Advent in Portland

First Parish to present 'Pageant of the Nativity'
The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church will present its 80th annual "Pageant of the Nativity" at 4:45 p.m. Dec. 17 in the historic Meeting House at 425 Congress St.
The pageant is an interplay of music, narration and silent dramatization by a cast of more than 80 members of First Parish. Below the high mahogany pulpit, a carefully arranged manger scene unfolds, creating a visual tapestry inspired by paintings of 15th-century artist Fra Angelico. The costumes are fashioned from woven and embroidered fabrics, some of which were brought from Palestine by Mrs. Franklin Barrett and Ms. Mary Longfellow, nieces of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
This event is free and open to the public: 773-5747.

Choral Art Society to hold Messiah Sing-Along Dec. 11
The Choral Art Society will hold its annual Messiah Sing-Along at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1342 Congress St.
Music director Robert Russell will be joined by Robert Lehmann and the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra. Everyone interested in singing along is encouraged to bring a Messiah score with them.
This event is also the first annual "Handel on Hunger Food Drive" to benefit Project FEED, an emergency food pantry at the Woodford's Congregational Church. Those attending the sing-along are asked to bring non-perishable food donations.
Admission is $5; students are free. For more information, contact the Choral Art Society at 828-0043.

Abraham Peck to share his knowledge of Maine Jewry
Do you know where the first Maine synagogue was built (hint: it was not in Portland, Biddeford or Bangor)? What was the first Jewish institution in Portland (hint: it wasn't a synagogue or community center)? What was Portland's Jewish nickname at the turn of the 19th century?
These and other questions will be answered Friday when Abraham Peck shares his upcoming book on Portland and Maine Jewry at Temple Etz Chaim, 266 Congress St.
Services will begin at 7 p.m., with a Hanukkah Kiddish of doughnuts to follow at 8 p.m. Call Larry Koch, 797-6701, for more information.

St. Luke's choir to present program of Advent hymns
The choir of the Cathedral of St. Luke will present the music of composers John Brooks, Martin Neary, Charles Stanford and Richard Proulx during at 4 p.m. Sunday.
The lighting of the Copper Beech Tree, which stands in the forecourt of the cathedral, will follow the service.
This ceremony will feature carolers from the cathedral at 143 State St.

Anglican Cathedral to host Advent program Dec. 6-20
The Anglican Cathedral of St. Paul will host an adult Christian education program on Advent at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 6-20.
The studies will focus on the Old Testament, New Testament and Gospels concerning the coming of the Messiah according to the Lectionary in the Book of Common Prayer.
The sessions will run for about one hour and will start after the 5:30 Mass. The study will be held in the chapel and will be led by the Rev. Jeffrey Monroe, curate of the Cathedral.