Utah churches in the news

Advent Vespers at S.L. cathedral

The Advent Vespers procession "From Darkness to Light" will be celebrated at Cathedral of the Madeleine by its choir on Sunday, Nov. 28, 5 p.m.

The public and people of all faiths are invited to the free program.

The service begins in darkness and silence as the introductory chants are sung. Moving with ministers and clergy in candlelight from the western transept to the eastern transept of Salt Lake City's turn-of-the-century Catholic Cathedral, the choir will sing traditional evening service chants, psalms and other choral music in anticipation of the coming of Christmas. Musical works by Bord, Bruckner, Guerrero and Manz will be featured.

Director of Music Gregory Glenn said, "The music of this event, sung by the cathedral choir, is a mixture of plainsong and polyphony, all of which is unaccompanied. The austerity of this style of music is perfectly in keeping with the feeling of expectation that underpins this season.

For more information go to: saltlakecathedral.org.

Christmas exhibits at history museum

SALT LAKE CITY— The Church History Museum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will welcome the Christmas season with a new exhibit and two holiday celebrations.

Holiday events planned include:

 Artwork and Cr?he exhibit — Open now and through the holidays, the exhibit will feature "Nativity," a large mural by Brian Kershisnik. This painting illustrates a host of angels surrounding Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus. Other Christmas-themed artwork will be displayed, including paintings by LDS artists Elspeth Young and Walter Rane. The exhibit will also present cr?hes (nativity sets) from around the world.

 Pioneer Christmas: A Time for Celebration — This hourlong interactive program for children will illustrate a 19th-century Mormon pioneer Christmas through stories, games, dance, music and a visit from Father Christmas. The program will be presented twice, on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Seating is limited, and tickets are required. Free tickets are available at www.lds.org/events.