarasota’s premiere women’s vocal ensemble. Free will offering. 941-955-9035.

Dr. Thomas Hecht will speak on “Anti-Semitism, Anti-Zionism: Same Idea Different Cloak” at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Dr. Hecht of Longboat Key is renowned as an international Jewish leader, friend of Golda Meir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Founder and CEO of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies in Israel, that has served as advisor to every Israeli administration for more than 20 years. $12. 941-313-9239, alkatzcenter.org.

First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, will hold a service of hope for the holidays at 6 p.m. Dec. 21. First Presbyterian is offering a special Christmas service for all those who are experiencing anything other than traditional holiday joyfulness. 941-746-6141.

The community is invited to a Hanukkah celebration at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road in Sarasota. The annual “Hanukkah Happening” is 6 p.m. Dec. 23. An exuberant and spirited evening for all ages, the “Hanukkah Happening” features a dinner of brisket and chicken with all the trimmings as well as the traditional latkes, crafts and children’s activities, a menorah-making contest with prizes for all entrants and a visit from Hanukkah hero Judah Maccabee, who will retell the story of Hanukkah and distribute dreidels and chocolate gelt. Worship services follow at 7:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required. 941-378-5567 or email teers@sarasotatemple.org.

▪ Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7461 Prospect Road, Sarasota: Christmas worship services at 4:30 at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 25.

▪ Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton: “Christmas Around the World” communion service at 10 a.m. Dec. 18. 941-792-3141.

▪ Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria: Christmas Eve candlelight services, 5:30 p.m. family service, 9 p.m. traditional service Dec. 24 and one worship service at 9 a.m. Dec. 25.

▪ Bradenton First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St. W: Christmas Eve candlelight service at 3 p.m. Christmas Day service is at 10:45 p.m. with no Sunday school.

▪ Manatee United Methodist Church, 315 15th St E, Bradenton: Longest Night Service (Blue Christmas) at 7 p.m. Dec. 21. Christmas Eve service on the lawn at 6 p.m. Dec. 25. Christmas Day service is at 10:30 a.m.

▪ Faith United Methodist Church, 72154 First Ave. W., Bradenton: Candlelight service, 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Christmas breakfast, 8:30 a.m. and service 9:30 a.m. Dec. 25.

Everyone is invited to join the members of Temple Beth El in Bradenton for a community wide Chanukah celebration with songs, musical performances and prayers. As the sun goes down on Dec. 28, the festivities will begin at the downtown Riverwalk amphitheater. Watch the lighting of the giant menorah. Refreshments, coffee and hot cocoa will be served. This is free and open to all faiths.

ONGOING EVENTS

A faith-based Addiction & Recovery Outreach Program for men and women who struggle with addictions will be held 7-9 p.m. Fridays in the back of Bible Baptist Church, Room 201, 2113 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton, as our RU (Reformers Unanimous) Chapter K0455 meets. RU offers Biblical solutions that can help break the chains of addiction and bondage through the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no cost to those who attend, and we are here to assist and encourage those who want change in their lives.

Longboat Island Chapel, issues of aging, memory loss support group, 941-383-6491, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every other Wednesday.

At First Assembly of God, 1820 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 9:30 a.m. the second Saturday of the month.

Cortez Commons shopping center, 5710 Cortez Road, Bradenton, Jewish learning classes, workshops, and events year-round, including public concerts on Sunday afternoons, Jewish history courses, holiday celebrations, films, and Holocaust educational services, advocacy services free for elders and Holocaust survivors. Jewish Bible study group meets at 2 p.m. Tuesdays; $7 suggested donation. 941-313-9239.

At Bayshore Elementary School at 26th Street West and Bayshore Gardens Parkway, 941-254-3250 or go to mychurchisalive.org, 10:30 a.m. Sunday service.

Interdenominational Christian fellowship, Peridia Office Park, 3911 Golf Park Loop, No. 104, Bradenton, 941-730-2136 or 941-565-1989, 11 a.m. Saturday Shabbat service with Hebrew and English liturgy and Torah service followed by Kiddush and Oneg, 7 p.m. Sunday meetings at a home for worship, prayer and fellowship.

Offers a faith-based and Christ-centered addiction program 7-9 p.m. Fridays. All are welcome. The church is at 2113 Morgan Johnson Road, Bradenton. 941-746-6221.

Meet at 5150 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton, bradenriverpc.com or 941-739-0202.

Needs houses, mobile homes, land, buildings, cars, vans, trucks and/or monetary gifts to help get people off the streets, 941-575-4440.

Spanish language services, Pastor Daniel Rosales, Northminster Presbyterian Church USA, 3131 61st St., Sarasota, 10 a.m. Sundays, Bible study at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Services, studies: 5712 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch, led by Rabbi Mendy Bukiet, 941-752-3030. Talmud clases 7:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays. Torah studies, 9 a.m. Saturday. 11 a.m.-noon Saturday CKids Shabbat Club. Shabbat services are 7 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturday followed by buffet Kiddush.

The Rev. David Carter as pastor, 1803 57th Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-755-6162, 10 a.m. Sunday morning fellowship, 10:45 a.m. worship service, 7 p.m. Wednesday prayer service.

Thrift shop, 401 42nd St. W., Bradenton, 941-746-4906, open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

10115 Cortez Road, Bradenton, 941-795-5683, 11 a.m. Sunday services.

7225 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, 941-355-0847, 10 a.m. Sunday service.

Jewish Living and Learning Sunday School for children ages 4-14, Lakeside Clubhouse, 3817 40th Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-755-1231, 9 a.m. Sundays by appointment.

Thrift Store, 5324 26th St. W., Bradenton in Saddle Creek Plaza, pickup service for large donations, 941-739-1018, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays.

Currently studying the books of Hebrews and Ecclesiastes, and maintaining zeal for God. Meets at 12111 45th Ave. West, Cortez, 941-216-6286. Sunday Bible study at 10 a.m., worship service at 11a.m.

3607 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, 941-729-6802, 9:45 a.m. Sunday service, 11 a.m. adult Sunday school; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday Thrift Shoppe open.

Prayer & Share, 5115 Cortez Road, 941-792-3497, 10 a.m. Wednesdays.

1511 Morgan Johnson Road, East Manatee, 941-722-0940, Bible Study is at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, evening class is at 6:55 p.m. Tuesdays at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Worship and Sunday School, 4850 State Road 64 E., 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

Balance classes, 1030 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota, 941-953-7044, 10 a.m. Mondays.

First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, offers Contemporary Worship at 9 a.m. and Traditional Worship at 11 a.m. with organ and choir. Discipleship and Classic/Family Sunday School classes begin at 10 a.m. Child care is available for children ages 5 and under. firstpresbradenton.com, 941-746-6141.

Services, 603 11th St. W., Bradenton, fumcb.com or call 941-747-4406, 10:30 a.m. traditional Sunday service, 9:15 a.m. adult Sunday school.

Community sing, 2903 11th St. Court E., 941-746-3634 or 941-748-8102, last Saturday of each month.

Tots to teens (ages 4-18) tennis, at Tennis Center at Palm-Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, 941-539-6083.

Open, 5858 44th Ave. E., East Manatee, 941-745-1663, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Narcotics Anonymous, 4635 26th St. W., Bradenton, free group meetings, Fellowship Hall, 941-755-3256, 6:30 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. contemporary services Sundays.

Devotional hour, Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, 941-727-3789, 10 a.m. Thursdays.

11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, 941-753-9365, Sunday worship services at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 11 a.m. Nursery open 8-noon, Bible Study at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Christian education classes have started for fall/winter. Classes are from nursery through high school and involve fellowship, music, Bible stories, activities, etc. Open to all. Begin at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary with the pastor’s youth message and then move to the classrooms until 10:30.

Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St. W., Bradenton, 941-915-1454, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Bible study, 7215 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, thrift store is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 941-776-9016, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m. Sundays. Youth Bible study for all ages, 9:15 a.m. Sundays.

3131 61st St., Sarasota, in Fellowship Hall with Pastor Chris Carlson, 941-355-4729, 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship with a coffee hour following, Bible studies 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays.

The Synod of Governing Bishops for the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church opens new church temporarily at 2700 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 11B, Sarasota, the Rev. Archbishop Jacob J.K. Longacre is first pastor. All seven sacraments available in Orthodox form by making an appointmentat 941-954-0330.

Service, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-792-3141, 9 a.m. Dawning, 11 a.m. Traditional Sundays.

Services, 1020 Fourth St. W., Palmetto, 941-722-7795, 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

Sunday worship, 12140 69th St. E., Parrish, 941-776-1539, 8:15 a.m. traditional, 9:45 a.m. contemporary and 11:11 a.m. blended services, 9:45 a.m. Sunday school.

Presbyterian Church USA, 12705 State Road 64 E., Lakewood Ranch, 941-753-7778, 9:30 a.m. Sunday services.

Prayer Time at Revelation Ministries, 1919 14th St. W., Bradenton, 941-726-3464, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

At Williams Elementary School, 3404 Fort Hamer Road, Parrish, Church of the Nazarene affiliate, nursery care and children’s church, 941-794-1685 and rivereast.org, 5:30 p.m. Saturday services.

Fellowship Hall, 512 Pine Ave., Golfing for God, second and fourth Wednesdays, Jesus and Youth, 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays; Roser-Robics, 9 a.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. Fridays. Boomer Bootcamp, 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday. Joyful Noise Choir, 3:15-4 p.m. Tuesdays. JOY Brown Bag Lunch Series, 11 a.m. Wednesdays. 941-778-0414.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearses every Thursday evening at 7 p.m., Hecht School, Jewish Federation Campus, Sarasota. We are a friendly, spirited performing group in the Sarasota/Manatee community, eager for new singers for our 17th season. Call Susan at 941-355-8011. Ability to read music is preferable. People of all voice parts and all faiths are welcome. Check us out at: sarasotajewishchorale.org

3100 26th St. W., Bradenton, Marianne Ridgell of Home Instead Senior Care, caregiver/family support group meeting, 941-739-3050, 1-2:30 p.m. Mondays.

11315 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. 941-751-5048. 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services. Nursery open 9 and 11 a.m. services.

1608 14th St. W., 941-748-6835, Contemplative-prayer groups at 11 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Spanish Bible study, prayer and rosary group, 9 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.

4200 32nd St. W., reform congregation, religious classes three Sunday mornings a month and Hebrew school classes Wednesday afternoons by Susie Konicov, 941-755-4900, Erev Shabbat services at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Shabbat services with Torah study, 10 a.m. Saturday. .

Social Action Committee of Temple Beth Israel collects donations for the Bill Galvano One Stop Center, 701 17th Ave. W., or dropped off at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, medication funds, socks, mosquito repellent, toilet articles and soap, shoes, jeans, baby diapers and formula, reading glasses and bicycles.

151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, Social Action Committee, food drive, place nonperishable boxed and canned foods in a marked bin in the Temple lobby during business hours and before and after Shabbat worship services. All donations benefit kosher food pantry at Jewish Family and Children’s Services or All Faiths Food Bank, 941-966-9561.

2200 26th St. W., Bradenton, GIFT: Generations Growing in Faith Together 10 a.m. Sundays. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

Weekly Bible study, 3200 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-737-3704, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Services, 3517 15th St. E., Bradenton, noon Sunday worship, 7 p.m. Tuesday life enrichment service.

Bible study classes, Hampton Inn, 5810 20th Court E., Ellenton, 7:30 p.m. Fridays.

This story was originally published December 9, 2016 at 3:33 PM with the headline "Religion Almanac: Dec. 10."