Addor

A Rainbow Tea will be held at 3 p.m. this Saturday at New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church in Addor. Donations are just $10. Everyone is invited to attend.

Jordan Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church will celebrate its annual Family and Friends Day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Sunday. The special guest speaker will be its own Bishop Richard K. Thompson, the presiding prelate. Mount Zion Chuch in Fayetteville will provide the music. The host pastor is the Rev. Debra M. Patterson. Everyone is invited to attend.

A community fellowship will be held this Saturday at the Community Center. Pastor Brown, of House of Promise; Brother Charles Taylor, of Jesus Is King; and Pastor Harris and the choir from End Time Harvest will participate. Everyone is invited to attend.

A softball team is being formed for boys and girls in the community for this summer. If you would like to join, contact Gregory Savannah at 281-4292.

The board members of the Addor Community Center invite everyone to plan to attend the first-ever "Black-White Ban-quet" at 7 p.m. July 1 at the Days Inn on U.S. 1 in Southern Pines. Tickets are $25. Contact Gregory Savannah, the chairman, or the Rev. Fred Goins Jr., vice chairman. Everyone is asked to dress in black and white.

Hood Chapel A.M.E. Zion will hold a yard sale starting at 7 a.m. this Saturday in the parking lot of Pugh and Smith Funeral Home in Carthage. Fish plates will also be for sale Friday. Plates will be $5 each, and orders of five or more can be delivered.

Birthday wishes go out this week to Jesse Mae McNeill (April 22).

Funeral services were held Sunday for Herbert Williams Jr. at New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church in Addor. The Rev. Clinton Edwards, the pastor, gave the eulogy.

Sick and shut-ins: Betty J. Ellerbe, Nettie Benymon, Effie Jane Smith, Betty Lou Moses, Sarah F. McMillian and Marie Berry are among the homebound. Stella Gillispie, Connie L. Covington, Diana Brown, Portia Smith, Gladys Giles, Allen Smith, Eugene McRae, Wilbert Brown, Charles Wilkerson and James Morris are all in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities.

--Lorine McCants

Berkley

New Hope Christian Ministries at 704 Harris St., where the pastor is Elder Brenda Brown, holds regular worship services on the first through fourth Sundays of the month at 11 a.m. Sunday School is held at 10 a.m.

Bible study is held at 7:30 p.m. at the church. The church invites everyone in the community to attend services.

St. John Baptist Church at 703 Harris St., where the pastor is the Rev. Jimmy Gilchrist, holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Prayer meeting and Bible study take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

St. Joseph A.M.E. Zion Church, 309 Keyser St., where the pastor is the Rev. Henry R. Davis, holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11:15 a.m. each Sunday.

Bible study is held at 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday.

On the prayer list are Curtis Hill, Weldon Ted Nealy, Ann Reaves, Brenda McCrimmon, Ruth Atkins, Viola Ross, Gloria Wallace, Rosa McDonald, Ethel McNeil, Susie Carter, Raymond Carter, Elvis Verbal, Charles Wilkerson, the Rev. John Wesley Hill, as well as all those in need.

Birthday wishes are extended to all who are celebrating this week.

Please submit church, community and personal announcements (such as birthdays and anniversaries) by 7 p.m. Sunday by calling 603-1135, 255-4001 or 944-1561. If there is no answer, please leave your phone number and name.

-- Clarissa Nealy

Carthage

St. Ruth United Church of God in West End, where the pastor is Elderess Lillian Kearns, holds worship services on the second and fourth Sundays at 11:30 a.m. A prayer meeting is held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, followed by Bible study at 7 p.m.

Holy Temple Church in Carthage, where the pastor is Elder A.W. Moore, will have services this Thursday and Friday at 7:30 nightly, with Bishop Ronnie Moore, pastor of Kingdom Builders City of Refuge International Ministries, as the guest speaker.

Birthday wishes go out to Betty Gilmore (April 21), Vonn Morrison and Luvenia Jackson (April 23) Pastor Lillian Kearns and Irene Raye (April 24), Mary "Cat" McNeill (April 25) and Brenda Kiser (April 28).

Please pray for all those in need and for each other.

Announcements can be submitted by e-mail to churchnews08@ yahoo.com or by leaving a message at 783-5086.

--Jennifer Smith

Eastwood

St. Peters will conclude its revival at 7:30 tonight. Minister Tina Harris is the preacher.

The community was saddened by the death of Vivian Harris.

The Sunday School workshop will be held this Saturday.

The Rev. Wade is holding a community Bible study from 7 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.

St. Peters will have a "Women's Celebration" at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Days Inn on U.S. 1 in Southern Pines. Mahalia Williams will bring the "spiritual stimulus package" at 11:30 a.m.. Evangelist Anita Owens-Scott will bring the "bailout."

Birthday wishes go out this week to Justin Brewer (April 22).

Sick and shut-ins include Lewis McLaughlin, Paula Neal, Steve Coney, Mamie Williams, Michael McLean, Ralph McLean, Joe Jackson, Evelyn Clegg, Mary Russell, Cornelia Adkins, Andrea Cattle, Anthony Thompson, Margaret Thompson and Alma Jones.

--Wilma Monroe

Hoffman

Bible study is held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Macedonia and at 7:30 p.m. at Fletcher's Chapel. Pleasant Hill holds Bible study at 7 p.m. Thursday.

A church meeting was held Friday night at Macedonia.

Rising Star Chapter No. 584 of the Order of Eastern Star held a meeting Tuesday. The group will meet again May 6. W.M. Kelly asks that all members please attend.

Bea Little attended the funeral service for Ted Nealy on Wednesday in Albermarle.

Birthday wishes go to Juanita Gilmore and Heather Kennedy (April 26) and Henry W. Isaac III and Leana M. McRae (April 29).

Sick and shut-ins: Thelma McKoy and Albert Hailey are patients at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Flossie Hagins, Flossie Highland, Rosa Harrison, Wilson Hart, Darris Hart, Ruth Hart, Frank Smith, Douglas Green, Juanita Gilmore, Lillie Ellerbe, Nancy Ellerbe, Leana M. McRae, Johnny King, Eugene Martin, Martha Ingram, Lomuel Stroman, Chrizzell Stroman, Rebecca Utley, Wilbert Brown, Willie Gibson and Martha Rushing are among the homebound.

Please continue to pray for the sick and shut-ins, church leaders, educators, children, government leaders and one another.

-- Bea Little

Little River

This week, Mount Pleasant Church was still buzzing about the wonderful Easter services. Many members commented that this was the most joyous service they had ever celebrated.

Work on the fellowship hall work is on hold while the church waits for the new engineering plans for the redesigned layoff of the buildings. Hopefully these will be here this week, and the church will be able to move forward.

More than 20 members of Mount Pleasant Church helped with the Warriors on the Water Appreciation Bass Fishing Tournament held at Lake Jordan last Friday. This tournament was co-founded by Hal Abshire, a member and deacon of the church. Anyone can go on the Web and see many pictures, some taken by the members of the church who attended.

This year's opening ceremonies included an invocation by Dr. Poplin and a precision parachute jump and water landing by the Black Daggers from Fort Bragg. More than 150 boaters each took a soldier out for a day of fishing. The largest fish caught this year weighed more than eight pounds. It was a wonderful day of support and appreciation for those who serve in the military.

This week, the church was blessed to have Dr. Linda Scott at the piano in the absence of Janell Howington. Scott is a wonderfully talented musician, and her playing brought a special blessing to the services Sunday.

The Red Hat group, the Garnet Lobelias, will have a poker party May 9. Anyone needing more information can contact Queen Sunny at 245-4747 or Princess Janet at 245-4741.

Please take a moment to remember our military members and their families with positive thoughts and prayers. With many of them spread from all four corners of the world, any time of the year can be difficult for them and their families.

If you would like to share any special news about our community, please contact me at 245-4747.

--"Sunny Sidley"

Shawtown

Body of Christ Outreach Ministry surprised its pastor with a birthday get-together Saturday evening.

John and Irene Ray attended a gospel sing Saturday night. The singing group presented a tree in memory of the patients who lost their lives at Pinelake nursing home. John and Irene Ray attended the memorial service at Pinelake Sunday. Please pray for the families of the victims as well as the residents and staff there.

Birthday wishes go out to Gussie Marion, Irene Ray, Lillian Kearns, Neil Douglas, Ella Clark and Nancy McKenzie (April 24), Louvenia Jackson and Mary McNiel (April 25) and Brenda Kiser (April 28).

Continue to pray for rest home residents, the sick and shut-ins, prisoners, hospital patients, all of our leaders and each other.

--Irene Ray

Taylortown

Today (Wednesday) is Earth Day. Since 1970, many people have worked hard to keep America beautiful by cleaning up trash, recycling and planting flowers and shrubbery.

Thank you to the youths and adults in our community who continue the tradition at local churches, schools and businesses. Special thanks to the Town Council, Taylortown 4-H after-school youths and other residents for helping to keep our neighborhood "green" and healthy.

Cub Scout Den 718 meets at the Taylor House each Thursday at 7 p.m.

The volunteer fire and rescue organization meets at the Taylor House every other Tuesday at 7 p.m. The next meeting is April 28.

For more information regarding the Cub Scouts and fire and rescue, contact the Rev. David Levine at 461-0470.

Minister Tina Harris will be the speaker for revival services at St. Peter United Church of God on tonight (Wednesday) at 7 o'clock. Minister Harris is the co-pastor at End Time Harvest Ministries. Pastor Curry, pastor at St. Peter, invites everyone to this service.

Trinity A.M.E Zion Church will have a spaghetti dinner fundraiser this Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. The donation is $6 per plate. You can eat in or take out. Proceeds benefit the building fund. Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church Men's Council is the sponsor. James Moore is one of the coordinators. The pastor and members thank you in advance for your support.

The Church of God of Prophecy on N.C. 211 in Aberdeen will have its annual spring fest this Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. with games and free food. The gospel singing begins at 1 p.m. The pastor, the Rev. David L. Bullard, invites everyone to this free event.

Kingdom Minded Ministries International Inc.(KMMI) will have its church anniversary services at Southern Pines Primary School's H. A. Wilson Auditorium at 5 p.m. this Sunday. The speaker will be Pastor Stoney Locklear, of Turning Point Worship Center. The pastors at KMMI, Charles and Deborah Bloom, invites everyone to these services.

Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church will host the Moore County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Women in the NAACP (W.I.N.) annual program at 4 p.m. this Sunday. The pastor is the Rev. Oscar Rush.

The keynote speaker will be Alona Sloan, who is a supervisor for Adult Services for Moore County Department of Social Services. She will give information about services for the aged and disabled populations. All are invited to attend. O'Linda W. Gillis is the president of the Moore County NAACP.

Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church will have its annual women's day program at 2:30 p.m. this Sunday. The pastor is the Rev. Linda Brower. The speaker will be the Rev. Joleatha Dockery. This year's theme is "Women Committed to Change." Everyone is invited.

Thank you to all who attended the gospel singing program and banquet Saturday sponsored by Gladys Garris and Senior Community Center of Taylortown. The program featured recording artist Evangelist Dorothy Norwood.

Thanks to everyone who attended the gospel music program by Minister Jeff Person and the Men of Integrity of Mount. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. The program featured recording artist St. Paul Baptist Church men's choir from Charlotte.

Summer jobs will be available for youths ages 16-24 through the Building Futures program (Workforce Investment Act). Qualified counselors are also needed.

For more information, call Ann Brown, of the Richmond County Community Support Center Inc. at the Moore County Job Link-Employment Security Commission office, at 944-7697. The Web site is www.rccsc.com.

The 4-H afterschool tutorial has resumed. It is held Monnday and Wednesday from 3 until 6 p.m.

All age children are welcome to attend this free tutorial.

Jermaine Bright is the lead tutor. Professor Bobby Allen from Sandhills Community College will assist with tutoring this spring. Rose Highland-Sharpe is a local 4-H adviser and volunteer with the Moore County school system. Linda Gore, Moore County 4-H coordinator, can be reached at 947-3188 for more information.

Please remember the sick and shut-ins, our youth, incarcerated, needy, and the members of the U.S. military in your prayers and good deeds.

Send your community news to R. Highland-Sharpe at P.O. Box 4653, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or call 295-0013. Also, send e-mail to rosesharpe37@gmail.com.

--Rose Highland-Sharpe

Vass

Pastor Fairley, of the House of Refuge in Addor, will be the guest speaker at God's House of Prayer Ministry at 5 p.m. this Saturday.

This is one of many programs for Pastor Mary Kelly's pre-anniversary.

God's House of Prayer Ministry holds worship services on the first and third Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday School is held every Sunday at 10 a.m. Bible study is held every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Intercessory prayer is held every Saturday at 8 a.m.

Pastor Mary Kelly is the church pastor. The church is at 205 Pats Road in Vass.

Everyone is welcome to attend all services.

Oakridge A.M.E. Zion Church will have a Women's Day program at 11 a.m. this Sunday.

Highland Baptist Church on U.S. 1 holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. every Sunday. Services are also held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

A Saturday night prayer meeting is held from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Come if you have a special need and would like others to pray with you. Or you can also call the prayer line at 693-PRAY.

Highland Church has started a new Care Ministry Program. Volunteers are needed at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. They will be out in full force in the area sharing the good news.

Anyone interested in joining can call the church and leave a message for Jane.

Pastor Ruby Shepherd, of God's Vision of Praise Ministry, will begin observing her pastoral anniversary this Thursday and Friday at 7:30 nightly. It concludes at 4 p.m. Sunday at Vass-Lakeview School. All are welcome to attend.

On May 12-15, the church will have a Holy Ghost revival. Services will begin at 7:30 nightly. There will be different speakers every night.

God's Vision of Praise Ministry holds a worship service every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. except on any fifth Sunday of the month. Bible study is held at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

On the prayer list for God's Vision of Praise church members are Ernestine Goins, Helen Covington-McCoy, Mother Shields, Patricia Malloy, Charlie Malloy and Carolyn Terry.

On the prayer list for God's Vision of Praise Ministry are Helen-Covington McCoy, Mother Shields, Patricia Malloy, Charlie Malloy and Carolyn Terry. To be put on the prayer list, call 783-9783.

Continue to pray for the sick and shut-ins -- including Deacon Norman Kelly at Pinehurst Nursing Homes and Annie Cockrum at Pinelake Health Center -- as well as our troops in Iraq and worldwide and our youth and each other.

To have your news in the Vass section, leave a message at 603-6254, send an e-mail to god1house@yahoo.com or mail items one week in advance to PO Box 1364, Vass, NC 28394.

--Anita Finch