Addor

The third annual Addor Christmas parade will be held at 10 a.m. this Saturday. Those entering are asked to be there to line up by 9 a.m. Groups interested in participating are asked to call Tammy Baldwin, the parade director, at (910) 603-2045 or by email at tammysb @aol.com.

Rhonda Chavis Mustafaa will preach her initial sermon at 3 p.m. this Sunday at New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. The presiding elder will be there. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Hats off to Dequan Spencer, who has been promoted to captain in the U.S. Army and is stationed at Fort Bragg. He is a member of New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. He grew up in Southern Pines. His maternal grandparents are from Addor. We are very proud of him.

Everyone in the community is invited to attend New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church each Sunday, with Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Please notify the pastor, the Rev. Charles McKnight, of a sickness or the need for prayer at (910) 639-1893.

Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church will hold its annual watch night service at 10 p.m. Dec. 31. Everyone in the community is invited to take part.

Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church invites everyone to attend Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. each week.

The community was saddened to learn of the passing of Elmerilla Smith. She was the daughter of Portia Smith and the late Allen Smith. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Jone and Little Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

The community was also saddened to learn of the passing of Vernice McNeill Cameron. The funeral was held Sunday.

Please remember the victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey and elsewhere, and consider making a donation to the Red Cross or other relief effort.

The Addor Community Center Committee needs everyone’s help. The roof badly needs to be replaced. Donations of any amount are greatly needed. Mail donations to P.O. Box 775, Pinebluff, NC 28373. A big fundraiser is also being planned. Everyone is encouraged to help out.

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

In memoriam: Frederick Little (Dec. 12).

Sick and shut-ins: Rachel Hill, Betty Ellerbe, Louise Jones, Nora Smith and Philip McMillian are among the homebound. Portia Smith, 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.

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 service 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 holds Sunday services at Aberdeen Elementary School. Bible study has been canceled indefinitely.

Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Church, at 206 Keyser St., where the pastor is the Rev. Lula Oliver, 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.

Please continue to pray for everyone.

Please submit your news to Elder Clarissa Nealy at (910) 986-9133 by Saturday afternoon.

— Clarissa Nealy

Eastwood

St. Peters will hold its Christmas dinner this Sunday after the morning service. Everyone is invited to join the fun and fellowship.

The church also holds Bible study at 7:30 p.m. on the Tuesdays after the first and third Sundays of the month. Prayer meeting is held at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday.

Benjamin Harris Sr. will offer his introductory message at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23.

The Union will convene in Greensboro Dec. 29 and 30.

St. Peters will be having a Watch Night service at 10 p.m. Dec. 31.

Carolyn McRae celebrated her birthday with her family.

Birthday wishes go out to Rose Ann Stanback (Dec. 12), Eunice Cagle, Lottie Mason, Evangelist Deborah Sibley and Marry Diggs (Dec. 14), Nora Brown and Georgetta Williams (Dec. 15), Elder Larry Rusell (Dec. 16), Sheila 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, Samuel Brisbon, Ruth Rogers, Evelyn Clegg, Cornelia Adkins, Minister Wrencher, Margret Thompson, Conrad Dailey and Alma Jones.

— Wilma Monroe

Hoffman

Bible study is held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Macedonia and at 7:30 p.m. at Fletcher’s Chapel. Pleasant Hill holds its Bible study at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The Promise of Life celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Home Union will be held Dec. 30 at Macedonia. Sunday School is at 10 a.m., and worship is at 11 a.m. Everyone in the community is encouraged to support the Home Union.

Tommy and Nettie Hart and J.C. and Jackie Sloan returned home Saturday from an eight-day cruise.

Birthday wishes go out to Abril Stroman (Dec. 10), Eric Brown (Dec. 14), Jessie Spell (Dec. 15), Kevon Ratliff (Dec. 19), Gwen Millen (Dec. 21) and Betty Ratliff (Dec. 30).

Sick and shut-ins: Frank Smith, Janet Little, Flossie Hagins, Cathy Harrington, Albert Hailey, Felton Hailey, Eugene Martin, Ernest Gilmore, Juanita Gilmore, Louis Gilmore, Mary Jamison, Henry Isaac, Mattie White, Rebecca Utley, Lula Smith, Thelma McKoy and Arlene McRae.

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

— Bea Little

Little River

Mount Pleasant will hold its children’s Christmas program at 6 p.m. Sunday. Following the program, they will celebrate Jesus’ birthday with refreshments in the fellowship hall.

The Mount Pleasant choir will present its Christmas cantata “All Is Well” during the 11 a.m. worship service Dec. 23. Everyone is invited to attend.

On Monday, Dec. 3, about 36 ladies attended the Cypress Presbyterian Women’s Christmas party. There was a delicious meal, complete with waiters and waitresses, fun games, gifting giving and joyous fellowship.

Any ladies who would like to join them for the regular meetings are welcome. There are two groups, and both meet on the first Monday of the month in the fellowship hall. One group meets at 1 p.m., and the other meets at 7 p.m. Please call the church at (910) 245-4731 if you would like more details.

Everyone is invited to the Cypress Christmas cantata this Sunday during the 11 a.m. worship service. The cantata, “Silent Night, Holy Night,” blends old and new songs as well as narration to help us prepare for the coming of Christmas and remember the reason we celebrate — the birth of Jesus Christ.

Two special worship services will be held at Cypress on Christmas Eve. A 4 p.m. service will be held for families with young children or for those who don’t drive at night. At 10 p.m., another service will be held that will include the celebration of Communion. Both services will feature special music and the lighting of candles.

Visit our Cypress website www.cypresspres.org for in-formation about the church.

— Chris Stewart

Shawtown

Holy Temple Church holds services every first and third Sunday. Everyone is invited to attend.

Please pray for our president and all leaders, the sick, bereaved, shut-ins and residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities and caregivers.

If anyone has community news, please email me at aminnieirene@yahoo.com or call me at (910) 783-7822 (cell) or (910) 947-2208 (home) and leave a message at least one week in advance. — Irene Ray

Taylortown

Taylortown’s “Christmas Taylortown Style” will be held at Mulligans on 18 (Elks Country Club) from 6-11 p.m. this Saturday.

There will be a great dinner, dancing and entertainment by special guest comedienne “Grandma Lou.” The social hour will be held from 6 until 6:45 p.m.

For ticket information, call Nadine Moody at (910) 724-3991, Diann Barrett at (910) 295-5469, Mildred Wright at (910) 944-2950, or Joann Faulkner at (910) 295-0423.

A Christmas concert and dinner will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. The program will feature Apostle Andrea U. Weekes and the Greater Works Praise Team.

The program is sponsored by the Spaulding Chapel gospel choir. For ticket information, contact Joann Faulkner at (910) 295-0423, Minister Karen M. Stanford at (910) 583-7328, Linda Coleman at (910) 420-2995 or Lerlean Bostic at (910) 944-2200. Spaulding’s pastor, the Rev. Charles Allen, invites everyone to attend.

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church will have its annual Christmas program this Sunday during the morning service. The pastor, the Rev. Dr. Charles Nabors, invites all to attend.

Thank you from Galilee Missionary Baptist Church to those who participated in the candlelight service last Sunday. Sister Diane Gaddy Stewart was the speaker. The president of the missionary department is Susie Alford. The pastor is the Rev. Dr. Charles Nabors. Proceeds benefit the sick and shut-ins of the community.

Congratulations to Kim Wade and her assistants for producing the wonderful documentary of the history of West Southern Pines businesses. The 90-minute video presentation with interviews of local residents was informative, eye-opening, entertaining and touching.

It was presented at Southern Pines Public Library last Sunday. Also, it was shown at the Douglass Community Center earlier this year. Kim is a professor in the cosmetology department at Sandhills Community College and is a longtime resident of Southern Pines. She has classmates, family and supporters in “T-town.”

Apologies are extended to the viewers of “Town Talk” television show. There have been some major technical and engineering programs at the local television station. Thanks for your patience and support! Rose Highland-Sharpe is the producer and host.

Sympathy is extended to the family of the late Minister Willie Bartell, of Greensboro. He has family near the Windblow area. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of His Glory Church in Greensboro. Visitation will be held at noon until 1 p.m. Franklin McQueen provided this information. His number is (910) 582-1263.

If anyone is interested in continuing to prepare the weekly Taylortown community news, please call Rose Highland-Sharpe at (910) 514-1564 or (910) 528-0718.

Earn your GED and prepare to become a nurse assistant I at the same time. Classes start in January. For more information, call Twana McKnight at Sandhills Community College, at (910) 695-3782.

Job opportunities are available through Debbie’s Staffing (experienced production, machine operators, and warehouse workers for a local employer in the Aberdeen area). Go to the website to complete an application at debbies staffing.com and choose the Laurel Hill location and follow the instructions. This information is from Crystal D. Taylor with Workforce Development and the local N.C. Commerce (employment office) in Aberdeen. Call Crystal at (910) 944-7697 or (919) 969-3032, ext. 259.

Get your GED in 2013! The GED test will be changing in 2014, so complete it now through 2013 as it is. Don’t let your current score expire. Be prepared for college, a better job, and get the respect you deserve by earning your high school diploma. Call Sandhills Community College GED staff Mr. Andrews at (910) 695-3998, Mrs. Chestnut at (910) 695-3777, or Ms. Highland-Sharpe at (910) 695-3783. Ms. Holmes is at the Hoke Center in Raeford at (910) 878-5808.

Thank you to the local ministries for all they do for the community, including Fresh Discipleship Ministries, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, House of Prayer Holy Church of God in Christ, Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, and Spruill Temple Church of God in Christ.

The Taylortown Ministerial Alliance meets on the second Saturday each month in the early afternoon at one of the local churches. All local ministers are invited. Rev. Kenneth Stewart is the president.

Join Michael Robinson, the Taylortown “Music Man,” for guitar lessons. Call (910) 691-9283. Michael also conducts “Taylortown Jams” which are music sessions open to experienced musicians Saturdays from noon until 6 p.m. 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 for the jam session or music classes. The classes are open to all ages.

The Rev. Rose Highland-Sharpe has information about keyboard playing opportunities at some local churches in Moore County. For more information, call (910) 514-1564.

The “Hill Top Shops” thank you for your support. The shops include: Not “Jus” Any Bag, Sew What?, 360 Creations Beauty Salon and New 2 U Everyday Rummage. Fresh Discipleship Center, with Pastor Cora Murphy, resides “on the Hill,” too. There is 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.

Inquire about free and/or low-cost classes for job seekers and those seeking a new career by calling T. McKnight, J. Troyer, or R. Highland-Sharpe at Sandhills Community College at (910) 695-3782, (910) 695-3926, or (910) 695-3783, respectively. Classes are offered in Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Robbins, Southern Pines, and Westmoore. “Jump start” your career at SCC.

“MANNA” continues to be held Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at Spaulding Chapel AME Zion Church. Thank you to the preparers and hostesses including Melba Bostic, Esther McNeill, Hulene Morrison, Kathy Murphy and others from Spaulding Chapel and the community. Pastor John Roberts is the day-to-day operations manager for MANNA. The pastor at Spaulding Chapel is the Rev. Charles Allen.

Consider making a donation to United Way of Moore County. The United Way supports many nonprofits including those that help youths, victims of abuse, and those recovering from substance abuse. Linda Mills Pearson is the executive director. Call (910) 692-2413.

Listen to Evangelist Carolyn Mitchell (our Town Clerk) on her broadcast, “Words of Life,” on WEEB, 990 AM, 10:30-10:45 a.m. Evangelist Mitchell has been providing this teaching ministry for many years at WEEB. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church has Bible study on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. The Rev. Angus Wade leads the services with prepared handouts on special subjects of interest and a lively discussion ensues. The pastor, the Rev. Charles Nabors, invites everyone to attend.

Spruill Temple Church of God in Christ has a variety of weekly services. Call (910) 295-0071 for more information. The pastor, Elder Jerry Chesney, invites everyone to their services.

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 198 Gaines St., Jackson Hamlet, has weekly services including Sunday School at 10 a.m., morning worship service at 11 a.m., and prayer meeting and Bible study each Wednesday at 7 p.m. The pastor, the Rev. Elgett Floyd, invites all to attend.

Thank you for listening to “Good News Inspiration” on WEEB, 990 AM on Sundays from 6-11 a.m. Send your church and community announcements to the Sunday program director/announcer, Rose Highland-Sharpe, at POB 4653, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or email rosesharpe37@ gmail.com. WEEB Gospel family members include substitute announcers Minister Jason Hackett (he also does the Solid Rock broadcast, 9:30-10 a.m.), Pastor Ren Lee, Niniji Lloyd, and veteran announcer Felton J. Capel (Felton, 9-9:30 a.m.)

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

Please remember the victims of the recent fires, storms and hurricanes. Donations can be made through the Red Cross.

The Christmas holiday prayer list includes Deacon Leroy Alford Sr., Jaion Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. George Brown, Bishop Larry Brown, Sauvé Cain, Evelyn Clegg, Christine Ellerbe, Sandy George Gaines, Phyllis Goins, Cathy Harrington, Alice Jackson, Rosa Mills, Willa B. Monroe, Catherine Morrison, Dorothy R. Morrison, Evelyn Morrison, Vera Moses, James Murphy, Cheryl Parraway, Lolita Robinson, Jiles Shamberger, Johnnie Stanford, Patrice Taylor and Steve L. Adams (station manager at WEEB).

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.

Submit community news and questions to R. Highland-Sharpe at P.O. Box 4653, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or to rosesharpe37@gmail. com. Announcements should be sent at least two weeks in advance.

— Rose Highland-Sharpe

Vass

Minister Freddie Kelly, Jr. will give the message during the 11 a.m. worship service this Sunday at God’s House of Prayer Ministry.

Evangelist Jacqueline Harvin will give the message for the Christmas program during the 11 a.m. worship service Dec. 23 at the church. The program is sponsored by Janet Miles.

Elder Frederick Kelly will give the message at 10 p.m. Dec. 31 at the watch night service at God’s House of Prayer Ministry.

God’s House of Prayer Ministry has Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. every week. Bible study is held every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Intercessory prayer is held every Saturday at 8 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend all programs. The church pastor is Apostle Mary Kelly. The church is located at 205 Pats Road in Vass.

Oakridge A.M.E. Zion Church has services on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. The pastor is the Rev. Walter Cotton, of Bear Creek.

St. Mark has Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. and ­worship services at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday. Bible study is held at 5:30 p.m. each Thursday. The pastor is the Rev. Chester Little.

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 located at 3623 North U.S. 1 Business in Vass across from the Vass ball park. For more information, call (910) 638-8441.

Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Rasheda Kelly (Dec. 5) and Betty Lambert and Julius Morrison (Dec. 7).

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