A Precept Upon Precept Bible study of Joshua, which lasts for seven weeks, begins Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Village Chapel.

The Precepts Upon Precept study method is being used across the United States and in over 100 foreign countries by people seeking to know the truths of the Word of God for themselves. These in-depth studies are widely acclaimed for their practical, personal approach to Bible study. The study includes homework, discussion and a lecture time by Kay Arthur.

Precept Bible studies are written by Arthur, a well-known speaker, broadcaster and author.

"Her in-depth knowledge of the Bible as well as her gifted presentation of biblical truth has made the Precept method an effective tool for thousands," says a spokesman. "The study is uniquely designed for the serious student with seminary experience as well as for the individual who has never studied the Bible before."

To join this friendly and welcoming group of ladies, e-mail Pebbles7@mindspring.com to order a workbook or call Pauli at 215-9796 with any questions.

Fellowship

The monthly meeting of the Sandhills Fellowship of Churches will be held at noon Tuesday, Aug. 11, at St. James Lutheran Church, 983 W. New Hampshire Ave. in Southern Pines.

"All area churches are encouraged to send a representative," says a spokesman.

Victory Baptist

Victory Community Baptist Church will celebrate its 26th homecoming Sunday, Aug. 9.

The church will host the "God and Girlfriends -- Amazing Joy Conference," Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A light lunch will be served. Special speakers will be Cheryl Gilmore and Tracey Garner. Alyse Player from Rockingham will be singing. To RSVP or receive further information, e-mail pchriscoe@earth link.net.

The church is located at 915 Brinkley Road, Carthage.

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God, Vass, will host a program by co-pastor Belinda Tuck at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and on Sunday, Aug. 9, at 11:30 a.m., the annual Women's Day program features Pastor Ola Greene.

Gospel Singing

The Talley Trio will be in concert Sunday, Sept. 20, at 5 p.m. in the Family Life Center of Smyrna United Methodist Church, 203 Smyrna Church Road, Robbins.

Admission is free.

For further information, call (910) 464-3407 or (910) 464-2154.

Revival

Browns Chapel Church will begin revival services at its 11 a.m. service Sunday, Aug. 9, followed by dinner on the grounds.

Revival will continue at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, through Friday, Aug. 14. The speaker is the Rev. Bruce "Preacherman" Freeman, formerly of Peace Haven Baptist Church, Yadkinville. He was formerly the host of a radio ministry on Joy FM and is now the senior pastor at Faith Baptist Church, Lacrosse, Ga.

There will be special singing each evening.

The church is located at 608 Browns Chapel Road in Robbins.

For information, call 948-3572.

Homecoming, Revival

Cool Springs United Methodist Church, Glendon, will hold homecoming Sunday, Aug. 16. The Rev. Clarence Garner will be the speaker.

Revival will be held at 7 p.m Sunday, Aug. 16, through Wednesday, Aug. 19. The Rev. Shawn Mitchell will be the guest speaker. There will be special music each night.

'ChoirSing'

The 16th annual Sandhills Baptist Associational "ChoirSing" will be Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Pinecrest High School Auditorium at 5 p.m.

Dinner and Auction

Harrington Chapel Free Will Baptist Church will hold its annual Spaghetti Plates and Auction at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Down Memory Lane Antiques, N.C. 5, behind Sandhills Bowling Center.

Plates include desserts, and Cold Stone Creamery will be there as well. Donations of $10 per plate are requested.

"We will be auctioning all kinds of items such as jewelry, gas cards, antique items, gym memberships, bowling/skating passes, golf packages hotel accommodations, health and beauty items, tools, bathroom sinks, furniture, gift certificates from local restaurants and department stores, flooring items and more.

For more information, call (910) 639-8514.

Upward Registration

Upward basketball and cheerleading registration is now open.

"Sign up your kindergarten through eighth-grade boys or girls as soon as possible," says a spokesman.

Uniforms are included. Practices and games are held at Southern Middle School Gym in Aberdeen.

Call 944-1421 to register.

Community Bible Study

The local Pinehurst Evening Community Bible Study group will open its 17th year with a study of the book of Genesis. This Old Testament book begins with God's creation of the universe and mankind and reveals the history of man from Adam to Joseph. It is an ideal study for group discussion.

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 orientation meeting is Sept. 14, and the study continues through April 27, with breaks for the holidays. The group meets 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 volunteer.

All interested parties should attend the orientation meeting 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, wrandolph @nc.rr.com, or Bill Bryant at 692-8358, bill@bryant.com.

Beginner Handbells

Pinebluff United Methodist Church is forming a beginner children's handbell choir.

"If your child has an interest in music, this is a fun and easy way to begin developing their musical abilities," says a spokesman. Those interested should call 281-3854 and leave a message.

"Your call will be returned as soon as possible," says the spokesman.

Bible Study

Apostle Leonard and Mother Mahalia Williams will lead a Bible study at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Springhill Suites by Marriott, 10024 U.S. 15-501, Pinehurst.

For information, call 295-6094.

New Members' Class

Kingdom Minded Ministries, led by Pastors Charles and Deborah Bloom, will hold a new members' class at 9 a.m. Sundays, followed by a 10 a.m. worship service, in the Southern Pines Primary School Auditorium, 1250 New York Avenue.

For more information on upcoming events and services call (910) 315-1153.

Christian Science Church

The Christian Science Church (sometimes incorrectly confused with Scientology) maintains the Christian Science Reading Room at 173-A, NE Broad Street in Southern Pines.

Products, such as the new Christian Science Monitor Weekly, CDs that challenge with Biblical truths current issues, books and the weekly and monthly Christian Science periodicals may be read, borrowed or purchased there. There, too, a visitor may read the daily Christian Science Monitor on line.

For a free sample of the new Weekly, visit the Reading Room weekdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. or on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Further information is available at 692-7759.

Time Changes

Our Saviour Lutheran Church has changed its worship dates and times through Sept. 13, for the summer season.

Wednesdays at noon there will be a shorter, less structured worship. Sunday morning worship is at 9:30 a.m., Sunday evening worship at 6 p.m., and every service will celebrate Holy Communion.

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

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 2009-10 class for women in the Sandhills, which will begin Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Nondenominational classes meet each Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30 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.

Next fall, members will be studying the book of Acts.

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 assigned the week before are shared.

"Love, caring and prayer are emphasized, and lasting friendships are often forged through participation," says a spokesperson.

There are classes for preschool children with crafts and Bible stories, and a nursery for babies. 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.

New Ministry

A new ministry has moved into the area. Church of the Overflow has opened its doors at the temporary location of 205 Anderson Street (Holy Temple Church) in Carthage.

"We invite you to come and fellowship with us every Sunday at 5 p.m.," says a spokesman.

The presiding pastor is Bishop Ronnie Moore, who is also the pastor of Kingdom Connection Church in Rockingham.

For more information, call (910) 528-7620.

New Location

Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Ministries will hold praise and worship services at 11:30 a.m., with a "morning deliverance worship experience," and at 7 p.m. with a "miracle healing and deliverance worship service."

Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. there is Evangelistic and Bible study worship. Every other Friday will be "tarry and deliverance Joy Night" services at 7:30 p.m.

The church's new location is 114 Westgate Drive N.C. 211 in Pinehurst.

Apostle Michael S. Dixon is the pastor.

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.

Health Ministry

Sandhills Health Ministry meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Monday of the month, at the Pinehurst United Methodist Church, Airport Road, Pinehurst.

All Sandhills churches are invited to send representatives.

Inquiries for wellness information and programs from area congregations may be directed to 295-1577.

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.

Friday Lunch

John Hall Presbyterian Church, located on Dowd Street, Carthage, is participating in the Manna free lunch program from noon to 1 p.m. each Friday.

The church is right down the street from Pinckney Academy.