Addor

A black history program will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. Pastor Brenda Brown, the choir and members of Poplar Springs Baptist Church will be the special guests.

A repast will be held in the fellowship hall after the morning service and prior to the black history program. Everyone is encouraged to attend. It will be fun and educational. It is sponsored by the Deaconess Board.

Birthday wishes are extended to this week to Christopher Parker Jr. (Feb. 11) and Marie Berry (Feb. 13).

Sick and shut-ins: Marie Berry is in the hospital. Bernice Chavis, Gussie Lee McMillian, Betty J. Ellerbe, Nettie Benymon, Effie Jane Smith, Betty Lou Moses, Gussie L. McMillian 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.

Please continue to pray for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, as well as all the sick and shut-ins.

If anyone has church or other community news such as birthdays, please contact me at (910) 281-3385.

- Lorine McCants

Aberdeen

Turning Point Worship Center holds worship services at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday. Services are also held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Turning Point is holding a movie night on Fridays. For more information, call (910) 2812055 or go to www.tp-wc.org. The pastors are Stoney and Brenda Locklear.

Refiners Firer Church is presenting "A Prophetic End-Time Ministry, Igniting the Fire of God in the Hearts of Humanity!" The senior pastor is James C. Williams Jr.

For more information, go to www.freshfirechurch.us or refinersfire7@embarqmail.com.

Prayers and sympathy go out to the family of the late Willie Benton Brown.

- Shelbi Person

Berkley

New Hope Christian Ministries, where the pastor is Elder Brenda Brown, holds services in room 610 of the Country Hearth Inn 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. Morning prayer is held at 10:30 a.m. on the first through fourth Sunday.

A prayer meeting is held at 6 p.m. every Wednesday, followed by Bible study at 6:30 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 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. We wish everyone a happy New Year!

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

Eastwood

St. Peters will have a black history program at 7 p.m. Feb. 19.

Apostle Leonard Williams and Mother Mahalia Williams hold Bible study every Tuesday from 6:45 to 8 p.m. at Spring Hill Suites across from Pinecrest High School on U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines. All are welcome to attend.

St. Peters holds a prayer meeting at 7:30 every Thursday night. St. Peters will attend Bishop Ricky Smith's pastoral anniversary at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Jerome Williams preached his introductory sermon Saturday at Christ Memorial.

Yolanda and James Mason celebrated their wedding anniversary this week. Yosheila and John McGhee will celebrate their wedding anniversary Sunday, which is Valentine's Day.

Joshua Wall celebrated his birthday with his family. Birthday wishes are extended to Samuel Brown and Koreon Gillispie (Feb. 10), Vicky Wrencher (Feb. 12), Timothy Mason, Mahalia Williams and Merva McKinney (Feb. 13), Erika Russell, Gloria Lacy and Mary Harington (Feb. 14) Jordan Daliey (Feb. 15) and Tiffany Wall (Feb. 16).

Sick and shut-ins: Lewis McLaughlin, Paula Neal, Steve Coney, Sam Kelly, Ralph McLean, Michael McLean, Ester Mae Monroe, Evelyn Clegg, Cornelia Adkins, Mamie Williams, Bishop Lynne Kiniel, Margret Thompson and Alma Jones.

- Wilma Monroe

Hoffman

Fletcher's Chapel United Methodist Church will hold an African heritage program at 3 p.m. Feb. 20. The guest speaker is from Kenya. Women are asked wear a caftan, and men are encouraged to wear African attire. Prizes will be awarded for the most unique attire. Jackie Sloan is the sponsor.

Macedonia holds Bible study at 7 p.m. on the first and second Wednesday of each month. B.T.V. is held on the third Wednesday at 7 p.m. Church training is held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday. The Missionary Circle meets at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturday.

A pastoral worship service is held at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Baptism is held at 11 a.m. on the Saturday before the first Sunday of the month.

Anyone who needs a ride to church is asked to call William Isaac at (910) 690-2440 for the first Sunday, Amanda Jackson at (910) 281-0649 for the second Sunday, Frances Myers at (910) 281-5931 for the third Sunday and Yondell Hailey at (910) 692-9682 or (910) 315-4107. Please contact the appropriate person by the previous Friday.

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

Birthday wishes go out to Vanessa Graham, George Gibson, Janeen L. Taylor and Anthony Graham (Feb. 13).

Wilson Hart spent a few days at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Others on the sick and shut-in list are Flossie Hagins, Rosa Harrison, Lany Harrison, Darius Hart, E.C. McFayden, Leanna McRae, Nancy Ellerbe, Lillie Ellerbe, Bea White, Mattie White, Lomuel Stroman, Cathy Harrington, Letha Isaac, Beulah Jones, Retha Sloan, Nancy Hayes, Martha Ingram, Bea White, Mattie White, Henrietta Little, Eugene Martin, Johnny King, Thelma McKoy, Albert Hailey, Juanita Gilmore, Ernest Gilmore, Frank Smith, Rebecca Utley, First Lady Bethea, First Lady Eva Cunningham, Lany Harrison, Bea White, T. Rollins, J.J. Jones and Annette B. Dalton.

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

- Bea Little

Little River

The community is invited to attend the Ash Wednesday service at Cypress Presbyterian Church next Wednesday, Feb. 17. A pancake dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. After dinner, a worship service will be held in the sanctuary featuring the imposition of ashes and special music presented by the Succeed bell choir.

The Thursday night Bible Study will continue its new 10-week study on "Jesus' Parables for Today" and new participants are welcome. This week, the class will be studying the parables of the 10 bridesmaids and the last judgment. If you'd like more details please call (910) 245-3574.

Cypress Church is celebrating the birth of Brent and Sara Carter's son, Mason Lane Carter, on Jan. 26. The proud grandparents are Lane and Anita Carter.

Mount Pleasant's senior and junior youth group had to reschedule a fundraiser that was scheduled for this past Sunday until Feb. 29. They will serve homemade soup, sandwiches and desserts in the fellowship hall after services that morning. Everyone is invited, and donations will be accepted to help fund the ministries of the youth work at the church.

Mount Pleasant Church will celebrate Holy Communion during the morning worship service Feb. 28.

The new senior citizens group will meet at 11 a.m. next Tuesday, Feb. 16, in the fellowship hall for a covered-dish lunch. A representative from the police department will be there to discuss crime in our neighborhoods and how we can make our homes safer. All are invited to share this special time of fellowship and food. Please bring a covered dish.

This group will also discuss plans to travel to the Billy Graham Library and see the play "The 4th Cross" on a Saturday in early April. Anyone interested in joining this group for the trip can contact the church office at (910) 245-7405.

This past Sunday, Mount Pleasant recognized Floyd Weldon Chilton for his service to the church from 2007 through 2009 as a deacon. Chilton was presented with a beautifully engraved acrylic plaque for his faithful service. The engraving read "Well done thy good and faithful servant."

Mount Pleasant Church ordained Josephine Marks as a new deacon into the service of the church and her ministry on Sunday. She was elected by the church.

She is the wife of Harold Marks and a longtime member of the church. She serves as a Sunday School teacher and worker for the church's annual harvest sale. "Mrs. Jo," as she is called by many, enters into this new ministry well-equipped for service. Many of her family were present to witness and take part in her ordination. God will certainly do great things for this church and community in and through her life.

The choir's music for this very special day was a medley of "Victory in Jesus" and "I'll Fly Away." The director turned and asked the congregation to join the choir on the choruses, as many knew these songs by heart. Many were blessed by the lively and upbeat tone of the music for the day. Special thanks to the musicians for their work and choice of music on this special day.

The Wednesday night Bible study meets at 7:30 p.m. each week at the church. The group is studying "A Fresh Encounter," by Henry Blackaby. The choir practices at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who enjoys singing and making a "joyful noise unto the Lord" is invited to come out.

The Garnet Lobelias Rat Hat group will head to the Durham Performing Arts Center on Saturday to see the Celtic Woman. Anyone interested in joining this Red Hat group, which is also open to Pinkies, can call Queen Sunny at (910) 245-4747 or Princess Peanut at (910) 245-4741.

Very special wishes go out for those who are separated by the miles of war on Valentine's Day, which is Sunday, as we remember our military and their families with your positive thoughts and prayers as they serve our country. To those of us fortunate to have our loved ones close by, enjoy the day!

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

- Sunny Sidley

Shawtown

Synagogue of Christ on Stage Road, where the pastors are Bishop Lynn Keniel and Eldress Louise Keniel, will hold a building fund service Feb. 21. The speaker will be Elder Little, of St. Mark in Vass. Everyone is welcome.

St. Ruth United Church of God in West End, where the pastor is Eldress Lillian Kearns, will hold a revival service at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19. The speaker will be Apostle L. Williams, of Greater St Mark in Wadesboro. All are invited to attend.

Body of Christ Outreach Ministry on Lemon Springs Road, where the pastor is the Rev. Larry Ray, holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11:15 a.m. every Sunday. Bible study is held at 7 p.m. every Wednesday. Youth Bible study is also held on Wednesday night.

On the prayer list are all hospital patients, rest home residents, the homebound, prisoners, our president and other leaders, our troops, those who are addicted to tobacco, drugs and alcohol, and especially each other.

Best wishes are extended to all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week.

To include items in the community news, please call (910) 947-2208 or e-mail raye.irene@ yahoo.com.

- Irene Ray

Taylortown

The Taylortown Senior's Community Center has many winter activities, including free workshops with guest speakers, Bible study, bingo and breakfast at Chick-fil-A, and trips to other cities in North Carolina. The center is located at 134 Tom McIntosh Road. For more information please call Gladys Garris at (910) 528-1564.

The Moore County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will have its regular general membership meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16. There will be a presentation about the 2010 Census. For more information, call O'Linda Williams, the president of the local NAACP, at (910) 947-1422.

The Positive Direction for Youth Conference 2010 has been rescheduled for May. This event is sponsored by Christian Provision Ministries in Sanford. Many youth in our community look forward to this program each year, which includes workshops, step team and drum line events, and a concert.

For more information go to www.pdync.org or call (919) 774-9462. The pastors are Bishop Charles Mellette and Pastor Patti Mellette.

Long Leaf A.M.E. Zion Church, where the pastor is the Rev. Angela Headen Davis, will have a musical "Rainbow Tea" at 3 p.m. this Sunday. Her table will be in the color purple. All are invited to attend.

Love Grove Free Will Baptist Church will have a program at 3 p.m. this Sunday. The guest speaker will be Pastor David Bullard, of the Church of God of Prophecy, in Aberdeen. The pastor, the Rev. Jeremy Hollingsworth, invites everyone to attend.

The Martin Luther King Jr. march in Southern Pines from 2009 and this year will be on the "Town Talk" television show on Time Warner Cable channel 3 this week. The show airs daily at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Rose Highland-Sharpe is the host.

Information about the upcoming "Diversity Dinner" sponsored by Moore CAN will be featured on the radio edition of "Town Talk" at 2:05 this Sunday. Rose Highland-Sharpe is the host.

For more information about these community service broadcasts, please call Highland-Sharpe at (910) 295-0013.

The "Diversity Dinner" will be hosted by Spaulding Chapel A.M.E Zion Church at 3 pm. Sunday, Feb. 21. There will be several speakers and information packets from various nonprofit agencies. For more information, contact the Rev. Charles McKnight Sr. or Madie Davis at Spaulding Chapel. The pastor is the Rev. Oscar Rush. The event is free and open to the public.

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church will have its black history program at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. The pastor, the Rev. Charles Nabors, invites everyone to attend.

God's Love in Action Deliverance Ministries will have its annual prayer breakfast Sunday, Feb. 27. The donation is $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 and under. The speaker will be Pastor Janice Heath, of Winston-Salem. The pastor, Apostle Andrea U. Weekes, invites everyone to attend. Contact the pastor or members for the exact time.

The sick and shut-in list includes Deacon Leroy Alford Jr., Jaion Barrett, Althea Gaddy, Sandy George Gaines, Cathy Harrington, Flossie Highland, the Rev. Nathaniel McNeill, Willa B. Monroe, Catherine Morrison, Dorothy R. Morrison, Vera Moses and Howard Ray.

Please remember the bereaved, sick and shut-ins, incarcerated, needy, youths, senior citizens and members of the U.S. military in your prayers and good deeds. Also, thank you for remembering the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. You can make contributions through the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

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

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.

A "Sweetheart Ball" sponsored by Fellowship House of God of Carthage will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday. Pastor Mary Kelly will be the guest speaker. The Gospel Mellowtones will also perform.

Minister Frederick Kelly, of God's House of Prayer Ministry, will be the guest speaker at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at Miracle of Faith and Deliverance Church in High Point for its "Men of Standard" program.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Anyone who needs a ride can call (910) 695-0494.

Choir practice is held every Sunday evening unless postponed by Pastor Vaughn.

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.

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

To have your news included in the Vass section, send an e-mail to anitafinch38@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.

- Anita Finch