Special events

• "Peace is Every Step," a film that documents the life, personality, and message of Nobel Peace prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh, will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, 110 S. Second St. This world leader, scholar, and poet is a Buddhist monk who survived the Vietnam War. He tells deceptively simple stories to illustrate how he has lived nonviolently, finding peace within himself and sharing that peace with others. The screening is part of the Friday Flick Series sponsored by the UUSG Social Justice committee the third Friday of each month at the church, 102 S. Second St. Visit uusg.org for information and to receive e-mail notices of future programs.

• Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley/Pottawatomie Habitat Partnership is having a House Blessing to celebrate the completion of its 10th Habitat home, which will be the new home of Albertas and Stanislova Jurgelenas and their children Dahlia, Ingrida and Robertas. It will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 at the home site at 1421 Dean St. in St. Charles. Partners in this project include: St. Charles Episcopal, St. Charles Congregational, Grace Lutheran, Lily Lake, Geneva United Methodist, St. Patrick's Church, St. John Neumann Church, Unitarian Universalist Society, Bethlehem Lutheran, Baker Memorial United Methodist, Hosanna! Lutheran, Fox Valley Presbyterian, Fox Valley Christian, Little Home Church by the Wayside and Harris Bank, St. Charles.

• Temple B'nai Israel, 400 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora, will host an interfaith Thanksgiving service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25. Area pastors, ministers, church leaders, and Islamic Center representatives will attend with members of their congregations. For information, call (630) 892-2450 or visit temple-bnai-israel.org.

• Two Guys and Free Spaghetti will be held for the eighth time from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 at St. Charles Episcopal Church, 994 N. Fifth Ave. (Route 25) in St. Charles. The event is hosted by Joe Ryan and Matt Rhead, who supply a free spaghetti dinner to anyone who wants to attend. Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, garlic bread and dessert are free, supplied by Joe and Matt and their friends, who also cook and serve the meal. Everyone is welcome. To attend, call (630) 584-2596 or just stop by.

• Swedish Christmas and St. Lucia Festival, presented by Swedish American Children's Choir, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S. Lincoln, Batavia. The concert and sweet table included in ticket price. Tickets are $14 or $8 for children, age 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free. For reserved tickets, call (630) 414-9700.

• Christmas music, a puppet show and skit will be presented at a St. Nicholas Day program from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. It will be at the Peg Bond Center on Batavia's Riverwalk. The program will be presented by members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Bring used, but still usable, shoes that will be donated to various agencies, and nonperishable food for the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. For information, call (630) 879-7163.

• Join the Mothers at the Well as Irene Hollenbach presents "Silence, Stillness and Surrender" from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6N491 Crane Road in St. Charles. Learn from the Saints that have gone before you how to have a deeper relationship with Jesus. All women are invited. Bring a friend. Child care is available but space is limited. For information, call Patty Turbak at (630) 443-8443.

Concerts

• United Methodist Church of Geneva will host its annual children's musical at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the church, 211 Hamilton St. The musical "Radio J-O-Y" by Terry York and Vicki Hancock Wright features a creative radio DJ interviewing the children's choir and church staff from a local church about the true meaning of Christmas. For details, visit genevaumc.org or call (630) 232-7120.

• This year's Christmas cantata at the United Methodist Church of Geneva will be Sunday, Dec. 13, at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. worship. The choir will be presenting "O Holy Night-The John Rutter Carols" a collection of well-known and loved carols. The event is free. For details, visit genevaumc.org or call (630) 232-7120.

• With music, costumed actors, and narration in both English and Spanish languages, Fourth Street United Methodist Church, 551 S. Fourth St. in Aurora, will stage a live nativity pageant on at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. "And It Came To Pass" is set for the church lawn at Fourth Street and Marion Avenue.

Fundraisers

• Calvary Episcopal Church is now taking advance orders for holiday wreaths and greens. All proceeds benefit a variety of community outreach ministries supported by the parish. The greens will arrive the week of Thanksgiving. Calvary will deliver orders within the greater Tri-Cities area at no charge. For pricing and an order form, visit calvary-episcopal.org. Those wishing to shop in person may do so Friday to Sunday, Nov. 27-29, and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, at Calvary, 222 S. Batavia Ave. For details, call (630) 879-3378.

Workshops

• From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fox Valley Unity, 230 Webster St. in Batavia, facilitates a discussion of "A Course in Miracles." This is an ongoing class, rain or shine. Each week a new topic is discussed. Everyone is welcome at any time and the class is open to new attendees. For information, call (630) 879-1115 or visit foxvalleyunity.org.