Religion briefs
BY BILL SHERMAN World Religion Writer
Saturday, December 08, 2012
12/08/12 at 2:35 AM
Hanukkah commences at sunset Saturday
The Tulsa Jewish community joins Jews around the world beginning at sunset Saturday in the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights.
Hanukkah commemorates an important victory in Israel in 139 B.C. at a time when Israel was ruled by Syrians, who had forbidden the Jews to practice their faith.
The Jewish Maccabee family defeated the Syrians and restored worship in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, establishing the second independent Jewish state, which lasted until the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
The miracle of Hanukkah, Jews believe, is that when the temple worship was restored, a one-day supply of oil in the temple menorah burned for eight days while new oil was being prepared.
'Feed the Needy' food, toy drive set Sunday
The Christian Ministers Alliance's annual "Feed the Needy" service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Greater Progressive Baptist Church, 1970 N. Boston Place.
The Rev. Emmanuel Collier, pastor of First Baptist Church, Mohawk, will preach.
Music will be provided by the group "Chosen," and by choirs from New Faith Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Mohawk.
The service will collect money, toys and food for the annual Christmas Giveaway Dec. 20 at Booker T. Washington High School. The Christian Ministers Alliance has adopted 60 public schools and will provide each with 25 food baskets.
The Rev. W.R. Casey, president of the alliance, said donations will be accepted at the service, or donors may call him at 918-951-7407.
Needed are turkeys, hams, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, fresh potatoes, cereal, cash and toys.
Victory's free Christmas program this weekend
Victory Christian Center, 7700 S. Lewis Ave., will present its annual Christmas program at 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday.
The free presentation of "Believe" will combine live performances with a cast of more than 200 actors and animals, and filmed scenes on a 60-foot screen.
German Advent service is set for Sunday
The German American Society of Tulsa Arts Association will hold a nondenominational Advent service in the German language at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Great Hall of the German American Society Center, 2301 E. 15th St.
The Rev. Christian Tiews, Grace Lutheran Church, will officiate, and the society's choir will sing traditional German Christmas carols.
Admission is free. Any donations will be given to Meals on Wheels.
