The following free Holiday Events are scheduled in churches and spiritual centers in the Twin Cities this season. Also see the Events Calendar for more holiday activities.
SUNDAY, NOV. 29
10 a.m. – Unity East – “Sunday Advent Service” with theme: Reclaiming Christmas. Marcus Cinema, Oakdale, near Highway 36 and 694, 651.731.5330.
SUNDAY, DEC. 13
4 p.m. – St Matthew’s Episcopal Church – “In Memoriam: A Time of Remembrance” concert by cellist Kirsten Whitson, to give those who have lost loved ones the time and space to remember them and to heal in the midst of the busy pre-Christmas season; Program: “In Memoriam” by Gwenyth Walker; “Requiem for Cello Alone” by Peter Sculthorpe; and “Suite #6 in D Major” by J.S. Bach. Featuring intentional silences for reflection and remembrance. Free, but freewill offerings accepted. Location: 2136 Carter Ave. in St. Anthony Park, St. Paul.
FRIDAY, DEC. 18
7 p.m. – Lake Harriet Spiritual Community – “Rhythm of the Earth – Winter Solstice Celebration: Wassail!” Pre-event festivities at 7 p.m., ritual at 7:30 and Drum Jam follows at 9 p.m.; $10 admission, 4401 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, 612.922.4272, www.lakeharrietspiritualcommunity.org.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19
7 p.m. – Spirit United Church – “Winter Solstice Ritual and Celebration”; open drumming at 7 p.m. (bring drums and rattles); 7:30 p.m. ritual and celebration with chanting, meditation and song; led by Rev. Ron Moor, 3204 Como Ave. SE, Minneapolis, 612.378.3602, www.spiritunited.com, [email protected].
SUNDAY, DEC. 20
1 p.m. – Saint Francis Liberal Catholic Church – “Christmas Caroling”; earlier: 10 a.m. Mass followed by Vegetarian Potluck Luncheon at Noon, 3201 Pleasant Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612.823.4276, www.saintfrancisliberalcatholicchurch.org.
SUNDAY, DEC. 20
6:30 p.m. – Unity Christ Church – “Advent Vespers,” 4000 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, 763.521.4793, www.unitychristchurch.org.
THURSDAY, DEC. 24
• 5:30 p.m. – Unity East – “Christmas Eve Service,” with theme: Reclaiming Christmas. Marcus Cinema, Oakdale, near Highway 36 and 694, 651.731.5330.
• 6 p.m. – Lake Harriet Spiritual Community – “Christmas Eve Musical Extravaganza Candlelight Service” hosting several Minneapolis musicians, Christmas carols and spiritual fun, 4401 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612.922.4272, www.lakeharrietspiritualcommunity.org.
• 6-7:30 p.m. – Key to Life Center – “Christmas Eve Candlelight Service” celebrating the birth of Jesus by embracing his profound message that “Christ Consciousness,” the Divine Manifestation of God, lives within all human kind, with inspiring meditation, uplifting messages by Lenni Garin & Marion Rice, and musical performances directed by Debbie Duncan, at the Center’s original home: the “Chapel in the Woods,” 525 Leaf St., Orono. www.keytolifecenter.com, [email protected], 763.477.4884.
• 7 and 11 p.m. – Unity Christ Church – “Christmas Eve Candlelight Services,” 4000 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, 763.521.4793, www.unitychristchurch.org.
FRIDAY, DEC. 25
10 a.m. – Saint Francis Liberal Catholic Church – “Christmas Mass,” High Celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Communion for Everyone, 3201 Pleasant Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612.823.4276, www.saintfrancisliberalcatholicchurch.org.
SUNDAY, DEC. 27
9 and 11 a.m. – Unity Christ Church – “Kwanzaa Service,” 4000 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, 763.521.4793, www.unitychristchurch.org.
THURSDAY, DEC. 31
11 p.m. – Institute of Himalayan Tradition – “New Year Celebration,” short reception followed by a spiritual gathering for personal healing and celebration of the future; ring in the New Year and then help bring peace to the world with the 24-hour meditation; meditation will be ongoing from midnight on New Year’s Eve until midnight on the first day of 2010, 1317 Summit Ave., St. Paul, 651.645.1291.
