The Southern Pines Recreation Department will hold an organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, about this spring's church softball league. The meeting will be held at Campbell House in Southern Pines.

A team coach/manager or representative must attend as league fees, rules, and important dates will be discussed. Games will be played at the Armory and Optimist fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Church teams may represent individual or combined churches.

"This is a fun, social league for your church membership," says a spokesman.

Chicken Dumplings

Every autumn, chicken and dumplings enthusiasts from all over Moore County are able to go from church to church, getting their fill of this soul-satisfying stew.

This year, Doubs Chapel United Methodist Church will serve those who may have been deprived of this Southern culinary delight by moving its traditional dumpling date from October to early March.

"Join us on Saturday, March 1, from 4 to 7 p.m., as we serve up chicken and dumplings that would do your grandma proud," says a spokesman.

Sides of green beans, cole slaw, roll, homemade dessert, iced tea or coffee will accompany the main fare. Those who want something sweet for later will have a chance to bid on a variety of homemade desserts, such as pound cakes, Japanese fruit pies, sour cream coconut cakes, buttermilk custard pies, mandarin orange cakes, German chocolate pies, and banana nut bread.

Eat-in or takeout plates are $7 each. Proceeds from this meal will benefit the church building fund.

The church Web site is www.doubschapelumc.org

Doubs Chapel United Methodist Church is located at 1444 Doubs Chapel Church Road in West End.

Dedication

The Kingdom Builders City of Refuge church family of Rockingham announces the dedication of its new building at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 2. The new location will be 134 Mill Road in Rockingham.

"We will also announce the launching of our new ministry name," says a spokesman.

For more information call (910) 410-8955 or visit www.kbcityofrefuge.org.

Jewish Congregation

The Sandhills Jewish Congregation announces its schedule for March:

The 12th annual celebration of "Shabbat Across America," a program of The National Jewish Outreach, will be celebrated on Friday, March 7, at various temples and synagogues throughout the U.S. and Canada. Tens of thousands of Jews across America will come together to eat, drink, relax, dance, enjoy, debate, and celebrate the Sabbath.

Locally, the Sandhills Jewish Congregation will be hosting a potluck dinner and Shabbat Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. that evening.

Traditional Shabbat rituals, including lighting the Shabbat candles, eating Challah (braided bread), prayers, and songs will all be part of the festivities.

The evening will also include a special interactive program about what it means to be an American Jew in the 21st century.

"Jews from throughout the community are welcome to join us at this special event," says a spokesman. "Please bring a salad or main dish to share (dairy only)."

A Shabbat Service and Purim, led by Rabbi Floyd Herman, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, at Temple Beth Shalom.

A Torah Study, also led by Herman, is at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Temple Beth Shalom, which is located near the corner of Jackson Springs and Hoffman roads.

The Web address is www.sandhillsjewish.org, and the phone is (910) 673-5224.

Gospel Singing

Crossroads Community Church will host a gospel singing featuring Calvary Gospel Trio at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 9.

The church is located at the Whispering Pines intersection of Vass-Carthage and Niagara-Carthage roads in Carthage

For more information or directions, call (910) 949-3971 or (910) 949-3080.

Harmony Baptist

Harmony Baptist Church will hold a gospel singing Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m., featuring the Salt Creek Bluegrass Gospel Group.

The church is at 3624 N.C. 73 East, West End.

For information, call 944-0544.

Fellowship

The Sandhills Fellowship of Churches will meet at noon Tuesday, March 11, at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, 972 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

Candlelight Service

The Missionary Department of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church will hold its annual candlelight service at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2.

The theme is "Victorious Living," and the Rev. Debra Patterson, pastor of Jordan Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Manly, will bring the evening message.

The junior missionaries will take part in the program along with younth and adult missionaries.

Women's Conference

Solid Rock Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ will host its annual Women's Conference Friday, March 7, through Sunday, March 9.

The conference will begin Friday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. with Pastor Brenda Robinson of Belford Baptist Church. It will continue Saturday, March 8, with Evangelist Tarshima Hackett of Solid Rock Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ at 11 a.m., a Women's Fellowship Luncheon at 1:30 p.m., and an evening service at 4 p.m. with Pastor Judy Bowden of Love Grove A.M.E. Zion Church. The conference will conclude Sunday, March 9, with the host pastor, Judie Hackett, at 11:30 a.m. and an evening service at 4 p.m. with Pastor Thelma Ingram of New Hope Church of God in Christ.

For more information, please contact Tarshima Hackett at 910-947-7775, church secretary.

Choir Anniversary

The Crystalairs of Hoffman will celebrate their 24th anniversary at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8, and continue at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9. The church is located on U.S. 1 north of Hoffman.

"All choirs and groups are invited to come and be a part of the celebration," says the Rev. Charles Bethea, pastor.

Seminar

Because life has become more complicated, higher standards of living have led to increased life expectancy, and siblings are often scattered geographically, many people become the primary caregivers for aging parents just as they are considering their own retirement.

These same people may also be facing the responsibility of "boomerang children" who have returned home after a divorce or job loss, or for partially or wholly caring for grandchildren for some of the same reasons.

On Monday, March 3, the Sandhills Health Ministry and Emmanuel Episcopal Church will sponsor a seminar titled "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Support for the Sandwich Generation."

The program, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church's Parish Hall (Massachusetts Avenue and Ridge Road in Southern Pines).

Presenters will be Jeff Hutchins, executive director of Penick Village in Southern Pines, and Ann Long, chaplain at Quail Haven Village in Pinehurst. They will provide practical ideas regarding the needs of children, grandchildren and aging parents, as well as information on how the caregiver should care for himself/herself physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Both Hutchins and Long come to the program with a variety of experience.

Before joining Penick Village, Hutchins was the director at an assisted living facility in Cary, and he previously held positions with Rex Convalescent Care Center in Raleigh, Newtonhouse Senior Care Facility in Atlanta and Brian Center Corporation in Hickory. He is licensed in nursing home administration and has a bachelor's degree in social work and a master's degree in gerontology.

Long has been a chaplain associate at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, where she has presented several continuing education units for other chaplain associates in the hospital's Clinical Pastoral Education Program. She has also ministered to Katrina survivors as a chaplain with a rapid response team for St. Bernard's Parish in New Orleans.

For more information on the program, call the church office at 692-3171.

Barbecue Fundraiser

Vass United Methodist Church will hold a barbecue lunch and supper from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at the church, located at 111 Alma Street, Vass.

The meal will feature pork barbecue prepared by Jordan's Barbecue of West End, accompanied by cole slaw, baked beans, roll and dessert. Plates are $7 each, and are available for dining in or for takeout.

For information, call the Rev. Phil Brown at 245-7665.

Church Preschool

Bethesda Presbyterian Pre-school is now accepting applications for its 2008-2009 school year. The program is open to three- and four-year-olds. Birthdays must fall by mid-October to be eligible for this school year.

The school operates Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., September through May.

The curriculum consists of age-appropriate learning activities, developing socialization skills and a weekly Bible lesson.

Each class is limited to 10 students, and acceptance is on a first-come basis.

To apply, stop by the church located at 1002 N. Sandhills Boulevard (U.S.1, with the lake out front) in Aberdeen.

For more information call 944-1319.

Lenten Services

Sandhills Fellowship of Churches is hosting an inter-denominational Lenten Service at noon each Wednesday through March 19. All are invited to attend.

"Please bring a bag lunch with you to enjoy after the service," says a spokesman. "The host church will provide the beverages and desserts."

The schedule is:

- Feb. 27 -- Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, W. New Hampshire Avenue at Gains Street, Southern Pines

- March 5 -- Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 350 E. Massachusetts Ave., Southern Pines

- March 12 -- Brownson Presbyterian Church, 330 S. May Street, Southern Pines

- March 19 -- Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 350 E. Massachusetts Ave., Southern Pines

Gospel Sing

Center United Methodist Church will host The Master's Men, an a cappella ensemble from Cary, during the 11 a.m. worship service Sunday, March 2.

The church is located at 4141 South Plank Road, Sanford.

For information, call (919) 775-5300 or Kim Reagan at (910-695-3516.

Pastoral Celebration

There will be a 10th pastoral celebration banquet in honor of Deacon Jerome King Sr. and Pastor Virginia D. King of Jesus Is King Deliverance Ministries, at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Word of Life Christian Center, 1800 W. Main Street, Bennettsville, S.C.

Tickets are $20 per adult and $10 per child.

"You are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, but may purchase them at the door," says a spokesman.

On Sunday, March 2, at 5 p.m., the celebration will conclude in the form of a service at Jesus Is King of Deliverance Ministries. Guest speaker will be Bishop James P. Swinson, Highway Holiness, Fayetteville.

Dr. Iva D. Hodge, the Unity Fellowship Churches, and many others will be present.

Adult Academy

Four prominent ministers and one layperson will be the featured speakers at the Adult Academy's Lenten Series entitled "Teach Us to Pray." This four-session series began on Thursday, Feb. 21. This Lenten event will be held in the Crawford Center at West End Presbyterian Church from 7 to 8 p.m. on four consecutive Thursdays.

The Adult Academy is open to all members of the Moore County community, and is sponsored by the Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines and West End Presbyterian Church. There is no charge for this program, and registration is not required.

The Feb. 28 session will be led by the Rev. Dudley Crawford and Dr. Paul James. James is a lay speaker who leads groups in religious studies. Crawford retired in 2005 after 23 years as pastor of the West End Presbyterian Church and is well known in the area.

James and Crawford will lead a session on "True Confessions and Other Prayers."

"Will You Pray for Me? -- Intercession and Supplication," which is scheduled for March 6, will be led by the Rev. Don Welch, pastor at The Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines, and McDonald's Chapel.

Welch is known in the community for his singing as well as his preaching.

Larry Lyon, minister of the West End Presbyterian Church will conclude the series on March 13. His topic is "Prayer that Keeps on Giving."

Lyon came to West End in 2006 from Blowing Rock following a ministry of more than eight years at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian.

Lenten Services

St. Paul Lutheran Church will join St. James Lutheran Church in Southern Pines for the 2008 Lenten season.

All joint Lenten services will be held at St. James Lutheran Church, 983 W. New Hampshire Avenue, Southern Pines.

Lenten services will be Feb. 27 and March 5 and 12, at 7 p.m. at St. James.

Marriage Retreat

St. Matthew's Chapel Church of Eastwood will host a married couples' retreat at Myrtle Beach, S.C., March 28-30.

The retreat is open to non-members. Pastors Charles and Deborah Bloom will be the retreat moderators.

Those interested should e-mail Terrie Campbell at tcampbell1960@windstream.net by Feb. 15 or call (910) 295-1911.

Lenten Lunches

Lenten Lunches at Page Memorial United Methodist Church provide opportunities for spiritual reflection, Christian conversation, and good meals.

"Through March 19, we gather on Wednesdays at noon in the Fellowship Hall," says a spokesman. "The cost is $4 per person and includes a delicious home-cooked meal, tea, coffee, dessert, and time of ministry and fellowship."

- Feb. 27 -- The Rev. Joe Forbes, a retired United Methodist minister, will be the speaker. The menu features baked turkey with gravy, peas and carrots, potato salad, rolls and dessert.

- March 5 -- The Rev. Mike Branscome, pastor of Aberdeen First Baptist Church, will bring the message. Lunch includes chicken casserole, pear salad, butter beans, rolls and dessert.

- March 12 -- Pastor Jane Leechford of Page Memorial United Methodist Church, is the speaker. The menu includes beef stew, rice, buttered carrots, green beans, rolls and dessert.

- March 19 -- Retired United Methodist minister, the Rev. Bob Bundy, will bring the message. Lunch includes chicken and gravy, scalloped potatotes, corn with pimento, rolls and dessert.

This is the 25th year that the church has hosted the Lenten Luncheon series.

Page Memorial Church is located in downtown Aberdeen.

Lenten Programs

Our Saviour Lutheran Church will hold Lenten services at noon and 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Palm Sunday.

The 6 p.m. soup and sandwich meal is followed by a message at 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. prayer and Communion service.

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

Bible Studies

Sandhills Alliance Church offers the following:

The Beth Moore Bible study, "Believing God," ends March 20.

The Kay Arthur Precepts, which focuses on Chapters 12-25 of Genesis, is a six-week study on "Becoming a Friend of the Faithful and God."

For information, call Dorice Birdwell or Pebbles Hess at (910) 295-4949.

Community Bible Study

This local CBS nondenominational Bible study group is now in a study of the Gospel of Luke from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen.

The program is open to all singles and couples interested in a Christian study of the Bible. Lesson material is provided with commentary and questions that require some written homework and study time. There is room in both classes for singles and couples.

The study will continue through April 2008. Walk-ins are welcome.

Health Ministry Offered

A Sandhills Health Ministry has been started.

Meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. on the third Monday of the month, at the FirstHealth Community Health Building conference room on Page Drive, in Pinehurst.

All Sandhills churches are invited to send representatives.

Inquiries for wellness information and programs from area congregations may be directed to The Village Chapel, at 295-6003.

Classes

St. Anthony's Catholic Church is holding a series of classes on Mondays at 7 p.m. in the parish hall for those who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.

For information, call Barbara Kemple at 295-3072 or e-mail bethanymom92@hotmail.com.

Breakfast

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills will meet each second and fourth Sunday, at 9 a.m., at the Days Inn on U.S. 1, Southern Pines.

Breakfast is at 9 a.m. A discussion group will be held at 10 a.m., and there is now a children's group for ages 5-12.

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

Reading Room

At its location at 173A NE Broad St., the Christian Science Reading Room offers, among its Bible resources, Spanish translations of the Bible.

Also available are translations into Spanish of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, as well as other Spanish language items.

The Reading Room is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Support Group

Middle Cross Baptist Church has started a cancer support group that meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m.

The church is located at 440 Lucas Road, West End.

For information, call Jessie Kellis at 673-2938 or Pastor David Reynolds at 947-2261.

Recovery Ministry

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 has recently opened its Rescue Mission House for recovering addicts and is in need of monetary donations as well as household items.

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