Religion Almanac: Dec. 9

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3400 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, invites the community to “The Festival of the Nativity” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Come enjoy a celebration of the Savior’s birth. Nativity scenes set in seasonal display, complete with holiday music and refreshments. Admission is free.

Parrish United Methodist Church will host its annual Living Nativity from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Walk through our outdoor scenes with live animals and actors depicting the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Tours begin approximately every ten minutes from our sanctuary. This event is free and family friendly. 12180 U.S. 301 N. in Parrish. parrishumc.com, 941-776-1539.

In celebration of the Chanukah festival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host Jewish Heritage Night on Dec. 18 for Monday Night Football. The event will begin with an exclusive tailgate at 7 p.m., featuring special Chanukah music, potato latkes, doughnuts and desserts, a premium bar, limited edition souvenirs, and the lighting of a giant 12-foot menorah by team owner Bryan Glazer. The Menorah lighting will be featured later in-game, on the giant Bucs Vision screen in the stadium. The event is a joint project of Chabad Centers of Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers invite you to purchase discounted tickets to the game, or tailgate only passes, by visiting www.Buccaneers.com/JHN.

First Brass Christmas concert is 4 p.m. Dec. 9 and a flute choir holiday concert is 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. 941-792-3141. Each is free.

“Christian Cowboy” Johnny Rowlett in concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at Happy Gospel Church, 1915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. Love offering received. 941-756-6942.

The King’s Brass will perform a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at First Methodist Church, 603 11th St. W., Bradenton. The concert is free and is part of the Bradenton Community Fine Arts Concert Series.

A service of hope will be 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at Roser Church is near the Anna Maria City Pier at 512 Pine Avenue. The orchestra includes flute, trumpet, violin, cello and piano. The narrators are Sandy Dahl and Priscilla Seewald. Sung by the Roser Cantata Choir and Joyful Noise Children’s Choir. 941-778-0414.

Palm View First Baptist of Palmetto will present its annual Christmas drama and concert music performance, “This is Christmas,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Everyone is invited and welcome. There is no admission charge, a love offering will be taken. Light refreshments follow. Palm View First Baptist is at 415 49th St. E., Palmetto. 941-722-5077.

Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch will ignite a public Charity Box Menorah erected at Lakewood Ranch Main Street, followed by a community-wide celebration on the first night of Chanukah, which falls on Dec. 12. The ceremony will feature prominent community officials attending this event. Following the menorah lighting ceremony, hundreds will dance, sing and eat the night away accompanied by live music from the Freylach Band. The events festivities will also include food from Falafel with Yoav and a kosher BBQ, Kona’s Ice Truck, doughnut decorating, a juggler, latke bike, and hot latkes. For more information about Chanukah and a local schedule of events visit www.chabadofbradenton.com/Chanukah.

All ladies are invited to the Roser Women’s Guild Christmas Tea at 1 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Roser Community Church Fellowship Hall. Enjoy Christmas music played by Jill Morris on the harp and Phyllis O’Keef on the piano. Bring a friend and enjoy delicious confections and sweet fellowship. Bring a gift for the gift exchange. Roser Church is near the Anna Maria City Pier at 512 Pine Avenue. 941-778-0414.

A “Blue Christmas” service to find hope and comfort through the Christmas season is 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Sponsored by Palma Sola Presbyterian Church. Bring chairs and blankets. For more information call 941-792-3141.

The Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, is conducting Advent services at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20 and 11 a.m. Dec. 24. Call 941-753-9365 for more details.

A five-part course, “The History of Israel,” meets at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 15, 22, and 29 at The Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road, Bradenton, in the Cortez Commons shopping center. Cost: $10 per adult per class; $5 per student. RSVP to Dr. Beverly Newman at 941-313-9239; www.alkatzcenter.org.

Manatee United Methodist Church, 315 15th St. E., Bradenton, will hold worship service and Christmas cantata at 11 a.m. Dec. 17 featuring the combined choirs of Manatee and Oneco United Methodist Churches. 941-746-0101.

Faith United Methodist Church Chancel Choir will be reprising their recent Carnegie Hall performance at 10:15 a.m. Dec. 17 at Faith United Methodist Church, 7215 First Ave. W., Bradenton. The singers will present “Appalachian Winter” a Christmas Cantata composed by Joseph Martin. For more information about the choir, visit faithchurchum.org.

The choir at Bayshore Gardens Community Church, 6228 26th St. W., Bradenton, will sing Christmas carols on the lawn at 6 p.m. Dec. 20.

▪ 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. 941-792-3141.

▪ 5:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 24, Roser Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The 5:30 p.m. Family Service features a Nativity Pageant in which all children are invited to participate. There will be singing of carols, special music by the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir. All children will receive a gift. At the 9 p.m. Traditional Service there will be special music and the singing of carols. The service will end with the singing of “Silent Night” and the Passing of the Light. www.roserchurch.com, 941-778-0414.

The Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, is working with the Salvation Army this year to provide an angel tree with names of 70 children that need a Santa for Christmas. Pick a name and then shop with the child’s list. Return the gifts in a bag unwrapped. Their family will do the wrapping and presentation of gifts. Help someone that otherwise may not have a Christmas. Call 941-753-9365 for more details.

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 6051 26th St. W., 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.

1616 59th St. W. announces sign language interpretation for the deaf at its services each Sunday at 10:45 a.m.

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

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. Potluck (bring a dish to share) and fellowship are offered after services. spirit@cslmanatee.org. “Beyond Sunday” talks are 10:30 a.m. Thursdays.

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.

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

2408 43rd Ave. W., 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 Bible typology and surveying books of the Bible. Meets at 12111 45th Ave. W., Cortez, 941-216-6286. Sunday Bible study at 10 a.m., worship service at 11a.m. and 5 p.m. Bible study 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

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, 11 a.m. Tuesdays.

4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, offers two Sunday services: at 8 a.m. will be Holy Communion Rite I, and at 10:30 a.m. will be Holy Communion Rite II with music. There is also a service of Holy Communion with Healing on Thursday mornings at 9:30. The men’s breakfastWednesday mornings at 8 a.m. The men share a hearty breakfast, prayers and fellowship. All are welcome to all services and events. 941-778-1638.

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. Nara Anon Family Group, 7:15 p.m. Thursdays.

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.

Palmetto Presbyterian Church, 1115 10th Ave. W., Palmetto, is offering a GriefShare Grief Recovery and Support Group 3:31-4:55 p.m. Thursdays. In the coming weeks topics such as “The Journey of Grief,” “Stuck in Grief,” “Why” and much more will be covered. The public is invited. For more information or to register call 941-722-3513.

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.

Worship 5 p.m. Saturday, 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Free Narcotics Anonymous group meetings 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and 7 p.m. Thursday. “BE HEARD!” Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Education Building. Come spend time creating art, listening to music, reading devotions, prayers and Scripture. Bring your children, invite a friend, and come relax and reflect in God’s presence. www.hopelutheranfl.org.4635 26th St. W., Bradenton, 941-755-3256.

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, 9:15 and 11 a.m. Nursery open 8 a.m.-noon, Bible Study at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

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

315 15th St. E., Bradenton, 941-746-0101. Worship service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Pastor Dr. Gene Maddox.

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., (corner with Lockwood Ridge Road), Sarasota, with Pastor Wally Johnson, 941-355-4729, 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship.

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.

6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 941-792-3141, blended worship service is at 10 a.m. Sunday.

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.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6311 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, has women’s and men’s coffee/ breakfast meets the second Saturday of the month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. 941-792-5990.

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

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. 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, 4 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. 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.

5150 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton, is a full-service reform synagogue with a full-time Rabbi and Cantor. Offering Erev Shabbat Services every Friday night at 7:30 p.m., Shabbat morning services at 10 a.m. followed by Torah study, Sunday Religious/Hebrew School, adult Hebrew classes, Jewish holiday celebrations, events and activities. Welcoming to all. www.templebethelbradenton.com, 941-755-4900.

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. Through August, Shabbat observances begin every Friday at 5:30 p.m. with a friendly kiddush reception of wine, cheese, fruit, sweets, and challah. Worship services, which follow at 6 p.m., are briefer and more informal than in the fall months, with familiar prayers and spirited music. The celebration continues after services end, as attendees join together to share Shabbat dinner in local restaurants. 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;

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 8, 2017 at 2:13 PM with the headline "Religion Almanac: Dec. 9."