West End United Methodist Church will host a revival beginning Sunday, Sept. 13, and running through Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The guest speaker and bible study leader is Dr. M.J. Kim. Before his retirement, Kim served at the largest church in the Virginia Annual Conference, and was also a district superintendent. He is a graduate of the Duke Divinity School.

Kim will deliver the message at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services Sunday, Sept. 13. A covered dish supper will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by a worship service at 7 p.m.

Bible study will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 14, through Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the church fellowship hall. Revival services will be at 7 p.m. each evening.

For additional details, call the church office at 673-1371.

High Holy Days

Sandhills Jewish Congregation will usher in the High Holy Days, the most solemn days, in September.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the Jewish year 5770, and 10 days later is followed by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Entering the High Holiday, Jews prepare for a year of renewal, and pray for peace and happiness for all people. Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, is a day of fasting from food and drink.

During the days of repentance, all Jews are invited to take an inventory of their conduct during the past year and to make firm resolutions for improvement in the coming year, and pray that Yom Kippur washes away their sins. The service begins in the morning and continues until sundown. At the close of the services congregants will enjoy a "Break the Fast" meal.

This year all services will be held at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen, because Temple Beth Shalom in Foxfire Village is undergoing major repairs due to serious water damage.

"The Sandhills Jewish Congregation wishes to thank the Bethesda Presbyterian Church for graciously offering the use of their facilities," says a spokesman.

The September worship schedule is Friday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m. -- Erev Rosh Hashanah; Saturday, Sept. 19 -- Rosh Hashanah, 9 a.m. children's service and 10 a.m. adult service; Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. Shabbat services; Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. Torah study; Sunday; Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Erev Yom Kippur, and Monday, Sept. 28, Yom Kippur, 9 a.m. children's service and 10 a.m. adult services; 5 p.m. Yizkor and Ne'ilah service followed by 6:30 p.m. Break the Fast meal.

For more information about the services, Break the Fast Reservations and the High Holiday ticket policy, visit Temple Beth Shalom's Web page at www.sandhillsjewish.org or call (910) 673-5224.

Anniversary

Seven Lakes Baptist Church will hold its 21st anniversary and revival services Sunday, Sept. 13, hrough Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The special guest speaker is Evangelist Matt Wilkins. A graduate of Liberty University, he is the son-in-law of Mary Hankins and the late Ken Hankins, former pastor of the church.

Special music will be presented by the SLBC Worship Team.

Services are at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday, with a covered dish meal to follow the 11 a.m. service. Sunday through Wednesday evening services are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friends and Family Day

Shady Grove Holiness Church will hold its annual Friends and Family Day at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. The guest speaker is Pastor Freddie Leggett of Kingdom Outreach Ministry, of Raeford.

The church is located two miles east of Aberdeen on N.C. 211.

For futher details, contact Mable L. Graham at 944-1267.

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.

Beaver Creek

The Widows, Widowers and Singles Ministry of Beaver Creek Baptist Church will dine out at Chris' Restaurant in Carthage Friday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m.

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

Ramsey Classes

Grace Church will offer the opportunity for local residents to enroll in Financial Peace University (FPU), the 13-week program taught by Dave Ramsey, that has helped more than 750,000 families positively change their financial future.

The classes will begin Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.

Ramsey is a personal money management expert, an extremely popular national radio personality and best-selling author of "The Total Money Makeover."

This program teaches families and individuals how to handle their money through common-sense principles and small group accountability. FPU is available for churches, companies, military bases, financial literacy programs, Spanish speaking organizations and community groups.

Each class participant needs a kit. Special rates are routinely available online at www.daveramsey.com or by calling 888-227-3223. Included in the cost of the kit is a lifetime family membership to FPU, allowing the participant to return to any class at anytime for a refresher course. The kit also includes an FPU workbook, an FPU envelope system, 13 audio lessons, bonus CD, budgeting forms, debit card holders and Ramsey's best-selling book , "Financial Peace."

Contact Matthew Smith at (910) 725-1353 or msmith146@gmail.com for more information or to register.

Mother's Morning Out

The Village Chapel is now accepting reservations for its next eight-week session.

The program for children ages 15 months through 2 years old will be held on Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The program for children ages 3 and 4 years old will be held Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children can attend one day or both days of the week.

For more information or to register your child, contact Sarah Graves at 315-7730 or The Village Chapel at 295-6003.

In conjunction with Mother's Morning Out, a women's bible study will be held on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. at the same location, beginning Sept 8. This is a 12-week Beth Moore study of "Daniel." Call the church office at 295-6003 to attend.

Church Women United

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.

The Bledsoes

Crossroads Community Church will hold a gospel sing, 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.

Fair Singers

There will be gospel sing 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.