• Fundraiser. Walnut Grove Community Church will host a chicken stew fundraiser and gospel singing from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today 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. today 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. today. 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.

• Holiday closings. The after-school program at David’s Temple Church in Tanner will be unavailable Nov. 22-24 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The program will resume normal hours on Monday, Nov. 27.

• 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.