The biennial Christmas Living Madonna program will be presented by the Community Congregational Church of Southern Pines at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

This program is a replica of famous paintings of Madonna and child over the centuries. Among the artists represented will be Raphael, Da Vinci, Massys, Di Lorenzo, David, Younger, de Moderna and Fra Angelico.

These paintings and artists have been researched by Joan Bridgeman Smith, and she will serve as narrator of the program. It has been said that of all the subjects chosen by artists, down through the ages, that Madonna and child is the most common. This program is the church's gift to the community.

Models for this program include Delylah McDonald-Thomas, Clarissa Angeloff, Lillian Richardson and Karina Cameron, all of the church, along with Holly Mofield, Elena D'Argenio, Hannah Allen, Sheldon Koppenhofer and Megan Entz, students at Union Pines High School.

This program has been coordinated by Anne Ryder, with several volunteers from the membership of the church helping. Judy Osborne chose the art to be represented. She and Kate Faw will direct this program.

Music will be presented by classical guitarist Danny Infantino. This program is free and open to the public.

Also, on Dec. 9 there will be a Membership Sunday at the 11 a.m. worship service. Five new members will be welcomed into the church.

The Community Congregational Church is located at 141 North Bennett St. in Southern Pines.

If more information is needed, it may be obtained by calling the church at (910) 692-8468.

Candlelight Service

Ives Memorial Baptist Church will be holding a Christmas Eve candlelight service Monday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m.

Ives Memorial is located at 365 E. Philadelphia Ave. in Pinebluff.

Village Chapel

The Village Chapel's hanging of the greens and Chrismon dedication service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 5.

This service in the sanctuary will follow the Break Night meal (begins at 5:45 p.m.) in Chapel Hall (reservations required).

Those attending will be welcomed back to Chapel Hall after the service for fellowship and dessert (everyone welcome).

"You do not have to attend the meal to enjoy the hanging of the greens and Chrismon dedication service," says a spokesman.

In preparation, many at the chapel have been crafting lovely, handmade Chrismons to adorn the first Chrismons tree in the sanctuary. Chrismons - or monograms of Christ - are symbolic, white-and-gold ornaments that can be copies of symbols of Christianity from its earliest days or more recent explanations of God's constant presence in the world.

The early Christians placed evergreens in their windows to indicate that Christ had entered the home. Holly and ivy, along with pine, and fir are called evergreens because they never change color.

During the hanging of the hreens and Chrismon dedication service at the chapel, the beauty of Christmas will be reflected in the seasonal music provided by the children's and handchime choirs, among others. As greenery is placed in the church and Chrismons are hung on the tree, readings will explain the meaning, significance, and symbolism of the decorations.

To make a reservation for the Break Night meal ($6.00/adult, children free), or for more information, contact The Village Chapel at (910) 295-6003. The Village Chapel is located at 10 Azalea Road, next to the Village Green (across from the Sandhills Woman's Exchange), in Pinehurst.

Christmas Opera

"Gian Carlo Menotti's Christmas opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors" will be produced as part of the concert series of Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at 1517 Luther Way in Southern Pines.

The Trinity Music Academy Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Paul Chandley, along with his wife, Sophia Pavlenko, on the piano and soloists Daidree Tofano, mezzo-soprano and Meghan Harter, soprano, will present the program.

Tickets are available at the door and cost $15 general admission, $5 for children 6-17 and active military are free.

Call (910) 692 2662 for more information or visit www.oslcsp.org.

'Sounds of Christmas'

On Sunday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. the combined voices of The Village Chapel's Joyful Choir and the 25-voice Children's Choir will present "The Sounds of Christmas."

This 85-minute presentation will offer both traditional Christmas music and inspirational poetry and readings as the choirs tell the story of Jesus' birth.

Music from Handel's "Messiah," Saint-Saens' "Christmas Oratorio," as well as arrangements of "The Little Drummer Boy," "Ding, Dong, Merrily on High" and "Ave Maria" will be sung accompanied by an orchestra composed of instrumentalists from both the Virginia Symphony and area musicians.

Guest soloists will include Katherine Lakoski, internationally known operatic soprano, Jeffrey Price, tenor oratorio soloist and vocalist on the BBC radio airwaves, Dale Stine, baritone, Broadway and opera star, and Miriam McNeill, acclaimed mezzo-soprano and soloist in churches throughout eastern North Carolina.

The Rev. John Jacobs and the Rev. Ashley Smith will be the readers for the evening's service. Both ministers are pastors for The Village Chapel.

The director-conductor will be Chris Watkins. Watkins is the director of the Joyful Choir, two children's choirs, and the handchime choir at The Village Chapel, as well as the organist/pianist for the 9:30 a.m. family service each Sunday morning.

Watkins' choirs have performed in the White House by special inviation, the National Cathedral in Washington, the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C., and for five governors throughout the South. He is a published composer for three children's anthems and a doctoral candidate in organ performance from USC. He completes his first full year at The Village Chapel in January.

"Although The Village Chapel has presented several concerts featuring various concert artists, this will the first time in many years that the Chapel has presented a Christmas service featuring both the members of the Joyful Choir and the Children's Choir," says Watkins. "I asked the members of the Joyful Choir if they had ever presented special music during the Christmas season in the past, and they told me that they had not, but they would like to do something special this year.

"For the past several months the adults and children have been working very hard to learn their selections. Each singer has worked on their music at home and at their rehearsals to make this service a delight to the ear and a joy to the hearts of its listeners."

Following the service there will be a reception for the congregation to meet the singers, soloists, and instrumentalists in the church's fellowship hall. A nursery will be provided for all children below the age of 6 years old. The service is free to the public.

The doors of the sanctuary will open to the public at 6:30 p.m.

Pinehurst UMC

Pinehurst United Methodist Church welcomes visitors to enjoy a series of Christmas celebrations through December.

On Dec. 8 and 9, the church opens its doors to the public for two free Christmas music concerts featuring the church choir and orchestra. With a Saturday concert at 4 p.m. and Sunday concert at 7 p.m., the celebration features more than 50 choir members and musical accompaniment.

Patrons are encouraged to arrive early for this annual musical gathering featuring favorite selections and hymns, titled, "Emmanuel: Hope is Born." Refreshments will be served following each performance.

On December 21, PUMC will host a contemporary Christian musical titled "Behold the Lamb." The performance is also free and open to the public, with dramatic and musical performances beginning at 6:30 pm.

A special 5 p.m. Christmas Eve family service will take place on Dec. 24 with the annual children's pageant, highlighting the voices and talents of the church's active youth ministry. It will be followed by traditional candlelight services at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. the same evening.

All holiday activities will take place in the church sanctuary, located at 4111 Airport Road in Pinehurst.

For more information, see pinehurstumc.org or call the church office at (910) 215-4559.

Annual Breakfast

The InAsMuch ministry of First Baptist Church of Carthage will host its free fifth annual community breakfast and fellowship Tuesday, Jan. 1, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

The event includes food, prayer, music and fellowship."

For information, call (910) 947-6456.

Toy Giveaway

There will be a toy give-away at New Covenant Fellowship (1305 Hulsey Road, Carthage), Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8 to 10 a.m. These are gently used toys for those in need.

"One toy per child, please," says a spokeman. "If you have gently used toys you would like to donate, please drop them off at New Covenant Fellowhip by Wednesday, Dec. 5."

Church of Christ, Scientist

"God the Preserver of Man" is the subject of the Dec. 9, church service. Music and prayer time is also part of the 10 a.m. service.

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Southern Pines, is at 240 E. New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines. Children and young people up to the age of 20 are welcome to attend Sunday School at the same hour. Child care is available.

A printout of the Bible lesson is available from the Christian Science Reading Room or online through subscription.

The Reading Room is at 173-A NE Broad St. It is close to the Southern Pines Railroad station and open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For information, call (910) 692-7759.

Bible Study

"Join us today as we start the study of Ruth in our Servants of God Community Bible Study," says a spokesman. "We are enjoying the core-group atmosphere of in-depth study, sharing thoughts and answered questions offering participants a great opportunity to meet and fellowship with other growing believers of Jesus Christ."

Open to all, CBS is an interdenominational Bible study and welcomes people from all backgrounds and levels of Bible knowledge.

"We have an expanded weekly schedule of times on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday," says the spokesman.

For further information and locations, contact Merle Lewis at (910) 255-6179, email mlewis27330 @nc.rr.com or Roy Longhta at (910) 215-8717 or email rlongtha@nc.rr.com.

Advent Reflections

On Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8:45 a.m. to noon, there will be a unique opportunity to come into a place of retreat and prayer in preparation for the celebration of Christmas.

Too often the hustle of holidays and the overload of seasonal to do lists lead to a Christmas "blur," which dampens the real spirit of this most wonderful time of the year. The Rev. Samuel Walker will serve as host and leader of the meditations.

Along with Kris and Bob Dahlberg, Ph.D., members of the Chapel's Christian Education team, "We have designed a peaceful antidote - a morning set apart for quiet reflection and spiritual refreshment," said Walker.

Featuring scripture, poetry, Christian literature, meditation, hymns and prayer all set in the sanctuary this service is an invitation to a different way to "let every heart prepare Him room."

All materials for reflection will be provided, and child care will be provided. There is no cost.

"You are asked to notify the chapel office (910-295-6003) and let them know you plan to join this special morning, so that enough materials will be available," says a spokesperson.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will present its cantata at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9.

Wednesday Dec. 12, is the remembrance service at 7 p.m., at which to remember loved ones who are not with us this Christmas season.

The food pantry is open every Wednesday from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron

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

'Messiah'

"Messiah," the oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel, will be presented by the Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church of Southern Pines Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Joining forces with the 50-voice choir will be a talented orchestra of 20 regional musicians. Guest soloists include Megan Mashburn, soprano; Susan Morrow, contralto; Nathan Munson, tenor; and John Blizzard, bass. The presentations will mark a return to the Sandhills and First Baptist Church for Morrow and Blizzard, while Mashburn and Munson will be sharing their talents in a major work for the first time in our area.

The Rev. Benny Edwards, minister of music at First Baptist since 1992, will conduct the presentations.

The choir, orchestra and soloists will perform all of Part I, and sections of Parts II and III.

Though there is no cost for admission, a general seating ticket is required to regulate seating for each presentation.

The public is invited to attend, and individuals may pick up tickets from the church office at 200 E. New York Ave. in Southern Pines between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Reserved tickets may be arranged by calling the church office at (910) 692-8750, but must be picked up prior to Thursday, Dec. 13.

Congregational Church Of Pinehurst

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst welcomes the Rev. Susan Sherard, executive director of the Moore County Literacy Council, as its guest preacher Sunday, Dec. 9.

The MCLC is a major mission of the church, with many of our members providing support and tutoring. After worship on Sunday members and friends will gather for a chili lunch, followed by decorating the sanctuary Chrismon tree.

Sunday school classes for children 3-5 and 6-8 years of age will be held this Sunday. Nursery care is provided each Sunday in the Butterfly Room by member volunteers, though children of all ages are always welcome at services.

The Community of Mindful Living in the Pines meets Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hearth Room for ongoing mindfulness meditation. Call (910) 949-2623 for information.

The Silver Belles pack lunches this Friday for MANNA!, a collaboration of churches which prepare free lunches for our neighbors in need. To help with this mission, call the church office and leave a message with your name and telephone number. The group meets the first Friday morning of every month.

The Titanium Whistles golf group meets on Tuesdays to play a different course each week. Consisting of 20 to 30 men from local churches. everyone is welcome regardless of experience or age. Discounts on greens fees are often provided to the group.

The church is located at 895 Linden Road across from Elliott's restaurant.

For information call the church office at (910) 295-2243 or visit our website youarewelcomehere.org.

Southern Pines UMC

The Southern Pines United Methodist Church Hand Bell Choir will provide special music for the communion services on Sunday, Dec. 9. The choir will perform at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship hours.

On Dec. 9, the SPUMC Alternative Christmas Fair will provide the opportunity to honor friends and family with the gift of giving. After each worship service, representatives from church, local, and international missions will be available to receive donations.

"Those who donate will receive gift cards to honor those in whose name the donation was made," says a church spokesperson.

The SPUMC Youth Fellowship will sponsor a "like new" toy sale Saturday, Dec. 15, from 8 a.m. until noon in the fellowship hall. Proceeds for the sale will support youth missions.

"Everyone is welcome to come and get a great deal on Christmas toys," says a church spokesperson.

For more information about SPUMC, call the church office at (910) 692-3518 or visit www.southernpinesumc.org.

The church is located at 175 Midland Road in Southern Pines.

West End UMC

The Men at West End United Methodist Church will meet and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast and a time of fellowship at 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. After breakfast, there is a brief devotional, and the men discuss projects to assist both the church and the community. Any man of the church or our community is welcome to attend.

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 Welcome Home Bible Study will be held Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship.

In Concert

Evangelist Scott Ferguson and Friends will be in concert at Brown's Chapel Christian Church in Robbins, Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m.

A love offering will be received.

For more information call Pastor Michael Parenti at (910) 464-3697.

Blue Christmas

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

"We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concerns," says a spokesman for Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines. "We need to know that we are not alone."

Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines will host a special "Blue Christmas" worship service with Communion on Dec. 21, at 5 p.m.

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

Culdee Presbyterian

On Friday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., the Culdee Men's Group will serve a Christmas dinner to the congregation.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., the children will present their Christmas drama "A Rocking' Royal Christmas," under the direction of Gail Meeks and Gail Farmer.

After the program, Santa will greet children in the fellowship hall, and refreshments will be served.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., the Culdee Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gail Meeks, will present the cantata "And On Earth Peace."

Gospel Singing

Harmony Baptist Church will host a gospel singing featuring Four Heart Harmony at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

The church is located at 3624 N.C. 73, West End.

One Accord

Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church is sponsoring the One Accord Project (OAP), led by Oliver Jennings, of Baltimore.

The OAP is a gospel choral workshop designed to teach gospel music and unify the community.

Jennings is a seasoned minister of music with more than 30 years of playing piano, organ and keyboard. He also teaches voice and harmony. He is presently minister of music at New Second Missionary Baptist Church, in Baltimore.

The workshop begins Friday, Dec. 7, with registration and rehearsal beginning at 6 p.m. at the church, which is located at 9972 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. There will be an additional workshop Saturday, Dec. 8, beginning at 9 a.m. at Southern Pines Primary School, with dinner at 5 p.m.

Each participant is asked for a donation of $25, which includes a T-shirt, 8 a.m. continental breakfast Saturday, two workshops and a dinner. The event culminates with a free concert open to the public Saturday at 7 p.m.

For registration forms and additional information, call (910) 692-6622 or (910) 949-5556.

Greater Glory

The JCECA Ministries will host its annual Singles' Conference Thursday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 9, at Greater Glory. It will begin on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with a fellowship service and panels with topics centered around issues singles are challenged with.

It will continue Friday at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Evangelist LaShae McKinney, an associate of the Greater Oasis Pentecostal Deliverance Church, Wilson.

The conference will conclude on Sunday at 5 p.m. with a birthday celebration service honoring Executive Chief Apostle Michael S. Dixon. The guest speaker will be Pastor Eric Smalley, of Mount Gilead. Other guests are expected to appear on program.

This conference will also be hosted at the Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Temple.

For more information on this and any upcoming church events, contact Evangelist Vickie Kelly at (910) 281-0369 or (910) 281-2023.

Women's Day

On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m., Fletcher's Chapel will celebrate its annul Women's Day.

The guest speaker is Evangelist Janice Martin.

The church pastor is the Rev. Charles A. Bethea.

Holiday Fundraising

The Chapel in the Pines begins their 24th year of holiday fundraising this month.

Geared toward aiding needy children, adults and seniors, the Chapel's community Christmas Fund encompasses much more than Christmas. It also expends sums for the lesser privileged at Thanksgiving and Easter as well.

The money raised provides food vouchers and gifts for more than 50 area families in West End and Jackson Springs for these festive occasions.

"The source for these gifts is threefold: the Chapel's Benevolence Fund, Seven Lakes area businesses, and individual contributions," said Cindy Holland, the Benevolence Committee's chairwoman. "And I would like to assure contributors that the chapel works diligently with Moore County's Social Services Department to ensure that the fund's recipients are appropriately selected.

"Obviously, with the continuing troubled current economic conditions, the local need for aid has become urgent," she adds. "Please send your checks to the Chapel/Community Christmas Fund, c/o Cindy Holland, Box 4042, Seven Lakes West, West End, NC 27376."

Advent Music

On Sunday, Dec. 9, Community Presbyterian Church of Pinehurst will celebrate Music Sunday at both the 9 and 11 a.m. services in the church's fellowship hall.

The music includes Christmas carols, traditional anthems, contemporary songs and several original compositions. Each piece of music was selected to represent a specific portion of the Biblical account of Christ's birth.

Participating in the services will be the adult and children's choirs as well as a chamber orchestra of winds, strings and percussion, along with in-house instrumentalists.

This musical celebration will be under the direction of Dr. Terri Sinclair, director of music.

Community Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Everette and Kelly roads in Pinehurst.

Gospel Singing

Aberdeen First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 217 South Pinehurst St., will host the Singing Revelations during the 11 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 9.

Crossroads Church

Crossroads Community Church, in Carthage, will hold a gospel benefit singing at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, featuring Corbin and Linda Whitaker, along with the Crossroads Choir.

"The Last Chance," a Christmas drama, will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 14-16.

The church is located at the Whispering Pines intersection of Vass Carthage and Niagara-Carthage roads.

Admission is free.

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

Wee-Learn

Wee-Learn Weekday Ministries, Aberdeen First Baptist Church, offers an excellent learning environment with low tuition rates.

"We currently have three open slots in the 4-year-old pre-k class and two open slots in the 3-year-old class starting in December," says a spokesman.

The 3-year-old class meets Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. There are two options available for the 4-year-old pre-k class: five-day program Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon or three-day program Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

"Open slots fill quickly," says the spokesman. Visit www.aberdeen fbc.org or call (910) 944-1421, extension 215, for more information.

Prayer Service

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m., First Baptist Church Southern Pines will celebrate a service of prayers. On the first Wednesday, there will be a prayer and healing service.

The church is located at 200 East New York Ave.