Christmas may have ended in the stores on Dec. 26, but in the church year, the Christmas season does not officially close until this weekend, when churches celebrate the Presentation of the Lord.

Known throughout the Eastern Church as "The Encounter," this feast comes 40 days after Christmas and commemorates the time when the infant Jesus was presented in the temple at Jerusalem.

When Jesus was brought forth, he was hailed as the Messiah by the wise man Simeon and the prophetess Anna. Early Christians celebrated with candlelight processions in honor of the light of salvation appearing to the world.

St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 6950 Dogwood Road, will celebrate the Presentation of the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 2 with evening prayer at 6 p.m. Members of parishes throughout the area are invited to share the celebration, join in a candlelight procession, and bring candles to be blessed for use throughout the year.

The Liturgy of the Hours, evening prayer, will be celebrated with carols and conclude with the Christmas Gloria. After the final blessing, all are welcome to share fellowship and light refreshments.

The church is also hosting two fun events this weekend: A Night at the Races on Friday and a Super Bowl Party on Sunday, both featuring lots of food, drinks and fun. For more information on any of these events, call 410-944-2106.

>Those living in the vicinity of St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2001 Old Frederick Road, can look for visitors this Saturday, Feb. 2. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., members of the church will go out into the neighborhood to talk to neighbors face to face, to thank them for the opportunity to minister in their neighborhood and to gather and share information. 410-747-1897.

>On Sunday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m., Bishop Cummins Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church, 2001 Frederick Road, will continue its Sunday Evening Concert Series with a lively presentation by the group, "Gypsophilia." The ensemble specializes in domestic and international forms of folk music presented through voices and instruments. No admission charge, but a free will offering will be taken. A reception follows. All welcome. 410-744-3383.

>The Euphonic Brass Ensemble will be featured Sunday, Feb. 10, at 3 p.m. as the Concert Series continues at Catonsville Presbyterian Church, 1400 Frederick Road. This group of distinguished musicians debuted in 1998 at Baltimore's Shrine of the Little Flower with organist Michael Britt. Jay Norris, director of the ensemble, plays tuba and writes arrangements for the U.S. Army Field Band. Free; no tickets are required. 410-747-6180.

>Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church, 4640 Edmondson Ave., will host a multicultural evening of entertainment and food on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $7. For details, call 410-566-2926.

Let me know what's happening at your church! Send news to 19 St. Timothy's La., Catonsville, Md. 21228, e-mail katejim@msn.com, or call 410-788-5849. Thank you!