Pastor Byron and First Lady Jill Smith invite the public to the kick-off celebration on Dec. 9, at 11 aa.m., at 801 E. Carson St., in Carson, then join them for the 3 p.m. service. For details or to donate, visit liftingtheveiltosee.com or email [email protected].

 

Crenshaw United Methodist Church plans “Holiday Family Movie Night” on Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., at 3740 Don Felipe Dr., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Royce Porter. Also, Christmas Worship takes place on Dec. 23, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a holiday meal. For information, call (323) 292-0141.

Carson Community Deliverance Center Church holds a Women’s Prayer Service on Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., at 555 E. 220th St., in Carson.  The public is invited to attend for worship and prayer.  For information, call (310) 835-7905.

The Guibord Center presents “Holy Days of Light: Roots of Hanukkah and Christmas” on Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., at Temple Beth Shir Shalom, 1827 California St., in Santa Monica, said the Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, founder. The event will explore the origins of both holidays. Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels of Temple Beth Shir Shalom and the Very Rev. Canon Mark Kowalewski, dean of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral will participate. Call (323) 333-4664 for information.

Holman United Methodist Church presents Handel’s Messiah and Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata on Dec. 9, at 4 p.m., at 3320 W. Adams Blvd., in Los Angeles, said Bishop Warner Brown, Jr., pastor. The Holman choir and chamber orchestra, directed by William Campbell, Jr. will perform along with organist Robert Johnson, Jr. Visit homanumc.com for details.

Trinity Baptist Church plans its 11th annual Homeless Blanket Drive on Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in their garage parking lot at 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Alvin Tunstill and homeless activist Brian Ferguson. Donations of new full, queen or king size blankets and pillows will be collected. On Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., a Christmas celebration takes place with the Mass Choir and friends. Call (323) 735-0044 for information.

Second AME Church hosts a “Christmas Festival of Music and the Arts” on Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., at 5500 Hoover St., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Carolyn Baskin-Bell. Dimitri Nickleberry will direct the event. To learn more, call (323) 753-2451.

West Angeles Church of God in Christ holds several free holiday events this month. Activities include Christmas at the Cathedral on Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., with JJ Hairston, Kyla and The Williams Singers; Candlelight Service on Dec. 19, at 7 p.m.; Christmas Sunday Worship on Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. (one service only); New Year’s service on Dec. 30 at 9:30 a.m., where Earvin “Magic” Johnson will speak; and Watch Night Service on Dec. 31, at 10 p.m., followed by the Afterglow Breakfast in the Crystal Room. Call (323) 733-8300 for details.

Founder’s Church of Religious Science hosts a Candlelight Service on Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., at 3281 West 6th St., in Los Angeles, said Dr. Arthur Chang, pastor. The service includes carols and the lighting of candles. On Dec. 23, at 10 a.m., Christmas Worship will be held. To learn more, call (213) 388-9733.

Truth and Love Christian Church plans “A Christmas Miracle” on Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at 1129 E. Dominguez St., Suite B, in Carson, said Pastor Walter Tucker III. The program will feature music, songs and a short Christmas play. To learn more, call (310) 635-3550.

Brookins-Kirkland AME Church sponsors a Christmas Program on Dec. 23, at 8 a.m., at 3719 W. Slauson Ave., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Mary S. Minor. The Christmas Day worship starts at 9 a.m. For information, call (323) 296-5610.

Grace United Methodist Church plans “Jazz and Carols” on Dec. 24, at 6 p.m., at 4112 W. Slauson Ave., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Cedric D. Bridgeforth. Performers include the BMCR/Ebony Prophets. On Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Watch service takes place at 12 p.m. To learn more, call (323) 294-6653.