• 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.

• Concert. The Griffith Family will perform a Christmas concert at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at Nebo Community Church, 17772 Nuclear Plant Road, Athens.

• 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.

• Christmas revival. Frazier CME Church’s Board of Evangelism will host a Christmas revival at 6:30 p.m. nightly Dec. 4–6. This year’s theme is “Shopping for Jesus” with the Rev. Shirley Fletcher.

• 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.

• 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.

• Concert. Copeland Presbyterian Church will host a free, public concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at 27085 Copeland Road, Athens. Dr. Reginald Jackson will perform Christmas and gospel music. More information: www.jrjmusic.org.

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.