Jesse Davis, an award-winning pianist, will be performing at the First Baptist Church of Pinehurst at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.

Davis is currently serving as music director at the church and is on the piano faculty at Snyder Music Academy in Fayetteville.

A native of North Carolina, Davis has performed with orchestras and given numerous solo recitals in the United States and Europe. He has won many prizes and concerto competitions, including the North Carolina School of the Arts' A. J. Fletcher Competition.

Among his international acomplishments are the Vienna International Pianists Academy, the New Orleans International Piano Competition and many others. He has appeared with some of the world's finest orchestras, such as the Kiev Symphony, the Berlin RIAS Youth Symphony and the Lugansk State Philharmonic Orchestra.

A few of his solo venues include the Lugansk Center of Cultural Arts in Ukraine, Jan Deyl Conservatory Recital Hall in Prague, and Savinese Music Festival in Monte San Savino, Italy.

Davis will also be performing this month in Fayetteville. He has recently returned from Sicily, where he was invited to teach a week-long master class for 15 talented young pianists and also performed a solo concert in the Martiri Inglesi, a historic museum.

The performance at First Baptist Church of Pinehurst is open to the public, and admission is free.

Culdee Festival

Culdee's Annual Harvest Festival will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Culdee Presbyterian Church is located on N.C. 73 in the Eastwood area.

"After visiting the Pinehurst Holly Arts and Crafts Festival, join us for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.," says a spokesman. Crafts, baked goods and many other interesting items will be available for sale.

The silent auction begins at 11 a.m. and a live auction at 1:30 p.m. A chicken and dumpling supper begins at 5 p.m.

The FirstHealth of Carolinas Mobile Van will be on site from 9 a.m. to noon checking blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Sweet Lew Date Change

The date, time and location for the Sweet Lew and the Jayhawks musical performance at Emmanuel Episcopal Church has been changed.

The rock 'n' roll and beach music band, which features Emmanuel's rector, the Rev. John Tampa, is now scheduled to play in the church's Parish Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.

The evening will also include a pot luck meal and chili cook-off, but no children's activities.

For tickets or more information, call the Emmanuel Church office at (910) 692-3171.

Cypress Homecoming

Homecoming will be held at Cypress Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Bagpipe music will be provided by Terry Myers before the 11 a.m. worship service and harp music by Kerry Briggs will be featured during the worship service. The pastor, Dr. Robert Whitehouse, will be delivering the sermon. There will not be an 8:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday.

A covered dish lunch will follow in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 1220 Cypress Church Road seven miles east of Vass.

Beginning Jan. 11, Cypress Presbyterian Church will offer the new "Active Parenting Now" workshop for parents of children ages 5-12.

"Parents with children of different ages may attend, but the materials work best with this age group," says a spokesman.

The eight-session program will be held on consecutive Monday evenings beginning Jan. 11, from 6:45 to 9 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

This program combines entertaining video, Power Point presentation and plenty of time for discussion to help parents learn how to raise children who are cooperative, responsible and able to resist peer pressure. Using scriptural materials and psychological insight, it also guides parents in dealing with sensitive issues such as drugs, sexuality and violence.

The program will be led by Dr. Robert B. Whitehouse and Dr. Gwen Simmons. Simmons is a retired counseling professor and co-author of the recent book, "See Jane Not Run." Whitehouse has been a Presbyterian pastor for 22 years and worked with parents of all types of children, including many parents of special needs children.

To register or for more information, contact Whitehouse at (910) 245-7024 or visit www.cypresspres.org.

Barbecue

A barbecue dinner will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Fair Promise Methodist Church, Glendon/Siler City Road, in Glendon. Plates include B-B-Q, baked beans, slaw, roll and homemade dessert. Cost: adults, $7, and children 12 and under, $5, eat-in or take-out.

Beautification

Glendon Independent Christian Church has been selected by N.C. Beautiful to receive a special beautification prize of 25 azaleas for use in the church's beautification project. The award is part of N.C. Beautiful's 24th Annual Azalea Celebration which rewards North Carolina community groups for improving their communities through creative landscape projects.

Mary Phillips, spokesman for the award, said they will be planting their azaleas on the church grounds.

The Annual Azalea Celebration, developed and administered by N.C. Beautiful, sponsored by WRAL-TV5 and Mix 101.5 radio in Raleigh, has awarded more than 210,000 plants to approximately 3,200 nonprofits in its 24-year history.

The one-gallon azaleas distributed by N.C. Beautiful are grown from cuttings taken three years ago from WRAL Gardens in Raleigh.

The azalea program is sponsored by Capitol Broadcasting Company and funded in part by the A.J. Fletcher Foundation.

For over 40 years, N.C. Beautiful has focused on merit-based programs which provide hands-on experience in preserving our resources and promoting constructive action toward environmental stewardship.

For more information about the programs in which your community, schools and citizens can participate, contact N.C. Beautiful at Box 10155, Raleigh, NC 27605 or visit www.ncbeautiful.org.

Praise Services

God's Vision of Praise Ministry in Vass will have praise services Sunday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m., with different speakers for each service.

Pastor appreciation services for Pastor Ruby Shepherd will be held Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, at God's Vision of Praise Ministry in Vass at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. at the Douglass Center in Southern Pines.

Gospel Singing

The 32nd Old Time Gospel Singing, featuring several groups, will be held Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at First Welseyan Church on the corner of N.C. 705 and Moore Street in Robbins.

The event is being hosted by the Ben Marley family.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome, according to a spokesman.

For more information, call (910) 948-2829.

Hallelujah Party

Highland Baptist Church on U.S. 1 will host its annual "Hallelujah Party" Saturday, Oct. 31. There will be treats, games and more.

Call the church at (910) 695-0494 for more information.

Moms in Touch

Is anyone praying for your child's school? Moms In Touch International invites all ladies from Moore County to "Come for Coffee!" Thursday, Oct. 15, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Christ Community Church to learn more how they can pray for their children and the schools they attend.

The coffee is designed to be brief, helpful and informative featuring a short Moms In Touch video, materials and information about how to get started. Moms In Touch is involved in 116 countries world-wide with over 25,000 prayer groups nationally and over 1,000 internationally. For more information check out www.momsintouch.org.

The church is located 1.8 miles north of the Pinehurst traffic circle on U.S. 15-501 north at 220 Campground Rd.

For more information or to register for childcare, call (910) 638-1679 or e-mail pennyrterry@yahoo.com.

Pineywood Revival

There will be a revival at Pineywood Baptist Church of Cameron beginning Sunday, Oct. 18, through Friday, Oct. 23.

The guest speaker will be the Rev. Mike Hollyfield from the Crossroad Baptist Church of Robbins. There will be special singing each night. The Sunday night service begins at 7 p.m. and Monday through Friday services will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call (910) 245-7351.

Free Lunches

Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church located at 1160 Red Hill Road, Cameron, will be serving free lunches in the church's dining room Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anniversary

The House of Refuge Church, Addor, will celebrate the fourth pastoral anniversary for Pastor Tony and First Lady Sandra Fairley at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, through Friday, Oct. 30.

There will be guest speakers each night: Pastor Victor Blue, Aberdeen (Monday); Pastor Jay Baker, Vass (Tuesday); Pastor Oliver Laws, Maxton (Wednesday); Pastor Fairley Ferebee, Hamlet, (Thursday); and Pastor Charles Wright, Kenansville, S.C (Friday).

Camp Meeting

Greater Harvest House of Prayer Ministries, located at 760 Midway Rd., Aberdeen, will be having a camp meeting at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, through Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The speaker will be Prophet Charles Gillespie.

Sacred Heart Women

Gary Faircloth, chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, was guest speaker at the October meeting of the Women of Sacred Heart.

Faircloth emphasized the need to care for and support abused and/or abandoned children. Faircloth is uniquely qualified to discuss the success of such support since he was once a resident of the home.

He described the facilities and the programs available to the children.

Joan Ward presented a check to Faircloth on behalf of the Women of Sacred Heart.

Faircloth expressed appreciation for the generous response and personally invited any interested persons to visit the home and to observe the programs.

Spaghetti Dinner

The West End United Methodist Church Men will host a spaghetti dinner at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.

The spaghetti will be available for dine in or take out. Tickets are $7, and are available from the Methodist Men or by calling the church office at (910) 673-1371.

Proceeds from the dinner go to support the West End Scouting program.

Fall Festival

Aberdeen First Baptist Church will host a Fall Festival and Family Fun Day Saturday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. on the front lawn of the church. There will be food, fun and fellowship for all ages, including face painting, crafts, bouncehouse, music, cotton candy and much more.

Appearances will be made by Sparky the Dog from the Aberdeen Fire Department, Smokey the Bear from Forestry Services and McGruff the Crime Dog from the Aberdeen Police Department. Fingerprinting will be available.

The church is located at 700 Sandhills Blvd. (U.S. 1) in Aberdeen. Call (910) 944-1421 for information.

Revival

A revival will be held at Ashley Heights Baptist Church Sunday, Nov. 1, through Wednesday, Nov. 4. The Rev. Mike Cummings, director of missions, Burnt Swamp Baptist Association, will be the featured speaker.

Ashley Heights Baptist Church is located on N.C. 211 south of Aberdeen.

Annual Bazaar

Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines, will hold its 20th annual benefit bazaar and yard sale on Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes a big yard sale, caf with breakfast and lunch menu, handmade crafts and bake sale.

All proceeds are donated to local programs that aid the needy in Moore County -- the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care Inc., Family Promise and Our Saviour's Discretionary Fund.

The Social Ministry Committee of Our Saviour sponsors the benefit, which raised close to $10,000 in 2008. In addition, Thrivent Financial Services for Lutherans will provide additional funds to augment the bazaar proceeds.

The yard sale will include fall and winter clothing for adults and children, books, CDs, videos, furniture, small appliances, jewelry, fine gifts and other household items. Cakes, cookies, pies, breads and candies will be on sale at the bake sale. The craft sale will feature all types of handmade crafts and holiday items. The caf offers breakfast and lunch selections.

Fletcher's Chapel

Women's Day will be observed at Fletcher's Chapel Sunday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m. The guest speaker will be Lady Gospel DJ Rose Highland Sharpe of Taylortown. Ernestine McRae, president of the United Methodist Women, is the sponsor.

Giving Back

The Restoration House of 149 Woodlawn Street (Suite A), West End, is scheduled to have "a giving back to the community giveaway" Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8 a.m to noon.

The purpose is to give back to those who are in need in the community. The church will be accepting gently used items to be given away that day.

"We will pick up all donations excluding dressers, beds, tables and chairs till Nov. 6," says a spokesman.

For more information, call (910) 673-1950.

Banquet

Kingdom Minded Ministries International Inc. will hold its annual pastoral banquet for Pastors Charles and Deborah Bloom at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Days Inn, located at 650 U.S. 1, Southern Pines.

The guest speaker will be Elder Kent McMillan of Frye's Chapel Church, Vass.

Tickets are $30 per adult, $15 per teen, and $5 per child.

Purchase tickets from Louise Goins.

For more information, e-mail kingdom_minded_ministries@ yahoo.com.

Relationship Series

Jesus Is King of Deliverance Ministries will feature a series on relationships taught by Deacon Jerome King Sr. and Pastor/Founder Virginia D. King during upcoming Sunday services.

Virginia D. King is currently pursuing her doctorate degree. She has a master's degree in theology and has been married for 41 years.

Services begin at 10:30 a.m. weekly.

The church is located at 550 Ashemont Road, Aberdeen, off N.C. 211 near McCain.

Adult Academy

The Adult Academy, a joint venture of West End Presbyterian Church and Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines, will present a series of lecture/presentations on "Faith and the Environment."

The final program will be held at West End Presbyterian's Crawford Center at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.

Oct. 18 -- Sustainable Sandhills Director Jon Parsons, Save our Sandhills' member, Ruth Stotling, and Sandhills Area Land Trust Director, Dan Bell, conclude the series with practical ideas that people in the Sandhills can implement immediately.

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.

Page Homecoming

Page Memorial United Methodist Church in Aberdeen will celebrate homecoming Sunday, Oct. 18, during 11 a.m. worship. No early service will be held that day.

The guest preacher will be the Rev. Thomas Simpson. A covered dish meal will follow worship.

"If you or someone you know was married, confirmed, baptised or attended Page Memorial in the past, you are invited to homecoming," says a spokesman.

For more information, contact the church office at (910) 944-1093.

Acoustic Music Circle

McDonalds Chapel Presbyterian Church invites local musicians to participate in an Acoustic Music Circle on the third Sunday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

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 upon the musicians who attend.

"Listeners are welcome too," says a spokesman.

There is no admission charge.

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

For more information, contact (910) 295-6608.

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.

Donations Sought

The Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines rummage sale is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Old West End Gym, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All proceeds will be utilized by the Community Christmas Fund to purchase gifts for needy families in Moore County and food vouchers for Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter meals.

The church needs donations of housewares, jewelry, sporting goods, computers, televisions, toys, etc. Clothing items must be cleaned and sized. Trucks will be available to pick up large items or furniture.

"Please deliver all donations to the Old West End Gym on Friday, Oct. 16, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and noon," says a spokesman.

Call Butch Allen at (910) 673-3312 or Don Truesdell at (910) 673-1509 with any questions about donations or to volunteer.

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 North East 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.