Beginning Sunday evening, Oct. 5, the Marcus United Methodist Church will hold its third annual Fall Praise and Worship Services.

The following speakers and musical groups will provide an enriching worship experience. Worship begins each evening at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

n Sunday, Oct. 5 -- Tony Seawell, with music by Lisa Seawell and Rank Howell.

n Monday, Oct. 6 -- the Rev. Derald Smith, with music by Mrs. Adrian H. Davis.

n Tuesday, Oct. 7 -- the Rev. Joe Forbes, retired Methodist pastor, with music by Calvary Gospel Singers, of Piney Grove Baptist Church, Windblow.

A love offering will be taken each evening.

Marcus United Methodist Church is part of the Sandhills Circuit. Myron and Barbara Dice serve as co-pastors. Regular Sunday worship services are: Pleasant Hill -- 9 a.m., Eagle Springs -- 10 a.m. and Marcus 11:15 a.m. Youth meet every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Marcus.

Bible Institute

Calvary Bible Institute will meet Thursday, Oct. 2, at 400 S. Bennett Street, Southern Pines, to continue the "American Heritage Series" with historian, David Barton. This week's series is titled, "The Faith of Our Founding Fathers," parts 1 and 2.

For information, call 692-8311.

Cameron Baptist

Cameron Baptist Church is conducting its 2008 Weekend Revival and homecoming service at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, and at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12.

The Rev. Ray Whitby will be the guest speaker.

Those attending will share a homecoming meal immediately after worship on Sunday.

For more information, contact Dr. Wayne Greene at (910) 245-7222.

Caregivers' Support

"If you are a caregiver for your spouse, another family member or a friend, and would enjoy getting together with others who have similar circumstances, come to the Congregational Church of Pinehurst from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month to meet with a small group of fellow travelers," says a spokesman.

No registration is needed.

"Sometimes we talk about the problems that we face day-to-day; sometimes we watch a short film that brings us the big picture or helps us with new ways to manage our caretaking," says the spokesman. "A subject that is important to each of us is how best to care for ourselves while caring for others. One thing that we all want is the accepting support of others, and to find our spirits lifted through the companionship of other people who care."

Pastor Brent Bissette facilitates the Caregivers' Support Group. For further information, call 295-2243.

Fall Singing

Deep Creek Baptist Church will host its annual fall gospel singing at noon Saturday, Oc.t 11.

The nationally known group, Crystal River," from Nashville, Tenn., will perform beginning at 2 p.m.

Jason Morgan, D.C. Harmony, Betty and Daryl Teal, Jimmy and Betty Wilson and others will perform throughout the day.

"There will be free barbecue, grilled chicken and hot dogs at noon," says a spokesman. "There will be hay rides and cake walks as well. Bring a lawn chair."

For more information, call the Rev. Oscar Logwood at 692-8904.

Dinner Buffet

Crossroads Community Church will host a gospel singing dinner buffet at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, featuring Jerry Garner and the Fine Blue Line.

The meal includes homemade chicken and dumplings, baked ham, or pork chops, with all the trimmings.

Dinner is served at 6 p.m., with singing beginning at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12, and free for those under 5.

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

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

Supper and Sale

Eureka Presbyterian Church will hold a chicken and dumpling and barbecue pork supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the church, located at 2185 Farmlife School Road. There will be a craft sale beginning at 1 p.m.

Adult plates are $7; children's plates are $4.

Fall Revival

Calvary Baptist Church will hold fall revival at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4. There will be a women's conference from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the church fellowship hall, led by Sandra Harrison. The events conclude with the morning worship service Sunday, Oct. 5. The Rev. Ron Harrison will be the guest speaker.

The church is located on Plank Road, Carthage.

Fellowship

The Sandhills Fellowship of Churches meets at noon Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Habitat for Humanity of Moore County, 2268 N.C. 5, Aberdeen.

The luncheon is hosted by Habitat, Family Promise and the Coalition.

Dancing

First Missionary Baptist Church is currently hosting beginning movement/dance and ballroom dance classes for the Creative Learning Center of the Sandhills.

"All children are welcome to attend," says a spokesman.

Classes for children are from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays, and teens and adults attend from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays.

Call Judy at 692-2022.

Revival

Jesus Is Lord Deliverance Center will host revival at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 9.

The speaker will be Elder Gary Marshall, pastor of Bethel Church of God in Christ, Ellerbe.

For information, call (910) 220-1652.

Homecoming

Pinebluff United Methodist Church will celebrate homecoming at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, with worship services, followed by a covered dish dinner.

Children's church and activities will also be a part of the day.

"We would like to invite all members, past members, and friends to come join us," says a spokesman. "Please mark your calendars, and bring your favorite dish."

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will hold Joy Night at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. The speaker will be Minister Patricia Kyle.

A three-day revival will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, through Friday, Oct. 10.

Prophet Joe Brown, of Goldston, will speak at the homecoming service at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. Dinner will follow the service.

Singing

Harmony Baptist Church will hold a singing featuring Salt Creek Bluegrass at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the church located at 3624 N.C. 73, West End.

Call 944-0544 for information.

Bazaar

Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines, will hold its 20th annual benefit bazaar and yard sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.

The event includes a big yard sale, caf with breakfast and lunch menu, handmade crafts and bake sale.

All proceeds are donated to local programs that aid the needy in Moore County -- the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care Inc., Family Promise, and Our Saviour's Discretionary Fund. The Coalition assists needy Moore County residents with clothing, food and financial assistance, while Family Promise helps homeless families with meals, shelter, financial counseling and employment assistance. Our Saviour's discretionary fund aids those in need with funds for rent deposits or payments, utility bills, prescriptions and other needs.

Donations of household items, books, jewelry, furniture, toys, books, fall and winter clothing, infant and children's clothing are needed and may be brought to the church from Oct. 9-11 and Oct. 13-14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arrangements for pickup of large items may be made by calling 215-0557 or 673-8132.

The Social Ministry Committee of Our Saviour, under the chairmanship of Patti Herm, sponsors the benefit which raised close to $10,000 in 2008. In addition, Thrivent Financial Services for Lutherans will provide additional funds to augment the bazaar proceeds.

The yard sale will include fall and winter clothing for adults and children, books, CDs, videos, furniture, small appliances, jewelry, fine gifts and other household items. Cakes, cookies, pies, breads and candies will be on sale at the bake sale. The craft sale will feature all types of handmade crafts and holiday items. The caf offers breakfast and lunch selection.

The bazaar steering committee includes Cathie Nichols, chair; Dale Streicker, co-chair, Tom Boon, Florrie Crisafulli, Jackie Koder, Ruth Kohler John and Annemarie Loeser, Jean Henning, Lois Frazelle, Chuck and Helen Moeser, Edd and Dorothy Sechrist, D.W. Woody, Bill and Phyllis Bradley and Carole Williams.

Fall Smorgasbord

The West End United Methodist Church Women will be holding their annual Fall Smorgasbord Dinner at the West End church at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24.

Tickets are $8 each, and are available from Trudie Vaughn, who can be reached at 255-6158.

For directions to the church or for additional information call the church office at 673-1371.

Sonshine Learning

Sonshine Learning Center at First Baptist Church has openings for its four-year-old part-time preschool class.

Call Amy at 692-7912 for information.

Bible Study

Jesus Is King of Deliverance Ministries, located at 550 Ashemont Road, Aberdeen, is holding Bible study at 7 p.m. every other Wednesday night.

For more information, call one (910) 295-6744 or (910) 864-9923.

Revival

Beulah Baptist Church will hold revival services beginning with the 11 a.m. service Sunday, Oct. 12, continuing at 6 p.m. that evening and at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, through Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Speakers include Evangelist Tom Gilliam of Bible Truth Ministries, Winterville, Ga., and the Rev. Keith Purser, New Birth Baptist Church, Gainesville, Ga.

A nursery will be provided.

The church is located at 8454 Howards Mill Road, Bennett. For information, call (336) 581-3121.

Bluegrass and Barbecue

Emmanuel Episcopal Church will host its second annual "Bluegrass and Barbecue" event from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.

"Enjoy traditional bluegrass at its best with the Blinky Moon Boys and find out why Blue Ridge Country Magazine named the Blinky Moon Boys' album, 'Moonlite Theater,' one of the top 10 albums of the year," says an Emmanuel spokesperson.

Dinner will be provided by Pik-n-Pig and will include pulled barbecue, hot dogs, baked beans, slaw, green beans, rolls, lemonade and tea. Activities for children will begin at 4 p.m. and include pumpkin carving and face painting.

Advance tickets will be sold in the parish office at $10 per person or $30 per family. Tickets will also be sold at the event.

Bible Studies

Sandhills Alliance Church is holding two Bible studies.

One is Beth Moore's "Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit." The other is Kay Arthur's Precepts ministries study of Exodus.

Studies are from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Child care will be available.

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

Sonlight Church

A new child care facility will be opening in the fall at Sonlight Independent Church for children from six weeks to five years of age.

"Our experienced staff is looking forward to serving the children of Moore County and their families in this new ministry of our church," says a spokesman.

Applications for admission are now being accepted. The church is located on N.C. 211 between Pinehurst and West End.

For more information contact Betty Ingram at (910) 295-4104.

New Bible Study

The Pinehurst Evening Community Bible Study, a nondenominational Bible study group, will open its 16th year with a study of the book of Romans.

Community Bible Study is an international organization with 30 years' experience in developing and leading Bible study groups. This program is open to all Christian singles and couples that are interested in an in-depth study of God's word.

Lesson material is provided with commentary and questions that require some written homework and study time. Classes will be formed for men, women and couples.

The program includes opening fellowship, small group discussion and a short summation by the teaching director.

The study continues through April 28, with breaks for the holidays. The group will meet every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m.

All meetings are held at the Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen.

There is a charge for study materials, with scholarships available if needed. All workers and leaders are volunteers.

All interested parties should attend the orientation meeting Sept. 9 for assignment to a group and to receive a lesson book for the first semester.

To register call or e-mail Walt Randolph at 215-0850 or wrandolph@nc.rr.com.

Donations

Mission Agape is requesting donations.

Those who are interested in giving items to help support the mission should call Maria at 673-3333.

Women's Bible Study

Community Bible Study, an international study with classes held throughout the United States and more than 120 countries, is now taking enrollment for the 2008-09 season in the Sandhills for women.

Nondenominational classes meet each Tuesday from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Southern Pines.

This year, women representing 17 local churches attended, attesting to the unity of the Christian message.

Women meet together for a short program with singing and special music or testimony. They then proceed into small groups where answers to printed lessons that had been distributed the week before are shared.

"Love, caring and prayer are emphasized, and lasting friendships are often forged through participation," says a spokesman.

There are classes for preschool children with crafts and Bible stories, and a nursery for babies, and young mothers are welcomed.

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

Anyone interested in registration or more information about Community Bible Study should call Noel Roberts at 235-5271 or Betty Rossi at 295-0489.

Health Ministry

Sandhills Health Ministry meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. on the third Monday of the month, at the Care Cottage, 55 Community Road, 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.

Unitarian Gathering

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills will meet each second and fourth Sunday, at 10 a.m., at the Pinehurst Executive Center, N.C. 5, Suite 7, Pinehurst.

Refresh-ments follow the service.

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

Reading Room

"Prayer to meet community needs can be shared and multiplied," says a spokesman for the Christian Science Reading Room.

"If you are praying about today's specific challenges such as lack or fear about the economy, we would love to hear your ideas and share what we have. This might be a Psalm or Bible healing that can be seen as true and useful today."

The Christian Science Reading Room has resources in English and Spanish available to the whole community.

The reading room is located at 173A N.E. Broad Street, Southern Pines (under the blue awning) and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

For information, call (910) 692 7759 or e-mail csreadingroom. readingroom @yahoo.com.

Support Group

Middle Cross Baptist Church's cancer support group 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.n