The Rev. Daniel Byantoro, an Orthodox priest from Indonesia, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1703 N. Washington St.
Byantoro, who founded the Orthodox Mission in Indonesia, will be speaking on his experiences being a Christian in a predominately Muslim country.
A native of Indonesia, Byantoro was a follower of Islam before converting to Christianity.
Yuletide plans under way
Finding a cup of hol
iday cheer isn't hard these days. The Christmas season is in full swing as North Side churches prepare holiday programs and concerts.
• First Presbyterian Church is continuing the annual tradition of hosting a community sing-along of Handel's "Messiah." The performance begins at 4 p.m. Sunday. Those interested in performing with the mass choir should arrive at 2 p.m. for rehearsal.
In addition to the mass choir there will be an orchestra, soloists and singers from the community. Seating for the concert is limited.
The church is at 318 S. Cedar St. Call the church at 747-1058 for more information.
• The Presbyterian Women's Board of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church is inviting everyone (men included) to a Christmas tea next Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. The festive afternoon will include a reading of "O Christmas Tree" and performances by the Audubon Singers and the Tomlinson Black Singers.
Call the church office at 326-1252 for more information. The church is at 1926 W. Chelan Ave.
• This year's Advent Festival at Whitworth Presbyterian Church begins Sunday at 4 p.m. with a skit on Advent. Numerous craft tables will be set up for children, and adults can try their hand at creating a holiday centerpiece.
Everyone will gather for dinner before the evening wraps up at 7 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a dozen cookies to share.
The church is at 312 W. Hawthorne Road.
• The 17th annual Christmas at Noon concert series kicks off today at Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ, 411 S. Washington St. The free concerts of seasonal music run from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. each Thursday through Dec. 19.
Those attending are invited to bring sack lunches (just leave the celery at home). Today's concert will feature the Spokane Area Children's Chorus. Next Thursday's program will include Susan Windham, soprano; Anthony Johnson, tenor; Curtis Anderson, bass; and John Oss, organist.
More than 100 students from the Discovery school will sing, perform in the band or play in the bell choir during the final concert on Dec. 19.
All performances are free, but donations will be accepted.
• The Chancel Choir of Central Lutheran Church will perform selections from Handel's Messiah during the 10:30 a.m. worship service Sunday. The choir will be accompanied by orchestra and organ. Soloists include Duane Hille, Brent Bottjen and Ann Brueggenmeier.
The church is at 512 S. Bernard St.
• The choirs of St. John's Lutheran Church and Hope Lutheran Church will present the Christmas cantata "Repeat the Sounding Joy" during the 10:30 a.m. worship service Sunday at St. John's, located at 2 W. Third Ave.
The program will be repeated at Hope Lutheran, 17909 E. Broadway Ave, at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 22.
• A holiday musical festival and potluck begins Sunday at 6 p.m. at Audubon Park United Methodist Church, 3908 N. Driscoll Blvd.
The Religion Notebook is a regular feature of the North Side Voice. If you have news about an interesting program or activity at a North Side church, or about the achievements of North Side worshippers, please let us know. Deadline is 10 a.m. Monday. Write: Nina Culver, Religion Notebook, North Side Voice, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Call: 459-5487. Fax: 459-5482. Or e-mail Ninac@spokesman.com.