Religion Digest (11/22/09)

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Several different faiths will participate in the annual interfaith Thanksgiving service at 7:15 p.m. Monday. The service will include songs, readings and dance from Baha'i, American Indian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, pagan, Protestant, Catholic and Unitarian traditions.

The service is open to everyone; participants are encouraged to bring canned and nonperishable food items or monetary donations for Inter-faith Ministry's Food Bank. No other offering will be taken.

"The food bank is really in need of help right now," said one organizer.

Congregation Beth Shalom is at 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto.

Other community Thanksgiving services include:

• 6 p.m. today, First Congregational Church of Salida, 4825 Broadway. Annual "Salida Christian Community Coming Together" service features keynote speakers Kyle Oosterkamp, 19, and his parents, Bruce and Tammy Oosterkamp. Kyle was buried in dirt for about 20 minutes on Nov. 12 when a trench on a family farm collapsed. A performance by Tapestry, a youth ministry group of Salida Christian Fellowship, also will be featured. Donations will go toward Thanksgiving meals for needy families. For more information, call 545-1156.

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1505 E St., Livingston. Participants at this service, sponsored by the Livingston Interfaith Council, include people from Jewish, American Indian, Christian and Unity faith traditions. For more information, call 628-0913.

Other upcoming faith-based events include:

ARTS AND MUSIC THE WINTONS -- 6 p.m. Nov. 29, Escalon First Baptist Church, 1511 Catherine Way. Gospel bluegrass trio from Redding will perform. Offering. 838-3213.

BLACKWOOD GOSPEL QUARTET -- 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Victory Life Center, 2118 Woodland Ave., Modesto. Well-known gospel group from Tennessee to perform. Offering. 527-7995.

• MISCELLANEOUS

SHOE BOX PROJECT -- Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, is seeking shoe boxes filled with children's items such as school supplies, small toys, etc., which will be given out to needy children in Third World countries. Drop-off locations will be open through Monday and include Calvary Chapel at 4300 American Ave. in Modesto and Grace Community Church, 3754 E. Service Road in Ceres. For more information, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

THANKSGIVING COMMUNION -- 6-7 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 25, Bethel Church, 2361 Scenic Drive, Modesto. Thanksgiving Candlelight Communion service. 521-5440.

HANDBELL CONCERT -- 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 640 Minaret Ave., Turlock. Advent music. Free. 667-7712.

CHEVY'S FUND-RAISER -- 4-10 p.m. Nov. 30, Chevy's, 1700 Standiford Ave., Modesto. Fund-raiser benefits Teen Challenge Faith Home Ranch, a nonprofit organization that helps teens struggling with addictions. A portion of the cost of every meal will be donated, if patrons present a flyer. To receive flier, call 537-0606, ext. 22.

• CHRISTMAS EVENTS

GERMAN ADVENT SING -- 4 p.m. Nov. 29, United Lutheran Church, 649 Northgate Drive, Manteca. 31st annual traditional service features Christmas carols and sermon in German language. Reception with traditional German treats follows. 823-1971.

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM -- Dec. 3-5 and 10-12; 7-9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Grace Community Christian Church, 3754 E. Service Road, Ceres. Annual event features "tour" to Bethlehem featuring vignettes of biblical stories along the way, such as the wise men, the shepherds and the creche with baby Jesus. Event takes place over uneven ground unsuitable for strollers and people with difficulty walking. Offering. 531-1902.

CHRISTMAS DRAMA -- 6:30, 7:15 and 8 p.m. Dec. 4, Hilmar Covenant Church, 20056 American Ave. "A Living Nativity" includes music, drama, narration, live animals, carols, etc. 30-minute production is outdoors. Bake sale and light refreshments for small fee to benefit Merced Rescue Mission and Hilmar Helping Hands. 668-0400.

CHRISTMAS DINNER -- 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4, Unity Church of Modesto, 2467 Veneman Ave. Annual dinner/dance, silent auction and raffle. Music by Roberto Rosa. $15 each, $25 per couple. 578-5433.

BOUTIQUE & CRAFTS -- 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 5, Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church, 333 S. Wilma, Ripon. Homemade items, Christmas gifts, bake sale, etc. Benefits Bethany Christian Services. 599-7424.

HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" -- 3 p.m. Dec. 6, Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 4th and Orange streets, Ripon. Presented by Ripon Oratorio Society, directed by Bob De Ruiter. 599-3037.

Submit items by noon Tuesday to Sue Nowicki at snowicki@modbee.com.