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 pick up 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.

Adult Academy

Dr. Douglas F. Ottati, the Craig Family Distinguished Professor in Reformed Theology and Justice Ministry at Davidson College, will present a program on "The Theology of Grace" for the Adult Academy, a joint adventure in adult learning sponsored by West End Presbyterian Church and the Chapel in the Pines.

All Adult Academy programs are open to the public, and the Academy was founded to serve the community at large.

Ottati will preach at the Chapel in the Pines in West End at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. He will be in the pulpit for the 11 a.m. service at West End Presbyterian Church.

On that Sunday afternoon, Ottati will speak to the Adult Academy in the Crawford Center at the West End Presbyterian Church. The program will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and will be followed by light refreshments.

"The public is invited to attend either of the church services, and the 4 p.m. offering by the Adult Academy," says a spokesman.

Ottati is a popular professor at Davidson College, where he teaches overflowing classes. He is the co-general editor of the multi-volume series, "The Library of Theological Ethics." Ottati is the author of several recent books, including "Reforming Protestantism: Christian Commitment in Today's World," and "Hopeful Realism."

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.

Family and Friends

Greater Harvest House of Prayer Ministries will hold a family and friends fellowship weekend Sept. 26-28

On Friday night at 7 p.m., there will be a speaker. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a fish fry.

"Everything is free," says Elder Walter O. Thomas, pastor.

On Sunday at 11 a.m., Sister Margie Chambers, from Fayetteville, will be the speaker.

The church is located at 760 Midway Rd., Aberdeen.

Prayer Breakfast

Jesus Is Lord Deliverance Center will hold its annual prayer breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.

The speaker will be Eldress Jeannie Townsend.

The church is located at 15767 U.S. 15-501 South, Aberdeen.

For more details, call (910) 638-3155.

Homecoming

Middle Cross Baptist Church will hold homecoming at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept.. 28.

The service will start with special singing, followed by guest speaker, Pastor Roy Little. A covered dish lunch will follow.

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

For information, contact Pastor David Reynolds at 947-2261.

Capital Campaign

"These are exciting times at Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church, located in Candor on Farmers Market Road," says a spokesman. "We are the only catholic Church in Montgomery County. We have approximately 350 families, split nearly 50/50 between Latinos and Anglos."

Our Lady of the Americas was originally established in Biscoe in 1990. The new building, which is visible from U.S. 220, was dedicated in 2006.

The new church worship and activity center was built to more effectively respond to the needs of the congregation.

"As our parish continues to grow, additional funding is necessary to maintain our support of the pastoral needs of the community, to continue our religious education and expand community outreach programs," says the spokesman.

To this end, the parish is implementing a Capital Fund -- 2009 drive to assure the future of Our Lady of the Americas and reduce the parish debt.

The theme of the campaign is "Capping the Cornerstone Defining our Future."

"Each family in the parish will be asked to be involved in reaching our goal of raising $500,000," says the spokesman.

Detailed information explaining this fund drive will be mailed to each parishioner family.

Revival

Bishop Ralph "Donnie" Graves will speak at God's Love in Action Deliverance Ministries at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, through Friday, Sept. 26.

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

For information, call 673-1447.

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.

Revival

Pastors Charles and Deborah Bloom of Kingdom-Minded Ministries International will hold three evenings of revival Sept. 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. nightly, at Southern Pines Primary School Auditorium, 1250 W. New York Avenue, Southern Pines.

The guest speaker each night is television pastor, Apostle William T. Ford, of Parks Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Fayetteville. Admission is free.

For more information call 725-0140 or (910) 922-9868.

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. (There will be no Bible study on Sept. 24.).

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

Study Cancelled

Due to the Christian Educators Convention this week, Calvary Bible Institute (692-8311) will not meet on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Classes will resume as normal on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.

Sunday Night Live

The Tribe of Judah praise team of Kingdom-Minded Ministries International invite the public to listen in on live gospel music Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Southern Pines Primary School auditorium from 5 to 8 p.m.

Special guests include The Brothers, of Fayetteville, Abraham's Seed, of Sanford, Tamela Brilnson, of Winston-Salem and other groups.

For details, call 206-1052.

Gospel Time

Cameron Baptist Church will host the Jones Family Gospel Group, from Boone, at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28.

A time of fellowship will follow the service.

For information, call Dr. Wayne Greene at 245-7222.

Anniversary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.