The children and preschool ministries at Aberdeen First Baptist Church kicked off the new church year with Christian comedian Renea Henderson's "Claudene the Hillbilly" on Wednesday evening, Aug. 30.

"They are beginning this fall with a fresh and exciting new itinerary of activities and adventure," says a spokesman.

The traditional Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Bible study for all ages will continue with a new department for sixth graders only. Sunday evenings, beginning at 6 p.m., there will be "Bible Drill, Skills and Thrills" for grades four through six, while Bible Buddies, which includes all first-, second-, and third-graders will meet at the same time. The preschool group for ages 3 through kindergarten, called The Busy Bees, will begin again this year at 6 p.m.

Wednesday evenings provide a 6 p.m. Christmas musical and drama practice time for preschool and children. The children's Young Musicians Choir and the preschool Rainbow Choir will practice from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. after which they will continue learning about missions in Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors and preschool Mission Friends. All programs are finished by 7:30 p.m., except for Choir Kids, which is only for children needing care during the adult choir practice time.

Special mission projects and events are planned throughout the year. Every third Wednesday evening the preschool Mission Friends, the Girls in Action and Royal Ambassadors will visit the Elmcroft Nursing Center to share music, stories, crafts, love and time with the residents there.

Nine of the children's leaders are planning to attend the North Carolina Baptist Preschool and Children's Leadership Conference at the Caraway Conference Center in Asheboro on Sept. 15 and 16. An outside "fall festival" is in the works for Oct. 28, and the children will be presenting a Christmas musical drama on Dec. 6. On Feb. 10, they will host a "Widow's Valentine's Banquet." April 22 will be "Children's Day" at the church when the children will have the opportunity to help lead in worship and other events throughout the week.

Unification Night

Crossroads Church of God, Inc., 680 South Gaines St., Southern Pines, will be having a night of unification for all ushers/nurses on Friday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m. All ushers and nurses are welcomed. Minister Cynthia Quick will preaching.

Contact Rolanda Fields at 910-947-3474 for additonal information.

Grandparents Day

Beaver Creek Baptist Church in Cameron will celebrate Grandparents Day on Sunday, Sept. 10, at the 11 a.m. worship service at which the children will sing special music.

The Senior Saints meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, to visit a nursing home.

Call the church at 919-499-9632 for more information.

Appreciation Day

New Home Baptist Church in Vass will hold "Civil Servant Appreciation Day" Sunday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. Luncheon will be served after the service.

Culdee Rally Day

The new Sunday School year will begin at Culdee Presbyterian church on Sept. 10. The Rally Day activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. with refreshments. There will also be singing, fellowship, classes for all ages, and the traditional balloon release.

"The congregation and friends of Culdee Church are invited and encouraged to participate in this Christian Education program," said a spokesman.

Gospel Sing

Deep Creek Baptist Church will hold its fall outside gospel singing on Saturday, Sept. 30. Those interested in performing should call Matthew Logwood at 255-3007 or the Rev. Oscar Logwood at 692-8904.

The church is located at 1995 Linden Rd.

Community Revival

First Missionary Baptist Church in Southern Pines will host a community evangelism revival at Southern Pines Primary School Wednesday, Sept. 20, through Friday, Sept. 22, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening.

Joshua J. Haire Jr., pastor of First Missionary Baptist Choir, along with the choir and congregation, will open the revival on Wednesday, followed by the Rev. John Penny and the choir and congregation of Harrington Chapel Freewill Baptist on Thursday, and the Rev. Marvin Lee, along with the choir and congregation of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church on Friday.

Silent Auction

Community Presbyterian Church will hold an auction to benefit its youth programs on Saturday, Sept. 16. The doors will open at 6 p.m., a silent auction will be held from 7 to 8 p.m., and the live auction begins at 8 p.m. Artwork, jewelry, baked goods, quilts and more will be offered.

The church is located on Everette Road in Pinehurst.

Special Service

Dr. Aaron Clyburn of High Point will be preaching at God's Love in Action Deliverance Ministries Sunday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m.

The church is located at 5061 N.C. 211, West End.

For information, call 673-1447.

Homecoming, Revival

Eagle Springs Baptist Church, located on N.C. 211, four miles west of West End, announces two special events in September.

On Sunday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m., the church will hold its 105th homecoming celebration.

The speaker for the morning worship service will be the newly-elected pastor, the Rev. Charles S. Hinson. His message will be titled "Keepers of a Heritage."

A catered lunch, provided by Floyd Jordan Caterers of West End, will follow the worship hour.

The church will begin fall revival services on Monday evening, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. The Rev. Judson Rotan, former director of missions for the Randolph Baptist Association, will be the guest speaker for these services, which will be held through Thursday, Sept. 21. Guests musicians have been invited for some of the services.

"The public is invited to join with the Eagle Springs congregation for all of these special events," says a spokesman.

Homecoming

Union Presbyterian Church will observe its 209th homecoming Sunday, Sept. 10, at the 11 a.m. worship service.

A covered dish lunch will follow.

The speaker will be Jim Connor of Richmond, Va.

"We invite members and guests to attend," says the Rev. William Stewart, pastor of the church.

Unity Quartet

The Unity Quartet will present a gospel sing on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. at Givens Performing Arts Center at UNC Pembroke.

Other performers include Adoration Quartet, Brian Free and Assurance, the Pierce Family, and Teachers of Grace.

Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted for $5 at the door.

Women's Bible Study

Community Bible Study is an international organization. Its daytime class is open to all women who are interested in learning more about the Bible.

This nondenominational study meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Southern Pines.

Women meet together for a short program with singing and special music or testimony. They then proceed into small groups where printed lessons are distributed.

The 2006/2007 class goes from September to May. The next study focuses on Deuteronomy and Psalms.

There is a small charge to cover the materials, with scholarships for those who cannot afford the fee.

Anyone interested in registration or more information may call Barbara Ewing at 910-215-8949 or Betty Rossi at 910-295-0489.

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.

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.

Revival

Middle Cross Baptist Church will be holding its fall revival starting Sunday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. and at 7 p.m. Revival will continue Monday, Sept. 11, going through Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.

Special guest speaker will be Dr. James Strickland from Sharon Baptist Church in Concord. There will be special singing each night, and a nursery will be provided each night.

The church is located at 440 Lucas Rd., West End. For addition information, call Pastor David Reynolds at 947-2261.

Studies

The First Baptist Church of Pinehurst will be offering four studies starting Sept. 17. Classes will be held Sunday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. The church is located on N.C. 211 across from the Pinewild entrance.

Those interested may call the church at 295-7022.

Activities are available for children 3 years and older.

n Ladies Study -- "Woman of Worth," a Focus on the Family Women's series. Course length is eight weeks and cost of materials is $7.

n Men's Study -- "Being God's Man in Leading the Family," the Every Man series. Course length is eight weeks and cost of materials is $8.

n "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat." Course length is six weeks long and costs $8.

n "40-Minute Study--- Being a Disciple: Counting the Real Cost." Course length is six weeks long and cost $7.

Fellowship

The Sandhills Fellowship of Churches will hold its next meeting Tuesday, Sept. 12, at noon at the Golden Corral Restaurant in a private room. Plans are being made for the Crop Walk in October.

All new ministers in the area are invited to come.

For further information, call Nan Cunningham at 295-5191.

Decoding Da Vinci

The Village Chapel begins its fall Christian Education Community Outreach program on Monday, Sept. 11, with a three-week seminar on "The Da Vinci Code." The seminar will be held in Chapel Hall from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Dr. Glenn Miller, senior pastor, and Dr. Larry Ellis, associate pastor, are the presenters. Nursery is provided. There is no cost for the seminar, but call the church office at 295-6003 to register.

Services

Pre-anniversary services for Bishop Stanley Williams and his wife, Joyce, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 6, through Friday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m., at Faith on Fire Deliverance Ministries.

Guest speakers include Bishop Harrington, Bishop Melvin and Bishop Baker.

The anniversary service will take place on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. with Bishop Hayes of Burling as the guest speaker.

Youth Service

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church youth will hold a special service for Grandparents' Day on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m.

The church is located on Camp Easter Road.