• After-school program. The after-school program from 3-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at David’s Temple Church in Tanner accepts children ages 5-18. Homework assistants, tutoring and study hall are available. Van pickup is available to all Athens city schools except Athens High. Children from Tanner High can ride the bus. Cost for the program is $10 per week per student. More information: Geraldine McDonald, 256-355-1343.

• Fundraiser. Walnut Grove Community Church will host a chicken stew fundraiser and gospel singing form 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Owens Community Center, 20011 Alabama 99. The cost for one bowl of stew with drink is $5, with a quart of stew for $6 and a gallon for $20. The event will also include a bake sale and silent auction. More information: 256-233-6046; 731-203-8284.

• Swamp John’s. Pleasant Grove CPCA will host a free Swamp John’s community Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the church, 15439 Hastings Road, Athens. More information: 256-444-4041.

• Mr. Drama. Trevor Thomas, also known as Mr. Drama, will perform at Riddles Chapel United Methodist Church at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. The performance is open to the public. A love offering will be taken at the event. More information: 256-777-0351.

• Thanksgiving celebration. The Athens-Limestone Ministerial Alliance will host a community Thanksgiving celebration at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, in Athens Middle School auditorium. Event activities include a community choir performance, recognition of community leaders and more. Food and monetary donations will be accepted.

• Thanksgiving dinner. St. Mark P.B. Church will host a community Thanksgiving dinner at noon Tuesday, Nov. 21, in its fellowship hall, 740 W. Sanderfer Road. The meal is free and open to the public.

• Retirement. New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America will celebrate the retirement of the Rev. Terry L. Ragland during worship service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, and congratulatory fellowship at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. More information: Belinda Grays, 256-337-3597.

• Chili cookoff. Full Gospel Tabernacle will host its second annual chili cookoff from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Entrance fee is $5 to cover prizes and awards, including blue ribbons and award for People’s Choice. Prepaid tickets also available for all-you-can-eat chili, beverage and dessert. Proceeds will help fund church projects. More information or to purchase tickets: 256-980-4978.

• Drive-thru Nativity. Emmanuel Baptist Church will present “The Christmas Story,” a live, drive-thru Nativity, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on the following dates: Saturday, Dec. 9; Sunday, Dec. 10; Saturday, Dec. 16; and Sunday, Dec. 17. More information: 256-232-6193; www.ebcathens.com.

Church briefs must be submitted in writing, either on a form available at The News Courier office at 410 W. Green St., Athens, or by sending an email to newscouriersoundoff@gmail.com or a fax to 256-233-7753.