MUSIC
» Christmas Celebration: His Call Gospel Singers’ Christmas Celebration, with Craig and Debby Tyndall, will be at 6:45 p.m. Monday during the weekly meeting of Positive Christian Singles at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave. The program follows dinner at 6 p.m. Call 423-756-2021 for reservations.
» Gospel Happy Hour: Stanley United Methodist Church, 501 Dodson Ave., will host this musical mixer 7-9 p.m. Friday. All-black, casual attire is suggested. $10 admission. 423-624-6729.
» Christmas concerts: First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga’s Adult Choir, Bryan College’s Chamber Singers and the Tabernacle Praise Orchestra will present free Christmas concerts, “Alpha and Omega,” at 4 p.m. Dec. 1-2 at First Presbyterian, 554 McCallie Ave. A nursery will be provided for children 3 and younger. For more information, call the church office at 423-267-1206 or music director Kelly Stultz at 423-648-7912.
» Choral festival: “Savior of the Nations Come,” a hymn festival by Michael Burkhardt, will be presented for the 37th annual Lutheran Advent Choral Festival by a mass choir from Good Shepherd, Cross of Christ and First Lutheran churches at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 822 Belvoir Ave. This Lutheran Advent Choral Festival is now in its 37th year. A brass quartet and organ will provide accompaniment, and the audience will sing along. The program includes writings of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. A freewill offering will be collected. A reception will follow. Call 423-629-4661 for more information.
FUNDRAISERS
» Bears of Hope: Chattanooga ministry Starting Point International is seeking donations for its Bears of Hope campaign to offer comfort to kids impacted by Hurricane Michael. Donations may be made through Dec. 1 on the ministry’s Facebook page to deliver teddy bears to students in four schools in the Panama City area. Cost of each teddy bear is $10.
» Holiday Market & Vendor Fair: The Youth Group of Red Bank United Methodist Church presents this annual event 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1, with 40-plus vendors in church’s Christian Activity Center, 3800 Dayton Blvd. Funds go toward mission and outreach activities. 423-240-5342.
» Cold-weather shelter: The Salvation Army is seeking assistance with overnight shelters for the homeless when temperatures dip below freezing. Operating cost is about $300 per night, which is not included in the agency’s budget. Donations of coats, blankets and money are accepted at 822 McCallie Ave. Monetary donations also may be made online at www.csarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
PROGRAMS, EVENTS
» Encounter: Student Conference: Precept Ministries International, 7324 Noah Reid Road, sponsors conference on “Spiritual Warfare: Overcoming the Enemy” Nov. 30-Dec. 2 for students in grades 6-12 (ages 12-18) and adult leaders. Groups welcome, or come individually for placement in groups. Fee is $120 (more if adding housing and meals). Register by Monday at http://transformstudent.org/december-encounter-student-conference-2018, or call 1-888-678-5660, ext. 8667.
» Ornaments and stories: Families are invited for ornament making and storytelling with Sarah Lord 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 1 at Second Presbyterian Church, 700 Pine St. Doughnuts will be served. Information: 423-266-2828.
» Christmas program: Fairview United Methodist Church, 3901 Hamill Road in Hixson, will present “God’s Gifts for the Season” at 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Refreshments will follow the program. fairviewumchixson.com.
» Moravian Love Feast: The 40th annual event, a ritual descended from the early centuries of Christianity, will be held Dec. 2 at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 650 McCallie Ave., beginning with a performance by the UT-Knoxville Trombone Choir at 5:30 p.m. The communal meal will follow at 6 p.m., featuring traditional buns and decaf coffee mixed with sugar and cream. The service ends with the lighting of candles representing the sacrifice of Christ for humanity and the flame of love. Information: http://firstchristian-chat.com, 423-267-4506.
» Moments To Share: Erlanger Health System’s Never Forgotten program will present the 24th annual Moments To Share candlelighting service at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, 214 E. Eighth St. Families who have suffered the loss of a baby before, during or after birth are invited to honor the memory of their baby. Poems, pictures and other precious memories are welcome for display. The service will be presented in English and Spanish. Call 423-778-5149 for more information.
» Women’s Bible study: “The Shepherd With Me,” a study of Psalm 23 prepared by Jennifer Rothschild, is held 6:30-7:30 Wednesday nights at Hickory Valley Baptist Church, 2320 Hickory Valley Road. 423-892-1916.
» Habitat homeowners: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area, a faith-based nonprofit that builds homes for those in need, is accepting applications from families and individuals interested in becoming Habitat homeowners. To obtain a prequalifying questionnaire, visit www.habichatt.org. or call 423-756-0507.
» Community Clothes Closet: Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays at 1015 Laura St. across from Dodson Avenue Health Center. Free clothes and small household goods available; donations appreciated. Contact: R. Ludy at 423-933-6314.
» Kidz on the Rock: Groups for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade meet at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays as well as 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at White Oak Baptist Church, 301 Memorial Drive in Red Bank.
» AWANA Clubs: Groups for children age 3 through sixth grade meet 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hickory Valley Baptist Church, 2320 Hickory Valley Road. 423-892-1916.
» Exercise class: Northside Presbyterian Church, 923 Mississippi Ave., offers an exercise class focusing on strength, energy and balance from 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. Open to all ages and skill levels. $5 per class. 423-266-1766.
» Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program for anyone struggling with addictive issues, compulsive behaviors, loss and life challenges, meets each Thursday at Ooltewah United Methodist Church, 6131 Relocation Way. Dinner at 5:30 p.m., worship at 6:15 p.m., open share groups at 7:30 p.m. Child care provided. 423-238-9216, oumclive.org/recovery.
» Brainerd Celebrate Recovery, a 12-step Christ-centered recovery ministry that focuses on healing hurts, habits and addictions, meets every Thursday at Brainerd Baptist Church’s East Ridge campus, 1203 Blocker Lane. Dinner at 5:45 p.m., large group at 6:45 and small/open share groups following. Child care provided. 423-313-8888, brainerdbaptist.org/celebrate-recovery.
» Not Alone, a support group for family and friends of a loved one who is incarcerated, meets at 11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at LaFayette Presbyterian Church, 107 N. Main St., LaFayette, Georgia. Refreshments and child care are provided.
To be included in Faith Briefs, send information to Life@timesfreepress.com. Listings must be sent by Wednesday morning each week.