Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church at 330 May Street in Southern Pines is welcoming the public to a special sort of church service during the Christmas season. A "Silent Night Service of Healing and Hope" will be held in the sanctuary on Thursday evening, Dec. 14, at 7:30 pm.

The Rev. Cynthia J. Strickland, who joined the staff at Brownson earlier this fall as a parish associate for pastoral care, points out that for many people, Christmas can be a difficult time.

"It may be the first Christmas without a loved one, there may be anguish because of broken relationships or the insecurity of employment or unemployment," she says. "There can be illness, loneliness and depression with which people are coping.

"For others, Christmas brings back sad memories, and for some, the stress of the season can cause despair. Because of a variety of circumstances, many people do not feel like celebrating the season by 'Decking the Halls,' or singing 'Joy to the World.'"

Strickland has conducted similar services in several of the churches in the Northeast at which she served before moving to the Sandhills a year ago. Since being ordained in 1993, through her ministry she realized that often the holiday season is a time that some people dread, and more importantly, that most of those people are reluctant to admit Christmas is hard for them.

"This service of readings, prayers, reflections, music and candle lighting acknowledges that Christmas is for those who mourn or struggle, as well as for those who 'rejoice and are merry,'" she says. "We remember that the light of Christ shines brightly for those who walk in darkness."

Following the service to which the public is invited, there will be a time for fellowship and refreshments. For more information about the service, contact Strickland through the church office at 692-6252, extension 17.

Organ Recital

Carlo Curley is going to be at the Community Congregational Church in Southern Pines on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. He will give an organ recital on the church's Allen Digital Organ.

At the age of 6, so determined was Curley to play the organ that he broke into a church to do so, earning a traditional North Carolina thrashing from his grandfather. Slowly but surely, an amazing talent revealed itself and the young Carlo was invited by the president to play at the White House in the first and only organ recital to be held there.

Now, many years and thousands of air miles later, doors remain open to him on every continent to play upon many of the world's finest instruments.

The church is located on N. Bennett Street.

Cantata

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hold its Christmas cantata, "One Small Child," Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.

The church's Substance Abuse Recovery Ministry meets Monday through Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and Sunday nights at 6 p.m.

"Anyone struggling with addiction is welcome to join us," says a spokesman. Please call the church at 919-499-9632 with any questions.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Rd., Cameron.

Bioethics Seminar

Beginning Jan. 10, Saint Anthony's Catholic Church will host a seven-week bioethics seminar on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. In a world of rapidly changing science and medicine, ethical questions abound. All are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. Topics will include stem cell research/cloning, end of life issues, living wills/advance directives and organ donation.

The panel of expert presenters are Dr. Peter Kilpatrick, professor and department head at N.C. State University, Dr. Jacques Mistrot, retired cardiac surgeon presently involved in medical mission work, Francis Buser, attorney and engineer and Dr. Robert Hanbourger, philosophy professor at N.C. State.

For further information, call Barbara Kemple at 295-3072.

Cool Springs Services

Cool Springs United Methodist Church in Glendon has several special services coming up for the Christmas season.

During Sunday morning worship on Dec. 17 at 11 a.m., the choir will present the musical, "Emmanuel, Celebrating Heaven's Child." On Sunday evening, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m., the children will present a Christmas program followed by another presentation by the choir of the musical, "Emmanuel."

On Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, there will be a candlelight worship service at 7 p.m. and another service at 11 p.m.

To celebrate the start of a new year, a New Year's Eve service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 31, from 10 p.m. to midnight. There will be music, fellowship, and refreshments.

"Everyone is invited to attend any or all of the upcoming services," says the pastor.

Cool Springs is located off the Putnam/Glendon Road at 2027 Cool Springs Road in Glendon. For additional information, call 910-464-5215 or 919-774-9683.

Culdee Program

The children and youth of Culdee Presbyterian Church will present their annual Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. The program is titled "Christmas Crosstalk." Following the program, a party will be held in the fellowship hall.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m., the Culdee Chancel Choir under the direction of Gail Meeks, will present the cantata, "An Unexpected Christmas." Following the program, refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall.

A Christmas Eve service will be held on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. The Rev. Chris Bobo will deliver the meditation message. The congregation will participate in the singing of Christmas carols, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and the lighting of candles.

"We invite the community to attend these programs and activities," says a spokesman.

Fellowship

The Sandhils Fellowship of Churches will meet Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 12:30 p.m. at Moore County Schools Education Center, 160 Pinckney Rd., Carthage.

Invitations are being sent out asking for a RSVP. Those who did not receive a card may call Linda Hubbard at 947-2342 to make a reservatioin.

Advent Services

Community Congregational Church UCC of Southern Pines will continue its special events for Advent on Wednesday, Dec. 6, the second of a study series titled "An Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels," led by Dr. David Bowling, senior pastor. This one is on the book of Mark. The Dec. 13 session will be on Luke.

The study series will be preceded by a potluck supper held at 6 p.m. in fellowship hall.

-- Sunday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m., the choir will present "The Living Creche: The Christmas story in Scripture, Legend and Song," during the worship service. A Christmas dinner sponsored by the Men's Fellowship will follow the service.

-- Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., the "Living Madonnas" Christmas program will be held. Ten Madonna masterpieces will be recreated and brought to life with live models set in a life-size gold frame. Narrated by Joan Bridgeman Smith with musical interludes performed by Marijo Brown, members of the choir, and other community musicians, it promises to be a unique and inspirational event, says a spokesman.

Refreshments will be served following the program. Admission is free.

-- Sunday, Dec. 24, will be the culmination of the Advent season with an 11 a.m. worship service and a Christmas Eve Service of Lights at 7 p.m.

The church is located at 141 North Bennett Street in Southern Pines. For more information, visit www.communitycongregational.org or contact the church office at 910-692-8468.

Workshop

On Saturday, Dec. 16, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Fayetteville will present a "Financial Literacy Workshop" at First Missionary Baptist Church, 315 South Gaines St., Southern Pines, from 10 a.m. to noon.

This workshop is a question-and-answer seminar designed to improve a person's credit.

"If you are experiencing any financial problems, this expert will teach you how to repair your credit," says a spokesman. "Come and ask questions on how to be debt-free for the upcoming new year."

On Sunday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m., the church will present its annual Christmas program titled "Christmas Celebration: The Night Before Christmas."

Jackson Springs

The Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church Choir will present a Christmas cantata, "Jesus, Our Treasure," Sunday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. Cathy Davis is the choir director.

Refreshments will be served following the program.

Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church is located on N.C. 73 between West End and Ellerbe. For further information, call the church office at 673-7630.

Christmas Eve

The 11 a.m. Sunday service on Dec. 24, for St. Paul Lutheran Church will be held with its sister church, St. James Lutheran, at 983 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines.

The Christmas Eve evening service will begin at 9:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church off N.C. 211, just west of N.C. 5.

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God in Vass will host Larry Bullock at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, in a pre-anniversary service.

Pineywood

Pineywood Baptist Church of Cameron will present a Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. titled, "The Broken Staff." Refreshments will be served.

Cantata

On Dec. 24, the adult choir of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church will perform the cantata, "There's Something About That Name," at the 11 a.m. service.

On Dec. 31, a watch night service will be held from 9 p.m. to midnight.

The church is located at 2237 Camp Easter Rd. Call 692-0992 for more information.

Presentation

The youth and adults of First Baptist Church in Aberdeen will join to present a Christmas cantata and dramatic performance, "A Wise Man's Journey," on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.

The church is located at 700 Sandhills Blvd. (U.S. 1) in Aberdeen. For further information, call 944-1421.

Outdoor Drama

Members of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church will be presenting a live outdoor drama titled "A Christmas Story: from Birth to Rebirth," Friday, Dec. 15, and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. The event is open to the general public.

For more information call the church at 692-0992. The church is located at 2237 Camp Easter Rd., Carthage.

Musical

Want to enjoy a "Broadway-style" musical this Christmas? Look no farther than the town of Aberdeen. Two performances of "One Bethlehem Night" will be presented on Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Page Memorial United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Main and Poplar streets in Aberdeen.

The musical, directed by Paulette Kapp and Vickie Fogleman, provides a glimpse of what might have happened on the miraculous night. About 35 people make up the cast and choir, with many others working behind the scenes.

Albert Troutman has designed and built the expansive stage, creating a theater-in-the-round atmosphere. Tom Page, Kim Davenport, Howard Anderson and Gary Frick -- sound and light technicians -- are in place and prepared. Lynne Clifford and her costume team have carefully chosen appropriate apparel for each person.

Page Memorial's presentation of "One Bethlehem Night" (written by Ed Kee, John Lemonis and Jeff Atwood) features David Frump, Carol Thomas, Taylor Hambrick, Eric Fogleman, Heather Hambrick, Mamie Alley, Amy Fogleman, Zackery Stoltenberg, Molly Stoltenberg, Andrew Garrison, Luke Passmore, Matthew Scott, Raymond Sproles, Jim Sweitzer, Jomara Dunn, Mike Dunn, Albert Troutman, Mary Lou Troutman, Beverly Taylor and the Page Memorial Chancel Choir.

Christmas Concert

There will be a Candlelight Christmas Concert held at Our Lady of the Americas Roman Catholic Church, 298 Farmer's Market Road, off N.C. 211 just east of N.C. 220 near Candor, on Thursday, Dec. 7, and Friday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 each.

Performing at this concert will be Barron Maness, who has a wide baritone vocal range from a tender balladeer to the powerful sound of a theatrical vocalist. Maness' strong and genuine connection with his audiences transcends barriers and creates an enjoyable entertainment experience.

Joining him will be David Almond, keyboard; James Brown, saxophone; Clay Perry, trumpet; Bill Johnstone, drums; Kim Brown, and Pamela Maness, his sister.

"Members of the church choir will serenade us with Spanish Christmas songs," says a spokesman. "Nina Perez from our choir will also do a solo. We will have a surprise guest in the audience."

Al Mangum from Life 103.1 WLHC-FM will serve as master of ceremonies.

Call 910-673-4077 for tickets. Tickets are also available at The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines.

Bible Study

Community Bible Study (CBS) is a nondenominational gathering of men and women who meet weekly to pray and study the Bible. It is open to people with or without a church background.

Led by trained lay persons, participants work in small core study groups. CBS is designed for anyone who seeks a deeper knowledge of the scriptures. There are two groups in the Sandhills:

A women's class that meets at Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Tuesday morning and a coed class that meets at Bethesda Presbyterian Church on Tuesday evening in Aberdeen.

Community Bible Study is starting a new course next Tuesday, and new students are most welcome.

For more information, call Jay Pittard at 315-1589.

Service

Associate Minister Eric T. Thomas of New Direction Outreach Ministries of Vass and assistant manager of the gospel group Aris Smith & Made Men of Laurinburg, will be sponsoring a pre-anniversary service on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Southern Pines Douglass Community Center on Pennsylvania Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m.

"All churches and communities are invited," says a spokesman.

Breakfast

The Unitarian Universalist Breakfast Group will meet each second and fourth Sundays, at 9 a.m., at the Days Inn Restaurant on U.S. 1, Southern Pines.

"Please join us for fellowship and discussion if you are interested in having a presence in Moore County," says a spokesman.

For more information send e-mail to lomdjm@earthlink.net or go to www.uua.org to learn more about this progressive religion.

Donations

A church ministry is looking for donations for home-school material (pre-K, second grade, and fourth grade).

"We are also looking for volunteer home-school teachers that will also be screened," said a spokesman.

For more information, contact Tonya at 910-687-0257.

Clothing Offered

The TLC Mission offers inexpensive clothes for men, women, and children. Donations are accepted. The mission, located on N.C. 211 near the line between Moore and Hoke counties, is open Monday through Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m.

For information, call 944-6064.

Christian Singles

Christian Singles, for adult Christian singles from 40 years of age and up, meets each Monday, at 6:30 p.m., at various restaurants in the Southern Pines and Aberdeen area.

Call 692-8888 for information.For more information, call 910-245-7351.