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ADVENT ECUMENICAL | Merrillville

Merrillville Christian Women's Fellowship, an affiliate of the Merrillville Clergy Association, will host its Annual Advent Ecumenical Morning Prayer Service at 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at First Presbyterian Church, 7898 Taft St. This year's theme to bring Christians together for fellowship and prayer is "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel." A freewill offering will be taken for expenses. Speaker is the Rev. Joan Mier, pastor at Peace United Church of Christ. Ordained in 2003, she served at Faith United Church of Christ for three years before returning to her home church two years ago. A luncheon will be served following the prayer service and a limited number of tickets are available for $6.

FYI: Call Clemmer Oliver at (219) 769-4101 or (219) 308-5699 for lunch tickets.

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INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC | Roselawn

Five-time Grammy and 11-time Dove Award winner Larnelle Harris will be in concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Community Christian Reformed Church, 10498 N. 450 East. Named Male Vocalist of the Year three times by the gospel music community, Harris is known for his signature song "Amen" and has been inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame for more than three decades of vocal music success. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by phone, or with a credit card at www.iTickets.com or www.Christian Happenings.com

FYI: Call (219) 345-3388 or (800) 965-9324.

ADVENT OPENING | Chicago Heights

Meet Me at the Manger will open the Advent season at 12:15 p.m. Nov. 30 at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Thomas St. There will be a light lunch, nativity crafts, Christmas carols and the sharing of stories about nativity sets belonging to members of the congregation.

FYI: Call (708) 481-3754.

LUNCH & MUSIC | Chicago Heights

The Chansonettes will entertain the Presbyterian Women at a catered luncheon at noon Dec. 2 at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Thomas St. Tickets are $5 and reservations are due by Nov. 30.

FYI: Call (708) 481-3754.

ADVENT SERVICES | Valparaiso

Midweek Advent services will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at Heritage Lutheran Church, 308 N. Washington St., corner of Washington and Institute streets. Lunch will be served following the 11:30 a.m. services.

FYI: Call (219) 464-2810.

NOVENA & MASS | Hammond

Our Lady of Guadalupe Novena, Mass and celebration is at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 to 12 in the St. John Bosco chapel, 7113 Columbia Ave. Pray the rosary. Nonperishable food items will be accepted for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. At 7 p.m. Dec. 12, there will be a Mass to honor the Blessed Mother. It will include mariachis, presentation of roses, dancers and a brief re-enactment. Afterward there will be a celebration in the cafeteria. All are welcome. Dinners are $7 for adults and $6 for children.

FYI: Call (219) 844-9027.

BIBLE STUDY | Crown Point

Calvary Mission Outreach invites everyone to a new, verse-by-verse Bible Study in the Book of Revelation, to be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Dec. 4, at The Conservative Café, 201 N. Main St. Participants will take a clear and simple approach to this very relevant and timely book of Revelation as they study together in a casual setting.

FYI: Call (219) 662-1135 or visit calvarymo.org

CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION | Winfield

Begin your Christmas celebration with a visit to the all-new Christmas production being presented by the Fine Arts Ministry at Town & Country Christian Church, 7037 E. 117th Ave. during the first weekend in December. Seated at brightly decorated, candlelit tables and served light refreshments and dessert, the audience will see and hear through drama and music a re-enactment of the events leading up to the birth of Christ as seen through the eyes of three small children. Performances of Christmas at Town & Country begin at 7 p.m. Dec 5 and 2 p.m. Dec 6 and 7. Tickets are $7. All seats are reserved and seating is at tables of eight. Seating is assigned as ticket orders are received.

FYI: Call (219) 663-7896.

TAIZE WORSHIP | Highland

Join the congregation in an ecumenical opportunity to worship God at a Taize Worship service at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and the first Friday every month at First Presbyterian Church of Highland, 8727 Delaware St. This 45-minute service is a contemplative candlelight worship experience consisting of music, Scripture readings, prayer, and quiet meditation.

FYI: Call (219) 838-6850.

CHRISTMAS SING | Valparaiso

The public is invited to celebrate the Christmas season at a special Christmas Sing at First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the church, 101 Institute St. Familiar hymns and carols will be sung to organ music and holiday refreshments will be served. This event, closing the church's Centennial Celebration, is free and no collection will be taken.

FYI: Call (219) 462-4360.

COOKIE WALK | Hammond

Holiday cookies, baked goods and crafts will be available at a United Methodist Women Cookie Walk from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 6348 Harrison Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 932-0613.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR | Gary

St. Mary of the Lake Parish will hold its Merry Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 in Lessard Hall, behind the church at 6060 Miller Ave. There will be trinkets and treasures, plants, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, grab bags, and Christmas decorations. Lunch, including sandwiches and homemade soups, will be served both days. Tickets for a cash raffle with a top prize of $1,000 are $5, and winners need not be present at the drawing Dec. 7.

FYI: Call Julia Chary at (219) 938-0913.

ST. NICHOLAS DAY | Merrillville

Take a break from the rush of the holiday season and learn the real story of St. Nicholas at the Annual St. Nicholas Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 8600 Grand Blvd. Following liturgy at 9,. breakfast with St. Nicholas will follow at 10:30. After breakfast, St. Nicholas will talk with the children about his life in the 4th century and how he helped the poor and needy, with a special concern for

children. Children will enjoy photo opportunities with St. Nicholas and join in singing Christmas carols, making crafts, group activities and games. There is no admission charge, but attendees are asked to bring a new,

unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

FYI: Call (219) 947-4748 or visit www.ptvm.com

DINNER CONCERT | Cedar Lake

One of Christian music's most popular recording groups, The Pfeifer, will be featured during a special dinner concert Dec. 6 at Cedar Lake Ministries, 13701 Lauerman St. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., while The Pfeifers' performance will begin at 7:30. Since organizing more than two decades ago, The Pfeifers, of Ohio, have enjoyed much radio success with Top 20 releases, including "Father's House," "Back To My Senses," "I Will Trust Him" and "Jumpin' In." In addition, the group's weekly television program, The Pfeifers - Lifting Jesus, is delivered into homes across the country via 20 television stations.

FYI: Call (219) 374-5941 for ticket information.

ST. NICK BREAKFAST | Highland

Students and parents come together to welcome St. Nick at the annual St. Nick Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 in the cafeteria at Our Lady of Grace School, 3025 Highway Ave. The school is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with pancakes and sausage, Christmas carols, pictures with Santa, raffles and more. St. Nick will arrive at 9 a.m. and be available for photos until noon. Breakfast cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children 11 and younger or $20 with a family plan for up to six tickets. Students will host a theme basket raffle by grade level, and tickets are $2 for a chance to win a Grilling, Movie Night, Coffee, Spa and Candles or Christmas basket, among others. To make a pledge to support this event, call Elizabeth at (219) 972-0443 or Carmen at (219) 923-8183, or send a donation to Our Lady of Grace School, 3025 Highway Ave., Highland, IN 46322.

FYI: Call (219) 838-2901 or www.olgraceschool.org

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS | Highland

First Church of Christ invites everyone to join in its Christmas Celebrations for a month of Christmas Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. A dramatic reading of "Celebrate the Gift of Jesus" with a screen presentation and a girls ensemble singing "The Gift Goes On" will be held Dec. 7. After this service, attend a Get-acquainted Monthly Brunch. Celebrate the Gift of Jesus with a children's program, followed by seasonal hymns on Dec. 14. Randy Harrison, minister, will continue his look at favorite Christmas carols, entitled "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," on Dec. 21. Also, celebrate the birth of Christ child by candlelight at 7 p.m. services Dec. 24. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. every Sunday for children and adults.

FYI: Call (219) 838-6986.