"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth." - 1 John 3:18.

That is precisely what Christ Fellowship Church of Southern Pines plans on doing.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the youth group of Christ Fellowship will sponsor a fundraising event by opening their doors and hearts to the people of Moore County and giving away the many things that have been generously donated and collected through the years.

Items on hand will include clothes of all sizes, toys, books, knickknacks, household necessities, television sets and other miscellaneous goods. No money will be charged for these items, but there will be a donation jar on site for those that feel so compelled.

Donations are most welcome, with any and all proceeds going to support the youth missions of the church.

"Most importantly for Christ Fellowship Church is finding a way to give back to the community," says Genii Squires, a church member. "There is a great desire by CFC in providing assistance to the folks of Moore County that need it the most, so the hope is that people will come and partake in what there is to offer."

There will also be warm sausage and jelly biscuits served and funnel cakes on hand for the kids.

The church is located at 1425 Midland Road, Southern Pines.

For information, call (910) 692-5155 or visit christfellowshipchurch.us.

Family and Friends

Piney Grove Church, in the Windblow community, will hold Family and Friends Day Sunday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 31, at 3 p.m., there will be a musical program

For information, call Franklin McQueen at (910) 582-1263.

Fall Festival

The Children's Ministry of The Village Chapel will be hosting a fall festival Saturday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be "trunk or treating," hayrides, games and hot beverages for all to enjoy. Members of the Chapel will have their car trunks decorated and will be handing out candy to the children. The Village Chapel is located on N.C. 2 on The Village Green, Pinehurst.

For more information, call (910) 295-6003.

Spaghetti Dinner

The WEE-Learn Weekday Preschool Education Ministry of First Baptist Church, Aberdeen, will hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.

The menu includes spaghetti with meat sauce, fresh tossed salad and dressing, garlic bread, beverage and dessert. The cost is a $6 donation minimum for adults and $3 minimum for children under the age of 8.

The church is located at 700 Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen.

Hallelujah Night

Crossroads Community Church will hold a Hallelujah Night beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30.

There will be festivities, games, a costume contest, hayrides and bags of candy for all the kids.

Free hot dogs will be served to all.

"Bring yourself and your children dressed up in something funny or cute (no scary or wicked costumes), and let's have a night of fun and fellowship," says a spokesman.

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

New Pastor

Upon the recent retirement of Pastor Richard Schliepsick, Pastor Denton White, of Fuquay-Varina, has answered the call of St. James Lutheran (Southern Pines) and St Paul Lutheran (Pinehurst) to serve as pastor.

An installation service will be held on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 31, at 4 p.m. at St Paul Lutheran. Pastor Ron Fletcher, Missouri Synod Southeastern District circuit counselor, will preside at the installation representing Lutheran Church Missouri Synod President Dr. Jon Diefenthaler. Pastor Larry Lineberger, from Cary, will deliver the installation sermon.

Born in Winston-Salem and raised mostly in small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountain area of southwestern Virginia, White began a 20-year military career in the United States Air Force, where he was involved mainly in security assignments. One of his deployments was to Operation Desert Storm. He was honorably discharged in 2001.

White earned a bachelor's degree at Western New England College and received his master's of divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2003. While a Presbyterian minister White, over a four-year period, made the decision to become a Missouri Synod Lutheran.

He and his wife, Jean, have one son, Adam, and a granddaughter, Ellery. Soon they will be moving to the general Pinehurst area. Presently White can be contacted via his home phone (919) 577-9989 and his cell (919) 609-8687. His e-mail address is DentonWhite61@nc.rr.com.

His predecessor, Pastor Schliepsick, served both churches for a 10-year period. He and his wife, Lois, are retiring to Prescott Valley, Ariz., where they will be closer to family.

Red Branch Festival

Red Branch Baptist Church will hold its fall festival and evangelistic outreach from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31.

There will be hot dogs and games from 5 to 7 p.m., with "trunk or treat" from 7 to 8 p.m.

Guest Speaker

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills will have Jim Key, president of the Thomas Jefferson District, as guest speaker, Sunday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m.

Key will be speaking about "five essential statements of a genuine and vital religious liberalism," in a talk titled "Five Smooth Stones." The sermon is based on John Luther Adams' essay of the same name.

"Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages you to seek your own spiritual path," says a spokesman. "Our faith draws on many religious traditions, welcoming people with different beliefs. We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma. Our congregations are places where people gather to nurture their spirits and put their faith into action by helping to make our communities - and the world - a better place."

Services are held every second and fourth Sundays at 10 a.m., at 300 Executive Center, Dawn Road on N.C. 5, Pinehurst.

Homecoming

Sunday, Nov. 7, Ashley Heights Baptist Church will be celebrating it annual homecoming at the 11 a.m. service, with fellowship afterward.

Festival and Chili Cook-Off

First Baptist Church of Aberdeen will hold a fall festival and chili cook-off Saturday, Nov. 6, beginning at 3 p.m.

This free event includes crafts, a cake walk, face painting, games and prizes as well as free food and drink and more.

The church is located at 700 Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen.

Beaver Creek Baptist

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hold a prayer service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20.

The Community Fall Festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. There will be games, prizes, a bonfire, "trunk or treat," food and more.

"This is a free fun Christian alternative for our community, children and their families," says a spokesman.

The Single Adult Ministry meets at the church every Friday night for Bible study and fellowship.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

For information, call (919) 499-9632.

'Trunk or Treat'

> West End Presbyterian Church will be hosting a "Trunk or Treat" Friday evening, Oct. 29, for the entire community.

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Crawford Activity Center and in the center itself.

Children of all ages are invited to come "trunk or treating" through the parking lot and then come inside the Crawford Activity Center to play games, do a craft and win prizes.

The church deacons also will be selling chili and hot dog dinners, with proceeds going to an upcoming middle school urban mission trip.

For more information, call the church office at (910) 673-4341.

The church is located on Knox Lane, one block west of N.C. 211 in West End.

Autumn Fest

Bethesda Presbyterian Church will host its annual "Autumn Fest" Saturday, Oct. 23, at Old Bethesda Church. The fun begins at 4 p.m., and activities include roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the campfire, face painting, games and "trunk or treat."

"Please bring your own pumpkin to carve," says a spokesman. "The community is invited, and we hope that you will come and enjoy this family-oriented event."

Call (910) 944-1319 for additional informatio n.

Convocation Services

The Pentecostal Deliverance Ministries Inc. will observe their ninth annual Holy Convocation Services Sunday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 31.

Services will begin Sunday at 11 a.m. with the Presiding Prelate Chief Apostle Michael S. Dixon bringing the morning message. It will continue at 6 p.m. with special guest speaker Apostle Latonya Harris from Death To Destiny Deliverance Ministry, Wilmington.

The services will continue throughout the week beginning with a 7 p.m. unity prayer followed with a 7:30 p.m. evening deliverance service. Special guest speakers for the week include Pastor Charlotte Bryant, Praise Tabernacle Deliverance Church, Siler City; Pastor Tony Fairley, House of Refuge Church, Addor; and Dr. Ezekiel Young, New Birth Deliverance Church, Coats. It will conclude Sunday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. with the Apostle Michael Dixon bringing the closing message.

Services will be held at the Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Family Worship Center, which is located at 156 Westgate Drive, Pinehurst.

For more information on these and other events, contact Evangelist Vickie Kelly at (910) 281-0369 or visit the website www.JudahCommanderECA.net.

Rummage Sale

The youth of the West End United Methodist Church will be hosting their annual rummage sale Saturday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located on N.C. 73, off N.C. 211 behind Medleyanna's.

"We'll also have hand-carved wooden cross necklaces made by one of our teens, and we'll be selling the beautiful God's Creation 2011 Calendars for only $6, which make great gifts," says a spokesman. "One of our senior Scouts will be selling flats of pansies to support his Eagle Scout project for our food pantry."

Gospel Sing

Emmanuel Baptist Church will hold a gospel singing featuring the group Drive, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at the church, located at 632 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

Call (910) 947-4736 for information.

Wednesday Afterschool Program

West End Presbyterian Church's successful afterschool program is back and better than ever. W.O.W. (WEPC on Wednesdays) is a program open to the entire community that meets every Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m.

The program offers recreation, fun and games, arts and crafts, music and healthy snacks, all with a weekly Biblical theme to help nurture each and every child in grades K-5.

Trained adult leaders guide the children through the story and on to the next station. Free transportation, via the church van, is provided as well from West End Elementary School immediately after school.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 27, the W.O.W. kids will begin preparing their Christmas program. "Christmas Hang-Ups," by Dennis and Nan Allen, is a musical where Christmas ornaments come to life and realize the reason for the season. Every Wednesday the children will rehearse music and dialogue, prepare costumes, and build sets and scenery. Led by WEPC Music Director Jennifer Thomas Danis, the kids will present the musical on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m.

For information, contact Jennifer Thomas Danis at (910) 673-4341, ext. 104, or visit the church website at www.westendpres.org. The church is located at 275 Knox Lane, one block west of N.C. 211 in West End.

Fall Bazaar

Greater Works Church of Deliverance Ministries (formerly God's Love in Action) will hold a fall bazaar from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, featuring a yard sale, prizes, food, fun and fellowship.

The church is located on N.C. 211, just past the West End Post Office.

Bread for the World

On Sunday, Oct. 24, at Congregational Church of Pinehurst, the 10 a.m. worship service and adult forum at 11:30 will both focus on world hunger. The Rev. Elizabeth Coleman, regional director of Bread for the World, will be a guest speaker.

Bread for the World presents a collective Christian voice urging the nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. Each year, the group invites churches and other organizations across the country to participate in an offering of letters. Members write personal letters and e-mails to Congress, advocating on behalf of a specific issue related to hunger. The outpouring of concern sends a powerful message to political leaders and hopefully helps move the nation closer to the goal of ending hunger.

Congregational Church of Pinehurst UCC is located at 895 Linden Road, across from Elliott's. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call (910) 295-2243 or check the church website: www.youarewelcomehere.org.

Pinehurst 'Trunk or Treat'

First Baptist Church of Pinehurst hosts its annual Halloween "Trunk or Treat" Saturday, Oct. 30.

Car trunks and truck beds offering up lots of treats will be open from 5 until 6:30 p.m., according to Kevin Garner, church youth director.

Garner said that there will be hot dogs, lemonade, hot cocoa and cider for the visitors. "We will also have prizes for best costume and best decorated car or truck," he added. "And, of course, lots of candy," he said.

Organizers said there will be a fire truck on hand for the youngsters to climb on, a hay ride and games.

"Last year we had more than 300 from the church and community attend the trunk or treat,' Garner said, "and we are hoping for even more this year."

First Baptist Church of Pinehurst is located at 7373 N.C. 211, across the street from the entrance to Pinewild. Sunday School at the church begins at 9:45 a.m. with worship at 11 a.m.

Acoustic Music Circle

The Acoustic Music Circle at McDonalds Chapel, which meets the third Sunday of each month, is canceled for the month of November. The members will be attending the fifth annual Interfaith Worship Service, which is being held on Nov. 21, at 4 p.m. The December session will be held Sunday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Church Women United

Church Women United, open to women of Moore County of all faiths, will meet Friday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. in the library of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines.

The speaker is Claire Ruggles, of Northern Moore Resource Center.

Barbecue

The Carpenters4Christ of Emmanuel Baptist Church are trying to raise $5,000 to purchase a trailer to use in their ministry.

They will hold a barbecue featuring both pork and chicken, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the church, located at 632 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

Prayer Bead Workshop

Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen will offer a workshop on the making and use of prayer beads.

The word "bead" means "prayer." The Anglican rosary evolved in the 1980s from an Episcopal congregation in Texas. Each of the 33 beads and the cross is assigned its own prayers. The workshop will look at how members of different denominations are crafting their own forms of prayer.

This hands-on event will be held in two sessions: Thursday night, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the parlor at Bethesda Presbyterian on U.S. 1. The following Thursday, Oct. 28, each participant will make a set of prayer beads. The cost of the workshop, led by Nancy Arnold, music director at Bethesda, will depend on the type of beads each participant chooses.

Fall Festival

Ashley Heights Baptist Church will hold a fall festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. There will be lunch, games and a costume contest (no scary costumes, says a spokesman).

The church is located on N.C. 211, south of Aberdeen.

Call (910) 944-1952 for more information.

Benefit

A benefit for Eugene Davis of the Ether/Robbins area, will be held Saturday, Oct. 30, at Brown's Chapel Christian Church in Robbins. Davis is a heart and back patient who needs help with his medical expenses.

There will be barbecue plates for sale, an auction and a 50/50 drawing. The benefit will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (910) 948-3572.

Associate Degree

Those interested in obtaining a associate degree (60 credit hours) in Biblical studies may want to look into this program offered by Living Stones Ministries, 5485 U.S. 1, Vass, across from Dunrovin Country Store.

An associate degree in Biblical studies will be given upon completion of all five increments (trimesters). Registration begins Nov. 1 and ends Nov. 22. The first class is scheduled for Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m.

There is a cost associated with this degree program. For details, contact April Oxendine, administrator, at (910) 315-4187.

Singing

The Sensational Evening Five will be singing at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at Holy Temple Church, 205 Anderson St.

For information, call (910) 295-4005.

Royal Lights

The Royal Lights, of Dillon, S.C., will appear at Love Grove Freewill Baptist Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24.

The church is located at 283 Dawkins St., Jackson Hamlet.

Fun Day

St. James Lutheran Church will hold its second annual Friends and Family Fun Day from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23.

There will be entertainment, inspirational speakers, gospel rap, praise music and dance and skits, along with games and food.

The church is located at 983 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines.

For information, call (910) 692-2515.

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.

'Modern Day Psalmist'

Christ Fellowship Church announces that Marty Goetz and his wife, Jennifer, will lead the congregation and guests in worship and share truths from scripture through song Friday, Nov. 5.

Marty Goetz is a singer-songwriter and pianist of Jewish background. Born in 1952, he soon developed a musical career and as half of "Bert & Marty," he sang at clubs and other venues around Pittsburgh, Pa.

Goetz has recorded music steadily since 1985. Now he lives near Nashville, Tenn. with his wife, Jennifer, and their daughter Danyel Mis ha.

West End UMC

Bread of Life Ministry at West End United Methodist Church meets every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This ministry is for single seniors (widows and widowers). It is a time of fellowship and devotion and a meal is provided at a charge of $5 per person.

A "Wonderful Wednesday" Service is scheduled for Oct. 27, at 6 p.m.

Dinner will be served in the fellowship hall, followed by a service of worship and devotion in the sanctuary. Children's activities will be provided. The charge for dinner is $5 per person; those 80 and over and 10 and under will be admitted free. This charge will be due the night of the dinner.

Adult Academy

The Adult Academy for Religious Studies will offer a course on "The Stories of Genesis" taught by Don Welch, minister at the Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines.

The classes began Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. and meet on successive Tuesdays for five weeks in the sanctuary of the Chapel.

The course will cover the mythic Middle Eastern stories of the creation in addition to the wonderfully human stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs of the three Abrahamic faiths of Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

Participants are asked to bring a "readable" Bible and should prepare for the first session by reading the first 11 chapters of Genesis.

The Adult Academy is a program of the West End Presbyterian Church and the Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines. There is no charge for the course and prior registration is not required.

Red Branch Baptist

Red Branch Baptist Church will host a concert by George Hamilton IV at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24.

The church is located at 1748 Old River Road, Carthage. For information, call (910) 947-1974.

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.

"Bible reading lifts us to expect fresh creative ideas in overcoming problems, be they health, employment, supply, or relationship issues, and the rhythm of our day becomes more productive," says a spokesman.

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.

Blessing of Animals

First Baptist Church in Southern Pines will host the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 2:30 p.m.

"Bring your pet (on a leash or in a cage) and join us in the grassy area off New York Avenue as we thank God for the animals we love," says a spokesman.

Military Spouse Support Group

The Village Chapel, in Pinehurst, has started a military spouse support group that meets the fourth Friday of every month. 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.

"We welcome to all military spouses from our community," says a spokesman.

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.

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.

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.

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