Pinehurst United Methodist Church is holding its annual church projects benefit barbecue fundraiser Friday, April 16.

The church is located at 4111 Airport Road (approximately one mile from the Pinehurst Traffic Circle on Airport Road going toward Sandhills Community College on the right).

Plates feature barbecue pork or fried chicken with two sides, roll, drink and dessert.

“Eat in, take out, or we will deliver 10 or more plates (no drinks with delivery),” says a spokesman.

Plates are $7 each, including dessert.

Lunch is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner hours are 4:30 to 7 p.m.

There will be extra homemade cakes, pies and other desserts for sale. There will also be one-pound containers of barbecue pork for sale for $7 or one pre-purchased ticket.

Angelfood Ministries

New Covenant Fellowship church in Carthage is a host site for Angelfood Ministries, which started in Georgia and is now in 44 states feeding more than 500,000 families per month

“It’s not a handout, but a hand up,” says a spokesman. “Everyone qualifies, and it’s the only ministry in the U.S. that accepts food stamps.”

On Saturday, April 17, starting at 11:30 a.m., NCF will be having a sampling party for all that Angelfood has to offer.

For information, call (910) 947-1412. The church is located at 305 Hulsey Road, between New Century Middle School and Union Pines High School.

Visit newcovenantfellowship-nc.com and angelfoodministries.org.Articles of Faith: Church Holds Annual Fundraiser

Operation Inasmuch

Operation Inasmuch will be held at First Baptist Church of Southern Pines on Saturday, May 1.

Willing participants will be involved in a variety of community projects in the Southern Pines area such as: a food drive; rummage sale; random acts of kindness; knitting chemo hats; neighborhood beautification; and Camp Duncan development.

There are also support projects that are necessary for the success of the community projects including child care, lunch preparation, photography, transportation and prayer teams.

“If you aren’t going to be available May 1, you can still help with the project by bringing any of the following items to the church ahead of time,” says a spokesman. “Needed are laundry soap, dryer sheets, bleach, soft yarn, prepackaged snack food, plastic grocery bags and travel-size toiletries.”

Yard sale items, with the exception of clothes, are also needed.

These can be brought to the church Thursday, April 29, or Friday, April 30.

If assistance is needed with transporting any yard sale items, contact Larry Weeks at (910) 215-0739.

Acoustic Music Circle

The Acoustic Music Circle meets every third Sunday of the month in the Fellowship Hall at McDonalds Chapel on Foxfire Road, two miles from Pinehurst and 1½ miles from Foxfire Village.

“This music circle is open to everyone who would like to join in and share their musical talents,” says a spokesman. “Those who would like to come and listen in the audience are also welcomed. The atmosphere is friendly with toe-tapping music for those that enjoy playing music together.”

Light refreshments are served. The next session will be held Sunday, April 18, from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information contact Jayne Cummings at (910) 295-5220.

Revival

Pineywood Baptist Church will hold revival at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 19, through Friday, April 23.

The guest speaker will be the Rev. Eddie Powers, pastor of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, Monroe. There will be special singing each night.

The church is located in Cameron. For information, call (910) 245-7351.

VBS Fundraiser

Page Memorial United Methodist Church’s Children’s Ministry will host its annual VBS Yard Sale Fundraiser Saturday April 24, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

The yard sale will include furniture, household items, clothing, toys, books and more.

All profits benefit VBS 2010.

The church is located in downtown Aberdeen at the intersection of Main and Poplar streets. For more information, call the church office at (910) 944-1093.

Gospel Sing

The Bible Tabernacle Church will hold a gospel sing at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 17. The church is located 1/2 mile north of the airport on N.C. 22.

Beaver Creek Baptist

Tonight is the final night of the youth crusade at Beaver Creek Baptist Church.

The events will begin at 5:30 p.m. with food and fellowship and at 7 p.m., Adrian Despres, from Columbia, S.C., of the Kingdom Building Ministry, will deliver the message.

The Old Country Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, beginning at 10 a.m.

Hot dog plates are available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and barbecue plates from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The finale will be a free concert by The Marksman Quartet at 6 p.m. There will be music, games, demonstrations, auctions, crafts and antique displays of cars and farm equipment along with a lot of food throughout the day for the entire family.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

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

Gospel Singing

Candor Baptist Church will hold its fifth annual gospel singing Saturday, May 1 beginning at 2 p.m.

“Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a blessing,” says a spokesman. “We will be enjoying music from The Gospel Winds, Blue Horizon, Eddie Ingram and Family, The Thickety Creek Band and others.”

There will be food for sale and an auction.

Plate Sale

Greater Harvest House of Prayer Ministries, located at 760 Midway Road, Aberdeen, will be having a plate sale Saturday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We will offer a choice of fish or chicken, drink and dessert for $7,” says a spokesman.

On April 30, at 7 p.m., the church will be having an appreciation service for the pastor’s wife, Jennifer Thomas. The speaker will be Eldress Mary Davis, from Prayer Deliverance in Raeford.

Stone Chapel

The Sisterhood of Stone Chapel will be having its annual Women’s Conference Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15.

The Friday night service will begin at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Pastor Mary Adkinson, of Great Hope, in Raeford.

Services will continue Saturday morning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Gloria Downs, of Marsh Chapel A.M.E. Zion, in Jackson Springs, and will conclude Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. with Pastor Angela Davis of Long Leaf A.M.E. Zion in Robbins.

Life and Faith Tour

In its debut year, the Life and Faith Tour will kick off in a big way by giving back to local communities in three cities this summer, including Rockingham, on July 10.

Other cities are Richmond, Va., and Atlanta, Ga.

The diverse lineup for the event includes six-time Grammy Award-winner Amy Grant, multi-platinum selling band MercyMe, CMA Award winners Diamond Rio, Grammy Award-winning duo Mary Mary, The Nelons and Triumphant Quartet, as well as ventriloquists and comedians, authors, speakers and more.

The Life and Faith Tour is a music festival with a major fundraising component to benefit the local community, born out of the simple desire to give back and leave a community in better shape than it was when they arrived.

Created years ago by former fireman Ronnie Jackson, as an initial fundraiser for the local fire department in Kenbridge, Va., what started out as a cookout with local entertainment grew into a major fundraising event with headlining acts such as Travis Tritt and Alabama.

Today, more than 30 years later, the tour has grown into a major family attraction.

“What sets it apart from other festivals is how it presents an opportunity for organizations to raise funds,” says a spokesman. “This is done by simply spreading the word.”

Tickets are available now for $47.50 and $10 of that automatically goes to a local organization.

“If the ticket buyer doesn’t choose a beneficiary, a default organization in each city will benefit, ensuring that the community benefits from every ticket sold,” says a spokesman. “Organizations will range from local companies to the YMCA, Red Cross and other worthy civic groups.”

“This is truly an effortless act; all organizations have to do is talk about the show, and then when a patron goes to buy a ticket, that organization gets $10 just for the referral,” Jackson explains. “However, the churches and organizations must be registered on the tour’s Web site to become a beneficiary. When purchasing a ticket, patrons will be able to choose an organization where their ticket proceeds will go. Each venue can hold 70,000 people so a sellout crowd would leave that community with $700,000 as the tour buses pull out of town. It is truly a remarkable way to give back to the community.”

Compassion International is just one of the many sponsors that have climbed on board to help make this event possible. As a beneficiary for the tour, it is an opportunity that not only raises funds for their own organization, but it also benefits others in the surrounding communities as well. For every 70,000 people who attend, the tour will provide the funds to build a Habitat of Humanity home in that state.

For organizations to register to become a beneficiary, view the full all-star lineup, purchase tickets and find more information visit www.lifeandfaithtour.com.

Christian Oratorio

Trinity Music Academy will premier “The Parables,” a new oratorio by Sophia Pavlenko, April 17, at 7 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, corner of Russell and Blair streets, Troy.

“The Parables” is a major dramatical work of 11 movements covering three of the parables of Jesus.

The first half of the program features highlights from Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Handel’s “Messiah.”

Featured performers include internationally acclaimed tenor John Fowler, who will sing the title role of “The Prodigal Son,” while tenor Jeff Gwaltney is coming back from Europe to sing the role of “The Other Son.”

Also appearing will be New York City tenor Dan Stein, Irish soprano Marie Claire Reardon, lyrical sopranos Brianna Wolf and Stephanie Stein, and coloratura Heidi Vega.

The all-star cast will be supported by the Trinity Music Academy choir as well as members of the Opera Company of North Carolina, the Charlotte Opera and the Asheville Opera, along with members of the TMA orchestra and members of the Raleigh, Fayetteville and Greensboro symphonies and Rockhill Symphony.

Concertmaster is violinist Izabela Spiewak, a native of Hungary. Pavlenko will be at the Clara Capel Memorial pipe organ, while TMA director Dr. Paul Chandley will take the podium for the evening’s performance.

Retreat

The Village Chapel’s Women’s Ministry sponsors its Women’s Spring Retreat, Saturday, April 24. This year’s theme is “While You Wait for God.”

Speaker Van Walton will address “Wait Management: What Can Be Done While We Wait for God to Change the Circumstances in Our Lives.” Walton is the director of Spanish ministries for the Proverbs 31 organization, a nondenominational, nonprofit Christian ministry. She is the author of “From the Pound to the Palace” and “Little Halos.”

The retreat takes place Saturday, April 24, at the Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost to attend is $20 per person, which includes a lunch buffet. Guests are welcome. Child care services will be available at the church. Reservations and payment must be in to the church office no later than Tuesday, April 20. Call (910) 295-6003 for information.

Auction

The youth of First Baptist Church of Pinehurst will be hosting their annual fundraising auction Friday, April 16, at the church.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served beginning at 6 p.m. and the auction will start at 6:30 p.m.

Money raised from the auction will be used to send 30 youth and adults to summer camp at Camp Caswell.

In addition to the Caswell trip, funds raised also will help support a mission trip to Follansbee, W.Va., where the First Baptist youngsters will be leading Vacation Bible School and participating in a community service project.

Some of the items in the auction include local golf packages, local pottery, three nights at a North Carolina mountain cabin, a week at a two-bedroom condo in North Myrtle Beach and a week at a three-bedroom house in Hertford.

“And if you have a sweet tooth, come and bid on some of the delicious homemade cakes and pies that will be available,” says a spokesman.

The church is located at 7373 N.C. 211, across from Pinewild.

Anniversary

Pastors Charles and Deborah Bloom, together with Kingdom Minded Ministries International, Inc. will be celebrating its second church anniversary Sunday, April 18, at the Southern Pines Primary School Auditorium, 1250 W. New York Ave., Southern Pines, at 5 p.m.

On April 18, the guest speaker will be Pastor Stoney Locklear, from Turning Point Worship Center, Aberdeen.

For more information, send an e-mail to kingdom_minded_ministries@yahoo.com or (910) 315-1153.

Softball Tourney

A round robin softball tournament will be played at the West End Elementary School Field on N.C. 211 in West End Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1. Entry fee is $150 per team.

Teams interested in entering should call Rufus Cole at (910) 603-8194.

All proceeds will benefit Kingdom-Minded Ministries. This event will be sponsored by the KMMI Pastors Aide Ministry.

Youth Choir

The Youth Choir of Stone Chapel will be celebrating its annual choir anniversary Sunday, April 18, at 3 p.m.

Conference

Jesus World Outreach Center Inc. (JWOC) will hold its 10th Annual Men of Integrity (MOI) Conference on Friday, April 16, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

This year’s theme is “The Integrity of the Righteous.” JWOC Pastor, host and MOI founder Dr. Jake Williams Jr. invites men from all walks of life to come and experience God’s presence in an awesome way.

“Williams’ passion to see men succeed in Christ has ignited men throughout the region to become committed and faithful to God and their families,” says a spokesman.

JWOC is located at 2727 Murchison Road in Fayetteville.  There is no registration fee.  Nursery care will be provided, and refreshments will be served. 

For more information and to RSVP, call JWOC at (910) 823-4849.

‘Answers in Genesis’

“Answers in Genesis” will be hosted by Ashley Heights Baptist Church, Sunday, April 25, and Monday, April 26.

This is a free conference suggested for ages 11 and up.

James Gardner will present five seminars: “Dinosaurs and Dragons: Fact or Myth” (9:45 a.m. Sunday, April 25), “Consequences of the Path You Choose” (11 a.m.), “Why Question Biblical Authority?” (6 p.m.) “What is Truth?” (7 p.m.) and “The Mystery of Ancient Man” (7 p.m. Monday, April 26).

“Answers in Genesis” is an apologetics (i.e., Christianity-defending) ministry, dedicated to enabling Christians to defend their faith and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively.

The church is located south of Aberdeen on N.C. 211. A nursery is provided, but conference seating is limited.

For more information call the church office at (910) 944-1952 or (910) 875-5408 or visit the Web site at answersingenesis.org.

‘Wee Learn’

First Baptist Church of Aberdeen is accepting applications for its “Wee Learn” program for summer and fall.

The eligibility ages are 12 months through pre-kindergarten. Applications are being taken to be placed on a waiting list for the summer program scheduled for June and July.

“Tuition rates are very reasonable,” says a spokesman.

The curriculum will be a balance of learning activities including age appropriate skill development and a Bible lesson. The atmosphere will be a loving, child-centered environment.

The church is located at 700 N. Sandhills Boulevard, U.S. 1 in Aberdeen.

Call (910) 944-1421 today to schedule a visit or request an application.

Wellness Class

West End United Methodist Church will host a “Mind, Body and Spirit” wellness class beginning Monday, April 12, and continuing every Monday for six weeks until May 17.

The classes will be taught by the Rev. Janet Balasko. Before becoming a United Methodist Church minister, Balasko spent more than seven years as an exercise physiologist in Wilmington. She has a master’s degree in exercise physiology and is currently working on getting her personal training certificate.

The class will meet for six weeks from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Participants will learn nutritional information, exercise techniques and hear devotions. The cost of the program is $30.

For information, call Balasko at (919) 258-3743.

Adult Academy

Dr. Larry Lyon, pastor of West End Presbyterian Church, will teach a four-week course on theology and literature beginning Tuesday, April 6, and concluding Tuesday, April 27.

The course is based on writings by North Carolina authors, and sign-ups will be necessary to order the book that attendees will be studying. There will be a minimal charge to cover the cost of the book.

The course will be held at West End Presbyterian at 7 p.m., and child care will be provided.

As is true of all Adult Academy programs, the public is invited to attend. Reservations for this program can be made by calling West End Presbyterian Church at (910) 673-4341.

Dial-A-Meditation

Need encouragement and inspiration for these troublesome times? Call Dial-A-Meditation at (910) 947-2002 to hear a message sponsored by Community Friends Church, in Carthage.

New Ministry

New Hope Christian Ministry holds Sunday School each Sunday at 10 a.m., with morning prayer at 10:30 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. Bible study is held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and minister’s study at 6 p.m. Tuesdays. A women’s fellowship meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

The ministry meets in Room 610 of the Country Hearth Inn on U.S. 1, Aberdeen.

Lunch ’n Learn

The Village Chapel of Pinehurst hosts a Lunch ’n Learn program from noon to 1 p.m. on Fridays with Dr. Larry Ellis, senior pastor.

He will answer questions and provide insight into the scripture readings each week.

“You can send your questions to info@TheVillageChapel.net,” says a spokesman. “We will be meeting in Chapel Hall and don’t forget your lunch.”

For information, call (910) 295-6003.

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 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.

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.