An important human rights celebration, the first program of the fall season for Church Women United, will be held Friday evening, Sept. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Roman Eagle Masonic Lodge, in Aberdeen. The lodge is on the left, going toward Laurinburg.

Two special groups will be honored at the event for their contributions to special needs in Moore County: Guardian Ad Litem represented by April Ferrell, and Moore County Literacy Council, with its director, the Rev. Susan Sherard.

These groups have been selected because of their outstanding efforts working with children and the courts and teaching literacy throughout the county. They both are dramatic examples of this year's human rights celebration, "Seeking Shalom." Shequelle Harrington, recipient of summer camperships from CWU, will speak of his experiences at Camp Rockfish.

A special offering will be taken to support the National Office of Church Women United that develops materials to assist local and state units with program themes for meeting the quadrennial priority: "Seeking Shalom."

Celebration chairman is Carol Brown, of Carthage, with the following women among those participating: Esther McNeil, Peggy Banks and Jacque Klimack, president. Refreshments will be served following the program.

"We urge you to join us for a festive celebration honoring persons and programs of merit," says a spokesman.

Church Women United was formed in 1941 as an ecumenical movement involving Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian women in the United States and Puerto Rico. Some 1,200 local and state units work to support dialogue with all faith groups. CWU is a recognized non-governmental organization through the United Nations.

New Pastor

Cornerstone Baptist Church announces a new pastor, the Rev. Bucky Hendrix.

The church is located at 656 Hoffman Road, West End.

The Bledsoes

Crossroads Community Church will hold a gospel singing, featuring the Bledsoes, of Dobson, at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6.

The church is at 780 Bibey Road, Carthage.

For information, call 949-3971.

Gospel Boys

The Cypress Gospel Boys will be singing at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, in the fellowship hall at Cypress Presbyterian Church.

Supper, consisting of barbecued chicken, green beans, potatoes, rolls and dessert, will be served following the program. A donation for the meal would be appreciated.

The choir at Cypress will present a musical program at Vass United Methodist Church in Vass on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 6:30 p.m.

Call (910) 245-7024 if you have questions regarding the programs at Cypress.

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

Fair Singers

There will be gospel singing each evening at the Moore County Agricultural Fair Tuesday, Sept. 1, through Saturday, Sept. 5.

Tuesday night's lineup includes local talent Robert Wicker, Jack Dove, Mechelle Kelly and Darrin Locklear.

Performing Wednesday night are locals Joanne Cook and Tommy Tyson as well as Tony Gibson, of Fayetteville.

The Crossroads Community Church Choir and the Bibey Girls, of Carthage, will perform Thursday night. Friday night will feature the Bledsoes,of Dobson, and the Griffith Family from Knox, Ind. The Faithwalkers 4, of Asheboro, and Corbin and Linda Whitaker, of Sanford, will close the event Saturday.

Pre-Anniversary Services

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God, in Vass, will hold pre-anniversary services for Pastor Elwood Hooker at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, through Saturday, Sept. 5, and on Friday, Sept. 11.

Speakers include Pastor Billy Billinger, Pastor Carolyn McNair, Pastor Burgess and Pastor Billy Fox.

'Take It Back'

What do these hard times we are experiencing really mean? Feeling like someone or something has taken your joy, your peace, or your life?

"Come receive the answers that you have wrestled with for years at the 'Take It Back' Bible seminar,'" says a spokesman.

The seminar will be hosted at the Southern Pines Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1145 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Southern Pines, through Friday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. with the exception of Mondays and Thursdays.

"Pastor Jason Scott plans to bring riveting topics that are sure to spark your interest," says the spokesman.

Special Service

Solid Rock Holiness Church will present a special service featuring Evangelist Deborah Bloom, co-pastor of Kingdom Minded Ministries, of Southern Pines.

The service is sponsored by Missionary Julia Douglas.

The church is located in the Broadway section of Aberdeen.

For information, contact Douglas at 944-3285.

Services

The Elks Lodge will be the setting of a special service featuring Bishop Leroy Jackson Woolard, presiding prelate of the Greater N.C. Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ. He is also the pastor of the Greater Southern Pines Church of God in Christ.

Services are at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

The Elks Lodge is located at 280 Country Club Drive, Southern Pines.

For information, contact Janie McMillan at 944-2446.

Harvesters

The Harvesters Quartet will perform from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 30, at Glendon Independent Christian Church, 148 Glendon Church Road.

A covered dish meal will be served following the concert.

Fourth Conference

Crossroads Community Church will hold its fourth annual women's conference Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

"We'll begin with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m.," says a spokesman.

The conference will start at 8:30 a.m. with praise and worship by singers and guest speakers.

The conference is free; a buffet luncheon will be served at noon, and the cost of that is $15.

For more information, call (910) 949-3971.

Enrollment Open

Sonlight Child Care Center is currently enrolling children for the coming year. The center uses the ABeka Curriculum, which prepares children for school.

"Our caring teachers are well trained in the child care field and some have degrees in elementary education," says a spokesman. "We offer a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive and learn. Sonlight Child Care is a church-sponsored center and is committed to the development of the whole child. This includes spiritual, social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development."

For information, call (910) 215-5522.

Gospel Singing

Pineywood Baptist Church will hold a gospel singing at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, featuring the Nall Sisters, from Dover Baptist Church Seagrove.

The church is located in Cameron.

For information, call (910) 245-7351.

Celebration

Kingdom Connections Church will hold a celebration for its pastor, Bishop Ronnie Moore, during the Founder's Day Banquet.

It will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Douglass Community Center in Southern Pines.

Tickets are $25 for ages 18-up; $15 for ages 13-17; $10 for ages 6-12; and children up through age 5 are free.

For more information, call (910) 585-3155, (910) 895-9174, (910) 528-7620 or e-mail mdelah12@yahoo.com.

Study of Genesis

This local CBS nondenominational 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 first meeting is Sept. 8 and the study continues through April 27, 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 volunteer. To register, call or e-mail Walt Randolph at 215-0850, wrandolph@nc.rr.com or Bill Bryant at 692-8358, bill@bryant. com.

Conference

God's Vision of Praise will hold a conference at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.

The church is located at 5420 U.S. 1, Vass.

Dance Classes

Creative Learning Center of the Sandhills presents beginning dance classes at First Missionary Baptist Church beginning Monday, Sept. 14.

The church is located at 315 S. Gaines Street, Southern Pines.

For information, call Judy at 692-2022.

Reading Room

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Southern Pines -- a Bible-based religion that follows the teachings of Christ Jesus -- provides a Reading Room for community use.

Many have found the Reading Room to be a kind of oasis where one can be quiet, read, think, pray -- in short, take a moment to renew one's spiritual energies.

A librarian is available to answer questions, engage in conversation -- or not -- whatever one desires.

"Sometimes discussion about our purpose in life, or about spiritual healing or world problems benefits from varying points of view," says a spokesman.

There are ample resources to choose from at a Reading Room -- Bibles and multiple commentaries, all the published materials about Christian Science including the core teaching of Mary Baker Eddy, the inspirational magazines she founded and the international newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor.

Here too, technology offers opportunities to study and research online and the possibility of listening to lectures or topical articles on www.spirituality.com

The Reading Room is located at 173A North East Broad Street in Southern Pines and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

Temple Beth Shalom

No services will be held at Temple Beth Shalom during August.

Consignment Sale

The Northwood Temple Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) have opened volunteer and consignor registration for the "Twice Is Nice" Children's Consignment Sale.

The sale will open to the public Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Northwood Temple Family Life Center (4200 Ramsey St., Fayetteville). The sale will run from 8 to 11 a.m. and will reopen from noon to 3 p.m. for a 50 percent-off clearance sale.

"Twice Is Nice" is a semi-annual event and specializes in gently used children's clothing, toys, equipment, furniture, dcor and educational supplies. Shoppers will also find maternity clothing and nursing accessories.

Consignors find "Twice Is Nice" to be a convenient way to clean out closets and playrooms, while recovering some of the investment they've made into their children's wardrobes, furniture and playthings. Registered consignors and volunteers also earn the benefit of shopping before the general public, on Friday, Sept. 4.

More details about consigning, volunteering and shopping can be found on the Web site, www.northwood mops.com. Proceeds from the sale support the Northwood Temple Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and unsold donated merchandise is distributed to local pregnancy crisis support agencies and other charities.

Study of Joshua

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

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.

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.

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.

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. This year, Community Bible Study is also offering a curriculum for home schoolers of all ages.

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.