Christmas is just around the corner, which can be a difficult time for those who are going through it alone. Those who are looking to belong in a progressive and welcoming place can join Community Church’s on Thursday, Dec. 11, for a time of fellowship and prayer called “Blue Christmas.” Elvis may not make an appearance, but the love of God certainly will. No prior church experience is required.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:24-25. Traditionally, this time is the season of thanksgiving, celebration, generosity and gathering together with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

LW Assembly of God will begin a three-week celebration of Christmas with sermons related to the birth of Jesus, why he came, and the difference his coming makes in people’s lives with a series titled “Jesus Came to Bring a Blessing,” based on the first chapter of the book of Luke. This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the series leading up to Christmas. The church will sing hymns of the

First Christian Church of Leisure World teaches from God’s word, the Holy Bible, most often verse by verse. It is a friendly church that welcomes all visitors to join in worship and explore God’s word together, “that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine,” Romans 1:12. Pastor’s Message Thanksgiving Day is a day set aside as a national holiday to

On Sunday, Nov. 23, the congregations of Redeemer Lutheran Church and St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church will celebrate Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the Church Year. The Rev. Brad Stienstra will preside over the holy Communion service that gathers at 10:30 a.m. at 13564 St. Andrews Drive. Fellowship will be held after the service in the downstairs Fellowship Hall with coffee,

Faith Christian Assembly will welcome guest speakers Kevin and Jennifer Stebbings on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 10:30 a.m. The Stebbings are part of the Grace International Ministries family, along with Faith Christian Assembly and many other ministers and thousands of churches worldwide. The Stebbings are currently ministering to Southeast Asia and have much to share about how God is using and blessing

Meetings for the Atherton Ward are held at 6500 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. Sacrament service is held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., followed in the second hour by Sunday school on the first and third Sundays. The Relief Society and Elders Quorum meetings are held on the second and fourth Sundays. Primary classes for children are held every Sunday during the second hour. Members who are unable to

Buddha Circle will meet Saturday, Dec. 6, in Clubhouse 3. Room 1, from 9:30-11 a.m. led by venerable Kusala. Buddha Circle has no membership fees, but donations are welcome. For more information, call 714-468-6887.

Community Church offers a free weekly discussion on the book “A Course in Miracles,” facilitated by Abby Stevens, every Tuesday at 1 p.m. For more information on “A Course in Miracles,” visit www.acim.org. Community Church will hold a Christmas market on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Residents are welcome to peruse the holiday wares, eat Christmas sweet treats, and start the season

Psalm 103, written by David, most likely during the time of his reign as king, proclaims praise for God in every facet of life. It reflects the experiences of David and the people as they lived through trying and uncertain times politically, spiritually and physically. Praise is a believer’s weapon against fear and doubt. God is not surprised by what people are going through, and he is with them