Ready to embrace the true spirit of Christmas ? Here is the perfect event. First Congregational Church of Manchester will hold its Annual Christmas Concert Sun Dec 8 at 4:00pm. Following the concert is their annual holiday cookie contest — you can either submit an entry or just stay and enjoy other people’s cookies!

Special music will include many favorite sacred and secular Christmas carols performed by FCC’s Chancel Choir and Handbell Ringers. This year they will be joined by the Burr and Burton chorus lead by director Julie Freebern. Drummer Eric Johnson and cellist Jared Shapiro will accompany, and the audience will be invited to join several sing-a-longs. A freewill offering at the concert will benefit the Burr and Burton music program. Entire community is welcome. For more information visit fccmanchester.org or call 802.362.2709. FCC 3624 Main St Manchester, VT 05254 (across from the Equinox Hotel).