Pinecrest High School auditorium will be transformed with lillies and greens for the Easter service of Community Presbyterian Church Sunday, April 12.

"This service is an opportunity for the congregation to worship as one body and to invite all who wish to worship and celebrate to attend," says a spokesman.

Prelude music will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the service will begin at 10 a.m. The adult choir, numbering almost 60 members, will sing a call to worship, anthem, and benediction response, and will lead music that will include a blend of styles from traditional hymns to contemporary praise songs. The music director is Terri Sinclair, and Betty Upchurch is the music associate. Others who will participate with solos and music accompaniment are Mike Newman, Tim Riffe, Gordon Bascom, Steve Lapping, Jean Bascom, Cindy Hughes, Judy Miles, and Carol Tilton.

The choir anthem will be "In Christ Alone," and the benediction response will be "I Can Only Imagine," both of which have been a special part of the Easter services in years past.

Barbecue

Pinehurst United Methodist Church is holding its annual projects benefit barbecue Friday, April 17. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Barbecue plates or fried chicken plates are $7 each, including a drink and dessert. Patrons can eat-in or carry out. Advance purchase tickets are available at the church, or walk-ins are welcome.

Lunch plates will be delivered (drink not included) for orders of 10 or more. Delivery orders should be placed in advance, on or before April 16, by calling the church at (910) 215-4559, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Payment will be accepted at delivery.

Pinehurst UMC is located on Airport Road about one mile from the Traffic Circle.

Bensalem Church

Bensalem Presbyterian Church, in Eagle Springs, will celebrate Easter April 12, with a 6:30 a.m. sunrise service, followed by a traditional country breakfast at 7 a.m.

An Easter cantata will be performed by the adult and children's choirs at 11 a.m.

The church is located on Bensalem Church Road off N.C. 705, in Eagle Springs.

For more information, contact the Rev. Wes Brandon at 691-2942.

Leadership Forum

Dr. Rodney Cooper, former chaplain of the Houston Astros and the Houston Oilers, will lead a community lay leadership forum Saturday, April 11, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at The Village Chapel in Pinehurst

A spokesperson for the Forum said, "In today's uncertain world economy, many of our families, friends and neighbors are frightened about their future. What better opportunity to share the love of Christ in our marriages, homes, communities, and our churches by becoming encouragers?

"Many people are seeing their marriages crumble; businesses fail; retirement dreams disappearing like a vapor on a windy day. This is a chance for churches to harness the power of the laity to reach out to those who are hurting."

As a counselor, teacher, pastor, professor and theologian, Cooper helps break down the long-standing barriers people often erect in their lives that affect relationships. He has conducted leadership conferences at the Pentagon, Presidential Appointees Conference, and Promise Keepers Ministry, and has authored several books on relationships as well as a commentary on the Book of Mark in the Holman New Testament Series.

"Encouragement is vital to life," says Cooper. "It is like a high grade gasoline because it takes the 'knocks and pings' out of life. An encourager does not have an ownership mentality, but rather a stewardship mentality. We quickly learn that our expectations of others greatly influence our behavior toward them."

The forum will begin with a time of refreshments and fellowship. A time of singing, praise, and testimonies will precede the presentation by Cooper. There is no fee to attend; however, a love offering will be taken to cover all expenses.

Registration may be made by calling The Village Chapel at 295-6003.

Bethlehem Baptist

Bethlehem Baptist Church will hold an Easter sunrise service in the prayer garden at the church at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast will follow in the fellowship hall at 8:15. Sunday School will begin at 9 a.m. and the Easter worship service will follow at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Dr. Zeb Moss, interim pastor, extends an invitation to guests to attend the Easter services. The church is located at 1838 Bethlehem Church Road, Carthage.

The church engaged in two mission ministries during March. The members of the WMU visited with the residents of Seven Lakes Assisted Living Wednesday, March 18. Donations of toiletries were given to the residents, and the group joined in a gospel sing-along with the residents. Monetary donations were given for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions.

The April mission focus is participation in the Food Roundup for Baptist Children's Homes of N.C.

Church Anniversary

Shady Grove Holiness Church will celebrate its 77th anniversary Wednesday, April 8, through Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. each evening. The celebration actually began Monday, April 6.

There will be different speakers each evening.

"Come out and make this a memorable anniversary," said Pastor Melvin Chambers.

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

For further information, call 944-1267.

Outdoor Gospel

Sweet Haven Church, in Rockingham, will hold an outdoor gospel concert featuring The Locklears and The McNeils, at 7 p.m. Friday, May 8.

"Bring a chair," says a spokesman.

The church is located at 424 Midway Road, Rockingham.

Call 910-895-8584.

Culdee Services

On April 9, there will be a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. at Culdee Presbyterian Church. This will be a Communion service.

The Easter sunrise service will be held at 7 a.m. in the Culdee Cemetery. Following the service, breakfast will be served in the fellowship hall.

At the 11 a.m. service, the Culdee Presbyterian Chancel Choir under the direction of Gail Meeks, will present the Easter cantata, "In the Presence of Jehovah."

"We invite the community to attend these services and activities," said a spokesman.

Garden Blessing

The Easter service at Congregational Church of Pinehurst UCC will begin in the Memorial Garden at 10 a.m. Pastor Brent Bissette will lead a re-dedication of the newly restored sacred space, which symbolizes the spirit of transformation that God has provided for this church community. The congregation will then process with "Alleluias" to the sanctuary and celebrate Easter with a Communion service .

Volunteers have been busy preparing the garden for this special day -- cutting back overgrown shrubs, weeding, dividing perennials, and refreshing the mulch. A recently found map of the original landscape architect's plan for the garden is being used to guide the restoration. Fundraising for memorial bricks to be added to the garden walkway brought in $800, making possible an initial order of 32 engraved bricks. These have just been installed, along with a new eight-foot pink dogwood to add a warm splash of color for Easter morning.

Visitors are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the Easter celebration, including a fellowship gathering in the Hearth Room after the service. Congregational Church of Pinehurst is located at 895 Linden Road, directly across from Elliott's restaurant.

For more information, call 295-2243.

Indoor Yard Sale

Page Memorial United Methodist Church is holding an indoor yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in the church fellowship hall.

"We will have furniture, appliances, toys, holiday items, glassware, household items, anda little bit of everything," says a spokesman.

The yard sale will benefit this summer's Vacation Bible School.

Revival

Liberty Church will hold revival at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, through Saturday, April 18.

Speakers include Pastor David Pike (Wednesday); Pastor Bill Futrall (Thursday); Pastor Gregg Newton (Friday) and Pastor Eugene Ussery (Saturday),

The church is located at Liberty Church,1810 Quewiffle Road, Aberdeen.

Worship Service

Rivers of Life Ministries will be having worship service and fellowship on the first and third Friday evening of every month at 7 p.m., starting April 17.

"We invite everyone," says Pastor Willie Self. "All races and ages are welcome."

There will be special prayer time, worship, refreshments, and fellowship.

For more information, contact Self at (910) 783-5590.

Rivers of Life is located at 2066-C Juniper Lake Road between Pinehurst and West End.

Sandhills Circuit

A Candlelight Holy Communion service will be held at 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday, April 9, at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. The Chancel Choir of Marcus United Methodist Church will sing at the service.

A sunrise service will be held Sunday, April 12, at 7 a.m., at both Pleasant Hill and Marcus, with breakfast following.

St. James Lutheran

St. James Lutheran Church, Southern Pines will hold its Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. April 9, and celebrate Easter with services at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 12.

Sunrise Service, Cantata

Victory Community Baptist Church will hold a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12, followed by breakfast. Sunday School begins at 9 a.m., followed by the Easter cantata at 10 a.m.

Shabbat Services

Shabbat services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Temple Beth Shalom, led by Rabbi Herman. There will be no Torah study on Saturday as the congregation will be celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Levy that morning at 10 a.m.

Temple Beth Shalom is located at the corner of Jackson Springs Road and Hoffman Road in Foxfire Village, or contact the Sandhills Jewish Congregation at (910) 673-5224

Easter Events

Crossroads Community Church presents the Easter drama, "A Tree for Cassie," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, through Saturday, April 11.

Immediately after the drama, on Friday and Saturday, a kickoff for the annual Easter Camp Meeting will be held. Friday night will feature Charles Scarlette, of Madison, and Tony Gibson, of Fayetteville. Saturday night features Heart 2 Heart, from Stanley, and local talent Corbin Whitaker.

There will be an Easter sunrise service Sunday morning, April 12, beginning at 6:30 a.m., with a free breakfast buffet for all who attend. The regular Sunday service will begin at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday evening services.

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

For information, call 949-3971.

Seder Meal

On Wednesday, April 8, starting at 6 p.m., Christ Fellowship Church will offer its annual Seder and Passover feast.

"This is a time for gathering as a family in Christ, feasting, and gaining a new understanding of this special holiday from the Hebrew faith," says a spokesman. "The public is invited for fine food and a teaching of the Seder and its relevance to the Christian today."

If interested, call (910) 692-5155.

Open House

Thursday, April 16, through Saturday, April 18, the Christian Science Reading Room, located at 173A NE Broad Street will be joining Christian Science Reading Rooms around the world in an International Open House weekend celebration.

Each Reading Room will offer different features. Visitors are invited to come in to see what a Reading Room is and what it has to offer. Learn about spiritual healing and discover the new Christian Science Monitor Weekly, which will be launched this month. The Reading Room is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

On Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m., the local Christian Science Church will host a free lecture by John Q. Adams, of New York City, at the Sandhills Horticulural Visitor Garden Center at Sandhills Community College. The title of the lecture is "If God is All, Where is He at This moment?" There will be a question-and-answer period following the talk.

For further information, call 692-7759.

Outdoor Drama

Faith Baptist Church, West End, will perform an outside Easter drama called "The Love of Christ" Friday, April 10, and again on Saturday, April 11, at 8 p.m. each evening.

There is no admission charge for this event.

The church is located at 2180 Carthage Road, West End.

Sunrise Service

A sunrise service will be held at 6 a.m. Sunday, April 12, at Fryes Chapel Free Will Baptist Church.

Easter Services

McDonalds Chapel Presbyterian Church will hold Easter morning worship services at 7 and 11 a.m., led by the Rev. Fran Stark and the Rev. Don Welch.

Weather permitting, the 7 a.m. sunrise service will be held in the church cemetery, in the pines behind the chapel building, followed by a covered dish breakfast in the fellowship hall.

"Please bring a flowering branch or stem to mark the celebration of the resurrection with a flowering of the cross," says a spokesman.

The 11 a.m. service will be held in the sanctuary.

McDonalds Chapel is located on Foxfire Road two miles from Pinehurst and 1 1/2 miles from Foxfire Village. The chapel is a member of the PCUSA and welcomes worshipers of all faith backgrounds, says the spokesman.

Our Saviour Services

Our Saviour Lutheran Church announces its schedule of services for Easter:

n Wednesday, April 8, there will be a Passover Seder meal at 6 p.m. A potluck supper will folllow the Seder. Each guest is encouraged to bring three cans or boxes of food for the Food Bank to feed hungry local families. Call the church at 692- 2662 if planning to attend.

n Maundy Thursday services, April 9, at noon and 7 p.m.

n Good Friday services, April 10, at noon and 7 p.m.

n Egg dyeing, Saturday, April 11, from 3 to 5 p.m.

n Easter Sunday, April 12, begins with a 7 a.m. sunrise worship in the courtyard (weather permitting) and continues with worship at 8:30 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Communion will be given at all services and a nursery is available. Breakfast will be served between the two services. There will be no Sunday School that day.

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

West End UMC

West End United Methodist Church will hold the following services during Holy Week:

n Maundy Thursday service, April 9, at 7 p.m. with special presentation and service of Holy Communion.

n On Good Friday, April 10, the church will be open for prayers between 3 and 6 p.m. with a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m.

n West End Baptist Church and West End United Methodist Church will hold an Easter sunrise service Sunday, April 12, at 6:45 a.m. at the West End Cemetery.

n Easter Sunday services are at 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will not have a Wednesday night service tonight (April 8), but will have a Maundy Thursday service at 6 p.m. April 9.

Easter Sunday will begin with a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. on the front lawn. Afterward breakfast will be served at 7:30, followed by Sunday School at 8:45 a.m., then worship at 9:45 a.m. There will be no evening service.

The church will host its Old Country Fair Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"We will have food, games, auction, vendors, vintage car and farm equipment on display and more," says a spokesman.

The spring tent revival will begin Sunday, April 26, at 11 a.m., and continue through Wednesday, April 29. The Sunday night service will be at 6 p.m. with live music. Monday and Tuesday services will start at 7 p.m., and Wednesday night will be Youth Night, beginning with pizza at 6 p.m.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

For information, call (919) 499-9632 or (800) 681-8602.

Fundraiser

Bensalem Presbyterian Church is joining with Salon 7 in Seven Lakes to raise money for Moore County Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society with "Cuts for Cancer."

"Come out between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and get a haircut, with all donations going to the American Cancer Society," says a church spokesman. "No appointment is necessary. If you don't need a haircut, come out anyway. You can purchase luminaria in honor or memory of loved ones affected by cancer, enjoy a baked good or purchase a 'Fight Like a Girl' T-shirt."

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. For more information, call Holly Camplin at 690-7957.

Cypress Presbyterian

Cypress Presbyterian Church will celebrate a Seder meal at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9. This is the meal Jesus and his disciples celebrated on the night of his arrest. The Seder meal and Communion will be served in the fellowship hall.

A slightly abbreviated Tenebrae service will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

A community-wide Good Friday service will be held at noon Friday, April 10, at the Vass United Methodist Church.

A children's Easter egg hunt will be held Saturday, April 11, at 2 p.m. on the church grounds.

A sunrise service will be held at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12, at the Oates House in Woodlake. There will be an 11 a.m. worship service at the church.

"We hope to celebrate this service outdoors, if weather permits, but will go indoors if need be," said a spokesman.

Call 245-7024 for further information regarding these events.

The church is located at 1220 Cypress Church Road, seven miles east of Vass.

Pinebluff Events

Pinebluff United Methodist Church announces the following events:

n Children Handbell Ringers (for all ages) 4 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays April 14 and 28.

n Angels Without Wings -- Helping Others through Kindness, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 15. For more information, call Martha at 281-5439.

n Church's Volunteer Administrative Personnel Appreciation Day, 11 a.m. Sunday, April 19.

n Holy Week services at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10; community egg hunt, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11; Easter Sunday sunrise service at Pinebluff Cemetery, 6:30 a.m.; Easter breakfast at PUMC with Ives Memorial Baptist Church, 7:30 to 9 a.m.; Children's Easter program, 10 a.m. with traditional Easter service, 11 a.m. to noon.

n Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25.

n Crafts and Companionship, 10 a.m. Monday mornings, 10 a.m. Beginners welcome.

n Pinebluff United Methodist Church Prayer and Share 9 a.m. Thursdays. at Julie Graham's Pinebluff residence.

n Bible study, 6 p.m., Sundays.

The church is located at 275 East Philadelphia Ave., Pinebluff.

In-House Revival

Dover Baptist Church will hold an "in-house" revival at 6 p.m. through Wednesday, April 8.

A nursery will be provided.

The church is located in Seagrove.

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will hold three-night revival at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, through Friday, April 10, featuring Pastor Alfonso McLaughlin, of Evans Grove Church, Maxton.

On Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m., the church will hold a "100 Ladies in White" service, with guest speaker Pastor Barbara Powell, of New Generation Church, Sanford.

The church is located in Vass.

Village Chapel

The Village Chapel and the Carolina Hotel are jointly sponsoring an Easter sunrise service at the hotel at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12. The Chapel Choir, under the direction of John W. Shannon, will be singing, and Dr. Al Hill will present a meditation.

The times for worship services at The Village Chapel will be changed for Easter. The Communion service will begin at 8 a.m. The family service will begin at 9:15 a.m. and include special music by "A Joyful Noise" and "The Chapel Chimers." The traditional service will meet at 11 a.m. as usual, and will have music provided by the Chapel Choir. Ellis will give the meditation at 8 a.m., and Hill will deliver the messages at the 9:15 and 11 a.m. Easter services.

The Village Chapel, located on the Village Green in Pinehurst, is handicapped-accessible and visitor-friendly. Audio receivers are available for the hearing impaired.

For more information, call 295-6003.

Spring Revival

Middle Cross Baptist Church continues its spring revival at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.

Special guest speaker will be Anthony Clemmons. Nursery will be provided each night.

For information, call Pastor David Reynolds at (910) 947-2261.

Aberdeen First Baptist

Members of Aberdeen First Baptist will participate in a community sunrise service Easter Sunday at 7 a.m. at Bethesda Cemetery, Aberdeen.

A six-week program, "1-2-3 Magic: Managing Difficult Behavior in Children ages 2-12" will be held Sundays, beginning April 26, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Aberdeen First Baptist Church. There will be a video and discussions each week. Child care will be provided.

"No homework, except to apply what you learn," says a spokesman.

For information, call 944-1421.

Lenten Events

The Sandhills Fellowship of Churches will hold its Lenten services at these Southern Pines churches, at noon:

n Wednesday, April 8, St. James Lutheran Church, 983 W. New Hampshire Avenue.

"Bring your lunch for the Lenten services," says a spokesman. "Drinks will be provided."

Rummage Sale

Our Lady of the Americas Roman Catholic Church will hold an indoor rummage and yard sale Saturday, April 18.

The church is located on Farmers' Market Road off N.C. 211, near Candor.

To reserve a table, which costs $20 each or two for $30, call (910) 400-5176.

Church Preschool

Bethesda Presbyterian Pre-school is now accepting applications for its 2009-2010 school year.

The program is open to 3- and 4-year-olds. Birthdays must fall by Aug. 31 to be eligible for this school year.

The school operates Tuesday through Thursday, 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 first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome.

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 944-2567.

Christian Science

The activities of the Christian Science Church are designed to inspire and encourage as well as explain the practical Science of Christ that heals.

They include a Bible lesson, church services, reading rooms and lectures.

The local Christian Science church holds a Sunday service at 10 a.m. and a Wednesday evening testimony meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 240 E. New Hampshire Avenue in Southern PInes.

The Reading Room, located at 173 NE Broad Street, where the Christian Science Monitor, other books and periodicals can be studied, purchased or borrowed, is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Healing Service

A healing service will be held at 5 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at The Village Chapel, Pinehurst.

The service includes the reading of God's Word, confession, prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the anointment with oil.

Bible Studies

Sandhills Alliance Church is holding two Bible studies.

One is Beth Moore's "Study of Esther."

The other is Kay Arthur's Precepts ministries study of Numbers.

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.

Donations

Mission Agape is requesting donations.

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

Music Circle

McDonalds Chapel Presbyterian Church invites local musicians to participate in an Acoustic Music Circle on the third Sunday of each month.

Area musicians are invited to play in the round in the fellowship hall from 4 to 6 p.m.

Musicians leading the Circle will be: David McDonald, of the April Fools, on fiddle and guitar; Jill McCloy, hammered dulcimer; David McCloy, fiddle.

Music of various genres will be played, especially old-time and traditional music of Appalachian, Irish and Celtic influence.

The type of music played will vary depending on the interests and talents of the musicians who attend.

Listeners are welcome, and light refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge.

McDonalds Chapel is located at 1374 Foxfire Road, just two miles from Linden Road in Pinehurst and one mile from Foxfire Village.

Contact Amy McDonald at 295-6608 for more information.

Health Ministry

Sandhills Health Ministry meetings are held at 9 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 on the second and fourth Sundays, at 10 a.m., at the Pinehurst Executive Center, N.C. 5, Suite 7, Pinehurst.

Refreshments will follow.

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