Addor

The black history program scheduled for last Sunday at New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church was canceled because of the death of a member of the community. We hope to reschedule it.

The community was saddened by the death of Gussie Lee McMillian on Tuesday, Feb. 7. She was 65. She was buried in Wayne Cemetery in Addor.

The first quarterly conference for St. Augustine and New Zion A.M.E. Zion churches will be held at 11 a.m. this Sunday at St. Augustine in Carthage. Everyone is welcome to attend. Dr. Ocie Brown is in charge.

Birthday wishes are extended to this week to the wife of Pastor Clinton Edwards (Feb. 21).

Sick and shut-ins: Marie Berry, Betty J. Ellerbe, Nettie Benymon, Effie Jane Smith, Betty Lou Moses 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

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? Ccontact Ralph Daniel at (910) 255-0352 or (910) 944-3365.

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) 528-4782.

- Rachel Hill

Eastwood

St. Peters will attend Bishop Ricky Smith's pastoral anniversary at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

St. Peters will have a black history program at 7 p.m. Friday. Everyone is invited to attend.

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.

Elder Darlene Purcell and Overseer Billy Purcell will celebrate their wedding anniversary this week.

Birthday wishes are extended to Xavier Cain (Feb. 17), Robert Barrett (Feb. 18), Eulanda Brown (Feb. 21), Nancy Utley (Feb. 22) and Nicky Brown (Feb. 23).

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. Saturday. 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.

A program titled "New Beginning in 2010: Songs, Poetry, Praise and Dances" will be held at 6 p.m. March 13 at the Leak Street School in Rockingham. For ticket information, call (910) 895-0481 or (910) 331-6239.

Macedonia will hold B.T.V. training at 7 p.m. today (Wednesday). 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 will not hold Bible study Thursday.

Harold Hart and his mother from Madison visited with relatives last Tuesday. Stacy Ellerbe, who lives in Pennsylvania, spent the weekend with her daughter and other relatives.

Sympathy is extended to the McMillian and Henry Blue families on the death of loved ones.

Frank and Lula Smith celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary Sunday

Birthday wishes go out to Remonia Hart (Feb. 18), Jarrett Ward (Feb. 24) and Earl Wilkerson (Feb. 26).

Sick and shut-ins: Flossie Hagins, Wilson Hart, Rosa Harrison, Lany Harrison, Albert Hailey, Martha Ingram, Darius Hart, E.C. McFayden, Leanne McRae, Nancy Ellerbe, Lillie Ellerbe, Mattie White, Michael Stroam, Lomuel Stroman, Cathy Harrington, Letha Isaac, Beulah Jones, Retha Sloan, Nancy Hayes, Martha Ingram, Mattie White, Henrietta Little, Eugene Martin, Johnny King, Thelma McKoy, Juanita Gilmore, First Lady Bethea, First Lady Eva Cunningham, Huston Gatewood, 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

A very somber hush fell over the Little River area this week as the flags told the story of a community in mourning for Henry Davis, a founding father and unofficial mayor. The Crains Creek Fire Department showed its respect by flying its fallen firefighters flag at Mount Pleasant Church at half staff. Davis died Feb. 10 and was buried Feb. 13.

This past week was a difficult one for Mount Pleasant Church. This was the first Sunday in many years without Davis, who was known as "Mr. Henry." Just a week earlier, the choir had gathered at his home to sing some of his favorite hymns.

On Saturday afternoon, members of Mount Pleasant and other friends gathered for the memorial service. Many spoke of how he had touched their lives and what an inspiration he was for them. It was noted by several who spoke that "Mr. Henry" was the one who dreamed of starting a fire department in the community. He helped start what is now known as the Crains Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

He was also a visionary for both the community and the church. He gave his wisdom in the leadership of the church, serving as a deacon, a deacon chairman and chairman of the Building Committee for the new facilities that Mount Pleasant Church now enjoys. He was a giving man and will be missed in person. But his spirit will live on in the hearts of many.

The seniors group met again Tuesday and enjoyed a covered-dish meal and heard Moore County Sheriff Lane Carter speak about drugs and their effects on our communities. The trip that had been planned to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte has had to be rescheduled because of some unfinished construction at the library. Details of the rescheduled trip will be announced when they are made.

The youth will go on a ski trip this coming weekend. On Sunday, Feb. 28, the youth will serve homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert buffet. This is open to all and it will be held immediately after the worship service. Donations will be taken for the meal, which will go to the youth ministries of the church.

During the worship service that Sunday, the church will celebrate Holy Communion.

The choir is open to new members who would like to come and make a joyful noise. Rehearsals are at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study continues at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Cypress Presbyterian Church is supporting the national church's campaign for donations to Haiti. The community is encouraged to make contributions online at pcusa.org; by phone at (800) 872-3283; or by mail to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, P. O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

The community is invited to attend the Ash Wednesday service at Cypress Church tonight (Wednesday). 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.

On Wednesday, February 17, the community is invited to celebrate Cypress' Ash Wednesday service. It begins with a pancake dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. After dinner, there will be a worship service in the sanctuary featuring the imposition of ashes. Music will be provided by the Succeed bell choir.

The youth group will meet Sunday evening at 5:45 at Vass Presbyterian Church. All youth in the community are invited to attend.

A very small contingency of the Garnet Lobelias attended the Celtic Woman's concert at the Durham Performing Arts Center this past weekend. Even with the smaller stage, they came alive with the same harmonic music as seen on television. Anyone interested in joining the Garnet Lobelias can call Queen Sunny at (910) 245-4747 or Princess Peanut at (910) 245-4741.

Please remember our military and their families whether here or abroad with your positive thoughts and prayers as they serve our country.

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 Sunday. 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. Friday. The speaker will be Apostle L. Williams, of Greater St Mark in Wadesboro. All are invited to attend.

A special service will be held Sunday at Holy Temple Church on Anderson Road, where the pastor is Elder Allen Moore. The speaker will be Elder Davis Stout, of Whispering Pines. Food will be served after service. All are invited to come.

Stoney Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Carthage, where the pastor is Al Wilson, will host a "Gospel Caravan" featuring many groups at 4 p.m. Sunday. This event is sponsored by the New View All Stars. Everyone is to come out and enjoy it.

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

Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church will host the Diversity Dinner/Community Forum at 3 p.m. this Sunday. Moore CAN (Community Action Network) is the sponsor.

Diane Gaddy Stewart will give the history of Taylortown. Frances Jackson Johnson will give an oration. Several organizations, including Sandhills Community College's Minority Male Mentoring program, Project Promise and Basic Skills/GED, will be available to provide information and answer questions.

The COMPASS Project, which serves the Moore County school system, will be available, too. Music will be provided by Pastors Darrell and Tina Harris and family. Everyone is invited. A covered-dish dinner will be served. Come as you are and enjoy the forum, fellowship and food.

Moore CAN is a nonpartisan organization that helps identify needs and resources to improve the quality of life for all Moore County. Some of the event organizers include Sue Stovall (chairwoman), the Rev. Charles McKnight Sr., Joanne Faulkner, Madie Davis, Carolyn Jamison, Ellis Ray, Professor Bobby Allen, the Rev. Fred Walden, Donnie Miller and Dr. Robin Moore. The pastor at Spaulding Chapel is the Rev. Oscar Rush.

Sandhills Community College will host several African-American heritage programs this month. At 6 p.m. today (Wednesday), Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, president of Halifax Community College, will be the speaker. The Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell, pastor of Grace A.M.E. Zion Church and CEO of Grace in the City, will be the speaker at 11 a.m. Thursday. Fayetteville State University will perform at 11 a.m. next Tuesday. These programs are free and open to the public and will be held in Owens Auditorium.

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church has rescheduled it black history program, "Lilies of the Field," with poetry, readings and spirituals for 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28. The pastor, the Rev. Charles Nabors, invites everyone to attend.

Angela Headen Davis has rescheduled the "Musical Rainbow Tea" for 3 p.m. March 7 at her church, Longleaf A.M.E. Zion, in Robbins. Her table is the color purple. All are invited to attend.

God's Love in Action Deliverance Ministries will have a program at 3 p.m. Sunday. (Please check with the pastor or members to verify the time.) The speaker will be the Rev. Charles Nabors. The host pastor, Apostle Andrea U. Weekes, invites everyone to attend.

St. Ruth United Church of God will have a one-night revival service at 7:30 p.m. this Friday. The speaker will be Apostle Leonard Williams, of Greater St. Marks Church in Wadesboro. The host pastor, Pastor Lillian Kearns, invites everyone to attend.

A program, "Choices: Helping Teens Make Healthy Decisions," will be held at the Carthage Church of Christ at 11 a.m. this Saturday. Speakers will be Cpl. Willie Thompson and Officer Green, of the Goldsboro Police Department. Lunch will be provided. All are invited to participate.

For more information, call Linda Gore at (910) 947-5319, Sandra Ross at (919) 478-9337 or the church at (910) 947-3622. The church is at 516 Union Church Road in Carthage.

The "Town Talk" television show will feature highlights of the 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. program held at Southern Pines Primary School's H.A. Wilson Auditorium. Some of the guests include the master of ceremonies, the Rev. Gentry Winfield, the Lambert Sisters singers, pianist Sandra Nelson, Southern Pines Town Councilman Fred Walden, spoken word performer Latoya Lambert and singer Sheena Hill. The show is hosted by Rose Highland-Sharpe and airs daily at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Time Warner Cable channel 3 of Southern Pines.

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.

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 had a talent show Sunday to benefit the Pastor's Aid program. The church will hold Sunday school and a worship service this Sunday.

The church 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.

Minister Frederick Kelly and Deacon Freddie Kelly Jr. of God's House of Prayer Ministry, will be guest speakers at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at Miracle of Faith and Deliverance Church in High Point for its "Men of Standard" program.

Family, friends and members of God's House of Prayer Ministry would like to wish Pastor Mary Kelly a blessed and happy birthday Feb. 22. Birthday wishes also go out this week to Tamara Kelly on Feb. 20.

A birthday celebration will be held Tuesday, Feb. 23, for Co-Pastor Faye Gilmore, of Fellowship House of God in Carthage. The time will be announced at a later date.

Congratulations to Arthur and Jacqueline Harvin, who were married Feb. 6.

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.

Pastor Shepherd will speak at 1 p.m. Saturday at a women's conference at the Aberdeen Community Center in Berkley for St. Mary's Holiness Church in Hamlet.

God's Vision of Praise Ministry will hold a Holy Ghost praise service at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26.

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