Addor

We hope everyone in the community had a very Happy New Year.

Several friends and family members, including Donnie Frank Haith, Adam Little and others, came in for Christmas.

Everyone in the community is invited to attend services at New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. The pastor is the Rev. Charles McKnight.

Worship services are held at 11 a.m. on the first, second and fourth Sundays of the month. Sunday School is held on the second and fourth Sundays each month. All are welcome to attend.

The Sanford District's Spiritual Emphasis Observance will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, with the first missionary mass meeting at Mount Zion A.M.E. Zion Church in Carthage. This will be a very busy month for the Sanford District.

The community was saddened to learn of the death of Charlie Jones, son of Bernice Chavis. Please keep the family in your prayers. Also, please keep the family of the late Ruth Horton Kendrick in your prayers. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church in Southern Pines.

Birthday wishes go out to Stephanie Quick (Dec. 30), Kenneth Washington (Dec. 31), Betty Whitlock (Jan. 1), Adam Little (Jan. 4), and Candace White, Gena McMillian, Jada Bright, Zamire McCants and Lena McMillian (Jan. 10).

Sick and shut-ins: Marie Berry is home from rehab. Betty J. Ellerbe, Mother Nettie Benymon, Effie Jane Smith, Betty Lou Moses and Sarah and Philip McMillian are among the shut-ins. Stella Gillispie, Connie L. Covington, Diana Brown, Gladys Core Giles, Portia Smith, Charles Wilkerson, James Morris and Louis 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 such as birthdays, please contact me at (910) 281-3385.

• Lorine McCants

Berkley

New Hope Christian Ministries, where the pastor is Elder Brenda Brown, will have a special service at 6:30 p.m. Jan 22. The speaker will be James Brown, from Florida.

New Hope 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.

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, 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.

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. on the first and third Sundays of the month. 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 had a wonderful Watch Night service Friday to bring in the New Year. After the service, a meal was served in the fellowship hall.

The community was saddened by the death of Esther Mae Monroe. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Vickie McCrimmon and her family visited for Christmas.

Penni Spencer celebrated her birthday Dec. 30 with her family. Birthday wishes go out to Phillip Nottage (Dec. 30), Alberta Settle (Dec. 31), James Alston Jr. (Jan. 2), Gary Alston (Jan. 6), Joshua Brown (Jan. 7), Barbara McGoogan (Jan. 9) and Julian Brewer (Jan. 11).

Sick and shut-ins: Lewis McLaughlin, Paula Neal, Sam Kelly, Ralph McLean, Michael McLean, Joe Jackson, Ester Mae Monroe, Evelyn Clegg, Cornelia Adkins, Margret Thompson and Alma Jones.

• Wilma Monroe

Hoffman

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

Reginald Little, of Atlanta, spent the Christmas holidays with his family. Betty Ratliff had her grandchildren for the Christmas holidays.

The Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon will be held at noon Jan. 17 at the Sidney Grove Family Agape Center in Ellerbe.

Bea Little thanks Macedonia and Fletcher's Chapel for the visits and gifts.

Birthday wishes go out to Stephanie Gilmore (Jan. 4), Deavon Henry Isaac Jr. (Jan. 5), Tianna Lucky (Jan. 11), Ivy Little, Tracy Kelly and Lula Smith (Jan. 20), Melinda Hailey (Jan. 23), Kyonia Jones (Jan. 27) Ernestine Gilmore (Jan. 30) and all who are celebrating.

Sick and shut-ins: Flossie Hagins, Rosa Harrison, Lang Harrison, Cathy Harrison, E.C. McFayden, Frank Smith, Lula Smith, Mattie White, Thelma McCoy, Dan McCoy, Albert Hailey, Arlene McRae, Lena McRae, Juanita Gilmore, Ernest Gilmore, Lillie Ellerbe, Bunie Ellerbe, Nancy Ellerbe, Bessie Little, Henretta Little, Alice Little, Rebecca Utley, Cynthia Royster, Lacy Jackson, Lonnie Swann, Eugene Martin, Johnny King, and the Rev. James Campbell.

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

We wish everyone in the community a Happy New Year.

• Bea Little

Little River

After missing a week because of the snow, Mount Pleasant Church gathered Sunday to celebrate the newness of the year in a very special way. Communion was held.

During the morning worship, Dr. Poplin's children's sermon was on the importance of thankfulness. He told the children that after receiving so many gifts from so many different people during Christmas that we have need to say thank you properly.

He presented the children with a thank-you note and asked them to write something to God. These notes should be read to God at night during their prayers or they can be brought back and placed in the offering plate.

The last of the 2010 Angel Unaware was awarded It was the Angel of Peace, which went to Larry and Brenda Smith for their service to the church and to the community and their unwavering calmness in the midst of the ministries they are often called to serve.

After the presentation, Dan Peavey and Sherry Harrison asked to speak. They came to the pulpit and presented Dr. Poplin with his own Angel Unaware for his dedicated service to the church and community, which always goes above and beyond the normal duties of a pastor. They pointed out his care and concern and willingness to give 150 percent.

They said they wanted him to know his ministry does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated. Dr. Poplin was moved to tears and stated later in the service that "he did not feel worthy of the honor."

The senior citizens' group will be hosted by Dr. Poplin for its meal at 11 a.m. Jan. 11. Susan Hicks, Moore County Clerk of Court, will be the guest speaker. She will bring some vital information on estate planning. The community is invited. If you are not a regular member, please call the church office for reservations.

The Rev. Hedin, of Cypress Presbyterian Church, invites anyone interested in praying together for the church (this is not a Bible study) to join them at 10:30 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The group will meet in the sanctuary, probably for about 45 minutes.

Cypress will resume the 8:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday. The community is cordially invited to attend this service and all programs at Cypress

The Garnet Lobelias will have tea at Lady Bedford's in Pinehurst at noon Thursday to celebrate Barb Atchison's birthday. Anyone interested in joining this Red Hat group can call Princess Peanut at (910) 245-4741 or Queen Sunny at (910) 245-4747.

Please remember members of the military and their families in these trying times. Whether at home or away, our military and their families can use our support with prayers and positive thoughts.

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

• "Sunny" Sidley

Shawtown

We wish everyone in the community a blessed New Year!

Body of Christ Outreach Ministry on Lemon Springs Road, where the Pastor is Larry Ray, had a nice gathering for its Watch Night service on New Year's Eve.

The church has Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11:15 a.m. every Sunday. Prayer and Bible study are held at 6 p.m. every Wednesday.

John, A.C., Mary and Frances Ray went to Winston-Salem Sunday to support Deacon Brookes on his first sermon

Please pray for those in rest homes and assisted living facilities, hospital patients, the homebound, caregivers, our president and our other leaders, our troops and each other.

Happy birthday to all who are celebrating this week

• Irene Ray

Taylortown

The Taylortown Ministerial Alliance will meet this Saturday at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. For more information, contact the Revs. Kenneth Stewart, Edward Nebraska Williams, Carolyn Radcliff or Larry Alford. Also, contact Bishop Larry Brown, Elder Jerry Chesney, Pastor Carolyn Mitchell, the Rev. Angus Wade, Minister Cynthia B. Watkins, and Elder Timothy Worthy.

The community welcomes the Rev. Janice Cooper as the new pastor of Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. All the best for a prosperous new year!

The Rev. Carolyn Radcliff will have a fellowship service at 3 p.m. this Sunday at Macedonia A.M.E. Zion Church in Gulf, N.C. The Rev. Charles Nabors will be the speaker, and Galilee Missionary Baptist Church's combined choir will provide the music. All are welcome to be a part of this festive occasion. Congratulations to the Rev. Radcliff on her appointment as pastor at Macedonia A.M.E. Zion.

"Old-Timey Day," a musical program, will be held at 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Word of Life Holy Church of God in Christ. Minister James McNeill will lead the congregation in singing some good, old-fashioned spirituals. The church is at 107 Spring St. in Aberdeen. Overseer Nathaniel Malloy welcomes all to participate.

A "New Year's Gospel Musical" will be held at 3 p.m. this Sunday at Long Leaf A.M.E. Zion Church. The Divine Spirituals and several other choirs will perform. The program is sponsored by the Steward Board. The pastor, the Rev. Angela H. Davis, looks forward to seeing you there.

The Rev. Edward N. Williams and Evangelist Annie Williams thank everyone for coming out last Sunday to the candle light service at Providence Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Charles McKnight will be the keynote speaker at an educational-career program at Academy Heights Elementary School on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Monday, Jan. 17. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Several educators will give brief presentations. Career packets will be distributed. Several youth groups will provide inspirational entertainment, and a brunch will be served.

The program, which will be held in the cafeteria, will end by late morning. If you'd like for your youth group to participate or if you need more information, call Madie Davis at (910) 692-1612.

The Rev. Angus Wade will lead a series of Bible studies on the Book of Revelation through this winter at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Bible study is held each Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m. Prayer service begins at 6:45 p.m. The pastor, the Rev. Charles Nabors, invites everyone to attend.

Applications for this semester are being accepted at the 21st Century after-school program at Christ Way Deliverance Church. This is a free program for youths in kindergarten through 12th-grade. Certified teachers are on staff to tutor the children. For more information, contact the Rev. Nathaniel Jackson at (910) 295-5813.

Music classes have resumed at the Taylor House on Main Street. All ages are welcome. Alice Jackson, retired educator and longtime piano teacher, has classes from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Michael Robinson, longtime musician, teaches bass guitar classes from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Call (910) 295-6051 or (910) 725-1582 for more information.

Faithful Families Eating Smart and Moving More is a N.C. Cooperative Extension program offered to faith communities. Classes are provided to help local congregations develop healthy lifestyles. Call Debbie Stephenson at (910) 947-3188 for more information.

Sandhills Community College will offer Pathways to C.N.A., a free program that provides academic-occupational skills, GED preparation and an opportunity for placement in the certified nursing assistant program. Spring classes will begin Jan. 18. There will be an information session at 6 p.m. Thursday in room 103 of Van Dusen Hall at SCC. Call Twana McKnight at (910) 695-3782.

Adult basic education and GED classes are offered free at Sandhills Community College. Classes are available on the main campus in Pinehurst and in Aberdeen, Carthage and Robbins. For more information, call the recruiter for basic skills, Rose Highland-Sharpe, at (910) 695-3783.

The Pinecrest High School Class of 1971 is planning its 40th reunion for July 29-31, 2011. Addresses and phone numbers are needed for class members. Contact Lottie Alford Mason at (910) 603-7931 or Diane Waddell Monroe at (910) 295-7455. Thanks for your support!

Brief radio interviews will air on some Sundays at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., or at 10:45 a.m. on WEEB-990 AM. The program spotlights individuals who have overcome life's adversities and nonprofit agencies that provide services to children and adults. For more information, call (910) 295-0013.

"Good News Inspiration" airs from 6 to 11 a.m. each Sunday on WEEB-990 AM. It spotlights community and church announcements. This is a free service to the community. Rose Highland-Sharpe is the Sunday program director and announcer.

Felton J. Capel will feature special selections from 9 until 9:30 a.m. Niniji Lloyd is a substitute announcer for Highland-Sharpe. If you would like an opportunity to be a substitute Sunday announcer, please contact Rose Highland-Sharpe at (910) 295-0013.

Tune in for motivational speeches and segments of the local Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. programs on this month's "Town Talk" television show. The show airs daily at 11:30 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. on Time Warner Cable channel 3. The host is Rose Highland-Sharpe.

Condolences are extended to the families of the late Mae Francis Adamson, Ruth Horton Kendrick, Esther Mae Monroe and Billings Edward Pride. Please remember these and all bereaved families in your thoughts, prayers and good deeds.

The sick and shut-in list includes Deacon Leroy Alford Sr., Jaion Barrett, Evelyn Clegg, Christine Ellerbe, Sandy George Gaines, Geneva Goins, Cathy Harrington, the Rev. Nathaniel McNeill, Willa B. Monroe, Catherine Morrison, Dorothy R. Morrison, Vera Moses, Howard Ray, and Lolita and Michael Robinson.

Please remember the widowed, orphans, sick and shut-ins, bereaved, incarcerated, homeless, youths and members of the U.S. military in your prayers and good deeds.

Send your your community news, questions or comments to Rose Highland-Sharpe at P.O. Box 4653, Pinehurst, NC 28374; or by e-mail at rosesharpe37@gmail. com at least two weeks in advance.

• Rose Highland-Sharpe

Vass

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. The church is located at 205 Pats Road in Vass. Everyone is welcome to attend all services.

God's House of Prayer Ministry will travel to Tabernacle of Praise Church in High Point on Sunday.

The Gospel Mellowtones and the Anointed Males will perform at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at Fellowship House of God in Carthage. Bishop Willie Gilmore is the church pastor.

Evangelist Jacqueline Harvin will speak at 11 a.m . Jan. 30 at God's House of Prayer Ministry for its building fund program. All is welcome to attend. The program is sponsored by Anita Finch.

Birthday wishes go out to Andre Pringle (Jan. 1), Tonia Foxx (Jan. 2), Tiffany Wilkins (Jan. 4) and Isaiah Harris (Jan. 6).

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 e-mail to anitafinch38 @yahoo.com or mail items at least one week in advance to P.O. Box 176, Vass, NC 28394.

• Anita Finch