The Sandhills Jewish Congregation will celebrate Hanukkah for eight days, commencing the evening of Friday, Dec. 15. On the Jewish calendar this will be the 25th day in the month of Kislev in the year 5767.

Commencing just prior to sundown Friday evening and for each night, for eight days the Jewish people around the world as well as those in Moore County will light a candle in a candelabra known as a "menorah" Each night is represented by one candle. By the eighth night, all the candles will be lit to celebrate this "Festival of Lights."

A Hanukkah party will celebrate this miracle at the Sandhiils Jewish Congregation on Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. There will be a potluck dinner, and new children's books will be collected as gifts to the Literacy Council.

For more information on Hanukkah or any aspect of Jewish life in the Sandhills, including the Sabbath service on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and the Torah study group on Dec. 18 at 10 a.m., contact the Sandhills Jewish Congregation located at the corner of Jackson Springs Road and Hoffman Road in Foxfire Village or telephone 910-673-5224.

Christmas Drama

Crossroads Community Church will present the Christmas drama, "The Gift Too," Thursday, Dec. 21, through Saturday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. at the church, located at the Whispering Pines intersection at Niagara-Carthage and Vass Carthage roads.

Food will be served nightly beginning at 5:30 p.m. for a modest charge.

Call 949-3971 for information.

Anniversary

True Apostolic Deliverance Center is celebrating the first anniversary of Pastor Billy Foxx and Evangelist Brenda Foxx.

Events are scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. with Elder McCoy of Chosen House of Deliverance of Laurinburg as the speaker; Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. with Bishop Ellis of Christ Temple of Spring Lake speaking; and Friday, Jan 26, at 7:30 p.m. with a music extravaganza at Hyland Hills Golf & Resort.

An informal dinner will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, at 5 p.m., with Chief Apostle Samuel Thomas of True Apostolic Deliverance Center of Sanford as featured speaker. Tickets for the dinner are $10 for adults, and $5 for ages 12 to 16. There is no charge for those ages 11 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

For more information, call 919-799-1783 or 245-4575.

Women of Chapel

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the Women of the Chapel hosted their Christmas luncheon in fellowship hall of The Village Chapel.

Laurie Muirhead, a skilled harpist of 35 years, provided seasonal music that was enjoyed by all.

Barbara Weeks presented the program titled "The True Meaning of Christmas." Weeks, who splits her time between her homes in Pinehurst and in California, has co-authored a book on "The Lord's Prayer" that she hopes to have published as a pocket-sized book for those serving in the military. She says she enjoys sharing Christ by speaking to groups during the Christmas season.

For information on future programs at The Village Chapel, contact the church office at 295-6003.

Our Saviour Service

An Advent service of healing will be held at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Southern Pines on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. It prepares the congregation for Jesus, coming as it gathers around the cross to offer prayers of healing for themselves, others and all creation. Anointing with oil, laying on of hands and communion are part of this worship service.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m., the children's program, "Simple Gifts for Christmas," will be held, followed by a spaghetti dinner.

Three services are offered on Christmas Eve: a child-friendly service at 4 p.m.; a ontemporary worship with Communion and candlelight at 6 p.m. and a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service at 10 p.m.

Our Saviour Lutheran is located on Luther Way near the Barn Restaurant.

New Year's Singing

Crossroads Community Church will bring in the new year on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 7 p.m., with the gospel group, Heart 2 Heart from Gastonia.

Food and fellowship will follow the service. The church is located at the Whispering Pines intersection at Carthage-Vass and Niagara-Carthage roads.

Call 949-3971 for information or directions.

Browns Chapel

Browns Chapel Christian Church in Robbins will hold a Christmas drama Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the service.

The Chancel Choir will present its Christmas cantata Sunday, Dec. 24, at the 11 a.m. service.

For more information, call 948-2729.

Christmas Musical

The children's and youth choirs of West End Presbyterian Church will present their annual Christmas musical on Sunday, Dec. 17, beginning at 6 p.m. in the church's fellowship facility, the Crawford Center.

On the same day, during the 11 a.m. worship service, the church's adult choir will sing its annual program of Christmas music.

The evening program will be followed by a fellowship supper.

The West End choirs are under the direction of Charm Allen. Carol Troutman is the church organist.

West End Presbyterian Church is located on Knox Lane, one block off N.C. 211. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Baptist Church continues its substance abuse recovery ministry Monday through Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Rd., Cameron. Call 919-499-9632 for information.

Healing and Hope

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."

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.

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, ext. 17.

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

On Sunday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m., the Culdee Presbyterian Church 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.

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. 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."

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.

Pineywood

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

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.

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.

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.

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God in Vass will hold pre-anniversary services on Friday, Dec. 15, and anniversary services for its pastor, Mary Hooker, Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m.