Aberdeen

Bethesda Presbyterian Church on U.S. 1 in Aberdeen will hold a series of prayer services at 7 p.m. on Thursdays during the season of Advent in the chapel.

This will be a short time of prayerful preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. There will be singing, Scripture reading, prayer and the lighting of the Advent wreath. The community is invited to attend this special prayer service.

Turning Pont Worship Center, located at 16433 U.S. 15-501 south of Aberdeen, holds worship services at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Bible classes are held at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

To submit items for the Aberdeen news, please email shelbiperson@emnbarqmail.com.

- Shelbi Person

Addor

The second annual Christmas parade this past Saturday was very nice. The community thanks everyone from different parts of the county who participated, including firemen and firetrucks, police officers, the Step team, the 21st Century after-school program children and the various churches.

The youth ministry of New Hope Christian Ministries will have its Christmas program at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday. Everyone is invited to attend. The church is at 160 Ridgeline Road just off N.C. 5 near Aberdeen.

Everyone in the community is invited to attend New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. Sunday School is at 10 a.m., and worship is at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The pastor is the Rev. Charles McKnight.

The students with 30 days or more in attendance at the 21st Century after-school program at New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church will go to see Disney on Ice on Thursday at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville. Hats off to these kids.

The program operates Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Snacks are provided. Please contact the Rev. Charles McKnight, the church pastor, at (910) 639-1893. They thank everyone for their support.

Birthday wishes go out this week to Deacon Phillip McMillian (Dec. 18).

In memoriam: Frederick Little (Dec. 12).

Sick and shut-ins: Sarah F. McMillian is in rehab. Jessie McNeill is home from the hospital. Betty J. Ellerbe, Betty L. Moses, Philip McMillian, Louise Jones, Nora Smith and Carl McRae Jr. are among the homebound. Stella Gillispie, Connie L. Covington, Diana Brown, Portia Smith, Marie Berry, Sampson Blue and Lewis Swan are in nursing homes or assisted living homes.

Please continue to pray for all the sick and shut-ins.

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

- Lorine McCants

Berkley

New Hope Christian Ministries, where the pastor is Elder Brenda Brown, holds services at 160 Ridgeline Road off N.C. 5, just behind the Habitat for Humanity store. 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 8 a.m. every Saturday. Bible study is at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Minister's study is held every second Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The youth ministry of New Hope Christian Ministries will have its Christmas program at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday. Everyone is invited to attend.

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. Church, where the pastor is the Rev. Henry R. Davis, will be holding Sunday services at Aberdeen Elementary School. Bible study is held at 6 p.m. at the Aberdeen Community Center.

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, has a new pastor, Jamal Brown. The church 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.

The Word of Life Holy Church of God in Christ, at 107 Spring St., where the pastor is Overseer Nathaniel Malloy, holds Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Bible study is held at 7 p.m. every Wednesday.

Happy birthday to all who are celebrating this week.

Continue to pray 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 have its Christmas program during the morning service Sunday, with dinner afterward. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the fellowship.

Elder Wilma Monroe will speak at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Greater Glory.

St. Peters will have a Watch Night service at 10 p.m. New Year's Eve, Dec. 31.

St. Peters has Bible study on Tuesday after the first and third Sunday each month. Prayer meeting is held at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday.

Rose Stanback celebrated her birthday with her mom and sisters.

Birthday wishes go out this week to Lottie Dixon and Deborah Sibley (Dec. 14), Marry Diggs, Nora Brown and Georgetta Williams (Dec. 15), Larry Russell (Dec. 16), Shelia Harris and Arlene Kearns (Dec. 17) and Elaine Jones (Dec. 18).

Sick and shut-ins: Lewis McLaughlin, Paula Neal, Michael McLean, Charles Jackson, Joe Jackson, Hoover Brown, Cornelia Adkins, Evelyn Clegg, Minister Wrencher, Carolyn Swinnie, Mary Russell, Margret Thompson and Alma Jones.

- Wilma Monroe

Hoffman

Bible study is held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Macedonia and at 7:30 p.m. at Fletcher's Chapel. Pleasant Hill holds Bible study at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Pleasant Hill will host its annual outreach dinner featuring turkey and all the trimmings from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday Delivery will be available. Call (910) 281-0223.

Fletcher's Chapel will hold its Christmas party at 6 p.m. this Saturday. Everyone is invited.

Macedonia will have its Widows Day program at 3 p.m. Sunday. A Christmas play will be presented at the church at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23

Birthday wishes go out to Jessie Spell (Dec. 15), Keva Ratliff (Dec. 19) and to all who are celebrating this week.

Sick and shut-ins: Earnest Gilmore is at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Flossie Hagins, Frank Smith, Lang Harrison, Albert Hailey, Lacy Jackson, Mattie White, Cathy Harrington, Lula Smith, Juanita Gilmore, Leana McRae, Arlene McRae, Thelma McKoy, Dan McKoy, Eugene Martin, Johnny King, Nancy Ellerbe, Lillie Ellerbe, Bunie Ellerbe, Jimmy Ellerbe, Rebecca Utley and Robert Wadkins are among the homebound.

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

- Bea Little

Little River

C ypress Presbyterian Church adult choir, joined by some members of the Vass Presbyterian choir, will present a Christmas cantata "Meet Him at the Manger" during the 11 a.m. worship service Sunday. At 5 p.m., the Cypress Christmas party will be held in the Fellowship Hall. There will be some special entertainment and, we are told, a special visitor!

Also, anyone interested in going Christmas caroling, please meet at Cypress Church at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, and help spread some Christmas cheer.

Cypress Church, along with other local churches, is assisting the Vass Lions Club with the collection of food it delivers to families who need it this holiday season. A box is available in the sanctuary to place nonperishable items.

For additional information on these and other events, please call the church at (910) 245-4731 or visit the website at www.cypress-pres.org. Cypress Presbyterian is at 2012 Cypress Church Road.

The Mount Pleasant Church choir will present its Christmas cantata this Sunday during the morning worship service. At 6 p.m. the church will celebrate Christmas with the children's program. A churchwide fellowship featuring Christmas goodies will follow.

Since Christmas Day falls on Sunday this year, the church will hold worship at 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday School that day. This will allow families with small children a little extra time at home on Christmas morning, and the early worship will also allow for families to join together as a Christian family on this very special day and still have time to go "over the river and through the woods" to grandparents' homes for their family celebrations.

The church is holding a silent night Christmas quilt auction. Six hand-made quilts have been donated to the church by Doris Haynes. Each quilt is most beautiful and a treasure in its own right.

These quilts have been donated to raise funds to assist in the benevolent ministry of the church for families who are in need this year. Anyone who would like to see the quilts or place a bid should contact the church office or the pastor. The quilts are on display in the vestibule of the church.

Mount Pleasant Church will again be one of the collection places for Bikes for Wright. It's not too early to start turning in those bikes so "Santa" can get started on those repairs. If you need someone to come and pick up a bike, please call Sunny at (910) 245-4747 to arrange for pickup.

Happy Hanukkah to all those who will be celebrating the holiday season beginning on the evening of Dec. 20.

Please remember, with positive thoughts and prayers, all of our soldiers and their families, whether here in the States or abroad.

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

- "Sunny" Sidley

Shawtown

Body of Christ Outreach Ministry on Lemon Springs Road, where the pastor is Larry Ray, will have a benefit service for Deacon Curtis McIver at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Please pray for the entire world, our president and all leaders, sick, bereaved shut-ins and caregivers.

- Irene Ray

Taylortown

Many thanks to the Taylortown Ministerial Alliance, Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion, Galilee Missionary Baptist, Spruill Temple Church of God in Christ, House of Prayer, Fresh Discipleship Center, Word of Truth Christian Center, Turning Point and Sandhills Community Action Program for their contributions to our community this holiday season!

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson Hamlet will host the Eirrac Semaj Productions stage play "The Church Fight" at at 7 p.m. Friday. This two-hour play is a comedy-drama, with great gospel music and centers around a group of church members discussing how they can get rid of the pastor.

The donation is $12. You must have a ticket to be admitted. Contact any of the church members at St. Paul regarding a ticket. Door prizes will be given per ticket stubs. Catering services will be provided by M&M Catering and Eirrac Semaj Productions.

"Eirrac Semaj" stands for Carrie and James [Gibson], the parents of Thomas Gibson, the producer. Hats off to Thomas Jerome Gibson, his family and other members at St. Paul for creating this wonderful production!

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church's youth department will present a puppet play for Christmas. Diane Gaddy Stewart is the chairwoman of the production. Stanley Gaddy will be one of the featured soloists. The Rev. Rose Highland-Sharpe is the minister of music and has prepared special Christmas music. The program will be part of the morning worship service. Pastor Charles Nabors invites everyone to attend.

The community extends condolences to the family of the late Geneva Johnson Goins and Mary Gaddy West. Both ladies were members at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Please remember the families in your thoughts, prayers, and good deeds.

Thank you for your support of the "Hill Top Shops" this holiday season. They include Not "Jus" Any Bag, Bono Abstract Clothing, Sew What?, 360 Creations Beauty Salon and New 2 U Everyday Rummage. Fresh Discipleship Center, with Pastor Cora Murphy, resides on "the Hill."

There is also an outreach ministry with household goods and clothing for those in need on "the Hill." It serves many throughout the county and is owned and managed by Minister Gerald and Tia Brown.

The Taylortown "Music Man," Michael Robinson, can be contacted at (910) 691-9283. "Taylortown Jams" are music sessions open to experienced musicians from noon until 6 p.m. Saturdays at the Taylor House on Main Street.

If you have a passion for playing any musical instrument, please join this lively jam session every Saturday. There is no charge. Michael invites everyone to free music classes as well. These classes are open to all ages.

Thank you to the local churches, ministries and faith-based organizations for considering making a donation to United Way of Moore County. The United Way supports many nonprofits, including those that provide programs for youths, victims of abuse and those recovering from substance abuse. For more information, call United Way at (910) 692-2413. Linda Mills Pearson is the executive director. The Rev. Rose Highland-Sharpe is a board member. Call her at (910) 295-0013.

Thank you to the ladies who continue to help with MANNA! at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. Some of the helpers include Melba Bostic, Esther McNeill, Hulene Morrison and Kathy Murphy. Pastor John Roberts is the day-to-day operations manager for MANNA! The pastor at Spaulding Chapel is the Rev. Charles Allen.

Musicians are still needed at some local churches. Call Minister James McNeill at (910) 384-4369 (Word of Life Ministries) and Pastor Shirley Gillis at (910) 692-5185 (Outreach Ministries for Jesus). Also, contact Rev. Rose Highland-Sharpe regarding other pianist-organist opportunities at rosesharpe37@gmail.com.

Many thanks for your continued prayers and support of Edward and Sharonda Wilson.

Spruill Temple Church of God in Christ has a prayer service every Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Call in your prayer request at (910) 295-0071. The pastor, Elder Jerry Chesney, welcomes everyone to drop in at any time during this informal prayer time and "to come as you are."

Join St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 198 Gaines St. in Jackson Hamlet, for weekly services. Sunday School is held at 10 a.m. Worship begins at 11 a.m. Prayer meeting and Bible study are held at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The pastor is the Rev. Elgett Floyd.

Thanks for listening to "Good News Inspiration" on WEEB-990 AM from 6 to 11 a.m. on Sundays. Send your church and community announcements to the Sunday program director-announcer, Rose Highland-Sharpe, at P.O. Box 4653, Pinehurst, NC 28374, or email rose-sharpe37@gmail.com. Other WEEB gospel family members include veteran announcer Felton J. Capel, substitute announcer Niniji Lloyd, and new trainees Pastor Ren Lee and Ken Capel.

Job opportunities are available at Smithfield's meat packing plant in Tar Heel, N.C. As part of the application process, register for pre-employment skills classes in the human resources development program at Sandhills Community College. The classes are free to those who qualify. Call Jenny Troyer at (910) 695-3926.

Career development, basic skills and GED classes are available at the Westmoore Center in Robbins and at the Day Reporting Center in Carthage. Other basic skills and GED classes are offered at Aberdeen Elementary School and in Van Dusen Hall at Sandhills Community College. Call the recruiter for basic skills education at SCC, Rose Highland-Sharpe, at (910) 695-3783.

The 21st Century 2011-2012 after-school program is accepting applications for youths in kindergarten through 12th grade. Leave a message at (910) 295-5813. The program is held at Christ Way Deliverance Church in Eastwood and New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church in Addor. Pastor and Mrs. E. Nathaniel Jackson are the directors. Special thanks to Pastor Charles McKnight Sr. and his wife, Barbara, at New Zion in Addor.

The prayer list includes Deacon Leroy Alford Sr., Jaion Barrett, Carol Blackmon, Mr. and Mrs. George Brown, Evelyn Clegg, Christine Ellerbe, Sandy George Gaines, Gladys Garris, Phyllis Goins, Cathy Harrington, Alice Jackson, Pauline Levine, Rosa Mills, Willa B. Monroe, Catherine Morrison, Dorothy R. Morrison, Vera Moses, Lolita Robinson, Mr. Shamberger and Johnnie Stanford.

Please remember all the sick and shut-ins, the widowed, orphans, bereaved, incarcerated, homeless, youths and the United States military in your prayers and good deeds.

If you have any questions, comments and community news, please respond to R. Highland-Sharpe at P.O. Box 4653, Pinehurst, NC 28374, or at rosesharpe37@gmail. com. Send announcements at least two weeks in advance.

- Rose Highland-Sharpe

Vass

A Christmas play will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at God's House of Prayer Ministry. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Minister Freddie Kelly Sr. will be the guest speaker at New Birth Deliverance Church in Coats at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Evangelist Jacqueline Harvin will be the guest speaker at Hallie Chapel in Aberdeen at 7 p.m. Dec. 30.

A Watch Night program will be held at 10 p.m. Dec. 31 at God's House of Prayer Ministry. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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.

Word of Truth Christian Center of Vass, where the pastors are Micheal and Cheryl Blue and Overseer Helen Spencer, has Bible study at 6 p.m. every Wednesday. Sunday School is held every Sunday at 10 a.m., and the worship service starts at 11:15 p.m.

New Direction Outreach Ministries, where the pastor is Pastor Linnie M. Saunders, has worship services every Sunday at 11:30 a.m., except any fifth Sunday.

Bible study is held from 7 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday. It is led by Elder C. Taylor.

The church is at 3623 North U.S. 1 Business in Vass across from the Vass Ball Park. For more information, call (910) 638-8441.

Birthday wishes go out to Beatrice Perez (Dec. 13), Charlotte Ann Goins (Dec. 14), Arthur and Arnold Frye (Dec. 15) and Yolanda Kelly (Dec. 18).

Continue to pray for all the sick and shut-ins, including all in the hospital and in rest homes, each other and our U.S. troops in Iraq and worldwide.

To have your news included in the Vass section, send an email to anitafinch38@ yahoo.com or mail items at least one week in advance to P.O. Box 176, Vass, NC 28394.

-- Anita Finch