On Saturday, May 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Grace Church office parking lot in Southern Pines, Life Care Pregnancy Center will receive donated items for a "Community-Wide Baby Shower."

"Our helpers will carry items from cars to the Grace Church youth room," says Elena Aydelotte, 29, a pregnancy center volunteer. "Donated items will go to mothers and mothers-to-be served at Life Care Pregnancy Center."

Those wishing to donate before May 9 may take items (or funds) to Grace Church, 1519 Luther Way, during its office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Life Care Pregnancy Center, located at 103 Monroe St., Suite 103, Carthage, will also receive donations during its office hours: Tuesday through Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. and Thursday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Suzanne Clendenin directs the Carthage office. The number is (910) 947-6199.

Aydelotte suggests the following donations: diapers (newborn to size 5), wipes, receiving blankets, crib blankets, bibs, bottles, bottle brushes, pacifiers, baby wash cloths, towels, onesies, sleepers, outfits, shirts, pants, booties, socks, baby shoes, baby toiletries, baby shampoo, diaper cream, baby lotion, baby oil, baby powder, and toiletries for moms and dads; large items: cribs, crib mattresses, pack-and-play playpens, high chairs and strollers.

"Life Care Pregnancy Center (LCPC) offers hope and a future," Aydelotte says. Call (919) 478-7835 for more information.

All LCPC services are confidential and provided free of charge. LCPC is a Christ-centered ministry providing services that promote a Biblical perspective on sexuality, pregnancy, and the value of human life.

LCPC is entirely funded by individual and church donations.

Community Day

Roseland United Methodist Church will be hosting its fourth annual "Community Day" Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be live music, fun and games and all kinds of food. Turkey nuggets, venison, quail, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken stew and homemade desserts will be available.

This year there will also be a raffle held by the Roseland United Methodist Women for Women & Children missions. A handmade, crocheted bed coverlet made by Mabel Carter will be given to the lucky ticket holder.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hear the Rev. Mike Cummings as spring revival concludes tonight (Wednesday, April 29), with pizza and refreshments for the youth at 6 p.m., followed by the service, and then snacks and refreshments for all.

The widows/widowers and singles ministry will hold a Dutch dinner and fellowship at Mama's Kitchen, in Vass, at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 1.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

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

Plate Sale

Crossroads Community Church will hold a plate sale, featuring barbecue or fried chicken, with all the trimmings, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 1, in the church fellowship hall. Plates are $7, and may be purchased in advance by calling 949-3971.

This fundraiser benefits world misson outreach programs.

The church is located at 780 Bibey Road, Carthage.

Yard Sale

Harvest Church will hold a community yard sale on N.C. 22 (across from Jerry's Quick Mart) Saturday, May 9, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Call 949-4640 Monday through Thursday for more details.

Fundraiser

Spaulding Chapel Church, 8254 Main Street, Taylortown, will present a "You Name the Price" sale in the fellowship hall Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. each day.

"There will be find clothing/shoes/purses/accessories, household items, books, jewelry, toys, and miscellaneous articles," says a spokesman.

Rainbow Tea

The Pastor's Aid committee of Fryes Chapel Free Will Baptist will host a Rainbow Tea Saturday, May 2, at 4 p.m. at the Town Hall Room in Vass.

"Everyone is invited to attend," says a spokesman.

Memorial Service

Cypress Presbyterian Church will hold a special memorial service Sunday, May 3, with former pastor, the Rev. Richard Rodda, as the guest minister at both the 7:30 and 11 a.m. worship services.

The early service will be outdoors (weather permitting) and will include Annette Stewart Gibson, of West End, sharing her Cypress memories. The day will include special music, historical displays, remembrances of Cypress members and the placing of flowers in the cemetery.

On Sunday, May 10, Cypress will celebrate Mother's Day and have a reception for the members of this year's Confirmation Class.

In addition, a new Bible study is beginning Tuesday evenings at 7:30.

For further information regarding the location and details of the Bible study, call (910) 245-7024.

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

Pinebluff UMC

Pinebluff United Methodist Church announces its May events:

The United Methodist Men will hold breakfast and fellowship at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 3.

May 3 is also the date of the kickoff for the annual Internation Heifer Project fundraiser as well as the KidzCanz Food Bank Project in which children are asked to donate a canned good item for the food bank during the "children's church" portion of the service.

The United Methodist Women will hold a fellowship meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, and Family Night Out with burgers and bowling will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Those participating will meet at Hardee's on N.C. 5 and walk over to the bowling alley.

Mothers will be honored at the 11 a.m. service Sunday, May 10.

Children's Handbell Ringers will meet Tuesdays, May 12, and May 26, from 4 to 5 p.m.

There will be an Armed Forces Family Day Picnic from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16.

Angels Without Wings -- Helping Others through Kindness takes place at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20. For information, call Martha at (910) 281-5439.

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

Bluegrass Gospel

Harmony Baptist Church will hold a bluegrass gospel singing Sunday, May 3, at 7 p.m. featuring Blue Horizon.

The church is located 3624 N.C. 73 east, West End.

Call 944-0544 for information.

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will host Elder Gary Marshall, of New Bethel Church, Ellerbe, at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

The church is located in Vass.

Friendship Day

Church Women United of Moore County will celebrate May Friendship Day Friday, May 1, at 10 a.m. at West End Presbyterian Church. This is a national event and one of four held by the organization.

The theme is "Building on Our Stories," inspired by Joshua 4: 1-9, the story of the people of Israel crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The speaker is the Rev. Fran Stark, who is on the staff of the Chapel in the Pines.

"Fellowship of the Least Coin" will be a part of the service, where an invitation is given for an offering of coins saved for missions throughout the year. In addition, toiletries may be brought for Friend to Friend.

"All women are invited," says a spokesman.

Anniversary

Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate the Rev. Ken Headen's first anniversary as its pastor Sunday, May 3.

The speaker for the 11 a.m. service is the Rev. Michael Spinks, of Burlington, and the Rev. Frederick James, of Siler City, will speak at the 3:30 p.m. service.

The church is located at 1160 Red Hill Road, Cameron.

Day of Prayer

Guiding Light Baptist Church will participate in National Day of Prayer service at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at the church, which is located at 3355 Spies Road, Robbins.

For information, call (910) 974-4800.

Spring Revival

Kingdom Connections Church International will hold its annual spring revival Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m.

The speaker for the week will be Apostle J.L. Spence of Greater Word Empowerment, in Raleigh.

For more information call (910) 528-7620 or e-mail mdelah12@yahoo.com.

The church is located at 134 Mill Road, Rockingham.

Springtime Tea

Women of the community are invited to Christian fellowship at a festive, springtime tea at The Village Chapel Tuesday, May 5, from 2 to 4 p.m.

"Please have your reservations to the church office, 295-6003, by Thursday, April 30," says a spokesman.

Cost is $10 for tea, tea sandwiches, and sweet treats.

Anita Gray will open the program with an inspirational devotion.

Author, speaker, and etiquette and protocol consultant Cecilia Budd Grimes will then give a light-hearted look at "What It Means To Be Southern," also the title of her series of books.

The Village Chapel is located on the Village Green in Pinehurst.

Parent Enrichment

The Community Presbyterian Church is hosting a Parent Enrichment Night, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29.

The topic will be "Understanding Your Teen-ager."

This is a night of questions and answers facilitated by Liz Watson, MSN, RN, CS, professional counselor with FirstHealth Behavioral Services.

Study

Dr. John Sill, of Methodist University and West End United Methodist Church pastor, Dr. Won Namkoong, will lead a course on the study of Christianity and World Religions at West End United Methodist Church.

The series will be on Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m., through May 31. Topics will include "Why Study World Religions?", Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

The public is invited to the series, and additional information can be obtained by calling the church at 673-1371.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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 Presbyter-ian 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.