RIPON – A Christmas craft boutique and bake sale benefitting Bethany Christmas Services (an adoption and counseling agency in Modesto) takes place at Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon on the corner of 2nd and Wilma Avenues, from 8 a.m. to noon this Saturday.

A light brunch will be served with donation requested. Items served will be coffee, tea, juice, muffins, etc. Admission is free. Christmas items will be handmade crafts, gifts and baked goods for sale.

LATHROP — Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is conducting a special two-day warehouse sale at its Lathrop Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet & Ice Cream Shop. The event is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The warehouse sale will consist of an expanded store outside of its regular location and offer deeply discounted Ghirardelli Chocolate products, with up to 75% off regular retail prices. A large variety of merchandise will be on sale including chocolate bars, Ghirardelli signature Squares chocolates, holiday gifts, baking chocolate and more. Despite the weak economy, Ghirardelli wants to offer its local customers a chance to indulge in its premium chocolate no matter what.

ESCALON — The Van Allen Elementary School Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Items for sale include jewelry, candles, skin care products, home decor, baked goods, farm fresh produce, gift certificates (scrip), handmade gift items, quilts, and much more.

Come shop local and enjoy baked goods and coffee while we ring in the holiday season at Van Allen Elementary, Highway 120 and Van Allen Road, Escalon.

STOCKTON — The St. Luke’s 8:45 a.m. Adult Choir, directed by Carol Zeni Wiss, will present a Sacred Concert, Sunday, Dec. 20, following the 5:30 p.m. mass (approximately 7 p.m.) in the church, 3847 N. Sutter, Stockton.

The St. Luke’s Choir cordially invites you to attend their annual Christmas program, which is open to the public at no charge.

“Christmas Meditations” will be narrated by Alberta Musgrove. John Callahan will be Master of Ceremonies. The telling of the Christmas Story will be highlighted with ensemble and choral literature. Featured in the concert will be duets, ensembles and full choir arrangements of carols. Accompaniments will be provided by Inez Pope and Carol Zeni Wiss.

The Choir will also sing and lead caroling at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24, preceding the Christmas Midnight Mass, a Solemn Choral Eucharist for cantor, congregation and choir.