Word and music come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus in “Lessons and Carols Service: A Prelude to the Advent Season,” hosted by Fresno Pacific University.

The service is collection of songs and Scripture readings. Performances are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, November 23, in First Congregational Church, 2131 Van Ness Blvd. There is no admission charge but tickets are recommended. For tickets, call the FPU Music Office at 453-2267 or the church at 227-8489. A freewill offering will be taken.

The choirs of Fresno Pacific University, Butler Mennonite Brethren Church and North Fresno Mennonite Brethren Church will combine for a concert Sunday, April 21.

This is the first time these groups have performed together. The featured works will be “Missa Festiva” by John Leavitt and “Gospel Mass” by Robert Ray. Marc Ferguson, music director at North Fresno MB Church, will conduct the first composition, and Roy Klassen, FPU music faculty, the second.

Fun and inspiration share the stage at the next concert by Pacific Brass and Flautas Pacifica concert at Fresno Pacific University.

The performance begins at 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 24 in the McDonald Hall Atrium on the university campus. Admission is free.