Faith Briefs
MUSIC
› Gospel singing: Lane Funeral Home sponsors two singings each month at White Oak United Methodist Church, 2232 Lyndon Ave. Guests are The Jamersons and Friends, along with Sheila Reed, Randy Kincannon and David Hayes, on Dec. 1 and Dave Raby and Chris Van Alleman on Dec. 18. Both start at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments at 5:30 p.m. 423-504-9283, 423268-0837.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
› Grace United Methodist Church, 9833 Hixson Pike in Soddy-Daisy, hosts Breakfast With Santa and Mrs. Claus 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 2. Pancakes and sausage will be served. Storytelling and crafts are part of the free festivities. Bring your camera for photos. www.graceumcsd.org.
› Fairview United Methodist Church, 3901 Hamill Road in Hixson, presents “The Christmas Season,” about festivalgoers finding their way to the Light of Jesus, at 6 p.m. Dec. 3. The evening includes carols, children participation and refreshments. fairviewumchixson.com.
› Hickory Valley Baptist Church, 2320 Hickory Valley Road, will feature the choir in “The Greatest Story Ever Told” at 6 p.m. Dec. 10. Light refreshments will follow the musical. 423-892-1916.
FUNDRAISERS
› Backpack Blessings: This outreach program of the North Georgia Community YMCA, part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, will benefit from Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28. This global day of giving to causes and charities, held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, follows the big consumer events Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Backpack Blessings provides nutritious nonperishable foods to 565 students each Friday to reduce weekend hunger and help children prepare for classroom learning when they return to school on Monday. To support Backpack Blessings, text ybackpack to 71777. For more information, go to www.givingtuesday.org.
› Christmas bazaar: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 7 Ewing St. in Blue Ridge, Ga., will hold its 11th annual Christmas Bazaar 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
› Dec. 2. Handcrafted gifts, jewelry, art, cabin decor, handmade cards, holiday decorations, stocking stuffers, hand-knitted items and handcrafted Nativity scenes will be among the merchandise, along with homemade jams, pickles, candies and baked goods. A silent auction will award an English dinner for four and other items. 706-632-8245.
› Lyerly cookbook: Lyerly United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 152, Lyerly, GA 30730, has published its third cookbook, “Feeding the Flock.” To order, send $10, plus $3 shipping and handling. Call JoAnn Mitchell, 706895-2636, for information on buying from a church member or a Chattooga County business.
› Payne’s Chapel cookbook: Payne’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Lookout Mountain, Ga., has a new cookbook, “Payne’s Chapel Cooks,” a collection of recipes from members. Proceeds will go into the church building fund. Cost is $12, plus $4 shipping/ handling if mailed. To order, email debroskyp@gmail.com or leave a message at 706-820-2095.
PROGRAMS, EVENTS
› Lunch & Learn: Rivers of Living Water Christian Center will present “Titus II Woman” as the topic of a Lunch & Learn program at 1 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Bethlehem Center, 200 W. 38th St. For more information, call 423-5512801, email member@rlwchristiancenter.info or visit www.rlwchristiancenter.info.
› Clubs for Kids: AWANA Clubs for children age 3 through 6th grade meet 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hickory Valley Baptist Church, 2320 Hickory Valley Road. 423-892-1916.
› 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.
› Grief support: 5 p.m. every first Tuesday at Fort Oglethorpe United Methodist Church, 1733 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Presented by PruittHealth Hospice. Free. For more information, call 706-6029546.
› 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, Ga. Refreshments and child care are provided.
To be included in Faith Briefs, send information to LDenton@timesfreepress.com. Listings must be sent by Wednesday morning each week.