Religion briefs

Community concert features 'Messiah'

Carson Valley United Methodist Church presents a community concert at 7 p.m. Sunday.

The Carson Valley UMC Chancel Choir and area singers present excerpts from Handel's "Messiah," including the "Hallelujah Chorus."

The choruses will be accompanied by the Carson Valley Sinfonia, conducted by John O'Neill. Choral ensemble directed by Dr. Stephen H. Farnsley. Mr. Mark Dorio is church accompanist.

Carson Valley United Methodist Church is at 1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville. For more information, call 782-4600.

Volunteers needed for Christmas dinner

St. Gall Catholic Church is seeking volunteers for its 11th Noel Christmas Day Dinner for those without family. If you would like to be involved, there will be a planning meeting at 12:30 p.m. today in the Pastoral Center at St. Gall Church, 1343 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville.

Volunteers are needed for set up, food prep, decorating, greeting, serving and clean up. All volunteers are invited to the dinner, too.

Anyone in the community, either single or a couple, who would otherwise be alone on Christmas, is invited to the dinner. Meet new friends and become part of a new family.

Those interested in attending will need to contact the church. Event planners send out invitations.

To receive a written invitation, make a donation, or for more information, call Rita Hill, event coordinator, at 783-9908.

BAC presents 'Clara's Prayer' ballet

"Clara's Prayer," a Christian adaptation of "The Nutcracker Ballet," will be performed at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19, and 2 p.m.

Dec. 20 at the Brewery Arts Center, 511 W. King St., Carson City.

The Performing Arts Project of Northern Nevada's holiday production offers a unique theatrical glimpse into the true meaning of Christmas.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for ages

5-12 and available at www.breweryarts.org,

775-883-1976; or e-mail cassiebrock@aol.com. For more information, call 775-267-4446.

Gift of the nativity

at Methodist church

Carson City First United Methodist Church (FUMC) will present its 9th annual living nativity on Saturday and Sunday evenings, 6:30-8 pm. tonight and Sunday.

The church is located at the intersection of Musser and Division streets and the drive through begins at the King and Division streets.

Visitors also are encouraged to walk the "Path to Bethlehem," which is lighted by more than 800 luminaries.

There is no charge to enjoy this Christmas pageant, which represents church members' Christmas gift to Northern Nevada. A voluntary donation of non-perishable food, however, will go toward the community's unemployed citizens.