The Rev. Don Welch will lead a four-week in-depth study of "The Lord's Prayer" at the Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines during Lent.

The sessions will be held at the chapel beginning Thursday, March 1, and ending Thursday, March 22. Each session will last one hour and will begin at 4 p.m.

The group will examine each phrase of the "Our Father" prayer, searching for the theological depth of its meaning and exploring ways that the entire prayer can not only help each person pray but also live out the words in his or her life.

There is no charge for this course, and prior registration is not required. People of all faith traditions are invited to participate.

Contact Don Welch at (910) 673-6701 or dwelch1@nc.rr.com for more information.

Plate Sale

On Friday, March 2, Fletcher's Chapel will sponsor a plate sale beginning at 11 a.m.

Plates include chitterlings or fish with such sides as collard greens or green beans, rice, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad and dessert. Dinners are $8 each, dine-in or take-out.

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

Showing Films

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills, in partnership with the UU Congregation of Fayetteville, will screen the films "Choosing Absalon" and "Marriage Equality: Byron Rushing and the Fight for Fairness," Sunday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Whispering Pines Community Building, 1320 Ray's Bridge Road, Whispering Pines.

Through the films and discussion following, the congregations will attempt to raise awareness of local voters to the impact and consequences (intended and unintended) that would result should the proposed Constitutional Amendment, "Amendment One," also known as the Marriage Amendment, be passed by the voters on May 8 of this year.

These films are the first of a six-film series to be shown in the area (including Fayetteville) at the end of February, and the beginning and end of March and April, prior to the upcoming vote on May 8.

Voters will be given the opportunity to watch the films and ask questions as they try to sort through the rhetoric that surrounds this issue.

Southern Pines UMC

Spring studies at Southern Pines United Methodist Church will begin Sunday, Feb. 26, at 5:30 p.m.

Dinner will be provided for participants at 4:45 p.m.; a $5 donation is requested. The programs are as follows:

"Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls" - the Rev. Judson Dunlap will lead this six-week video group study and discussion authored by Gary Thomas. Participant guides are $8.

"Final Words" - This seven-week Adam Hamilton video study looks at Jesus' last hours and words. Sherry Driscoll will lead this powerful study. The cost of the study book is $10.

"Gilligan's Island and the Seven Deadly Sins" - the Rev. Tommy Sweeley will lead this nine-week video study to illustrate the classic seven deadly sins: lust, greed, envy, anger, sloth, gluttony and pride. Study guides are $10.

"Run for God" - Maggie Bonecutter will facilitate this 12-week training program with the goals of running in a 5K race and strengthening our relationship with God. The workbook is $19.

"Jonah and the Whale Children's Study" - Children ages 3 through kindergarten will explore this biblical classic through crafts, songs and games.

"Children and Youth Spring Musical" - Trinity Choir (grades 1-5) will begin practices for the upcoming musical "School of Life" to be performed on May 20.

If you plan to participate, register early so that we can order the proper number of materials. To register or receive more information, call (910) 692-3518.

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

CCP

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst UCC will celebrate a joining Sunday to welcome new members.

Sunday school classes for children 3-5 and 6-8 years of age are held the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Nursery care is provided each Sunday in the Butterfly Room by member volunteers, though children of all ages are always welcome at services.

On the third Sunday of the month, the Rev. Brent Bissette presents a children's sermon especially for our young members.

An Ash Wednesday service will be held today at 5:30 p.m.

The "Bible Basics" discussion group meets Thursday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. For this weekly study of Islam, the book used will be Amir Hussain's "Oil and Water: Two Faiths, One God."

A limited number of copies are available at The Country Bookshop in downtown Southern Pines, with additional orders available within two days. Call the church office at (910) 295-2243 to let Pastor Bissette know you plan to attend.

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, United Church of Christ, "celebrates the human spirit by welcoming all regardless of race, sexual orientation, relationship status, or disability to full participation in our family of faith," according to a spokesman.

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 youare welcomehere.org.

St. Paul Lutheran

An Ash Wednesday service will be observed at St. Paul Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22.

This special service will begin with the distribution of ashes and end with the Lord's Supper.

The regular Sunday service is at 9 a.m.

St. Paul Lutheran Church is located at 144 Westgate Drive (behind Premier Lighting on N.C. 211).

For more information, call (910) 215-9681.

Bethesda Presbyterian

Bethesda Presbyterian Church, in Aberdeen, is offering the following small group Bible studies:

"The Power of a Positive Mom," a book by Karol Ladd, will help moms learn the power of words and how to use them positively, how to create and offer life-changing prayers for her children and herself, how to grow an attitude of gratitude in children and so much more. This group will meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 8:45 a.m. in the Ladies Parlor for eight weeks.

"Managing Your Money God's Way" by Crown Financial Ministries will begin on April 10. This Biblical financial study will meet each Tuesday at 7 p.m. for eight weeks.

A "Sacred Space" prayer service will be held each Thursday at 7 p.m. during the Season of Lent, which begins Feb. 23, in the Chapel. Call (910) 944-1319 for more information.

Bethesda Church is located on U.S. 1 in Aberdeen.

Lenten Lunches

Lenten Lunches at Page Memorial United Methodist Church provide opportunities for spiritual reflection, Christan conversation and delicious meals.

Meals will be held Wednesdays, Feb. 22 through April 4, at noon in the fellowship hall. The cost is $5 per person and includes a home-cooked meal, tea, coffee, dessert and a time of ministry and fellowship.

Feb. 22 - the Rev. Jane Leechford, Page Memorial United Methodist Church. Menu: marinated chicken breast, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls and dessert.

Feb. 29 - the Rev. Joe Forbes, (retired) United Methodist Church. Menu: baked ham, pineapple casserole, green beans, rolls and dessert.

March 7 - the Rev. Johathan Wallace, Bethesda Presbyterian Church. Menu: roast beef and gravy, squash casserole, beet pickles, rolls and dessert.

March 14 - the Rev. Mike Branscomb, First Baptist Church, Aberdeen. Menu: broccoli and chicken casserole, apple Waldorf salad, lima beans, rolls and dessert.

March 28 - the Rev. David Banks, Pinehurst United Methodist Church. Menu: beef tips with gravy, rice, green beans, rolls and desserts.

April 4 - the Rev. Thomas Simpson, Goldston United Methodist Church. Menu: chicken salad and fresh fruit, macaroni salad, rolls and dessert.

Gospel Singing

Berean Baptist Church will be hosting a gospel singing Sunday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m., featuring Glimpse of Glory.

The church is located in the American Legion Building, Main Street, Aberdeen.

Admission is free; a love offering will be taken up.

Women in Red

St. Joseph A.M.E. Church Missionary Department will sponsor Women in Red Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. at Aberdeen Elementary School Auditorium The guest speaker is the Rev. Lisa Marshall, of Zion Campbell A.M.E. Church, Laurinburg.

Church Women United

Friday, March 2, is "World Day of Prayer." This is an ecumenical celebration of informed prayer of women, men and children in more than 170 countries and regions who will celebrate "World Day of Prayer.

This year's service will be at 10 a.m. March 2 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, located at 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines.

"Come join in this service written this year by the women of Malaysia, in prayer and song along with Moore County Church Women United.

Refreshments will follow.

Barbecue

Vass United Methodist Church will host a barbecue lunch and supper Thursday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The meal will feature pork barbecue prepared by Jordan's Barbecue, of West End, accompanied by coleslaw, baked beans, roll and homemade dessert. Dine in the church fellowship hall or carry out. All plates are $7. Tickets are available at the door.

The church is located at 111 Alma St., Vass.

For information, contact the Rev. Phil Brown at (910) 245-7665.

Chagall Lecture

Vivian Jacobson will present the lecture "Hope, Peace, Reconciliation and Love: The Messages of Marc Chagall in His Art and Literature" at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Sandhills Jewish Congregation, Temple Beth Shalom.

The lecture offers an in-depth examination of Chagall's writings, which were translated from the Yiddish, Russian and French. Chagall was just as prolific in his writings of prose and poetry as he was in his artwork, which is known and loved around the world. The readings will be integrated with a PowerPoint presentation, with the visuals of the artwork that inspired his writings on hope, peace, reconciliation and love.

Beth Shalom is located at the corner of Hoffman and Jackson Springs roads, >Foxfire Village. >

"Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and you are invited to come early and join us for refreshments," says a spokesman.

Before and after the lecture, Vivian Jacobson will be doing a book signing of her book, "Sharing Chagall: A Memoir."

The lecture is free of charge and open to the public.

Fish Fry

St. Anthony's Knights of Columbus will again have their Lenten fish fries on Fridays at the parish hall.

Meals will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 23 and 30.

The parish hall is located at 175 E. Connecticut Ave. in Southern Pines.

Call Bruno Zoanelli at (910) 295-1049 for further information.

Local Conference

New Covenant Fellowship presents Lynn Cowell, who will lead a conference titled "His Revolutionary Love," Saturday, Feb. 25.

Registration is at 9 a.m., with conference continuing through 12:30 p.m.

The conference targets young women from middle and high school as well as their mothers and mentors.

In "His Revolutionary Love," Lynn Cowell helps teen girls: Create confidence leading to higher self-esteem by discovering Christ's life-altering love. Replace loneliness, rejection and pain with acceptance, affirmation, and approval. Make wise choices that lead to a fruitful future, rather than becoming a victim to emotionally-based decisions. Shift faith in Jesus from just a parental influence to a personal, growing relationship. Learn how to discern the voice and will of God. Develop and stick to boundaries that protect the heart, mind, and body. Communicate with guys and other girlfriends in a manner that's healthy and positive.

There will be a question-and-answer period.

The church is located at 1305 Hulsey Road, Carthage.

For information or reservations, call (910) 947-1412.

Our Saviour Lutheran

Our Saviour Lutheran church will hold two services every Wednesday during Lent. Beginning on Feb. 29, Psalm 23 will be the central theme at both the noon and 7 p.m. services. Members of the Our Saviour congregation will be sharing short testimonies of grace that relate to the different sections of this most familiar psalm.

The 7 p.m. service will also use "Holden Evening Prayer," a contemporary setting of the Vespers service.

For more information, call the church at (910) 692-2662.

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

Women's Retreat

Sandhills Presbyterian Church is hosting an "In-House" Women's Retreat Friday, March 2, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Mary Beth McGreevy, from St. Louis, Mo.

She will be presenting "In But Not of the World: Jesus' Prayer for His Own in John 17."

Mary Beth McGreevy is a homemaker by profession and a pianist by trade who is also the author of several books for Christian women. She is an often-sought-after speaker and Bible study teacher. Many will remember her from her previous appearance here in Southern Pines.

All women of the community are invited to attend. Cost is $30 and covers dessert and refreshments on Friday evening, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and an honorarium for the speaker.

Call the church at (910) 692-5834 or visit www. sandhills pca.org for more details and registration.

West End UMC

West End United Methodist Church will have a special service on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. for Ash Wednesday.

A Lenten supper and devotional will be held Wednesday, Feb. 29, with the meal at 6 p.m. and the service at 7 p.m. For families with young children, a nursery will be available during the service. Although there will be no charge for these suppers, there will be a donation basket for those wishing to make a contribution toward the cost of the meal. For information, call Don Allen at (910) 295-0460 or the church office at (910) 673-1371. 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.

Black History Program

In celebration of Black History Month, the Sunday School Department of Shady Grove Holiness Church, two miles east of Aberdeen on N.C. 211, will be sponsoring a Black History program Sunday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m., commemorating the many achievements, contributions and inventions of black people. For further details contact Mable L. Graham at (910) 944-1267.

Mount Zion A.M.E.

The Mount Zion AME Zion Church Men of Integrity will host its annual black history program at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.

The speaker is Dr. Ricky Frazier, presiding elder of the Sanford district of the Central N.C. Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church. Music will be provided by Mount Olive A.M.E. Zion Church choir.

The church is located at 584 Bryant Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-2317.

Ash Wednesday

Trinity Christian Fellowship will observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, in a special service on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 5:30 p.m. at The O'Neal School's Hannah Marie Bradshaw Activities Center auditorium. The service will include communion and also the distribution of ashes.

Gospel Singing

Emmanuel Baptist Church will host a gospel singing at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, featuring The Crusaders of NC.

The church is located at 632 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-4736.

Piney Grove

Piney Grove Church, in the Windblow community of Ellerbe, will hold pastor's anniversary services Feb. 25-26. On Feb. 25, at 6 p.m., a musical program will be held, and at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, Pastor Johnnie Bruton and New Hill Baptist will lead the service.

The annual choir day, sponsored by the Calvary Gospel Singers, begins at 3 p.m. March 4.

Lecture

Dr. Lauren Winner, author, lecturer and professor at Duke Divinity School, will be preaching at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines on Sunday, Feb. 26, at both the 8:45 and 11:10 a.m. services.

She will also be speaking at 10 a.m. in the church's fellowship hall on "From Nighttime into Day: What Christians Have to Learn from Judaism about Spirituality."

The prior evening, Saturday, Feb. 25, Winner will be at The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines at 7 p.m. for a short talk and book signing of her newly published "Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis."

Winner's appearance is sponsored by Brownson's Bill Jones Lecture Series endowment, which supports special events to inform, educate and enrich the spiritual life of the communit y.

Black History Program

Greater Harvest House of Prayer Ministries, located at 760 Midway Road, Aberdeen, will be having a Black History program on Feb. 26, at 3 p.m.

Praise Services

Greater Works Church of Deliverance, in West End, will host a two-day musical praise service at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.

Beulah Hill Baptist

Beulah Hill Baptist Church is celebrating St. Patrick's Day, March 17.

"Everyone's invited to join us for wearin' o' the green, traditional Irish games, food, and Emerald Isle desserts, then we're off to Sandhills Bowling Center, in Aberdeen, for an afternoon of family fun," says a spokesman.

The celebration begins at noon in the church fellowship hall.

Special Services

Synagogue of Christ Church has several special services set for February:

Feb. 26, Bishop McPhatter will speak at 3 p.m. Elder Keith Jackson will preach at Westside Missionary Baptist Church, in Robbins, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29.

The church is located at 373 Stage Road, Carthage.

For information, contact Pastor Louise Kiniel at (910) 947-1911.

Wee Learn

Aberdeen First Baptist is accepting applications for the fall semester for its Wee Learn Weekday Education

Children ages 12 months to 3 years attend Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, and children age 4-prekindergarten attend Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

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

Acoustic Circle

The Acoustic Music Circle meets every third Sunday of the month in the fellowship hall at McDonalds Chapel on Foxfire Road, two miles from Pinehurst and 11/2 miles from Foxfire Village.

This music circle is open to everyone who would like to join in and share their musical talents. Those who would like to come and listen in the audience are also welcomed. The atmosphere is friendly, with toe-tapping music for those who enjoy playing music together.

The following sessions have been planned: Sunday, Feb. 19, March 18, April 15 and May 20, from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information, contact the church office at Mcdonaldschapel2@connectnc.net.

Village Chapel

The Village Chapel, an interdenominational Christian community, hosts AWANA Club for nursery to sixth grade each Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. to noon and the AWANA youth program for sixth to 12th grades Sunday evenings from 4 to 6 p.m.

This is a no-cost Christian discipleship program. Contact Pastor Ashley Smith at ashleyneilsmith@aol.com or (910) 295-6003.

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) meets at 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. Please visit www.pagememorialumc.org for more information.

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.