Aberdeen

A former player with the Harlem Globetrotters, who is now a youth minister, was the guest speaker at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Aberdeen Elementary School. It was part of a ceremony for children who participated in the "Upward" program.

First Baptist Church in Aberdeen sponsors basketball games at Southern Middle School. Devotions take place at halftime of games. Come out and support the youth.

Fresh Firer Ministries holds worship services at 11 a.m. Sunday and at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Pastor Williams is the pastor. For more information, e-mail Freshfirer7@embarqmail.com..

To submit items for the Aberdeen news, e-mail shelbiperson@embarqmail.com.

-- Shelbi Person

Addor

A community fellowship worship service will be held at 11 a.m. this Sunday at Popular Springs Missionary Baptist church. It is always held on the fifth Sunday of any month.

The fifth Sunday fellowship for the Sanford District will be held at 3 p.m. this Sunday at New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. Everyone is invited to attend.

A dedication ceremony to salute members of the military with a color guard will take place immediately after the 11 a.m. service Dec. 13. Everyone is invited to attend. All veterans are asked to wear their uniforms.

The families of Leon Little (Nov. 25) and Deacon Wilbert Brown (Nov. 24) wish to remember them on the anniversaries of their deaths.

Birthday wishes go out to James Nealy (Nov. 7), Juanita McNeill (Nov. 15), Vivan Chavis (Nov. 25), Ruban Smith (Nov. 26), Judy Jordan (Nov. 28), Shawn McNeill (Nov. 28) and John Bright (Dec. 1).

Sick and shut-ins: Betty J. Ellerbe, Nettie Benymon, Effie Jane Smith, Marie Berry, Betty Lou Moses and Sarah F. McMillian are among the shut-ins. Stella Gillispie, Connie L. Covington, Diana Brown, Portia Smith, Gladys C. Giles, Eugene McRae, Charles Wilkerson and James Morris are in nursing homes or assisted living.

We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Please remember those in need this Thanksgiving and share whatever you can to help others.

-- Lorine McCants

Berkley

Beginning Dec. 6, New Hope Christian Ministries, where the pastor is Elder Brenda Brown, will relocate to the Country Hearth Inn, room 610, behind Applebee's. Sunday School is at 10 a.m. every week, and regular worship services are held at 11 a.m. on the first through fourth Sundays. The church invites everyone to attend. The church is currently located at 704 Harris St.

Intercessory prayer is held at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, followed by Bible study at 7:30 p.m. Women's fellowship meeting is held at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. Minister's study is held every second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

St. John Missionary Baptist Church, at 703 Harris St., where the pastor is the Rev. Jimmy Gilchrist, holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Prayer meeting and Bible study are held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

St. Joseph A.M.E. Zion Church, 309 Keyser St., where the pastor is the Rev. Henry R. Davis, holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11:15 a.m. each Sunday. Bible study is held at 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday.

Are you interested in singing or being a musician with a male chorus and are 18 years old or older? If so, contact Ralph Daniel at (910) 255-0352 or (910) 944-3365 at the church.

Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Church, at 206 Keyser St., where the pastor is the Rev. Fred Goins Jr., holds Sunday School every week at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. every first and third Sunday. Bible study is held at 7 p.m. every Wednesday.

Sandhill Christian Church, on Keyser Street, where the pastor is the Rev. Anna L. Byrd, holds Sunday School every Sunday at 10 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.

Happy birthday to all who are celebrating this week.

Continue to pray for healing, peace and strength for everyone.

Please submit church, community and personal announcements (such as birthdays and anniversaries) by 7 p.m. Sunday by calling (910) 603-1135.

-- Rachel Hill

Carthage

St. Ruth United Church of God, West End, where the pastor is Elderess L. Kearns, holds services on the second and fourth Sundays of the month starting at 11:30 a.m.

Prayer meeting is held every Wednesday at 6 p.m., followed by Bible study at 7 p.m.

Birthday wishes are extended to all who celebrate this week.

Please remember to pray for all who are sick and for each other.

Announcements can be submitted by e-mail to churchnews08@yahoo.com, or by mail to Church News, P.O. Box 1088, Carthage, NC 28327. Please submit announcements at least one week in advance.

-- Jennifer Smith

Eastwood

St. Peters will not hold worship services this Sunday. The Southern District Union will convene Saturday and Sunday Nov. 28-29 in Greensboro.

Cornelia Adkins was in the hospital last week.

Jerome Williams will present his introductory message at 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at Christ Memorial.

James and Elaine Jones will celebrate their wedding anniversary this week.

Birthday wishes are extended to Jeremy Williams (Nov.. 26), Candace Martin (Nov. 28) and Sandy Mcrae and Dwight Brown (Dec. 1).

Sick and shut-ins: Lewis McLaughlin, Paula Neal, Steve Coney, Sam Kelly, Ralph McLean, Michael McLean, Ester Mae Monroe, Evelyn Clegg, Cornelia Adkins, Margret Dowd, Mamie Williams, Joe Jackson, Mary Russell, Anthony Thompson, Margret Thompson and Alma Jones.

-- Wilma Monroe

Hoffman

Bible study is held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Macedonia and at 7:30 p.m. at Fletcher's Chapel. Pleasant Hill holds Bible study at 7 p.m. every Thursday.

The Thanksgiving fellowship dinner will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, Thanksgiving day, at Macedonia.

The Home Union will hold services at 11 a.m. this Sunday at Pleasant Hill. The Rev. Charles Bethea will be in charge. Sunday School is at 10 a.m. The Rev. C.E. Cunningham is the host pastor.

The St. John quarterly union will be held Dec. 3-4 at Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Wagram.

Tommy Hart will speak at 3 p.m. this Sunday at Pleasant Hill. He will also be the speaker for the fall revival services at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Mary Milhouse will speak at 6 p.m. this Sunday for Women's Day at Pleasant Hill.

The community was saddened to learn of the death of Richard Bostick. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Sick and shut-ins: Flossie Hagins, Rosa Harrison, Wilson Hart, Darius Hart, E.C. McFayden, Leanna McRae, Nancy Ellerbe, Chrizzell Stroman, Lomuel Stroman, Cathie Harrington, Retha Sloan, German Jackson, Dan McKoy, Martha Ingram, Henrietta Little, Lacy Jackson, Eugene Martin, Johnny King, Thelma McKoy, Albert Hailey, Juanita Gilmore, Ernest Gilmore, Frank Smith, Rebecca Utley, Sister Bethea and Eva Cunningham.

Please continue to pray for the sick and shut-ins, church leaders, our children, government and one another.

-- Bea Little

Little River

The dreary weather Sunday evening did not stop many folks from enjoying the community Thanksgiving worship services and the social time afterward. The turnout was great at the service at Vass United Methodist Church.

Mount Pleasant Church took part in the service at Countryside Presbyterian Church. The pews were packed with many folks from seven different churches. The Revs. Wise, Brice, Vango Kinney and Poplin all took part in the service, and the choir was wonderful. The folks from Countryside really outdid themselves with all the different foods and desserts, with plenty to take home for shut-ins.

Cypress Church will hold the annual Hanging of the Greens worship service at 7 p.m. this Sunday. Everyone is invited to come for an evening of songs and readings as members decorate the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas season.

Because of a schedule conflict, the luncheon honoring the Cypress Presbyterian seniors has been changed to Dec. 6, instead of Dec. 13 as previously announced. Soup and sandwiches will be served, and Santa will be there for the children. It will take place after the 11 a.m. worship service.

Cypress Church continues to collect women's socks for the Sandhills Coalition through December. Blankets are also needed because of the number of people who lack adequate electricity and heating. Anyone in the community wishing to donate these items may drop them off at the Vass Library.

On Sunday, Mount Pleasant Church sent 70 plastic shoe boxes of cookies and candy to the troops. Next Sunday, the church is supporting the group called "Key Spouses." This group has adopted 10 children of soldiers who are deployed and need Christmas assistance.

They are accepting wrapping paper and bows, and any donations to help these children. Anyone wishing to help in this project may drop off donations at Mount Pleasant Church or B&L Auto.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, the church will again pack "Shoe Boxes for Soldiers." These boxes will be shipped out the next day so that they will reach our military service members. If you would like to assist with this ministry, please contact the church office for more details. All donations of this ministry need to be at the church on Sunday, Dec. 6

Mount Pleasant Church will again host the senior Christmas Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 6, in the fellowship hall. This is an annual dinner that honors the senior citizens of the church and community.

Mount Pleasant's choir is preparing a cantata for Christmas. It will be presented during the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Dec. 20. That same evening, the community will again have the opportunity to hear the cantata, this time with the incorporation of the children's Christmas drama. Following this service, the church will celebrate Jesus' birthday party. Everyone is invited for refreshments in the fellowship hall.

The newly formed senior citizen group Golden Agers will travel to the Christmas Show at the Rudy Theater in Selma on Dec. 13. Any senior wanting more information about this group, which meets once a month, can contact the church at (910) 245-7405.

The Garnet Lobelias, the Red Hat Group, met for dinner last Thursday at the Oaks House in Woodlake. Only a few were able to attend, yet it was a very enjoyable time with the most spectacular view.

Anyone interested in joining the Garnet Lobelias or participating in the Southern Pines Christmas Parade with them on Dec. 5 can contact Queen Mum Sunny Sidley at 245-4747.

Please remember our military and their families whether here or abroad. They all need our positive thoughts and prayers as they serve our country.

If you have any information you would like to share with our community, please call me at (910) 245-4747.

We wish everyone in the community a happy Thanksgiving!

-- Sunny Sidley

Shawtown

John and Irene Ray thank everyone who attended their wedding vow renewal service Saturday. They also want to thank those who were unable to be there for their thoughts and prayers. It was a beautiful event!

Ella Ruth Clark was among the many people who attended. Please continue to pray for her family (McNeills) and each other. They are having a memorial service at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Bethesda Church in Aberdeen.

Birthday wishes are extended to C. J. Russell (Nov. 23).

-- Irene Ray

Taylortown

The House of Prayer Holy Church of God in Christ will have an old-fashion gospel music program Jan. 9. Minister James McNeill is the coordinator, primary singer, and praise leader for this event.

He will be on the radio edition of "Town Talk" on 990 WEEB-AM at 2:05 p.m. on some Sundays through December to give more information and to sing a few old hymns and spirituals songs. This 30-minute program is hosted by Rose Highland-Sharpe.

Special thanks to the Taylortown Ministerial Alliance for helping the sick and shut-ins and needy this Thanksgiving season. The Rev. Larry Alford is the president.

The annual "Freefor-All" will be held at Ives Memorial Baptist Church in Pinebluff from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday. There will be many free clothing, toys and household items. Donations will be accepted to help with international mission work. Betty Hardy, the coordinator, is looking forward to seeing her old friends from Taylortown. For more information, call her at (910) 281-3247.

Ingram Branch Presbyterian Church will have its annual "Praise Feast-Fest" on Sunday, November 29th at 2 pm. The pastor, the Rev. Georgia Frye, invites everyone to attend.

"Moore Alliance Nourishing Neighbors Amen!" (MANNA) will have a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner at all of its sites in Moore County next week. Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church usually serves the Taylortown community on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. until noon. The Rev. Oscar Rush is the pastor.

Pathways to the Certified Nursing Assistant is a free program that provides basic academic skills, GED test preparation and preparation for enrollment in the nursing assistant program at Sandhills Community College. Students will be eligible for a $250 scholarship for the nursing assistant program. Classes begin in February.

Orientation begins in January. Register now by calling Sandhills Community College at (910) 695-3772 (Becky Graham) or (910) 695-3782 (Twana McKnight). Rose Highland-Sharpe, recruiter, can be reached at (910) 695-3783.

The sick and shut-in list includes Rev. Joseph Thompson and Brenda McRae Williams.

Please remember all the sick and shut-ins, bereaved, incarcerated, the needy, senior citizens, youths and members of the U.S. military in your prayers and good deeds.

Send your community news to R. Highland-Sharpe at P.O. Box 4653, Pinehurst, NC 28374, call (910) 295-0013 or send an e-mail to rosesharpe37@gmail.com.

-- Rose Highland-Sharpe

Vass

Sympathy is extended to the family of Deacon Norman Kelly, who died Nov. 18. His funeral was held at Union Pines High School on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2 pm.

His family thanks everyone for their prayers, support, visits and food.

Pastor Mary Kelly will be the guest speaker at 4 p.m. this Sunday at Burning Bush Pentecostal Church in Fayetteville. The Gospel Mellowtones will also perform.

God's House of Prayer Ministry holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. every week. Worship services are held on the first and third Sundays of the month at 11 a.m. Bible study is held every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and intercessory prayer is held every Saturday at 8 a.m. Pastor Mary Kelly is the church pastor. The church is at 205 Pats Road in Vass. Everyone is welcome to attend all services.

New Direction Outreach Ministries of Vass will be presenting "Conversations Unveiling the Heart." The program will occur every month for all women.

New Direction Outreach Ministries of Vass holds Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday. A morning praise and worship is at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday, except when a fifth Sunday occurs. All are welcome. The founder and pastor of the church is Pastor Linnie M. Saunders.

God's Vision of Praise Ministry has a worship service every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. except when a fifth Sunday occurs. Bible study is every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Pastor Ruby Shepherd is the church pastor.

The church will have its fourth church anniversary Dec. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. The celebration concludes with a service at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Douglass Community Center in Southern Pines. There will be different out-of-town speakers each day. All are welcome to attend.

On the prayer list are Cecil Goins, Mitchell Goins, Helen Covington-McIvery, Carolyn Covington-McIvery, Wilma Jennis, Charlie Malloy, Ernestine Goins, Phyllis Goins, Bula Little, James Terry, Patricia Malloy, Johnny Murchison and Thaddeus Wilburn. To have your name added to the church prayer list, call (910) 783-9783.

Highland Baptist Church on U.S. 1 holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. every Sunday. Services are also held at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Children's church is held at 11 a.m. every Sunday.

The Children's Care Ministry volunteers go out at 10 a.m. every Saturday. Anyone interested in joining can contact Pastor Vaughn at (910) 692-6430.

The church now has a bus ministry for those who need a ride to and from church on Sunday mornings.

The Christmas program practices for adults will take place this Sunday. Please see Kevin Scotton.

The children's practices will be held at 10 a.m. this Saturday and 5 p.m. this Sunday. Call the church for more details.

After-school child care is available through Highland Christian Academy. Call Pastor Vaughn at (910) 692-6430 or the church at (910) 695-0494 for information.

A Saturday night prayer meeting is held from 7 to 7:30. Come if you have a special need or would like others to pray with you. Or you can call the prayer line at (910) 693-PRAY.

MANNA! sponsors free lunches to the public every Wednesday at Word of Truth Center in Vass from 12 to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Lynne Stauderman at (910) 245-7009.

Birthday wishes go out to all who are celebrating this week.

Continue to pray for all the sick and shut-ins, each other and our U.S. troops in Iraq and worldwide.

To have your news included in the Vass section, send an e-mail to god1house@yahoo.com or leave a message at (910) 603-6254, or mail items at least one week in advance to P.O. Box 1364, Vass, NC 28394.

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

-- Anita Finch