Religion Almanac for Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

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. Email announcements to toconnor@ bradenton.com.

Havdallah Service: Temple Beth El Men's Club at Coquina Beach Pavillion, 4:30 p.m., Saturday, pot-luck dairy dinner, music, games, direct access to the beach, open to all, bring chairs and blankets. Information: 941-755-4900.

Ring the Bell Caroling From the Sleigh: Parrish United Methodist Church, 12180 U.S. 301 N., 7 p.m. Saturday. Information: 941-776-1539.

Community Christmas Party: Faith International Christian Center, Pride Park north pavilion, 63rd Avenue and Ninth Street, Bradenton, 10 a.m. Saturday, free hot lunch and gifts, open to the public. Information: 941-447-4538.

Come and Behold Him Christmas Cantata: Combined choirs of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and Hope Lutheran Church, 7461 Prospect Road, Sarasota, 3 p.m. Sunday. Orchestral accompaniment by Riverview High School, Sarasota, free. Information: 941-355-2798.

Mayhem in Bethlehem Christmas Musical: Happy Gospel Churchnote auth="Terry O'Connor" coll="0" ctime="1d13788 a9470f11" mtime="1d13788 a9470f11">, Dec. 20, love offering. Information: 941-756-6942.

Israeli Dancing: Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota,7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, beginners to experienced dancers welcome, $5 donation requested. Information: Kathy Rance at 941-223-6503.

Chanukah Karaoke Party: Chabad Hebrew School of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, 11 a.m., Monday, Chanukah treats, menorah lighting and contest, $5 or free to CHS students and families.

Gulf Coast Flute Choir Christmas Concert: Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 7 p.m., Monday, conducted by Amanda Lyon, donations appreciated, reception afterward.

Advent Blue Christmas: Living Lord Lutheran Church,11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23. Information: 941-753-9365.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, at 4 p.m. Thursday, the Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll presiding, special music.

Information: Sue Reese 941-387-0202.

Christmas Eve Services: Parrish United Methodist Church, 12180 U.S. 301 N., 4-6-8 p.m. Thursday. Information: 941-776-1539.

Community to a Family Christmas Eve Service: Bradenton First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St. W., 5:30 p.m. Thursday, candlelight, congregational carols, and special seasonal music. Information: 941-812-1923.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2200 26th St. W., Bradenton, with Holy Communion, 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Thursday. Information: 941-747-3081.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 4 p.m. Thursday, the Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll presiding, special music. Information: 941-387-0202.

Christmas Eve Services: Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Thursday, candlelight, communion and carols. Information: 941-753-9365.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Happy Gospel Churchnote auth="Terry O'Connor" coll="0" ctime="1d13786 c292c900" mtime="1d13786 c292c900">, Dec. 24, carols, candlelight, and devotion. Information: 941-756-6942.

Traditional Jewish Gathering on Christmas Eve: Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, Chinese buffet, homemade dessert, board and card games, 6 p.m. Thursday, at 6 p.m. RSVP: 941-371-2788.

New Year's Romance on the Piano: Manatee Unitarian Universalist: 322 15th St W, Bradenton, 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, donations requested.

Frank Towers Conference: The Al Katz Center for Holocaust Survivors & Jewish Learning Inc., 5710 Cortez Road West in Cortez Commons, Bradenton, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 7, for Holocaust liberators and survivors convened by famed officer who liberated 2,500 starving and dying Jews from a death train sent from Bergen-Belsen, includes free breakfast and lunch. RSVP: 941-313-9239.

ONGOING EVENTS

Al Katz Center: 5910 Cortez Road W., Cortez Professional Plaza, Bradenton, Jewish learning classes, programs and events open to the community; mentoring and resources on Jewish topics, including: rituals, traditions, history, Holocaust education and holidays; advocacy for Jewish and non-Jewish elders in guardianships. Information: 941-313-9239.

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church: 7461 Prospect Road, Sarasota, Advent worship at 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 16. with dinner between services at 5:15 p.m. Contemporary services 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Sanctuary and 10:30 a.m. Sunday in Fellowship Hall; 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. traditional services Sunday in Sanctuary. Adult Bible study, 4:15 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m. Sunday in Fellowship Hall, 9:15 a.m. Sunday school in Fellowship Hall. Men's Bible class at 7 a.m. and Women's at 10 a.m. Bible study Wednesday in Wayman Still administration building. No charge and community invited to all. Information: 941-355-2798.

Bible Baptist Church: 1720 Sixth Ave. W., Palmetto, 9:15 a.m. Sunday school, worship 11 a.m. Sunday.

First Church of the Nazarene: 1616 59th St. W., 9:30 a.m. Sunday school; 10:45 a.m. blended worship and 6 p.m. Sunday service; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, children's programs during all services, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Youth Group. Information: 941-794-1776.

Braden River Presbyterian Church: 5150 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton, 9 a.m. Sunday contemporary and 10:30 a.m. traditional services with the Rev. Glenn Buzbee. Information: bradenriverpc.com.

Center for Spiritual Living (A Science of Mind Community): 4200 32nd St. W., Bradenton. Information: 941-756-0400.

Centro Restauracion Pacto Eterno Ministries: 2204 58th Ave. E., Bradenton. Information: 941-932-0984 or 941-840-8664 or go to crpeministries.com. Pastor Jhonatan Zambrano.

Chabad House: Weekly Shabbat services: 5712 Lorraine Road, 7 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday followed by buffet Kiddush, 11 a.m.-noon Congregation. Chabad Hebrew School, 9:30 a.m.-noon Sunday. Falafel with Yoav, noon-1 p.m. second Sunday of every month, $5 all you can eat. Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts: Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, 5712 Lorraine Road, 9:30 a.m.-noon Sundays, ages 4-13, membership not required. Information: Rabbi Mendy Bukiet, 941-752-3030. CHS is now accepting new students. Call 941-284-6390.

Christian Spiritualist: 2408 43rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. worship Sunday, 7 p.m. candle lighting Thursday, with the Rev. Shari Sumrall, all welcome. Information: 941-751-5683.

Church of Christ in Cortez: 12111 45th Ave., Cortez, new minister Bruce Hudson, hear him at Bible study 10 a.m. Sunday, followed by 11 a.m. worship and and at 7 p.m. Bible study Wednesday. All welcome. Information: 941-545-6760.

Ellenton United Methodist Church: 3607 U.S. 301 N., 9:45 a.m. worship, Thrift Shoppe from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Information: 941-729-6802.

First Baptist Church of Ellenton: 1707 36th Ave E., Palmetto, 10:45 a.m. worship. Information: 941-722-4376.

First Baptist Church of Palmetto: worship and Bible study 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sundays at 1020 Fourth St. W. Information: 941-722-7795.

Happy Gospel Church at The Ranch: Regular worship will be at 9 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays, 5215 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Information: Call 941-756-6942 or go to happygospelchurch.com.

Living Lord Lutheran Church: 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, Christian education classes age 4 through grade five, fellowship, music, Bible verses and stories, activities and crafts, 8-9:15-10:30 a.m. service Sundays. Sunday school at 9:15 and nursery open 8 a.m.-noon. Pastor Jeff Gross, Bible study 1 p.m. Wednesday. Information: 941-753-9365.

Manatee United Methodist Church: 315 15th St. E., Bradenton, first Saturday of the month women's prayer breakfast 8 a.m., second Saturday men's prayer breakfast 8 a.m., 9 a.m. Sunday school, 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship services with Pastor Sharon Davis. Information: 941-746-0101.

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

Northminster Presbyterian Church: 10:30 a.m., 3131 61st St., Sarasota. Information: 941-355-4729.

Oasis Church: Services at Braden River Elementary, 6125 River Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. every Sunday, with Pastor Steve Coad and his wife, Kristin Coad. Information: 941-677-8838.

Orthodox Catholic: The Synod of Governing Bishops for the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church, opening of new church temporarily at 2700 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 11B, Sarasota. The Rev. Archbishop Jacob Longacre is first pastor. All seven sacraments will be available in the Orthodox form by appointment. Information: 941-954-0330.

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church: 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, 8 a.m. Mass Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m. Saturday Mass, 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday Mass, reconciliation/confession 3-3:45 p.m. Saturday. Information: 941-755-1826 or olqm-manasota.org.

Palma Sola Presbyterian Church: 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. Dawning with Children's Chapel, 10 a.m. Fellowship and Sunday School, 11 a.m. traditional service with Pastor Indy Dennis. Nursery provided. Book Club 11 a.m. second Monday monthly. "Faith and Doubt Q&A" dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, study at 6:35 p.m. Alzheimer's Support Group, 2:30 p.m. third Wednesday each month in the Media Center/Library. Information: 941-792-3141 or go to pspchurch.org.

Parrish United Methodist Church: 8:15 a.m. Sunday worship, 9:45 a.m. CrossLight, 11:11 a.m. blended worship and 9:45 a.m. Sunday school, 12180 U.S. 301 N., Parrish. Thrift cottage open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays at 12210 U.S. 301 N. Information: 941-776-1539.

Peace Presbyterian Church: A congregation of the Presbyterian Church USA, 12705 State Road 64, Lakewood Ranch, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services. Information: 941-753-7778.

Redeemer Lutheran Church: 6311 Third Ave. W., 7 p.m. choir Wednesday and 10 a.m. Sunday, quilters 9-11 a.m. Thursday, 12:30 p.m. women's Bible study. Information: 941-792-5990.

Roser Memorial Community Church: Nondenominational service 10 a.m. Sunday, 512 Pine Ave., church school for children, nursery for infants and toddlers. Information: 941-778-0414, email info@roserchurch.com or go to roserchurch.com.

St. Mary's Episcopal Church: Father Glen Graczyk, 1010 24th Ave. W., Palmetto, 10 a.m. Sunday service. Attend Spanish service with Father William de la Torre, 1 p.m. Sunday. Information: 941-722-5292.

Sarasota Jewish Chorale Rehearsal: Jewish Federation Campus, Sarasota, 7 p.m. Thursday at Hecht School, eager for new singers for 17th season, Ability to read music preferred, all voice parts an faiths welcome. Information: 941-355-8011 or go to sarasotajewishchorale.org.

Stillpoint House of Prayer: Intercessory-prayer workshop groups at 1608 14th St. W. Contemplative-prayer groups at 11 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Spanish Bible study and prayer and rosary group meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Information: 941-748-6835 or 941-795-0130.

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

Temple Emanu-El: Sisterhood Mitzvah Knitting Group, 10 a.m. second Tuesday of each month, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Knitters, crocheters welcome. Craft blankets, caps and booties for babies. Serving needy families or expectant mothers in Israel. Information: 941-755-4900.

Transitions Support Group: Christ United Methodist Church, 5512 26th St. W., Room 3, Bradenton, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday at University of South Florida, 5840 26th St. W., campus ministry/chapel, Bradenton. Information: 941-739-7103 or 720-0519.

Trinity Lutheran Church: 2200 26th St. W., Bradenton, BibleSong Forming Strong Faith Families intergenerational faith formation series with songs, art, scripture and more, 10-10:50a.m. every Sunday.

Westminster Presbyterian Church: 3011 19th Ave. W., 9 a.m. Bible study, 10:30 a.m. worship, 11:30 a.m. fellowship. Information: 941-748-2848, wpcbradenton.com or Facebook.

This story was originally published December 12, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Religion Almanac for Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 ."