Religion Digest for the week of December 25, 2011

Because today is Christmas, several churches that usually have two or more Sunday services are cutting back to one service. See the list below.

ARTS AND MUSIC

THE NELONS — 7 p.m. Friday, Richland Faith Assembly of God, 1201 Richland Ave., Ceres. One of Southern gospel music's premiere mixed groups will be in concert. Offering. (209)538-3838.

DIXIE MELODY BOYS —7 p.m. Jan. 11, Richland Faith Assembly of God, 1201 Richland Ave., Ceres. Grammy-nominated Southern gospel quartet from North Carolina in concert. Offering. (209) 538-3838.

CLASSES

MARRIAGE 911 — 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 4, New Life Christian Center, 2918 W. Tuolumne Road, Turlock. "Marriage 911 — Hope for your marriage and harmony for your home," will be taught by Mark and Debbie Johnson and will run through March 7. Class is for one or both spouses in a challenging marriage. $20 for materials; register by Dec. 31.(209) 634-7437.

GRIEFSHARE — 5-6:30 p.m. Sundays beginning Jan. 8, Hilmar Covenant Church, 20056 American Ave. 13-week class uses DVDs to share topics related to death and grief, including "The Journey of Grief," "Why?" and "Lessons of Grief." The group is for any adult who has lost a loved one. (209) 668-0400.

MISCELLANEOUS

SINGLES PARTY — 7 p.m. Friday, Big Valley Grace Community Church, 4040 Tully Road, Modesto. Appetizers and games for adult singles on the eve of New Year's Eve. $3 to cover food and drinks.(209) 571-4399, ext. 341.

CRYSTALCLEAR AWARDS — 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 6, Bethel Church, 2361 Scenic Drive, Modesto. 18th annual CrystalClear Awards sponsored by Staff of Life Ministries honors people who have given outstanding service to the community. Free dinner and awards program.(209) 496-3574.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

"LOVE IS PRESENT" —8 a.m. today, St. Francis Anglican Church, 915 E. Main St., Turlock. Quiet service without music offers quiet worship in midst of busy day. (209) 632-0788.

"CATCHING AND CARRYING CHRISTMAS INTO LIFE!" —10 a.m. today, Big Valley Grace Community Church, 4040 Tully Road, Modesto. One service this morning. (209) 577-1604.

"CHRIST IS BORN" —10 a.m. today, Hilmar Covenant Church, 20056 American Ave. "Christ is Born." One service. (209) 668-0400.

"THE GIFT ... IS PRESENT!" — 10 a.m. today, Modesto Covenant Church, 913 Floyd Ave. One family service features story of Christmas and carols. Child care. (209) 577-4110.

"LOVE CAME DOWN" —10 a.m. today, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 640 Minaret Ave., Turlock. (209) 667-7712.

"JOY TO THE WORLD" —11 a.m. today, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto. One service. (209) 529-3228.

CANDLE-LIGHTING —11 a.m. today, Creative Life Center, 145 Woodrow, Suite A-2, Modesto. Christmas candle lighting service.(209) 526-7137.

"EXPECTATION OF SOMETHING GREAT" —11 a.m. today, Seed of Joy church, 536 Kiernan Ave., Modesto. Christmas Day service. (209) 529-7401.

Send your faith-based events by noon Tuesdays to snowicki@modbee.com, by fax to (209) 578-2207 or by mail to Sue Nowicki, The Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352.