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Evanston Own It! Presents Hanging of the Greens December 2

Why do Christians use evergreens and poinsettias during Advent and Christmas? Why do we decorate our homes and sanctuaries with Christmas trees and ornaments? 

Join us this Friday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., at Friendship Baptist Church, 2201 Foster St., for an evening worship service that will provide you with the answers to these questions while enriching your understanding of the Advent and Christmas season.

Evanston Own It! pastors, mass choir and liturgical dancers will participate in this beautiful service in preparation for a blessed season of love, hope, joy and peace found in the midst of community.

Free Community Clothing Drive December 3

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1113 Clark St., will host a free community clothing drive this Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please bring your own bags. 

Sponsored by Woman of Worth Ministry (W.O.W.) and The Plant and Grow Ministry (P.A.G.).

Organ Meditations for Advent at St. Luke’s

The Nave at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston, will be open for reflection and prayer, at lunch hour on Wednesdays during Advent, 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Christine Kraemer will play the Skinner organ, Opus 327.

The meditation hour ends with 30 minutes of organ, 11:30 a.m.-12 noon, with a pre-concert talk beginning at 11:25 a.m. Free admission.

Wednesday, December 7: Music from Germany, 18th- 20th century composers (Buxtehude, Bach, Mendelssohn, Reger, and Hindemith)

Wednesday, December 14:  Music from 20th century American composers (Sowerby, Hovhaness, Hampton, and Ferko)

Wednesday, December 21: Music from 16th and 20th century England (Byrd, Howells, Darke, Jackson, and Rose)

Donations large or small are gratefully accepted and will benefit Opus 327 NFP, St. Luke's not-for-profit foundation, established to promote and preserve the 1922 Skinner pipe organ.

A Christmas Chamber Opera December 9-11

Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2120 Lincoln St., will host the world premiere of Joseph's Gift, an 80-minute opera filled with beautiful music and memorable tunes. The opera is a retelling of the Christmas story from Joseph’s point of view, and is sure to become a family-friendly holiday tradition. Joseph, a simple carpenter from Nazareth, finds his life unexpectedly complicated when he becomes betrothed to a mystical young woman named Mary. 

Performances take place:

Friday, December 9, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 10, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 11, 3 p.m.

With a cast of over 30 singers, a 20-piece professional orchestra, costumes, sets and lighting, this will be a delightful and impressive production. Don’t miss this moving story of the quiet man who faces down every challenge for the sake of an unborn child.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $50 for adults, and $15 for students 12 and under. All ticket sales benefit programs at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Group rates are available.

Tickets may be purchased at www.josephsgiftopera.org, by emailing info@josephsgiftopera.org, or by calling 847-869-9447.

Ebenezer AME Revival December 14-16

There's a Revival on the way to Evanston! Revival is defined as an improvement in condition or strength of something. If that is you, met us at Ebenezer AME, 1109 Emerson St. There will be dynamic preaching each night as we are reminded that we are "STILL BLESSED ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE" Isaiah 43: 1-2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., services begin at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 14
Rev. Kenneth E. Cherry
Christ Temple MB Church, Evanston

Thursday, December 15
Rev. Martha R. Holmes
Bethany Baptist COC, Evanston

Friday, December 16
Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods
First AME Church, Gary, IN

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