The Sanctuary Choir of the First Baptist Church of Southern Pines will present its annual Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary, located on the corner of New York Avenue and May Street in downtown Southern Pines.

"Sounds of the Season - A Festival of Carols" will include arrangements of favorite Christmas carols for both choir and congregation accompanied by brass quintet with timpani, handbells, organ and piano.

"Many of the carols are arranged so that everyone can sing, while others will feature the Sanctuary Choir with various accompanying forces," says the Rev. Benny Edwards, minister of music at First Baptist. "We are pleased as a congregation to offer this musical gift to our community. Whether listening or choosing to sing along, this concert will be filled with the music of familiar carols that remind us of the story of Christmas."

There is no cost.

Indoor Yard Sale

New Covenant Fellowship will hold a "free" indoor yard sale Saturday, Dec. 17, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The church is located at 1305 Hulsey Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910)947-1412 or email ncftreasurer@embarq mail.com.

Youth Program

Calvary Baptist Church, of Carthage, will host its annual Christmas youth program and play on Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18, starting at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the Sunday performance.

CCP

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC, invites all neighbors, friends and visitors to attend Advent and Christmas worship services beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 5:30 p.m. with a "Longest Night" service. This worship experience is especially for those who are sad or grieving and need a healing message this Advent season.

On Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. there will be a celebration of candlelight and Communion for all ages. After worship, there will be a gathering in the Hearth Room for fellowship, cookies and refreshments. On Christmas Day at 11 a.m., there will be an informal Christmas hymn sing-along for young and young-at-heart as we celebrate the season together.

Gift tags for families in need of joy this Christmas grace the church's Angel Tree. The church is sponsoring this mission for Family Promise of Moore County, which provides shelter, meals and hospitality to homeless families with children through a cooperative network of local congregations. Gifts will be wrapped and delivered by church volunteers. The fellowship and member care team has prepared care packages for members who are serving overseas during the Christmas season. A visitation team is being established under the guidance of the Rev. Brent Bissette and the fellowship and member care team. Members who feel a special call to minister and sit with those in times of need or rejoicing will receive special training for this mission.

The Healing Springs of the Pines Sangha will meet on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hearth Room for ongoing mindfulness meditation. Call (910) 949-2623 for information.

On Monday, Matthew Bahr leads silent mediation at 12:30 p.m. in the Hearth Room followed by a "Course in Miracles" at 1 p.m. in the Butterfly Room. Contact Bahr at (910) 639-0439 for information. The Drum Circle continues to meet on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. The church provides the drums, and no experience is necessary. Also on Tuesday, the Titanium Whistles golf group meets to play a different course each week. Call Roger Nekton at (910) 245-7304 for information.

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, United Church of Christ, is located at 895 Linden Road across from Elliott's restaurant. For information call the church office at (910) 295-2243 or visit www.youare welcomehere.org.

Village Chapel

The Village Chapel, an interdenominational Christian community, hosts AWANA Club for nursery to sixth grade each Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. to noon and the AWANA youth program for sixth to 12th grades Sunday evenings from 4 to 6 p.m.

This is a no-cost Christian discipleship program. Contact Pastor Ashley Smith at ashleyneilsmith@aol.com or (910) 295-6003.

West End UMC

West End UMC will hold a Christmas Eve service at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Communion will be served.

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 seniors (widows, widowers, and the elderly). It is a time of fellowship and devotion with a wonderful home-cooked meal provided at a charge of $5 per person.

Christmas Play

Emmanuel Baptist Church will host the Christmas play "The Surprise" at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

The church is located at 638 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-4736.

Women in White

The annual Women in White candlelight program will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

This service is sponsored by Outreach Ministries for Jesus Pentecostal Assembly, 515 Arnold Ave., Aberdeen.

The guest speaker is Apostle M.T. Martin, founder of Christian Mission Center, Carthage.

For information, call Pastor Shirley Gillis at (910) 944-3744.

Choir Program

The Sanctuary Choir of Cameron Presbyterian Church will perform Pepper Choplin's "Lead Me Back to Bethlehem" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow.

The church is located at 600 Carthage St., Cameron.

Children's Play

The Sunday School children of St. James Lutheran Church will present their Christmas play on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 25, Sunday School and Bible study will be at 10 a.m., with the regular worship services at 11 a.m.

St. James is located at 983 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines.

Healing and Hope

Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, at 330 South May St. in Southern Pines, welcomes the public to a special sort of church service during the Christmas season. A "Silent Night Service of Healing and Hope" will be held in the sanctuary on Thursday evening, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m.

The Rev. Cynthia J. Strickland, parish associate for pastoral care, points out that for many people, Christmas can be a difficult time.

"Sometimes, due to the circumstances of our life, it just seems hard to 'celebrate' Christmas," she says. "Death, illness, divorce, job loss or other life transitions can make Christmas a challenging time of the year. If this is how you are feeling, know that you are not alone.

"For some, Christmas brings back sad memories, and for others, the stress of the season can cause despair. Because of a variety of circumstances, many people do not feel like celebrating the season by 'Decking the Halls' or singing 'Joy to the World.'"

This will be the sixth year that Strickland has conducted this service at Brownson. Through her ministry she realizes that often the holiday season is a time that some people dread and, more importantly, that most of those people are reluctant to admit Christmas is hard for them.

"This service of readings, prayers, reflections, music and candle-lighting reminds us that the light of Christ came for all, especially those who walk in darkness," she says.

Following the service, to which the public is invited, refreshments provided by Brownson's Martha's Friends ministry will be served in the Atrium. For more information about the service, contact Cynthia Strickland through the Brownson church office at (910) 692-6252.

Prayer Services

Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen will hold a series of prayer services during the season of Advent on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in the chapel. There will be singing, Scripture reading, prayer and the lighting of the Advent wreath. The community is invited to attend this special prayer service.

A candlelight communion worship service will be held at 11 p.m. Christmas Eve, and an 11 a.m. worship service will be held on Christmas Day.

Divorce Care

Bethesda Presbyterian Church will host a 13-week divorce care program beginning on Jan. 5 on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a warm, encouraging and helpful program that helps participants deal with the pain of separation and divorce. It is a video-based program followed by group discussion.

The cost is $25. Scholar-ships are available. Child care will be provided.

Call (910) 944-1319 for more information.

Community Breakfast

As an outreach ministry, First Baptist Church, of Carthage, will host its fourth annual free community breakfast Saturday, Dec. 31, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

The event includes prayer, food, music and fellowship.

For information, call (910) 947-2456.

Sandy Grove

On Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., Minister Sarah Elliott will bring the message at Sandy Grove Bible Church of God. On Sunday, at 3 p.m., Pastor Margaret Allen and the Wonderland Singers will lead a special service for Eldress Mary Hooker.

Temple Beth Shalom

Shabbat services will be held at Temple Beth Shalom Friday night, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., led by Rabbi Ken Brickman. Torah study will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, also led by Rabbi Brickman. Families with small children are also invited to join our Sunday school program on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Temple Beth Shalom is located at the corner of Jackson Springs and Hoffman roads in Foxfire Village. For more information, contact the Sandhills Jewish Congregation at (910) 673-5224.

Cypress Presbyterian

Cypress Presbyterian Church invites the community to several events celebrating Christmas.

The adult choir will present a Christmas cantata Sunday, Dec. 18, at the 11 a.m. worship service, and at 5 p.m., the Cypress Christmas party will be held in the fellowship hall.

For additional information on these and other events, call the church at (910) 245-4731 or visit the website at www.cypresspres.org.

Cypress Presbyterian is located at 2012 Cypress Church Road, Cameron.

Dessert Theatre

Sandhills Assembly will host a Christmas Dessert Theatre Thursday, Dec. 15, and Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.

Complimentary desserts and coffee will be served during the presentation, which features the Dickens Carolers, the children's choir of Sandhills Assembly, and a special appearance by Karen Jackson.

This event is free.

The church is located at 6481 U.S. 1 North in Southern Pines

Beaver Creek

The children's Christmas play at Beaver Creek Baptist Church is Sunday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. Fellowship and soup and chili follow immediately afterward in the Family Life Center.

The Christmas candlelight service is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

For information, call (919) 499-9632 or (800) 681-8602.

Culdee Presbyterian

Culdee Presbyterian Church will host its children's Christmas play "The Light Before Christmas" at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, with a Christmas party following in the fellowship hall.

The "Senior Christmas Gathering" will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the home of Larry and Beverly Furr.

A Christmas Eve communion and candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 24, in the sanctuary.

On Sunday, Dec. 25, at 11 a.m., the Culdee Chancel Choir will present the cantata "Majesty of Heaven" under the direction of Gail Meeks.

Holiday Service

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills will hold a holiday service Sunday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. at the Whispering Pines Community Building at 1320 Ray's Bridge Road.

There will be a pot-luck luncheon following the service.

The regular services are on the second and fourth Sundays at the same address and time. To learn more about this progressive religion, visit the website www.uucsand hills.org.

'Blue Christmas'

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died, or it may be a time that has always been difficult.

The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had.

The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concerns; we need to know that we are not alone.

For these reasons and more, The Chapel in the Pines will host a special "Blue Christmas: A Service of Tidings of Comfort and Hope" service Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Fran Stark at (910) 673-5493.

Bible Talks

A series of nondenominational Bible talks will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 14-21, at the Train House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines.

For information, call (828) 442-2928.

Clothing Closet

The Norman Clothing Closet, in Richmond County, is accepting good quality winter clothes, including coats, pants, shirts, dresses, shoes, baby clothes, sheets and linens.

It is located seven miles west of Jackson Springs in the white building at the caution light.

Community Shows

The Rev. Rose Highland-Sharpe's inspirational television and radio shows include "Town Talk" on Time Warner Cable 3 and "Good News Inspiration" on 990 AM-WEEB of Southern Pines (990 is on the Internet, too).

"Town Talk" is a service to the community spotlighting faith-based programs, nonprofit agencies and individuals with overcoming testimonies. Highland-Sharpe is the producer and host. The show airs daily at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Pinecrest football pre-empts some evening programs.)

"Good News Inspiration" offers gospel music, preaching, church information and other public service announcements. Occasional guest DJs are welcome. Felton Capel is a veteran announcer. Other Sunday staff members are Minister Jason Hackett, Niniji Lloyd and Pastor Ren Lee. Highland-Sharpe is the Sunday program director and lead announcer. The show airs Sundays from 6 to 11 a.m. (other services air 11 a.m. - noon and 1-2:30 p.m.).

Those interested in being a guest or who have church and community announcements to share should contact Highland-Sharpe at rosesharpe37@gmail.com, or call (910) 295-0013.

Reading Room

The Christian Science Reading Room, located at 173 NE Broad St., welcomes visitors weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here Christian Science periodicals, including the Christian Science Monitor and books and CDs, are available for purchase or borrowing.

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

UUC of Sandhills

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills (UUCS) has moved to its new location, at the Whispering Pines Community Building, 1320 Ray's Bridge Road (behind the WP Rescue Squad Building). Services are held at 10 a.m. every second and fourth Sunday.

The UUCS was established five years ago and is an emerging member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and a member of the Universalist Convention of North Carolina.

To learn more, visit www.uucsandhills.org or www.uua.org.

Food Wagon

David Bibey Ministries will have its world mission food wagon set up across from Matthews Market, at the intersection of Carthage-Vass and Niagara-Carthage roads, each Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., selling barbecue plates, with slaw, baked beans and roll, as well as barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs. "We hope that you will stop by and support our efforts," says a spokesman.

For information, call (910) 949-3971.

Prayer Hour

St. James Lutheran Church, on the corner of Gaines Street and New Hampshire Avenue, Southern Pines, is holding a Saturday morning prayer hour each Saturday at 10 a.m.

For information, call (910) 295-6735.

Martha's Place

Martha's Place, a soup kitchen sponsored by Page Memorial United Methodist Church, offers a free hot lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays.

Martha's Place is now accepting only new or gently used, clean winter coats, blankets and winter shoes/boots until further notice.

In addition to volunteers from Page Memorial UMC, there are now volunteers from Calvary Chapel, The Village Chapel, Pinehurst UMC, Aberdeen First Baptist, West End UMC, Bethesda Presbyterian, and First Baptist of Southern Pines. Currently, more than 80 people are representing these churches.

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

Healing Service

A healing service is held the second Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. 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 Pinehurst United Methodist Church, Airport Road, Pinehurst.

Inquiries may be -directed to (910) 295-1577.