There will be a community service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Southern Pines Primary School's H.A. Wilson Auditorium.

Dr. William E. Smith, of Southern Pines, will be the speaker. Smith is a distinguished alumnus of the Boston University School of Theology, where he met and became friends with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He served several churches in Massachusetts, Maryland and Ohio and was a professor of the practice of Christian ministry at Duke University Divinity School.

The program will include music by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Pines, Together-N-Unity Choir, of Hoffman, Nathan Brower, of Carthage, and Dr. Paul Murphy, pastor of Franklin Chapel A.M.E. Methodist Church, of Laurinburg, as well as other local pastors.

The program is sponsored by Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where the Rev. Fred C. Walden is pastor.

"Everyone is invited to attend this annual service, which was begun by the former Southern Pines Fellowship of Churches," says a spokesman. "You are also encouraged to participate in the annual MLK March at 11 a.m. Monday, beginning at Municipal Park, at the corner of East New York Avenue and Broad Street, in Southern Pines.

New Pastor

The Rev. Whitney Wilkinson recently began her ministry at Cameron Presbyterian Church in December.

A graduate of Texas A & M and Columbia Theological Seminary, Wilkinson has served in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she discovered her calling to peacemaking. While in Belfast, Wilkinson was engaged in building reconciled relationships between Protestant and Catholic teenagers through a cross-community peacemaking trip to South Africa.

During her final year of seminary, Wilkinson ministered to youth and their families at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain, Ga., and as a clinical pastoral education intern at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, providing pastoral care to those facing death and illness.

She was ordained in August 2008 in the church where she was baptized as an infant.

Wilkinson has been a small group leader at Montreat Youth Conferences and, in Texas, supply preached frequently, worked with differently abled college students, and volunteered in pastoral care at local hospitals. She also served as a steward at the World Council of Churches Central Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.

Cameron Presbyterian Church is located at 600 Carthage St., Cameron, with Sunday School classes at 10 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m.

For more information, call (910) 245-7901.

Gospel Singing

There will be a gospel singing at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at Crossroads Community Church, featuring Angelina McKeithen.

Angelina is the third generation of performers in the McKeithen family lineage. Her singing career started at the age of 3, and at the age of 7, she began playing drums for the group. When she was 9, her father showed her several chords on an acoustic guitar, and she began performing with the full band. At 13, she brought the harmonica to center stage for which she is nationally known. Then, at the age of 14, she began singing and playing full time with her family.

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

New Pastor

At Culdee

The session of Culdee Presbyterian announces the call of Pastor Joseph Washburn as senior pastor of Culdee.

Washburn comes to Culdee from Banner Elk Presbyterian Church in Banner Elk. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of South Carolina, and both a master of divinity and a doctor of ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary.

Washburn also served as pastor of Topsail Presbyterian Church, and as director of Christian education at First Presbyterian Church in York, S.C.

He and his wife, Angela, as well as their children, Hannah and Jacob, will live in the manse of Culdee Church, in West End.

Washburn's first day at Culdee was Jan 8. He comes to Culdee after the retirement of the Rev. Chris Bobo.

"Throughout my entire ministry, I have been amazed how God not only uses me in various forms of ministry, but also provides me with whatever gifts are needed in a particular situation," says Washburn. "It is my goal in life to bring glory to God, and I pray that my ministry at Culdee will do just that."

CCP

The Rev. Brent Bissette, of the Congregational Church of Pinehurst UCC, will share a special "children's sermon" this Sunday, as he does the third Sunday of every month during the regular 10 a.m. service.

On the second and fourth Sunday, the church offers Sunday school classes for children ages 3-5 years and 6-9 years during worship. Nursery is provided every Sunday, although children are always welcome to remain in the sanctuary.

The Healing Springs of the Pines Sangha meets on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hearth Room for ongoing mindfulness meditation. All are welcome to participate. Call (910) 949-2623 for information.

On Monday, Matthew Bahr leads silent mediation at 12:30 followed by a Course in Miracles at 1 p.m., at which all are welcome. Call (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 time and place.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry met this past Monday to work on simple shawls to be blessed by the congregation and given to persons in need of encouragement. Most members are beginners, and everyone is welcome to learn the simple stitch and join the knitting or just enjoy the fellowship. Call Kathy Nekton at (910) 245-7304 for information.

Manor Care bingo and refreshments resumes meeting today (Wednesday) to provide social gathering and a fun time for elderly patients at Manor Care Nursing Home. Contact Nadine Wokas at (910) 235-0899 if interested. The group gathers on the third Wednesday of each month except during December.

A workshop called "Racing Across the Lines: Changing Race Relations Through Friendships" is being held at United Church of Chapel Hill on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. The workshop leader is Deborah Plummer, Ph.D., a nationally recognized psychologist and diversity solutions thought leader. For information or transportation, contact John Arnold at (910) 295-7454.

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 youarewelcome here.org.

Joy Night

Piney Grove Church, in the Windblow community of Ellerbe, will hold Joy Night at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14.

Several guest choirs and groups are expected.

For information, call Kevin Mayhue at (336) 253-3985

Pinto Bean Supper

First Wesleyan Church of Robbins is having its annual pinto bean supper Saturday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m.

The meal will include pinto beans, slaw, cornbread, dessert, and tea or coffee. The cost of the meal is $5.50 per person. The event is a fundraiser for missions.

For more information phone (910) 948-2332. Tickets may be purchased in advance or are available at the door.

Inclement weather date will be Jan. 28.

The church is located on the corner of E. Moore Street and N.C. 705 in Robbins.

West End UMC

There will be an informational meeting at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, in the fellowship hall at West End United Methodist Church to discuss a planned 10-day mission field trip to Peru during June.

Volunteers will be working with MOCHE, Inc. a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the standard of living in impoverished communities.

Dr. Won Namkoong will lead a Bible study on lectionary readings every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. Each session will last around one-and-a-half hours. This study is about the texts that he will preach on each Sunday.

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.

Red Branch

Bruce Frye will perform and speak at Red Branch Baptist Church at the 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. services Sunday, Jan. 29.

The church is located at 1748 Old River Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-1974.

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will host Pastor Al Smith, of Rocky Mount, at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 15.

The church is located in Vass.

Bible College

Solid Rock Bible College, in Jackson Springs, begins its spring semester Saturday, Jan. 21.

Registration is Saturday, Jan. 14, from noon to 2 p.m.

For information, call (910) 585-8458 or (910) 690-3231.

Quartet Performs

The Arise Quartet will be in concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 632 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-4736.

Prayer Revival

New Hope Church of God in Christ is holding a prayer revival from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, through Friday, Jan. 13.

The church is located at 204 Raeford Road, Aberdeen.

For information, call (910) 944-2577.

Special Programs

Synagogue of Christ Church, 373 Stage Road, Carthage, will hold several special events during January.

Pastor Kiniel will sponsor a program at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15; and there will be a Holy Gathering at Shady Grove, in Raeford, at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29.

For information, call (910) 947-1911.

Prayer Conference

Ashley Heights Baptist Church will be having a two-day prayer conference with Dr. Chris Schofield, director of the Office of Prayer for Evangelization and Spiritual Awakening of the N.C. Baptist State Convention.

Schofield's speaking topics include "Praying Toward His Passion, Biblical Blueprints for Evangelistic Prayer," and "Biblical Prayer Prompts for Revival and Awakening."

Conference meeting times are Sunday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Monday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m.

Admission is free, and a nursery is provided.

Ashley Heights Baptist Church is located on N.C. 211, five miles south of Aberdeen.

For more information, call the church office at (910) 944-1952 or go to the church website, www.Ashley HeightsBaptistChurch.org.

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.

Divorce Care

Bethesda Presbyterian Church is hosting a 13-week divorce care program that began on Jan. 5 on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a warm, encouraging and helpful program that helps participants deal with the pain of separation and divorce. It is a video-based program followed by group discussion.

The cost is $25. Scholarships are available. Child care will be provided.

Call (910) 944-1319 for more information.

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.

The deadline for religion news is 5 p.m. Thursday for consideration for publication the following Wednesday. Submissions should be emailed to fdasen@ thepilot.com, faxed to (910) 692-9382 or mailed to P.O. Box 58, Southern Pines, NC 28388. For information, call (910) 693-2475.