Members of Ives Memorial Baptist Church in Pinebluff are preparing for their third year of ministry through Operation Inasmuch Saturday, April 17.

Participants will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. to receive assignments.

“Operation Inasmuch is Christians doing the work of the church instead of church work,” says coordinater Craig Baggett.

It is a one-day mission blitz where Christians go outside the walls of the church building to share God’s love through acts of service.

“What might happen if we could mobilize significant numbers of church members to go into the community and minister to the hurts and hopes of our neighbors?” Baggett asks. “Our hope is that Operation Inasmuch will connect faith with service, church with community, and neighbors with each other through acts of service in the name of Jesus.”

Operation Inasmuch began at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville in 1995 and has grown to be a popular interdenominational event. It has been adopted as a major community emphasis by about 500 churches across the nation, as well as England and Canada.

Those who would like to participate or want more information should call the church at (910) 281-3082.

The church is located at 125 S. Grape St., Pinebluff.

Easter Egg Hunt

The Village Chapel in Pinehurst will hold an Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3.

“Gather through the rear doors of the chapel hall for an Easter message, games, egg hunt and a visit and photo with the Easter Bunny,” says a spokesman. “Bring a basket.”

For information, call (910) 295- 6003.

Lenten Concert

On Sunday, March 21, at 4 p.m., a Lenten concert will be performed by the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Choir with soloists and orchestra.

The presentation of John Rutter’s “Requiem” will be held at the church, located at 350 East Massachusetts Ave., Southern Pines, and is free and open to the public.

An offering will be donated to the Haiti-Micah project.

A reception will follow.

For additional information call the church office at (910) 692-3171.

New Pastor

Deep Creek Baptist Church located at 1995 Linden Road, Pinehurst, welcomed its new pastor, the Rev. Bryan Maness, Sunday, March 7.

Maness comes to Deep Creek from Beulah Hill Baptist Church, where he was a youth pastor.

Musical Program

Christ Way Deliverance Church in Eastwood, on U.S. 15-501, will sponsor a musical program Sunday, March 21, at 4 p.m.

Choir Sings

Living Stones Ministry will host the Teen Challenge Choir of Pennsylvania at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 21.

This choir is made up of 13 young men from all across the United States who have overcome addiction. They will share songs, testimonies and the word of God.

“If you know anyone who has battled drug addiction, gang violence, pornography, alcoholism or any other life-controlling issue invite them to attend this powerful service,” says a spokesman.

For more information contact April Oxendine at (910) 315-4187.

Living Stones is located at 5485 U.S. 1, Vass.

Anniversary

Love Grove Freewill Baptist Church, in the Jackson Hamlet community, will celebrate the third anniversary of its pastor, Jeremy L. Hollingsworth, beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 20, and ending with a service at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 21.

Easter Services

Carthage First Presbyterian will hold a Maundy Thursday service on April 1 at 7 p.m. and host a Community Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m. Sunday, April 4, with breakfast served immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

The church is located at 110 Ray St., Carthage.

Prayer Ride

On March 20, The White Horse Riders Christian Motorcycle Club of Sandhills Assembly will host its first Motorcycle Prayer Ride.

This year’s focus will be on Moore County. The ride will take approximately two hours with stops along various points in Moore County to pray for its schools, businesses, government and families.

Riders are asked to meet at Sandhills Assembly, 6481 U.S. 1 North in Southern Pines by 8:30 a.m.

Donations of $10 for single riders, $15 for couples, and $10 for cars will be collected.

“You do not have to be a motorcycle rider to participate,” says a spokesman. “If you would like to drive your vehicle and pray with the group, you are welcome to attend.”

White Horse Riders Motorcycle Club has partnered with Sandhills Assembly Children’s Ministry to raise money for Shoebox Gift Ministries for the 2010 Christmas season.

All proceeds from this ride will be used to purchase gifts for needy children this year.

For more information, call (910) 988-0850.

Program

Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church will sponsor a trustee and steward program Sunday, March 28, at 3 p.m.

For information, call Irene Sellars, coordinator, at (910) 947-3613.

The church is located at 584 Bryant Road, Carthage.

Passover Re-Created

Jesus’ Last Supper was actually a Jewish Passover. Lynn McCoy of Jews for Jesus will re-create the traditional Passover service and explain how it foreshadowed Jesus’ death and resurrection in a presentation called “Christ in the Passover” at Southern Pines United Methodist Church Wednesday, March 24, at 7 p.m.

Lynn McCoy will set a table with items traditionally used at the Passover meal and detail their spiritual significance. She will also explain the connection between the events of the first Passover in Egypt and the redemption that Jesus accomplished, as well as the deep bond between the ancient Passover feast and the Christian communion celebration today.

Jews for Jesus has presented “Christ in the Passover” at over 38,000 churches. It has been enthusiastically received by Christians who appreciate learning more about the Jewish backgrounds of their faith.

Moishe Rosen, who founded Jews for Jesus in 1973, has also co-written the book, “Christ in the Passover,” with his wife, Ceil. This work includes a look at Passover in ancient times and how it is observed today. It will available after the presentation. Also available will be a DVD of the Christ in the Passover presentation with David Brickner, the executive director of Jews for Jesus, officiating.

Lynn McCoy will be happy to answer questions after the presentation.

For more information, call Southern Pines UMC office at (910) 692-3518.

Temple Beth Shalom

Temple Beth Shalom announces its March services:

Shabbat services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, March 19; Torah study at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 20, and First Night of Passover, with a congregational seder, Monday, March 29.

Temple Beth Shalom is located at 131 Jackson Springs Road, Jackson Springs.

For information, call (910) 673-5224.

Chapel’s Services

The Village Chapel, an interdenominational Christian community, will conduct three services on Palm Sunday, March 28.

A liturgical communion service will be held at 8:30 a.m. At the 9:30 a.m. family service, Chapel youth will process with palm branches and provide special music.

Additional music will be provided by “A Joyful Noise,” the family service choir. The Chapel Choir will provide special music at the Chapel’s traditional service at 11 a.m. Dr. Al Hill will speak at both the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services.

The Village Chapel and the Carolina Hotel are jointly sponsoring an Easter sunrise service at the hotel at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 4. The Chapel Choir, under the direction of John W. Shannon, will be singing, and Dr. Al Hill will present a meditation.

The times for worship services at The Village Chapel will be changed for Easter.

The communion service will begin at 8 a.m. The family service will begin at 9:15 a.m. and include special music by “A Joyful Noise.” The traditional service will meet at 11 a.m. as usual, and will have music provided by the Chapel Choir. Dr. Al Hill will give the meditation at 8 a.m. and Dr. Larry Ellis will deliver the messages at the 9:15 and 11 a.m. Easter services.

The Village Chapel, located on the Village Green in Pinehurst, is handicapped accessible and visitor-friendly. Audio receivers are available for the hearing impaired. For more information, call (910) 295-6003.

Faith and Health

The North Carolina Council of Churches is launching a new health program, Partners in Health and Wholeness (PHW) — an initiative that is designed to promote health as a faith issue and to support congregations in serving as health promotion centers in the community. PHW is funded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust.

Last spring, George Reed, executive director of the Council, and Willona Akingbade, PHW program associate, began meeting with the heads of our member bodies — 16 denominations and eight individual congregations throughout the state — to gain their support for PHW and to learn about health initiatives already taking place within churches. Reed and Akingbade have also worked to identify existing health programs in North Carolina that are willing to share their expertise and faith-inspired materials with clergy and congregants.

In its largest outreach effort so far as part of PHW, the Council will hold the 2010 Faith and Health Summit on Tuesday, March 23, at First Baptist Church, 101 S. Wilmington St., in downtown Raleigh, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will officially transition the PHW program from a year of planning into a period of initial implementation in the spring. Gov. Bev Perdue is scheduled to speak at the luncheon, and North Carolina congregations that are already taking steps toward better health will be recognized. Gary Gunderson, senior vice president of the Faith and Health division for Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, Tenn., will give the keynote address. He is also the former director of the Interfaith Health Program at the Carter Center in Atlanta.

Gunderson’s work focuses on building the capacity of religious institutions to advance health and wholeness. He has explored the confluence of health and faith by working with an international network of community leaders and multidisciplinary scholars. He is the author of several books, many articles and hundreds of speeches and presentations to religious and science groups.

Workshops will also be offered on a variety of topics to help illustrate the spiritual relevance of healthy living. Summit participants will learn how to: make more locally grown, nutritious foods available to their community; obtain bronze-level certification through the Council’s new PHW Health Certification Program; become more physically active and make better food choices; prepare for public health emergencies; and make their voices heard in the current debate on health care reform. Clergy, in particular, will receive training on how to identify mental health problems in congregants and make proper referrals. They will also hear from a local pastor who models good health practices from the pulpit as he shares with them his personal journey toward better health and how he incorporates that into worship services.

For more information or to register, visit the Council’s Web site, www.nccouncilofchurches.org.

Praise Service

God’s Vision of Praise will host a service Friday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. Pastor Richard Carnegie will be the guest speaker.

The church is located next door to the House of Carpets, off U.S. 1.

Barbecue

Vass United Methodist Church will host a barbecue lunch and supper Thursday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The meal, catered by Jordan’s, features pork barbecue accompanied by cole slaw, baked beans, roll and homemade dessert. Dine in the church fellowship hall or get a take-out plate. All plates are $7 each. Tickets are available at the door.

The church is located at 111 Alma St., Vass.

For details contact the Rev. Phil Brown at (910) 245-7665.

Revival

Pleasant View Friends Church will hold revival Sunday, April 11, with services at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The speaker is Clarence Garner.

The church is located at 13942 N.C. 24-27, Robbins.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hold a Youth Crusade Sunday, April 11, through Wednesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. The guest speaker is Adrian Despres, of Kingdom Building Ministries, Columbia, S.C.

The Old Country Fair will be held 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. There will be games, demonstrations, auctions, crafts and antique displays of cars and farm equipment throughout the day.

A free concert featuring the Marksman Quartet ends the day at 6 p.m.

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

Revival

Community Friends Church will hold revival Sunday, March 21, through Wednesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Curtis L. Barbery is the speaker.

The church is located at 3879 U.S. 15-501, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-2002.

Palm Sunday Cantata

The Cypress Presbyterian Church Choir will present the cantata “Calvary’s Mountain” at the 11 a.m. worship service Sunday, March 28 (Palm Sunday).

The 2010 “Equipping the Saints” workshop, which was canceled on Feb. 13 due to the snow, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 27, at Highland Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The keynote address will be “Stewardship is Not a Season: God’s Call and Christian Living,” by the Rev. Tim Beach-Verhey. The workshops promote Christian education and stewardship. Registration forms and workshop descriptions are available in the vestibule at Cypress Church for anyone who would like to attend.

For further information on these and other events, call (910) 245-4731. Cypress Presbyterian Church is located at 1220 Cypress Church Road seven miles east of Vass.

‘Answers in Genesis’

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

James Gardner will present five seminars: “Dinosaurs and Dragons: Fact or Myth,” “Consequences of the Path You Choose,” “Why Question Biblical Authority?” “What is Truth?” and “The Mystery of Ancient Man.”

“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.

Candlelight Service

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will hold a candlelight service at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 21. The speaker is Pastor Carolyn Ratcliff.

The church is located at 158 Sellar St., Vass.

Lenten Schedule

The Community Presbyterian Church of Pinehurst will hold a communion and worship service on Maundy Thursday, April 1, at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

A Good Friday/Tenebrae — Service of Darkness will be held on April 2 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Easter services will be held at the Pinecrest High School Auditorium Sunday, April 4.

At 9:30 a.m., there will be a music prelude and the worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Kelly and Everette roads in Pinehurst.

For further information, call the church office at (910) 295-6848.

Children’s Play

“Seeds of Joy,” a children’s Easter play, will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 4, at Pinebluff United Methodist Church.

Practices are scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays in March.

“Little actors are needed,” says a spokesman. “We would love to have any age child take part in this easy and enjoyable Easter experience.”

Books and CDs are ready for each child. Those interested should call (910) 281-3854 or (910) 603-7048.

Youth Conference

The YPCL Department of Stone Chapel will be having its annual youth conference Friday, March 19, and Saturday, March 20. Services will begin at 7:30 p.m.

‘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 on 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 Wednesday, April 12, and continuing every Wednesday 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.

Lenten Lunches

Page Memorial United Methodist in downtown Aberdeen will host its annual Lenten Lunches each Wednesday at noon through March 31.

The cost is $5 per person and includes a delicious home-cooked meal, tea, coffee, dessert and a time of ministry and fellowship.

Guest speakers:

March 17: the Rev. Bob Bundy, retired United Methodist minister.

March 24: the Rev. Mike Branscome, Aberdeen First Baptist Church.

March 31: the Rev. Jane Leechford, Page Memorial UMC.

For more information, call the church office at (910) 944-1093.

Reading Room

Since 2010 is the 30th anniversary of National Women’s History Month, the Christian Science Reading Room in Southern Pines is featuring biographies of and books written by Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science.

The theme of the 2010 celebration is “Writing Women Back into History.”

In 1980, “National Women’s History Week” was established by presidential proclamation by President Jimmy Carter; in 1987 Congress expanded the week into the month of March, “National Women’s History Month.”

The theme in 2009 was “Women Taking the Lead to Save the Planet.”

Many of the issues facing women today were challenges to Mary Baker Eddy: She was a single parent, concerned with child care; she had financial challenges; suffered poor health; and rejection because she was a woman. But she persevered and in overcoming these challenges emerged as a powerful voice for individual rights, making a lasting mark as author, publisher, healer, teacher and journalist.

To read more about Mary Baker Eddy visit the Christian Science Reading Room at at 173 NE Broad St. to review the many old and recent biographies and the news media of her day as well as the many books written by her.

For more information call (910) 692-7759.

Fish Fry

The Knights of Columbus will hold their annual fish fry from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 26, in the parish hall of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 320 N. Ashe St., Southern Pines.

Dinner includes fried or baked fish, hush puppies, french fries, green beans, cole slaw and fruit salad. Also included are soft drinks, iced tea, coffee and water.

The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for ages 7 to 12 and free for 6 and under.

Take-out plates are available.

Lenten Schedule

West End United Methodist Church announces its Lenten season services.

Lenten Wednesday suppers will be held at 6 p.m. March 17 and March 24, followed by a Lenten devotional service at 7 p.m.

There will be a Palm Sunday service March 28, followed by an April 1 Maundy Thursday service at 8 p.m., which features the drama of The Last Supper

Good Friday services are at 8 p.m. April 1, and a special Easter service will be held April 4.

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 Elder 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.