West End Presbyterian Church will hold a healing and wholeness worship service Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

"We recognize that economic times are difficult right now," pastor Larry Lyon said. "We also know that this season is not always joyful for everyone, particularly those who have suffered loss. This will be a time in which we can pray, hear comforting words from Scripture, and come together as the body of Christ."

This is the second healing and wholeness service the church has conducted. Plans are for the services to continue on an occasional basis.

West End Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve candlelight worship service Thursday, Dec. 24, beginning at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

The service will include the Lord's Supper, scripture readings, prayer, a children's time, and plenty of Christmas music, as well a time of candle lighting. This service is for all ages and young families are especially encouraged to attend.

West End Presbyterian is affiliated with the PC(USA). The church is located one block off of N.C. 211, on Knox Lane in West End.

Hanukkah Celebrations

Hanukkah, the eight-day holiday, is the week of fried potato pancakes (latkes).

"Although this is a minor holiday, it is one of the happiest Jewish holidays," says a spokesman for the Sandhills Jewish Congregation.

This year's celebration concludes Saturday, Dec. 19.

Rabbi Floyd Herman will lead the Friday, Dec. 18, service beginning at 7 p.m. at Beth Shalom Temple in Foxfire Village.

Hanukkah occurs every year anywhere from November to December according to the Jewish lunar calendar.

On the 25th day of Lislev, the menorah, a candelabrum with eight openings, is usually placed in a window of a home, so a passerby can see the bright candles. Each night a candle is lighted, until on the eighth day, eight candles burn brightly. The glowing lights represent freedom from religious oppression.

Hanukkah celebrates the retaking of the Temple in Jerusalem in 167 B.C. by a group of Jewish fighters, the Maccabees. During the reign of the Syrian emperor Antiochus, Jews were not allowed to practice their religion. Once the Maccabees won their victory over the Syrians, they regained the Temple. When the fighters entered the sanctuary, they wept, for it was desecrated. Knowing that the Temple had to be restored to its spiritual purity, uncontaminated olive oil had to be burned. Only enough oil could be found to burn for one day. But a miracle occurred. The oil burned for eight days.

The menorah burns brightly while for eight days Jewish children receive a present nightly and spin a dreidl, a small top with Hebrew letters on each side which symbolize "A Great Miracle Happened There."

"Everyone eats food fried in oil for eight days, too," says the spokesman. "No one worries about cholesterol or the numbers on the scale."

For information about the services, contact Mindy Fineman at (910) 673-2640, or call (910) 673-5224.

Acoustic Music Circle

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

The next Circle meets Sunday, Dec. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall and will be a celebration of the Christmas season.

"Please bring a covered dish to share," says a spokesman. "Beverages and utensils are provided. Musicians and listeners are welcome."

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

For information, contact David or Amy McDonald at (910) 295-6608.

Auction

A World Missions auction will be held at Crossroads Community Church fellowship hall Saturday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m.

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

"Everyone is welcome, and admission is free," says a spokesman.

For more information or directions, call (910) 949-3971 or (910) 949-3080.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hold its youths' Christmas play Sunday, Dec. 20, at the 11 a.m. service

There will be Christmas caroling in the community Sunday, Dec. 20, beginning at 5 p.m.

"We will gather together for fellowship afterward over warm soup and refreshments," says a spokesman.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

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

Cypress Presbyterian

Cypress Presbyterian Church will be celebrating Jesus' birth with the following special events: Tuesday, Dec. 22, Christmas caroling at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 24, two Christmas Eve services at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The Church continues to collect women's socks and blankets for the Sandhills Coalition during the month of December. The Coalition states that the need for blankets is great this year because of the number of people living without or greatly cutting back on, their electricity and heating. If you have any new or gently used blankets, the Sandhills Coalition could use them. The Vass Library has agreed to accept these items and the church will deliver them to the Coalition.

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

Call (910) 245-7024 for further information.

Fryes Chapel

Fryes Chapel F.W.B. Church will host a Christmas gospel music celebration Saturday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

The church is located in Vass.

"All are invited to attend," says Elder Kent L. McMillian, pastor.

Johnny Appleseed Night

The Doyle D. Foundation Inc. sponsored a Johnny Appleseed Night at Christ Way Deliverance Church in Eastwood.

Participants tasted red, green and yellow apples, then as a group, graphed their favorite apple.

Most voted for the red apple as the favorite, with the green apple coming in a close second. Participants made their own mini-apple pies for their after-dinner dessert.

Pastor Nathaniel Jackson read the story of Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman.

As the apple pies baked, the participants worked on Johnny Appleseed crafts plus lots of other fall crafts.

Everyone enjoyed hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw and their very own mini-apple pies. Parents, with their children, were able to select a variety of healthy apple juice recipes to make together at home. Participants also took a small cup with potting soil and three apple seeds to plant and nurture at home.

Longest Night Service

Congregational Church of Pinehurst will offer a worship experience on the Winter Solstice especially designed for those who are sad, grieving or in need of healing. The service begins at 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21, and is open to the entire community.

Pastor Brent Bissette describes this special Advent experience.

"At a time when the culture around us is focused on parties and merriment, the Longest Night Service offers those who are facing challenging life circumstances a space to come and share in the reality of their lives," he says. "This meditative worship is designed to give us all a chance to voice our grief, pain, fears and struggles especially at this time of year. We can encourage one another with the support of our presence together, and through quiet songs and prayers we can open ourselves to healing and growth. It is hoped that this time together might prepare us to receive Christ again with joy, even in the midst of challenging times."

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst is located at 895 Linden Road, across from Elliotts.

For more information, call (910) 295-2243.

Middle Cross

Middle Cross Baptist Church will have a Christmas cantata at the 11 a.m. worship service Sunday, Dec. 20, and a Christmas program at 6 p.m., followed by refreshments.

The church is located on Lucas Road, West End.

Outreach Ministries

New Direction Outreach Ministries presents "Conversations Unveiling the Heart," a monthly series of empowering discussions that "will bring awareness and healing, transform hearts, and encourage a deeper, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ."

The first meeting will be held Saturday, Dec. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at 3623 U.S. 1 N (Business), Vass.

The host pastor is Linnie Saunders.

For more information, call (910) 281-4395.

Cantata

The Christmas cantata "Go Tell it on the Mountain" will be presented at Southside Baptist Church, 125 Cedar Creek Road in Biscoe, Sunday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m.

The adult choir will be singing songs of the Christmas story, with Scripture narrations to introduce each of the selections.

For more information or directions, call the church at (910) 428-9243 or Pastor Michael Lynn at (910) 974-4723.

Christmas Eve Service

There will be a candlelight Eucharist Christmas Eve service at St. Paul Lutheran Church beginning at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24.

The church is located 1/2 mile west of Olmsted Village on N.C. 211 at 144 Westgate Drive, directly behind the State Farm Insurance Building.

Drama

Crossroads Community Church presents "The Gift," a Christmas drama, Dec. 18-20, at 7 p.m. nightly.

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

Admission is free, and food will be available at the fellowship hall Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 7 p.m.

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

New Year's Breakfast

As an outreach ministry, the First Baptist Church of Carthage will host a free breakfast for the community to ring in the New Year, from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, in the church fellowship hall.

The event includes prayer, food, fellowship and music.

The church is located at 108 McNeill Street, Carthage.

For further information, call the church at (910) 947-2456.

Silent Night Service

Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church will be offering a special worship service Thursday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary for those for whom this is a difficult time of the year.

"Sometimes, due to the circumstances of our life, it just seems hard to 'celebrate' Christmas," says a spokesman. "Death, illness, divorce, job loss or other life transitions can make Christmas a challenging time of the year. If this is how you are feeling, know that you are not alone.

"This service of readings, reflection, music, prayers and candle lighting reminds us that the light of Christ came for all, especially those who walk in darkness."

Refreshments and fellowship in the atrium will follow the service.

The church is located at 330 S. May St., Southern Pines.

For more information, contact the Rev. Cynthia Strickland at (910) 692-6252.

Feeding Needy

Kingdom Connections Church will be feeding the homeless and less fortunate on Saturday, Dec. 19, from noon to 2 p.m.

"Come and share in the gift of giving during these times of need," says a spokesman. "If you know of anyone in need, bring them out to share at this time."

The church is located at 134 Mill Road, Rockingham.

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

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will hold appreciation services for Pastor Mary Hooker.

Services are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, when the speaker is Minister Frederick Kelly from God's House of Prayer, and at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, when Pastor Benton of Smithfield will be the speaker.

The church is located in Vass.

Culdee Presbyterian

Culdee Presbyterian Church will hold a Christmas Eve service Thursday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. The Rev. Chris Bobo will deliver the meditation message. The congregation will participate in the singing of Christmas carols, the sacrament of Holy Communion and the lighting of candles.

"We invite the community to attend these programs and activities," says a spokesman.

Christmas Eve Service

Christ Church will have a Christmas Eve Holy Communion service at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, with a Christmas Carol Sing beginning at 7:30 pm.

The church is located at 750 Fairway Drive, Southern Pines.

Visit the church's Web site at www.christchurchanglican.us.

Advent Concerts

The final concert of the "The Sound Of Advent Music" series will be performed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pinehurst, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, when Imelda Dunbar, organist and pianist, and Christopher Pharo, soloist, will share their musical talents.

Sacred Heart Church is located at 300 Dundee Road, Pinehurst.

Toys for Kids

The annual Christmas Toys for Kids campaign has begun at the First Missionary Baptist Curch.

"If you live in the Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst triad and need assistance to purchase toys for your children, ages 0-11, call the church office at (910) 692-2022 and speak with Judy," says a spokesman.

Those wishing to donate to this campaign should call the same number or mail check or money order to Christmas Toys for Kids Campaign, P.O. Box 1191, Southern Pines, NC 28388.

New Covenant

New Covenant Fellowship, 1305 Hulsey Road, Carthage, hosts an afterschool program for sixth-through-eighth graders.

"We pick up your child from New Century Middle School," says Pastor Adam Love. "Our program offers tutoring, devotions and structured activities in a safe, friendly environment."

The cost is $30 per week, or pay daily for drop-ins. For more details, call Love at (910) 947-1412.

A "Call To Fall" will be held from 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, through 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. This will be a 24-hour prayer service focusing on family needs, with one-hour slots available. Call the pastors at (910) 947-1412 for more information on this event.

Mission Agape

Mission Agape is in need of donations and financial assistance, says a spokesman.

"We are the only mission in this area that helps Hispanics," says the spokesman. "We need someone to help us apply for a grant."

Mission Agape is located at 2256 N.C. 211, Eagle Springs. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 316, Eagle Springs, NC 27242.

For information, call Marian at (910) 673-3333.

For Young Mothers

Christ Way Church is sponsoring a weekly opportunity for all young mothers up to the age of 20 to gather and discuss issues concerning parenting.

"They can be single parents or married," says a spokesman. "We want to offer them a chance to discuss problems specific to them and receive information about caring for their children."

Advice will be forthcoming from experienced mothers and grandmothers.

Refreshments will be served at the weekly meeting.

"You are welcome to bring your children," says the spokesman.

The church is located at 7681 U.S. 15-501, Pinehurst.

For information, call Elder Nathaniel Jackson at (910) 235-3715.

Dance Classes

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

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

For information, call Judy at (910) 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.

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 teachings 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 at www.spirituality.com

The Reading Room is located at 173A NE Broad St., Southern Pines, and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

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.

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 (910) 295-1577.

Unitarian Gathering

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills will meet on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, at 10 a.m., at the Pinehurst Executive Center, N.C. 5, Suite 7, Pinehurst. Refreshments will follow.

For more information, e-mail uucsandhills@gmail. com or go to www.uua.org.