Crenshaw United Methodist Church hosts a “Tree Lighting and Community Sing-Along” on Nov. 30, at 7 p.m., at 3740 Don Felipe Dr., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Royce Porter. Also, “Holiday Family Movie Night takes place on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., and Christmas Worship will be held on Dec. 23, at 10:30 a.m., followed a holiday breakfast. For information, call (323) 292-0141.
Fannie Lee Hamer Institute plans the 63rd commemoration of the arrest of civil rights icon Rosa Parks on Dec. 1, at 1 p.m., at the Justice Center in Leimert Park, 3343 W. 43rd St., in Los Angeles. Parks’ r refusal to give her seat to a White man in 1955 helped to ignite the U.S. civil rights movement. Mindy Garland, the Rev. Thembekila Smart and Sister Paula Minor will speak.
Park Hills Community Church welcomes the Rev. Dr. Micah McCreary on Dec. 2, at 11 a.m., at 5247 Overdale Dr., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Lawrence Dove. McCreary, the first African American president of New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey, also led Spring Creek Baptist Church in Virginia for 16 year with his wife, the Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Madison- McCreary. To learn more, call (323) 294-1421.
Knights of Peter Claver, an African American Catholic organization, plans the Peter Claver Awards Program on Dec. 2, at 1 p.m., at the Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Blvd., in Los Angeles. Five priests will be saluted for their service to the African American Catholic community. The honorees are Father Stanley Bosh of St. Michael Church, Father Stanley Ihuom of Holy Name Church, Father Kenneth Keke of St. Brigid Church, and Father Jesus Vela of St. Lawrence Church. The donation is $65. LeRoy Titus of Holy Name Church and Sharon Agnew of Transfiguration Church are program co-chairs.
Gospel Music Workshop of America – L.A. Chapter presents a birthday musical celebrating the late Rev. James Cleveland, GMWA founder, on Dec. 2, at 4 p.m., at People’s Independent Church of Christ, 5856 West Blvd., in Los Angeles, said the Rev. Calvin B. Rhone, chapter representative. The L.A. Chapter Mass Choir directed by Herman Jones, soloist Eugene Ross III, the Los Angeles Gospel Messengers and the newly organized, Los Angeles Youth and Young Adult Choir LAYYA will perform.
West Angeles Church of God in Christ holds several free holiday events next month. Activities include the children’s program on Dec. 2, at 6 p.m.; Christmas at the Cathedral with JJ Hairston, Kyla and The Williams Singers on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.; 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.
Silver Lining of Hope Crusade holds its 9th annual Prayer and Encouragement Service on Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., at Mount Olive Second Missionary Baptist Church, 9401 Zamora Ave., in Los Angeles, said the Rev. Dr. Winford Bell, organizer. The service will uplift victims of violent crime. Pastor Ronald Bolden of Greater Mount Zion will speak.
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.
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 information.
Trinity Baptist Church presents 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. The theme is “Be a Blessing to Others” based on Genesis 12:2. Donations of new full, queen or king size blankets and pillows will be collected. Call (323) 735-0044 or (323) 734-4571 for information.
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.
