Religion News Briefs

Living tree back at Baptist church

First Baptist Little Rock, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, will present six performances of The Tree, a living Christmas tree production, Dec. 10-13. The program will a feature 40-foot lighted structure and a cast of more than 250.

The two-hour performances will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Performances will feature a 35-piece orchestra and 150 singers, including students from the Baptist Preparatory School, a ministry of the church, as well as dancers from New Creation Dance Company of Sherwood.

The living Christmas tree is a tradition the church decided to resurrect after 14 years because of interest in the community.

"Wherever our staff goes around town and people find out we're from First Baptist Little Rock they ask one question: 'Are you doing the living Christmas tree this year?'" said the Rev. Jonathan Curtis, lead pastor, in a news release.

The church is using the production to raise awareness of the needs of foster children in Arkansas and to encourage participation in fostering and adopting.

Tickets are $5 and can be bought at www.thetree.christmas or by calling (501) 227-0010.

-- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Blue Christmas event offers hope

Trinity United Methodist Church, 1101 N. Mississippi St., will host Blue Christmas: A Service of Hope and Healing at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 in the sanctuary.

A Blue Christmas service is for those who find the Christmas season to be a difficult time instead of a joyful occasion -- those who are lonely, grieving the death of a loved one, struggling through divorce or job loss, or suffering from depression. The services are often held on Dec. 21, the longest night of the year, but organizers at Trinity decided to offer the service earlier this year to offer hope and comfort they hope will carry participants through the holiday season.

Hot chocolate will be served in the narthex after the service and therapy dogs will be available before and after the service for petting and comfort.

Information is available online at tumclr.org or by calling (501) 666-2813. All are welcome.

-- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Gaithers to return to Verizon Arena

Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bill Gaither will bring the Gaither Christmas Homecoming to Verizon Arena in North Little Rock on Dec. 12. The program of Christmas music featuring Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band will begin at 6 p.m.

Other performers include the Isaacs, the Nelons, Angela Primm, Charlotte Ritchie, Gene McDonald and Kevin Williams.

Gaither and his wife, Gloria, are known for songs like "Because He Lives," "The King Is Coming," "Something Beautiful" and "He Touched Me," among many others. They have won multiple Grammy and Dove awards and are well known for their Homecoming series.

Ticket information is available online at premierproductions.com or gaither.com. Prices range from $20.50 per person for groups of 10 or more to $71.50 for Platinum Circle seats. To charge by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Verizon box office. Group ticket information is available by calling (501) 975-9131.

-- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Religion on 11/28/2015

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