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Gospel concert
CRESTVIEW — Libby and Friends Gospel Concert Ministry present in concert Great Day of Tavares at 6 tonight at Central Baptist Church, 951 South Ferdon Blvd.
Bill Ferguson and his family started this gospel singing group in 2005.
These concerts are the second Saturday of the month. A love offering will be received.
Tickets are also on sale for the Booth Brothers concert Jan. 10, 2013, and the Earnie Haase and Signature Sound concert on March 11.
For more details, visit the website LibbyAndFriendsGospelConcerts.com or call 496-7106 or 682-5525.
Christmas cantata
CRESTVIEW — St. Mark United Methodist Church Christmas Cantata, “Silent Night, Holy Night,” will be presented at 9 a.m. Dec. 16.
The church is at 2250 PJ Adams Parkway. Call the church office at 850-682-5280.
Shalimar UMC
SHALIMAR — Shalimar United Methodist Church, 1 Old Ferry Road, has these special events planned. Call the church at 651-0721.
- Sunday - A Shalimar Christmas Concert, “And On Earth ... Peace” at 8 and 11 a.m.
- Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. - “The Christmas Post” musical. Tickets $10 through office; childcare available with reservation.
- Dec. 22 - Breakfast with Saint Nick at 10 a.m.
- Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Services at 3, 5, 7 and 11:07 p.m., all with Holy Communion.
Good Shepherd
SHALIMAR — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1 Meigs Dr., has these special events planned. Call 651-1022.
- “Interviews with Isaiah” mid-week Advent services at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 12 and 19. There will be an Advent dinner before each service at 5:30 p.m.
- Christmas Eve service, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 24.
- Christmas Day service, 10 a.m. Dec. 25 with Communion.
- New Year’s Eve service, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31 with Communion.
Ecumenical Choir
SANTA ROSA BEACH — The Ecumenical Choir of Walton County will present “And on Earth, Peace.”
Performances are scheduled for 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday.
Bring a canned item to share with those in need. Offering proceeds will benefit community outreach.
The church is at 480 N. Highway 393. Call 267-3332.
ECMS retreat
SANTA ROSA BEACH — A day of silent meditation and quiet activities will be held Dec. 22 sponsored by the Emerald Coast Meditation Society to honor the solstice that takes place Dec. 21.
Anyone who meditates is welcome to attend all or any part of the retreat, which runs from 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. There is no charge but people must register by Dec. 20. It will take place at the Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail.
The day will include eight 30-minute meditation periods interspersed with breakfast, lunch, yoga, qigong, outdoor walks (weather permitting), and other activities. Vegetarian meals plus tea and coffee will be provided; food allergies or preferences should be indicated when registering.
Register by contacting Nancy James at nancyjames@embarqmail.com. After Dec. 18, James may be called at 231-1498. James and Caroling Geary will lead the day’s events.
Prophetic gathering
FORT WALTON BEACH — Lighthouse of Faith Community Church Hosts the “2012 End of Year Prophetic Empowerment Gathering” at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 with apostle Jeremiah Cummings, a former lead tenor of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and a former protégé of Louis Farrakhan.
Other special guests include gospel recording artist Lady Aimee Clute, gospel recording artist Pastor Darrell Kelly, and Travis Mimms in Pantomime.
The location is 755 Lovejoy Road N.W. Call 244-2003.
Cantata, festival
FORT WALTON BEACH — At both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services Sunday, Trinity United Methodist Adult Choir will present the cantata “Heaven’s Child.”
At the 9:45 a.m. service that day, there will be a Contemporary Advent Celebration.
The Lilies of the Field Emmaus Group will host the “Festival of the Creche” on Saturday night during the UMW Christmas Dinner and on Sunday 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The display will be staged in the Chapel.
Sathya Sai Baba
FORT WALTON BEACH — The Sathya Sai Baba Group invites the public for meditation, devotional singing, and fellowship 2-3 p.m. Sunday at the home of Jorja Kelley.
Call 642-0183 for direction.
UMC, FWB events
FORT WALTON BEACH — First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach has these events planned:
- There will be a Blue Christmas Service at 5 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary for those who are suffering feeling of loss during the holiday season.
- There will be a Christmas pageant titled “Bethlehem - Birthplace of The King” at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 in the sanctuary.
FWB Aglow
FORT WALTON BEACH — The December speaker for Fort Walton Beach Aglow is Joyce Duvall.
Duvall has worked and ministered with Jeanette Strauss of Glorious Creations for 13 years. She is a member of Women’s Aglow Network and Handmaidens of the Lord.
She is the owner of Charisma Oils and Balms.
The meeting will be held Dec. 13 at Marina Bay Resort, 80 Miracle Strip Parkway. Coffee and fellowship begin at 9:30 a.m.; the meeting is at 10.
Bring a covered dish or dessert for the Aglow Christmas Party immediately after the meeting.
Call Barbara Williams at 850-678-1335 or email fwbaglow@yahoo.com.
Donate canned goods
Destin’s Mission Love Seeds has partnered with The Fort Walton Beach High School Viking Leadership for the 15th annual Christmas Connection to provide a Christmas or holiday to families in Okaloosa County and surrounding areas who cannot afford to do so.
Families, recommended by guidance counselors, will be provided with 10 days’ worth of meals, gifts for every child, a special holiday dinner, and other necessities such as utility bills and maintenance for each family.
Collection boxes for canned foods are at various businesses and schools throughout the county.
To give a monetary gift or gift card, make check payable to Fort Walton Beach High School, with Christmas Connection in top left corner. Mail to FWBHS, 400 Hollywood Blvd., Fort Walton Beach FL 32548. For more information, call 833-3300, ext. 1811 or 621-7709.
Holiday donations
Jesus, Love and Care Ministries is seeking donations to help support needy families for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Monetary donations can be dropped off at any Eglin Federal Credit Union by asking for the Christmas Club account undor Pastor Linda G. Benson.
Distributions to the needy will be made on Dec. 22 at New Birth Bellowship Church in DeFuniak Springs and at New Deliverance Miracle Temple in Baker.
For more informaton, call 865-1925.
Food pantry
FORT WALTON BEACH — S4P Synergy Food Pantry, 24 Bass Ave. S.W. is requesting food donations.
Dry, canned and frozen commodities needed.
Call 362-6977.