Sandhills Assembly of Southern Pines will host its 30-year anniversary and homecoming service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.

"Our theme is 'Celebrating the PastAnticipating the Future,'" says the Rev. Bryan Rainbow, the church's pastor.

Speakers for the event include these former pastors and their wives: the Rev. David and Joan Hicks and the Rev. Dan and Barbara Duncan. Other special guests include Sal and Debby DiBianca, directors of Sandhills Teen Challenge, Greg and Lisa Davenport, pastors of Vineyard Assembly in Tramway, and Stephen and Charity Blanchard, pastors of Mosaic Ministries in Aberdeen.

"I hope many will attend and renew old friendships," Pastor Rainbow says. "There'll be fellowship over dinner on the grounds after the service."

Gospel Singing

Emmanuel Baptist Church will host a gospel singing at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. Featured will be Mike and Kelly Bowling.

The church is located at 632 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

For information, call 947-4736.

Exway Baptist

Exway Baptist Church will hold an outdoor "singing at the crossroads" beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.

Featured groups include the Testimonians, the Pioneers, and Awaken. There will be food and drinks available for purchase.

"Please bring your lawn chair," says a spokesman. "In event of rain, the singing will be moved inside."

The church is located at 2119 County Line Road, Mt. Gilead.

The church will celebrate homecoming at the morning worship service Sunday, Oct. 5, with luncheon following the service.

Anniversary

Shady Grove Holiness Church will celebrate the pastor's eighth anniversary at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m.

There will be a different speaker each night.

"Come and let's celebrate the goodness of the Lord," says Pastor Melvin Chambers.

The church is located two miles east of Aberdeen on N.C. 211.

For information, contact Mable L. Graham at 944-1267.

Barbecue

Fair Promise United Methodist Church will host a barbecue dinner with music from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.

Adult plates are $7; children 12 and under eat for $5.

Salt Creek Bluegrass is the featured group.

The church is located on Glendon-Siler City Road, Glendon.

"Please come and enjoy the food and fellowship," says a spokesman.

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. 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 Institute

Calvary Bible Institute meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at 400 South Bennett Street, Southern Pines.

The class in presently going through the American Heritage Series with Historian David Barton. This week the series includes "'Why History Matters" and "Unearthing America's Christian Foundations."

Culdee Presbyterian

Culdee Presbyterian's homecoming will be celebrated at the 11 a.m. worship service Sunday, Sept. 21, with Pastor Chris Bobo bringing the message. A covered dish dinner will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the worship service.

Revival services will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, through Wednesday, Sept. 24, with the Rev. Mamie Wilson as the guest speaker. Wilson is currently the pastor of Blandonia Presbyterian Church in Sanford. There will be special music and congregational singing at each of the services.

"We invite the community and all friends of Culdee church to attend these services," says a spokesman.

Celebrating 104 Years

Fryes Chapel Free Will Baptist Church will celebrate 104 years of Christian ministry Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21.

A one-night revival will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m. with guest pastor, the Rev. Joshua Haire, and First Missionary Baptist Church, Southern Pines.

Gospel music will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, the speaker will be Elder Kirby Haire, who will attend from Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church of Fayetteville.

Southside Baptist

Dr. Billy S. Martin, evangelist and Bible conference speaker, will be speaking at Southside Baptist Church in Biscoe Sunday through Wednesday, Sept. 21-24. Services will begin at 7 p.m.

Martin has carried out his mission work in the United States and Canada as well as in South America, Africa, Europe and the Near East. He earned an undergraduate degree at Piedmont Baptist College in Winston-Salem, then earned a doctoral degree at Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C. He has also studied at Elon University.

Everyone is invited to these services, according to the pastor, Michael Lynn. Special music is planned for each service, and a nursery will be provided. Additional information is available by calling (910) 428-9243.

Southside Baptist Church is located at 125 Cedar Creek Road, Biscoe.

Appreciation Service

St. Joseph A.M.E. Church will hold an appreciation service for Curtis Locklear at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14.

The church is located at 309 Keyser Street, Aberdeen.

Women's Day

A Women's Day Service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at God's Vision of Praise Ministry, next door to the House of Carpets, Vass.

The speaker is Prophetess Etta Shiver, of Jacksonville.

Gospel Sing

Community Friends Church will hold a gospel singing featuring the Down East Boys at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14.

The church is located at 3879 U.S. 15-501, Carthage.

Services

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God, Vass, will hold pre-anniversary services at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, through Friday, Sept. 19, featuring Pastor David Bullard, of Aberdeen, Bishop Julia Harris, of Sanford, and Pastor Lois Moore, of Lakeview Chapel.

A banquet will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the McDonald Building, Carthage.

For information, call 245-3960.

Yard Sale

The House of Refuge Church is hosting a yard sale, food sale, and car wash beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at 517 S. Sandhills Blvd. (U.S. 1), Aberdeen, next to the N.C. DMV.

Free haircuts will also be offered.

Old Bethesda Homecoming

Members of Bethesda Presbyterian Church of Aberdeen will celebrate homecoming at Old Bethesda Church on Bethesda Road Sunday, Sept. 28.

Dr. Sid Batts, a former intern at Bethesda, will be guest minister. Sunday School for all ages will begin at 10 a.m. with the worship service at 11:15. Immediately after the worship service, dinner on the grounds will be served in the grove beside the church building.

Carolyn Burns, coordinator of homecoming, encourages everyone to bring a dish or dessert to share at the dinner.

Burns says Bethesda members regard this as a true homecoming, because family and friends with long-term and short-term connections with Bethesda travel for many miles to be part of the celebration. Visitors will be welcome.

Additional information is available by calling 944-1319.

Barbecue

Vass United Methodist Church will host a barbecue lunch and supper from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.

The meal features pork barbecue prepared by Jordan's Barbecue. The meal includes cole slaw, baked beans, roll, and homemade dessert. Dine in the church fellowship hall or get a take-out plate. All plates are $7 each, and tickets are available at the door.

The church is located at 111 Alma Street, Vass. From U.S. 1, take the Vass exit at N.C. 690 and turn toward Vass. The church is at the corner of Main and Alma, across from the Vass Rescue Squad building.

For information, call (910) 245-7665.

Kingdom Connections

Kingdom Connections Church International will celebrate its 11th anniversary with services at 11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.

The morning speaker will be the church's pastor, Bishop Ronnie Moore, and Apostle Andria Weekes of G.L.A.D., in West End, will speak at the afternoon service.

The church is located at 134 Mill Road, Rockingham. For more information call (910) 410-8955, (910) 528-7620, or e-mail mdelah12@yahoo.com. The Web site is www.kbcityofrefuge.org.

Bible Studies

Sandhills Alliance Church is holding two Bible studies that began Thursday, Sept. 11.

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.

Mothers' Morning Out

The Village Chapel is now accepting reservations for the first eight-week session of the Mothers' Morning Out program to be held through Oct. 17, at the Care Cottage.

The program for children ages 15 months through 2 years old will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The program for children ages 3 through 4 years old will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Children can attend one day or both days each week. Each class is limited to eight children.

For more information or to register your child, contact Sarah Graves, program director, at 315-7730 or The Village Chapel at 295-6003.

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.

'Truth Project'

Focus on the Family presents the "Truth Project Simulcast Training Event" live via satellite Saturday, Sept. 27, hosted by Calvary Chapel of the Sandhills.

Registration begins at 8:45 a.m., and the simulcast will be held from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 4:40 p.m. Registration prior to Aug. 15 is $115 for singles and $161 for couples; after Aug. 15, the cost is $125 for singles and $161 for couples.

Registration includes one complete DVD set of "The Truth Project," a 13-hour program, training, lunch, drinks and snacks.

"This event will enhance your knowledge of 'The Truth Project,' train individuals and church representatives to host future DVD-based classes, and it will unite churches in their efforts to teach biblical truth," says a spokesman.

The church is located at 201 W. South Street, Aberdeen (across from the Post Office).

Register online at www.ccsandhills.org or call Beverly at (910) 684-5296 with questions.

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.

Preschool

Bethesda Presbyterian Pre-school is now accepting applications for its 2008-2009 school year.

The program is open to 3- and 4-year-olds. Birthdays must fall by mid-October to be eligible for this school year.

The school operates Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., September through May. To apply, stop by the church located at 1002 N. Sandhills Boulevard, Aberdeen.

For more information, call 944-1319.

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

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, which began Sept. 9.

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. Refreshments 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.