Trinity Christian Fellowship will conduct a "Morning of Prayer and Dedication" at its office and ministry complex at 6 Carter Drive in Pinehurst (near the intersection of Monticello Road and U.S. 15-501) on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 9:30 a.m.

Attendees will move through the various offices and facilities and engage in prayer for each ministry serviced in the facilities. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow.

"Please join us for all or part of this prayer time to acknowledge the blessings we have received from our Lord and Savior," says a spokesman.

Cypress Presbyterian

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

On Sunday, Dec. 4, a celebration of the Lord's Supper will be held at the 11 a.m. worship service.

On Sunday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m., there will be a covered dish supper in the fellowship hall and the Joy Gift program "Journey to Bethlehem."

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.

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

The Sanctuary Choir at West End United Methodist Church will present its special music exploring the promises of the Advent season on Sunday, Dec. 4, at the 11 a.m. service.

There will be a Christmas party for the children and their families at West End United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

"We will have lunch, crafts, games and do a mission project related to the true meaning of Christmas," says a spokesman.

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

Widows, Widowers and Singles group of Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hold a Dutch treat event Friday, Dec. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Miller's Restaurant, in Vass.

The Christmas cantata will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, 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 beheld 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.

S.P. Methodist

Southern Pines United Methodist Church presents Michael W. Smith's "A Manger Suite" at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services Sunday, Dec. 11.

"This powerful and inspirational work is complemented with a full choir, vocal ensemble, children and youth choir, soloists, instrumentalists from throughout the region and narration," says a spokesman.

CCP

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC, celebrates communion Sunday, Dec. 4, when donations of food are taken for the Coalition. The children of the congregation bring the food to the front of the church to be blessed by the congregation.

Musician KC Holliday will sing and play the flute to enrich the Advent worship service.

For those who would like to gather with others for a meal and to talk about their faith in an informal setting, the church has a new discussion group, "Living the Questions." This family and singles-friendly group meets once a month in a home to share a pot-luck supper and discuss spiritual ideas and questions. Children are welcome to play while the adults talk and later join in the supper.

The next gathering will be Friday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. Contact Kate Cote at (910) 420-2445 for directions.

"Thank you to all who joined in sharing their gratitude for the blessings of this nation and the world, as we observed Thanksgiving by hosting the sixth annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving service," says a spokesman. "In addition to CCP, participating congregations were Temple Beth Shalom, Healing Springs of the Pines Sangha, Jackson Springs Presbyterian, McDonald's Chapel Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills, and Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines. Rabbi Kenneth Brickman, of the Sandhills Jewish Congregation, preached the sermon, and Chris Boveroux directed a community choir."

On Friday, the Silver Belles will pack lunches for MANNA! as they do every first Friday of the month. This ministry helps feed neighbors in need. Call Pat Griffin at (910) 400-5090 if you have an hour to donate for this mission.

On Monday, Matthew Bahr leads silent meditation at noon followed by a "Course in Miracles" at 12:30. Contact Bahr at (910) 639-0439 for information.

The Drum Circle will meet on Tuesday at 4 p.m. No experience is necessary, and the church provides the drums.

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 the website at youarewelcomehere.org.

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 our progressive religion, visit the website www.uucsandhills.org. or go to www.uua.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, Nov. 30-Dec. 21, at the Train House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines.

For information, call (828) 442-2928.

Women in Red

Fletcher's Chapel will hold its annual women's day program 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

The guest minister will be Pastor Brenda Roberson, of Belford Missionary Baptist Church, Jackson Springs.

All ladies are asked to wear red, representing the blood of Jesus.

The church is located on U.S. 1, Hoffman.

Gospel Singing

The Harvesters Quartet will sing at Bensalem Presbyterian Church, Eagle Springs, at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. There will be a love offering taken.

For information, call (910) 673-8078 or (910) 638-2777.

Christmas Concert

On Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m., Our Saviour Lutheran Church will present its Christmas concert.

World-renowned tenor John Fowler, and an internationally acclaimed soprano, still to be decided, will join with the combined choirs of Our Saviour, the United Choirs of Rockingham, members of the Trinity Music Academy Chorus and Chamber Ensemble to perform Part 1 of Handel's "Messiah."

Accompanied by Sophia Pavlenko Chandley and under the direction of Paul Chandley, the choirs will also perform other selections from "The Messiah," including the "Hallelujah Chorus," and additional works related to the Christmas season.

A $10 donation is requested for admission.

Child care will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Our Saviour Lutheran Church is located at 1517 Luther Way, in Southern Pines.

Call (910) 692-2662 ext. 102, or click www.oslcsp.org for directions.

Chistmas Luncheon

"The Village Chapel invites local women to make reservations now for the Friday, Dec. 9, Christmas luncheon, to be held at the Country Club of North Carolina," says a spokesman.

The event time is from noon to 2 p.m.

Betty Sue McNeill will be the guest speaker, sharing insights about the topic "When Christmas Comes To Stay." McNeill has authored the devotional books "Daily Blessings" and "Collecting My Thoughts" as well as a series of children's books, including "The Runaway Grocery Cart," "The Most Special Christmas Tree" and "The Banner Hung over America."

McNeill is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries. She serves as director of women's ministries at Grace Chapel Church, in Sanford.

Luncheon includes roasted chicken crepes with parmesan cream sauce, vegetable medley, rolls and butter, classic creme brulee with whipped cream and fresh berries for dessert, and coffee and tea.

"Add in beautiful Christmas music, good fellowship and even some door prizes, and this will be a not-to-be-missed time arranged by the Women's Ministry of The Village Chapel," says the spokesman.

Cost of the lunch is $18 per person. Checks should be made payable to The Village Chapel, noting on the memo line that it is for the women's Christmas luncheon. Reservations should be paid and in to the church office by Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The address of the church office is The Village Chapel, P.O. Box 1060, Pinehurst, NC 28370; telephone (910) 295-6003. The Chapel is located on the Village Green in Pinehurst.

Wee Learn

First Baptist Church, Aberdeen, is accepting applications for its Wee Learn Weekday Education for children ages 2 to 4. Sessions are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For information, email weelearn@aberdeenfbc.org or call (910) 944-1421.

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.

Service

Refreshing Wells Church of God in Christ will hold a special memorial service for Sister Verlena Covington at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the church, located at 450 S. Stephens St., Southern Pines.

Gospel Singing

Emmanuel Baptist Church will host a gospel singing at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, featuring the Chuck Wagon Gang.

The church is located at 632 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-4736.