Cypress Presbyterian Church welcomed its new interim pastor, Dr. Barbara Hedin, Sunday, Nov. 28. Following the 11 a.m. worship service, a covered dish luncheon was held in her honor in the church fellowship hall.

Hedin came to Cypress from Grove Presbyterian Church in Kenansville. Prior to Grove Presbyterian Church, she served churches in Beulaville and Pineville, W.Va., for 12 years. Before studying at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va., Hedin was a nurse and nurse educator for 20 years working and teaching nursing in Virginia, South Dakota, Alabama, California, Maryland and Germany. Upon graduation from the University of Rochester School of Nursing in 1969, she served in the Army Nurse Corps for three years, spending one of those years in Vietnam.

"I bring a snow shovel for unexpected storms, golf clubs as a constant symbol of humility and a brownie recipe for comfort in distressing times," says Hedin.

The community is invited to attend Cypress Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 1220 Cypress Church Road, seven miles east of Vass.

Book Signing

On Thursday, Dec. 2, author and Scotia Village resident Dr. Malcolm C. Doubles will be speaking, reading and signing copies of his new book, "The Seduction of the Church." The event will take place on the Scotia Village campus in the Morris Morgan Entertainment Center at 2:30 p.m.

Doubles is visiting professor of religious studies at St. Andrews Presbyterian College. The event is free, and copies of the book will be available for sale.

The book, subtitled "How the Concern to Create Gender-Neutral Language in Bible and Song Is Being Misused to Betray Members' Faith," takes a look at the acceptance of gender-inclusive language in the religious domain.

Doubles, previous to coming to St. Andrews, worked for 33 years at Coker College, 21 as provost and dean of faculty. Other books authored by Doubles include "The Sources of the Pentateuch Displayed" (2000), "A Century Plus: A History of Sonoco Products Company" (2005), and "In Quest of Excellence: A History of Coker College on its Centennial" (2008).

Women in Red

Fletcher's Chapel will celebrate its annual Women in Red Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. The guest minister will be the Rev. Barbara Covington, of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Beaver Dam. All women are asked to wear red, representing the blood of Jesus. Dinner will be served following morning services

The church is located on U.S. 1, in Hoffman.

Choir Presentation

Bethesda Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir presents "Born a Savior, Born a King: The Prophecy Fulfilled" Sunday, Dec. 5, during the 11 a.m. worship service.

As the prophets had long promised, the time had finally come for the advent of Jesus, the Son of God. But could this child, born in such humble surroundings, truly be the promised Savior and King? From the apparent dichotomy presented by that night in Bethlehem comes the premise for this thoughtful, inspired and tuneful work from the talented pen of John Purifoy.

The choir sings under the direction of Nancy Arnold, accompanied by Larry Arnold on piano and Ruth Sinclair on organ.

St. Mary Magdalene

Not so long ago it was common for churches to be left open so that those in need of a quiet place to meditate or pray would have somewhere to go. Unfortunately, most churches today are not able to offer such a place to the community.

St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, of Seven Lakes, has decided to open its sanctuary to the public over the Advent season from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays.

The church invites anyone who would like a quiet place for prayer and meditation to come to the church anytime during those hours.

St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church is located at 1145 Seven Lakes Drive, Seven Lakes.

Christmas Cantata

The Sandhills Presbyterian Church in America choir will perform its annual Christmas cantata Sunday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.

"Complemented with narrative from the Word of God, the cantata brings the timeless story of the birth of the Savior to light through some of the best-loved songs of the season," says a spokesman.

The church is located at 650 Pee Dee Road in Southern Pines.

For information, contact Leo Ganster at (910) 295-5786.

Christmas Raffle

Faith on Fire Ministries is sponsoring a Christmas raffle. The drawing will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, although ticketholders do not have to be present to win.

Tickets are $10 each. Prizes include a 50-inch Sanyo flat-screen plasma TV, $50 in cash and $35 in cash.

For tickets, call (919) 775-2561.

December Events

Taylor Memorial Baptist Church announces the following events for December:

On Sunday, Dec. 5, at 10:30 a.m., Clara Huff, a retired missionary from Chile, will be speaking on the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the International Mission Board.

On Sunday, Dec. 12, at 5:30 p.m., the annual Christmas program "The Present is the Future" will be presented.

On Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m., Evelyn Moss, a retired missionary from Africa, will be speaking on the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the International Mission Board.

On Sunday, Dec. 26, at 10:30 a.m., the Christmas cantata "Behold Emmanuel" will be presented by the church choir.

The church is located at 4164 Hoffman Road, Jackson Springs.

Buffet

On Monday, Dec. 13, women in The Village Chapel and the community are invited to a Christmas buffet luncheon at the Country Club of North Carolina from noon to 2 p.m. The afternoon's events will include a seasonal presentation by Kathi Dishner as well as Christmas music. Door prizes will also be part of the afternoon's festivities.

Cost for the luncheon is $12, payable at the church office at (910) 295-6003. Payment, which must be made by Dec. 9, is your reservation. When reserving, mention if you plan to use the child care services that will be provided at the church for no additional charge.

Christmas Program

Crossroads Community Church announces that its Christmas program this year will be a Gaither-style singing around the grand piano titled "Putting 'Christ' Back Into Christmas Sing."

The event takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Admission is free.

Featured singers will be Charles Scarlette, of Madison; Pamela Hinson, of Robbins; Ann Lane, of Jackson Springs; Corbin and Linda Whitaker, of Sanford; Stormy Scarboro, of Carthage; the Crossroads Choir and others.

The church is located at the Whispering Pines intersection of Vass-Carthage and Niagara-Carthage roads, in Carthage.

For more information or directions, call (910) 949-3971.

Advent Services

Community Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Kelly and Everett roads in Pinehurst, will celebrate the season of Advent as follows:

Dec. 2, candlelight service of remembrance, 7 p.m. in the sanctuary; Dec. 5, Music Sunday, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services in the fellowship hall; Dec. 12, 9 a.m. service in the sanctuary with an 11 a.m. service in the fellowship hall; Dec. 19, 9 a.m. service in the sanctuary, with an 11 a.m. service in the fellowship hall and a 5 p.m. Children's Christmas Pageant in the fellowship hall; Dec. 24, candlelight lessons and carols, 5 and 7:30 p.m. services in the sanctuary; Dec. 26, 10 a.m. service in the sanctuary.

Beaver Creek

The Widows, Widowers and Singles Ministry of Beaver Creek Baptist church will have fellowship at Carolina Buffet Friday, Dec. 3, at 5:30 p.m.

A children's Christmas program will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron. For information, call (919) 499-9632 or (800) 681-8602.

West End UMC

Bread of Life Ministry at West End United Methodist Church will meet Thursday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This ministry is for seniors (widows, widowers and the elderly). It is a time of fellowship and devotion, and a meal is provided at a charge of $5 per person.

A Christmas cantata "Ceremony of Candles" will be presented by the West End UMC Chancel Choir at the 11 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 5.

The Boy Scouts of West End United Methodist Church will host the dedication of its new Scout lodge Sunday, Dec. 5, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at 3164 Carthage Road (just outside Seven Lakes). The building dedication will take place at the flagpole at 2 p.m.

Church Anniversary

God's Vision of Praise will celebrate its sixth church anniversary Sunday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m. at the Douglass Center in Southern Pines.

The church pastor is Ruby Shepherd; the guest speaker is Pastor Ellerbe, from Wadesboro.

For information, call (910) 639-9203.

Flapjack Fundraiser

First Missionary Baptist Church will hold a flapjack fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 4, from 7 to 10 a.m. at Applebee's, 1403 N. Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen. Tickets are $7.

Rededication

The Word of Life HCOGIC, 107 Spring St., Aberdeen, will hold a rededication service of its newly renovated sanctuary at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. The speaker is Bishop Larry Brown, of House of Prayer HCOGIC.

There will be celebration services the preceding Wednesday through Friday nights at 7 p.m. Wednesday's speaker is Bishop Willie Gilmore, of Fellowship House of God; Pastor Victor Blue, of Jesus Is Lord Deliverance Center, will speak Thursday; and Apostle Hoover Benymon, of Crusade for Christ Deliverance Center, speaks on Friday.

There will be special music Friday night from Pastor Mike Collins and his choir, of Collins Revival Center.

The church pastor is Overseer Nathaniel Malloy.

Nativity Display

The Jessie Loving Circle of Cameron Baptist Church will be hosting a display of nativities in the fellowship hall Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

The church is located at 593 Carthage St., Cameron.

Singles Conference

The Judah Commander ECA Ministries will present the annual Singles Conference 2010 Thursday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 12, at the Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Family Worship Center.

The Greater Pentecostal Deliverance Family Worship Center is located at 156 Westgate Drive off N.C. 211 in Pinehurst. Visit www.JudahCommanderECA.net or contact Evangelist Vickie Kelly at (910) 281-0369 for more information on upcoming events.

Calvary Baptist

Calvary Baptist Church, Old Plank Road, Robbins, will perform the play "Wings of Christmas" Friday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m.

Bible Study

The Pinehurst Evening Community Bible Study will start a new study on Dec. 7 of the Apostle Paul's letters to the Church of Thessalonica. This important study gives the Christian believer God's plan for the events surrounding the second coming of Christ. It will be a six-week study with a holiday recess, ending in January and conducted at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday evenings. Guest night is Dec. 7, with classes available for singles and couples. Material for the study will be supplied. For more information, call Merle Lewis at (910) 255-6179 or mlewis27330@nc.rr.com.

Learning Center

The 21st Century Community Learning Center is now in session on the campus of Christ Way Deliverance Church in Eastwood. The church is hosting kindergarten through 12th grade.

The after-school program is held Mondays through Thursdays, from 3 to 6 p.m. Homework assistance is offered in math, reading and science as well as with special school projects.

"We have partnered with the Moore County office of the N.C. Cooperative Extension 4-H," says a spokesman. "Linda Gore and Agnes Evans will be involved with the students, presenting a variety of fun activities for 12 weeks starting January. We have also scheduled Martrina McDonald for a couple of sessions. McDonald works through the Communities In Schools of Moore County and does a wonderful job teaching about healthy eating and exercise for youngsters. Working to improve academic skills for our students in Moore County is our main goal. However, we will also have a variety of activities for parents of our students or parents in the community who may be interested in living a better life, spiritually, financially, emotionally and physically."

Information on parent involvement will be given at a later date.

An additional site of the 21st CCLC will be held at Union Pines High School that will serve grades seven through 12. For additional information for the UPHS site, call Renee Portfilio, school counselor, at (910) 947-5511. For Christ Way Deliverance, call Nathaniel Jackson at (910) 235-3715 or (910) 295-5813. Spaces are still available at both sites.

Harvesters Sing

The Harvesters Quartet will sing at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Bensalem Presbyterian Church, 2891 Bensalem Church Road, Eagle Springs.

There will be no charge; however, a love offering will be taken.

For information, call (910) 673-8078.

Building Blocks

The Creative Learning Center of Moore County, a private nonprofit organization, is enrolling students in grades 4-8 in the Building Blocks After School Program. This free program is funded by a 21st Century grant. It is located at First Missionary Baptist Church, 315 S. Gaines St., Southern Pines.

The program consists of homework help, math and reading tutoring, and enhancement activities that will include money management, public speaking, yoga and etiquette.

For information, contact L'Tanya Haire, program director, at (910) 315-2699 or Vera Burks, program coordinator, at (910) 992-1529.

Acoustic Music Circle

The Acoustic Music Circle at McDonalds Chapel will meet Sunday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Martha's Place

Martha's Place, a soup kitchen sponsored by Page Memorial United Methodist Church, offers free lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays.

Calvary Chapel is now assisting by cooking and serving on two Tuesdays a month.

Martha's Place is in the fellowship hall of Page Memorial United Methodist Church in Aberdeen.

Reading Room

At the bookstore/library Christian Science Reading Room, 173 NE Broad St., in Southern Pines, are Bible study guides in printed and audio versions for study each week. The librarian is always ready to share in its exploration.

References are from the King James Bible and correlative ideas are from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. On the Sunday following the weekly study, the lesson is read aloud by lay readers in the Christian Science Church service. Visitors are welcome to read the lesson in the Reading Room and/or hear it read on Sunday at the Christian Science Church, 240 E. New Hampshire Ave., at 10 a.m.

For further information, call (910) 692-7759.

Military Spouse Support Group

The Village Chapel, in Pinehurst, has started a military spouse support group that meets Friday, Dec. 3. The group will meet at the Care Cottage of the Chapel from 9 to 11 a.m. and child care is provided. The program provides fellowship, teaching, outreach and support.

Call the church office at (910) 295-6003.

Caregivers

The Village Chapel Caregivers meet the fourth Thursday of each month. The group is open to the public. For information, call June Vetter at (910) 295-8026.

Healing Service

A healing service will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, rather than the second Wednesday 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.

Inquiries for wellness -information and programs may be -directed to (910) 295-1577.