Cary Presbyterian Church, 614 Griffis St., offers a labyrinth meditation walk from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. For details, call 919-469-1337 or visit www.carypresbyterian.org.

Cary Community Choir presents Handel’s “Messiah”

The Cary Community Choir will present Handel’s “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh St. For details, visit www.carycommunitychoir.com.

Westwood Baptist to hold Christmas events

Westwood Baptist Church will hold a variety of events to celebrate Christmas throughout December at 200 Westhigh St., Cary. A Christmas Cantata and Advent service will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. The Westwood Christmas Party will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. A Global Mission Offering event will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. A children’s Christmas program will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12. A Chrismon open house will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. A Christmas Eve service with communion will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24. Mon., Dec. 24. For details, call 919-469-9393 or visit www.westwoodbc.org.

Food for Body and Soul Advent Series

Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church will offer Advent studies from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 19; and at 11 a.m. Thursdays through Dec. 13 at 200 High Meadow Drive, Cary. Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and lunch will be at noon on Thursdays. The studies will explore the meaning and significance of the different names for Jesus. Childcare will be available. For information, call 919-467-4944 or email kirkofkildaire@nc.rr.com.

St. Michael’s Jolly Elf Trail Run

St. Michael’s Catholic Church will hold its seventh annual Jolly Elf Trail Run beginning with a one-mile Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary. The 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. and a 200-yard Kids Dash will begin at 10:15 a.m. There will also be a DJ, announcer, treats, elves and the sound of bells. Fees are $25 in advance, $30 race day for the 5K run; $12 for the one-mile Fun Run; and $5 for the 200-yard Kids Dash. To register, visit school.stmcary.org/cms/one.aspx?portalId=5544323&pageId=7452413.

GriefShare – Surviving the Holidays

Westwood Baptist Church will hold a GriefShare “Surviving the Holidays” event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 8, at 200 Westhigh St., Cary. Cost is $10 and includes a light breakfast and materials. A memorial service for loved ones who have died will be held at the end of the event. Bring a picture of your loved one for the service. For details, call 919-469-9393.

Christmas Cantata

Ebenezer United Methodist Church will perform its annual Christmas Cantata at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at 724 Beaver Creek Road, Apex. For details, visit www.churchbythelake.org.

“When Hearts Are Troubled” Worship Service

Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church will hold a quiet worship service of remembrance and hope titled, “When Hearts Are Troubled” at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at 200 High Meadow Drive, Cary. For information, call 919-467-4944 or email kirkofkildaire@nc.rr.com.

Methodist Christmas Love Feast

White Plains United Methodist Church will hold a Christmas Love Feast at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, in the Christian Life Center at 313 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary. Celebrate Jesus’ birth with Christmas carols, bread and coffee and the traditional lighting of candles. The brass orchestra and children’s choir vocalists will perform. For information, call 919-467-9394 or visit www.wpumc.com.

Birthday Party for Jesus

Saint Francis United Methodist Church will hold a birthday party for Jesus from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 15, in the multi-purpose room at 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary. There will be music, sharing the Christmas story, games, crafts and birthday cake. Come dressed as a character in the nativity scene. New, unwrapped toys will be collected for Toys for Tots.

Essay Contest

The Knights of Columbus Council 12119, in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus, an International Catholic Family Fraternal Service Organization, is holding a Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest. The contest is open to all Catholic students in grades 8-12. The theme for the contest is “religious freedom.” For details, contact Jim Burke at 919-285-3575 or jlb8203@live.com.