Barbara Lewis had a dilemma after purchasing a cake at Sacred Heart Cultural Center's open house on Nov. 13.

With two friends having birthdays, she wasn't sure whom to give it to, she said.

The bake sale was one part of the open house that ushered in the holiday season at Sacred Heart.

The event featured presentations by Jennifer Shuford, of Tastefully Yours, and Kathy Norman, of Flowers Xpress. They gave holiday decorating and cooking tips.

In the gift shop, Dr. Helen "Nell" Callahan signed copies of her book Augusta: A Pictorial History, and photographer Sammy Anderson signed copies of Come to the Table.

The open house prepares the way for the annual A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the center, said Judy Evans, the manager of the center's gift shop.

This is the 21st year for Sacred Heart's presentation of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is based on the traditional Christmas Eve service at King's College Chapel at Cambridge University in England.

It features the Augusta Collegium Musicum, directed by William Toole. There will be performances by the choirs of the Church of the Good Shepherd and St. John United Methodist Church, the handbell choir of Martinez United Methodist Church and organist Eugenia Toole Glover.

An addition to this year's performance will be a piece commissioned by Sacred Heart officials in honor of Mr. Toole. Composed by Donald McCullough, it is set to a poem by Christina Rossetti called Love Came Down at Christmas.

"It was presented to him (Mr. Toole) about a month ago, and he will direct it," Ms. Evans said.

Tickets for A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols cost $20.

For more information, call (706) 826-4700.