There will be something for everyone on Friday, March 20, at Doubs Chapel United Methodist Church.

"Join us for good food, toe-tapping music, and the chance to bid on and win some real treasures," says a spokesman.

All proceeds from the meals and auction go to the Community Mission fund of the church.

Rotisserie chicken and barbecue plates by Rick's Catering of Laurinburg will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 6:30 p.m. All plates are $7.50, and advance purchase is recommended. Delivery is available for 10 or more plates. For advance tickets for the meals, contact Scott Ritter at (910) 947-1957 or 638-5517.

Between 3 and 6:30 p.m. local musicians will provide the best in bluegrass gospel, and the auction begins at 7 p.m. and will include tools, gift certificates for local restaurants, golf items and packages, pottery, Carhartt items, miscellaneous household items, and new and gently used merchandise.

A raffle drawing for three special items will take place during the auction: first prize, Holland Gas Grill; second, a handmade wall mount curio cabinet, and third, golf items. Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for a pack of five and can be purchased in advance or at the event. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win. For advance purchase of raffle tickets, contact Alan Black at (910) 215-3672.

All events will take place at the church located at 1444 Doubs Chapel Church Road, West End.

Encore Presentation

Eirrac-Semaj Productions presents an encore performance of "The Church Fight," at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in the Luse Fellowship Hall, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Jackson Hamlet.

Admission is $10.

"Join us as we take a look at church members having a private meeting to discuss the pastor and how to get rid of him," says a spokesman. "In the process they argue and air each other's dirty little secrets."

For more information contact Thomas J. Gibson at (910) 295-6473.

Cypress Presbyterian

The following events are scheduled at Cypress Presbyterian Church.

"The community is invited to participate," says a spokesman.

On Saturday, March 14, at noon, during the Pinehurst St. Patrick's parade, some members of Cypress Presbyterian will be joining others in shaving their heads to raise money for children fighting cancer. In 2008 alone, over $15 million was raised nationally by St. Baldrick's volunteers.

"If you find it in your heart to donate in these tough economic times, please go to www.stbaldricks.org or pick up a donor form in the narthex of the church," says the spokesman.

A luncheon fellowship hour will be held in the fellowship hall following the 11 a.m. service Sunday, March 15.

An Inquirer's Class will be held at the church Sunday mornings (March 22, 29, and April 5) at 10 a.m. This class is not a commitment to join the church, nor is it for prospective members only.

"It is an opportunity to learn more about Presbyterianism, Cypress Presbyterian Church and God's love for you," says the spokesman.

For additional information regarding these events, call Cypress Presbyterian Church at (910) 245-4731. Cypress Presbyterian Church is located at 1220 Cypress Church Road, seven miles east of Vass.

Walk-a-Thon

Pinebluff United Methodist Church will sponsor a Walk-a-Thon fundraiser for the Methodist Home for Children from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 21, at Aberdeen Lake.

Methodist Home for Children provides care for North Carolina's youth and families by helping ensure orphaned children grow up in safe, loving homes free from abuse, neglect and abandonment.

"Please support our children's efforts to help others through their first MHC Walk-a-Thon," says a church spokesman. "Walk with us around Aberdeen Lake, or make a donation by calling 281-3854 or 969-9346."

The rain date is from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22.

For information, call Shelley at 969-9346.

Bluegrass Gospel

Exway Baptist Church presents the Helms Family gospel bluegrass group at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29.

The church is located at 2119 County Line Road, Mt. Gilead.

Easter Brothers

Middle Cross Baptist Church will host a gospel singing at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 15, featuring the Easter Brothers.

The church is located at 440 Lucas Road, West End.

For more information, call (910) 673-6776.

Friday Night Fight Service

Greater Harvest House of Prayer Ministries, located at 760 Midway Rd., Aberdeen, will be having a Friday Night Fight Service March 20, at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Minister Eric Thomas.

Greater Harvest Gospel Choir will be celebrating its first choir anniversary Saturday, March 21, at 6 p.m.

Raeford Trio

The Raeford Trio will be the featured group at a gospel singing set for Sunday, March 29, at Liberty Church, 1810 Quewiffle Road, Aberdeen.

Church services are at 11 a.m., followed by a covered dish dinner at 12:15 p.m. and singing at 1:30 p.m. Other local groups will also perform.

For information, call (910) 281-3320.

Mission Project

Pinebluff United Methodist Church has been a sponsor of the N.C. Food Bank for many years.

Robert Brundrett is in charge of distributing food to folks in need on the third Saturday of every month. He and his wife, Clara, arrive around 6 a.m. on those Saturdays and diligently start getting canned goods and food items ready to go.

"They could always use a few more hands in helping organize and distribute these items," says a spokesman.

The youth have undertaken a mission project called "Kidz Canz." The children give out paper bags during worship that are to be returned with food items on the first Sunday of each month to the church. The goal for 2009 is to collect 1,000 items for the NC Food Bank.

The first Sunday of the project began on March 1. On that Sunday our congregation raised 163 items to be given out to families that need a little help.

Conference

Aberdeen First Baptist Church will host the N.C. Regional Sunday School Equipping Conference Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. All local Sunday School teachers, parents and church leaders are invited There will be child care available for children up through kindergarten, but reservations are required.

There is a $5 charge for lunch.

Contact the church at 944-1421.

Baby Shower

All women in the parish, and in the community, are invited to attend the annual baby shower for the Life Care Pregnancy Center at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12, in Founders' Hall at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pinehurst.

Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped baby gift.

Susan Clendinin, of the nonprofit volunteer organization, will be the featured speaker. This is the only "pro-life" group for pregnant women in Moore County relying solely on donations, and providing all services free of charge. Members are also asked to bring finger sandwiches.

For further information, call (910) 295-6550 or e-mail sacredheart@pinehurst.net.

Sandy Grove Events

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God, Vass, will hold Family and Friends Day at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15. the featured speaker is Pastor Sharon Williams, of Sanford.

Joy Night will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14. The speaker is Margaret Allen of Disciple Church of God.

Fish Fry

The Knights of Columbus will hold its annual fish fry at St. Anthony of Padua's parish hall, Fridays, March 20, March 27, and April 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Takeout plates are available.

Plates include either fried or baked fish, hush puppies, French fries, green beans, cole slaw and fruit salad as well as soda, iced tea, coffee and water.

Plates are $8 for adults; $5 for ages 7 to 12, and children under 6 eat free.

The church is located at 320 N. Ashe Street, Southern Pines.

Consignment Sale

The Northwood Temple Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will host the "Twice Is Nice" Children's Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 21, 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, Friday, March 20.

"Twice Is Nice" attracts shoppers and consignors from all over the Cape Fear region. Due to the troubled economy, organizers expect more savvy shoppers and consignors than ever before. Consignors earn more for their items than they can at a garage sale, and shoppers can find gently-used maternity and children's items all in one location. New parents, and parents new to the Fayetteville area, will find the sale to be a great way to learn more about other family-oriented events, organizations and businesses.

More details about consigning, volunteering and shopping can be found on the "Twice Is Nice" website, www.northwoodmops.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.

Musical Night

The musical group Sweet Lew and the Jayhawks will perform at Emmanuel Episcopal Church Saturday, March 28, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The group, which consists of Lew Ketchem, Hugh Sutherland, Jaime Conrad, Tom Connor, Barkley Kern and Emmanuel's rector, the Rev. John Tampa, plays old-fashioned rock 'n' roll and beach music.

The program is open to the public, and tickets are available for purchase through the church office at $10 per person or $30 per family. Tickets will also be available at the door.

For more information or to buy tickets, call 692-3171.

Lenten Events

The Sandhills Fellowship of Churches will hold its Lenten services, at these Southern Pines churches, at noon:

n Wednesday, March 11, Southern Pines United Methodist Church, 175 Midland Road.

n Wednesday, March 18, Emmanuel Presbyterian, corner of S. Gaines Street and New Hampshire Avenue.

n Wednesday, March 25, First Baptist Church, 200 E. New York Avenue.

n Wednesday, April 1, Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, 972 W. Pennsylvania Avenue.

n Wednesday, April 8, St. James Lutheran Church, 983 W. New Hampshire Avenue.

"Bring your lunch for the Lenten services," says a spokesman. "Drinks will be provided."

Lenten Lunches

West End United Methodist Church will host a Lenten Lunch Service at the church continuing each Wednesday through April 1.

The services will start at 11:30 a.m. and include a devotion, Communion, and a speaker, and conclude with a light lunch consisting of soup and sandwiches.

The luncheons are free of charge, and the public is invited and welcome to attend.

For directions or additional information, contact the church at 673-1371.

Satellite Class

Carolina Bible College will be offering a satellite class at Beaver Creek Baptist Church. The classes will begin Monday, March 16.

Those interested in registering should call (919) 499-9632.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

Rummage Sale

Our Lady of the Americas Roman Catholic Church will hold an indoor rummage and yard sale Saturday, April 18.

The church is located on Farmers' Market Road off N.C. 211, near Candor.

To reserve a table, which costs $20 each or two for $30, call (910) 400-5176.

Celebrate Women

March, Women's History Month, is a time to remember and learn more about great women leaders.

Biographies are being featured at local libraries, and in addition, at the local Christian Science Reading Room.

Mary Baker Eddy was a woman whose vision and courage not only overcame barriers in her time but continues to open vistas for a growing number of spiritual seekers worldwide. Author of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," currently available in 16 languages, Eddy was a prominent publisher as well.

In her 87th year, she started the Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor, now celebrating its centennial. For a woman to start a newspaper at that time was remarkable -- for it to have achieved the standing that it has in the world of journalism is also remarkable.

Eddy may be best known for establishing the Christian Science Church, now in over 70 countries. About 1,500 of these have reading rooms to offer visitors the opportunity to read, borrow or purchase books and periodicals.

In Southern Pines, the Reading Room is located at 173-A NE Broad Street and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Our Saviour Lutheran

"On Wednesdays through April 8, we will enjoy a light supper together at 6 p.m., followed by activities for all ages at 6:30 p.m.," says a spokesman.

Worship begins at 7 p.m.

A Seder meal will be celebrated on April 8 at 6 p.m., followed by the worship service at 7 p.m.

There will be a nursery provided each evening.

The church is located on Luther Way, near the Barn Restaurant, Southern Pines.

Spring Fling

The Community Presbyterian Church Youth Fellowship will be sponsoring the Spring Fling Sunday, March 15, from 5 to 9 p.m.

"Beginning with line and shag dancing, followed by dinner and live music by Sweet T, this evening promises to be fun for the entire family," says a spokesman.

Complimentary child care will be provided.

Prior to the festivities, a silent auction will be held. Among items offered are a Putter Boy collectible, original artwork, jewelry, and gift baskets.

The price of admission will be $20 per adult, and $10 for children 12 and under. The proceeds will be used to benefit activities and mission work of the youth group.

For further information, call 295-6848.

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.

Bible Study

Jesus Is King of Deliverance Ministries, located at 550 Ashemont Road, Aberdeen, is holding Bible study at 7 p.m. every other Wednesday night.

For more information, call (910) 295-6744 or (910) 864-9923.

Bible Studies

Sandhills Alliance Church is holding two Bible studies.

One is Beth Moore's "Study of Esther."

The other is Kay Arthur's Precepts ministries study of Numbers.

Studies are from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Child care will be available.

For information, contact Dorice Birdwell or Pebbles Hess at (910) 295-4949.

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.

Support Group

Middle Cross Baptist Church's cancer support group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m.

The church is located at 440 Lucas Road, West End.

For information, call Jessie Kellis at 673-2938 or Pastor David Reynolds at 947-2261.

Recovery Ministry

Beaver Creek Baptist Church continues its substance abuse recovery ministry Monday through Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m.

The church has recently opened its Rescue Mission House for recovering addicts and is in need of monetary donations as well as household items.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

Call (919) 499-9632 for information.