Songs for the Nativity

During the holiday season, traditional songs and carols are heard in many places. Though there is enjoyment and comfort in familiar tunes, refresh the holiday spirit with something new or different. A concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glendale on Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. offers rarely heard songs and arias by composers including J.S. Bach, Joaquin Rodrigo and Ralph Vaughn Williams, as well as carols by jazz musician Alfred Burt and some audience sing along favorites.

Critically acclaimed singers for this concert include E. Scott Levin, Ariel Pisturino, and Gerald Seminatore. They will be joined by guitarist Taro Wayama and pianist Ron Barnett.

General admission; no tickets are needed. A $20 donation is requested, though any amount will be gratefully accepted.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1020 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale.

Christmas Worship Service 

On Sunday, Dec. 20 Bethel Church will offer a 6 p.m. evening Christmas worship service including a Christmas pageant featuring children of different ages acting out the Christmas story, congregational singing of favorite Christmas carols, a women’s choir performing, and a message from the Pastor on “The Heart of a Giver” with John 3:16 as the text.

Gifts will be offered to each child and family attending. Refreshments served after the service. All in the community are welcome.

Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley.

Christmas Eve Service at Gethsemane

Gethsemane Lutheran Church invites the community to its Christmas Eve candlelight service with carols on Thursday, Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Our Korean brothers and sisters in Christ of Living Flame Church will participate by singing a verse of each carol in Korean. The service will also feature Shannon Gomes, soprano and Michael Daniels, baritone.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2723 Orange Ave., La Crescenta.