Valley holiday happenings

-- The sixth annual Joyful Noise Community Holiday Concert returns to the CVIC Hall in Minden, 7 p.m. tonight. Hot cider and holiday treats, Christmas classics performed by Unity Chorus, Cherie and John Shipley. Admission is a donation. Information, at unitychurchoftoday.org or 782-4429.

-- The Sunday School of Shepherd of the Sierra presents the program "This Shall be a Sign Unto You" at the 11 a.m. service, Dec. 23, at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church at 3680 Highway 395 in Carson City.

-- Children's Christmas pageant at the 10 a.m. service Dec. 23 at Coventry Cross Episcopal Church, 1631 Esmeralda Ave., Minden. Christmas music, 9 p.m. followed by 10 p.m. candlelight service on Dec. 24. Service, 10 a.m. Christmas Day.

-- First Baptist Church Christmas candlelight service, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at Minden Elementary School, 1170 Baler St., Minden. Call Pastor Adam Barkley for information, 782-5513.

-- Christmas candlelight service, 7 p.m. Dec. 24, at Christ Presbyterian Church includes scripture readings and Christmas carols led by the Rev. Bob Blatz and features soloist Deborah Garrett with "Mary Did You Know?"Regular Sunday service and children's Sunday school is 9 a.m. Call for times and locations of men's and women's Bible studies.

Christ Presbyterian Church, 1436 South Industrial Way, Unit A/C, Gardnerville, 782-3781 or 265-1398.

-- Unity Church of Today has a 7 p.m. service Christmas Eve in the sanctuary, 1701 Lucerne St., Minden, featuring a performance by the Unity Chorus. No services Christmas Day.

New Year's Eve is celebrated with the annual Unity Burning Bowl Service at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. The Unity tradition invites the release of past troubles, to "Let go and let God," in anticipation of creating a brighter new year.

Information about Unity Church of Today, 782-4429 or unitychurchoftoday.org.

-- Candlelight service at Valley Christian Fellowship, Meadowdale Center, 1267 Highway 395, Suite J, Gardnerville, 6 p.m. Dec. 24. New Year's Eve party 7 p.m. Dec. 31 featuring free family movie night with Randy Travis starring in "The Wager" by Bill Myers.

Regular services are 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Information, Pastor Leo Kruger, 782-1961.

-- A community New Year's Eve Family Party, 6 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 31 at Turtle Rock Park on Highway 89 near Markleeville. Pizza, games, crafts, sing-alongs, door prizes and a chance at a piñata. Bring a food item to share that goes with pizza. No charge for community members and their guests. Information, Edie Veatch, (530) 694-2934.