First Baptist Church, of West End, will hold its semiannual rummage sale and hot dog lunch Saturday, March 17, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the fellowship building.

The church is located at 5205 N.C. 211 in West End.

Proceeds will be used for mission projects.

Celebrating Eddy

March is Women's History Month. Women of every denomination and of every age are honored for their contributions to society.

The Christian Science Reading Room at 173 NE Broad St., in Southern Pines, will be featuring an American woman who founded what has become a worldwide religion.

Mary Baker Eddy published her major work, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," in 1875 at the age of 54. The ideas in the book grew out of her lifelong search for healing. Many of her ideas ran counter to the currents of 19th-century society, medicine and religion.

Undaunted by her lack of formal education or resources and her lack of many basic rights afforded to women of her day, Eddy persevered. She took up desperate cases of illness and healed them. She lectured and preached, established a teaching college, founded a church, started several magazines and a publishing society and, at the age of 87, founded a daily newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor, "to injure no man but to bless all mankind."

Many today are appreciating the foundational role her life and writings have played in fueling today's discussions of spirituality and healing. Her book was voted one of "75 books by women whose words have changed the world" by the Women's National Book Association.

The Reading Room will be featuring biographies of and books authored by Eddy during March.

"Visitors are invited to come in and learn more about Christian Science and its discoverer," says a spokesman.

The Reading Room - bookstore and library - are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. except legal holidays.

For information, call (910) 692-7759 .

Free Concert

Internationally known singer, songwriter and ethnic folklorist Laura Wetzler will present a free concert, open to the public, Saturday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Synagogue, 2204 Morganton Road, Fayetteville.

Wetzler is also widely known for her volunteerism in Uganda.

Accompanying herself on the guitar, she will present great American song classics, Jewish music from around the world, and her original story-songs. With five CDs receiving worldwide airplay, she has shared stages with such artists as Pete Seeger, David Amram, The Klezmatics, Odetta, Richie Havens and many others.

Her Fayetteville concert is the highlight of a Shabbaton weekend, a special weekend built around the Jewish Sabbath, with a musical and spiritual focus. Events also include a short musical presentation at the conclusion of the Friday evening, March 16, service, and a presentation by Wetzler on Saturday morning, titled "Sustainable Development in Jewish Africa." Saturday morning worship services begin at 9:30 a.m.

The free community concert is a gift of the Gerald Waitman Fund of the Beth Israel Endowment of the Cumberland Community Foundation.

A reception will follow each performance.

For further information, call Beth Israel weekday mornings at (910) 484-6462.

Additional Service

Effective Sunday, March 11, Turning Point Worship Center will be offering services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

The church is located at 16433 U.S. 15-501 S., Aberdeen.

Prayer Service

Each month on the first Wednesday, at noon, First Baptist Southern Pines will celebrate a service of prayers, the Lord's Supper and healing.

"This is an opportunity for the people of Christ to gather, offer prayers for one another, the church and our community, break the bread and lift the cup of our Lord, and seek the wholeness of Christ in our lives and others," says a spokesman.

The church is located on New York Avenue.

Southern Pines UMC

There is still time to participate in the Southern Pines United Methodist Church Sunday Night Studies. Adult classes begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner provided at 4:45 p.m. ($5 donation requested).

Church members and the public are invited to view the documentary "Chaplains Under Fire" on Thursday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m.

"Please join us as we watch this film and discuss the important role of the military chaplain," says a spokesman.

SPUMC is committed to making a difference in the world. One way to accomplish this is through participation in the annual Crop Hunger Walk to be held at Brownson Presbyterian Church.

This year's walk is scheduled for Sunday, March 18, with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. and the walk starting at 2 p.m.

For information about these or other ministries, contact the church office at (910) 692-3518.

The church is located at 175 Midland Road in Southern Pines. Visit the website www.southernpinesumc.org.

West End UMC

A special covered dish meal will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at West End UMC, followed by a Lenten devotional 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 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.

On Sunday, March 11, at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services, West End UMC will celebrate the contributions of our local Girl Scout programs.

Crystalaires

The Crystalaires will celebrate their 28th choir anniversary at Fletcher's Chapel Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m. and again on Sunday, March 11, at 2:30 p.m.

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

Parenting Study

"Grace-Based Parenting" by Dr. Tim Kimmel will be the subject of a 10-week MOPS (Mothers of Preschool Children) Bible study every Friday through June 1 from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Trinity Christian Fellowship (off N.C. 5 in Pinehurst).

"The study is designed to show participants to see themselves and their children through God's limitless tenderness and focuses on the model and guidance provided by God the Father, the ultimate child and family expert," says a spokesman.

Kimmel is the executive director of Family Matters, whose goal is to equip families for every age and stage of life.

He is the author of several books, including "Raising Kids for True Greatness," "Why Christian Kids Rebel," "Basic Training for a Few Good Men" and "Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right," among others.

The study is open to all moms in the community. Child care is provided ($3 per child per session, with a maximum of $10 per family). Class workbook is $12. For more information or to sign up for the study, contact Courtenay Taylor at (949) 257-3899) or email Courtenay.l.taylor@gmail.com.

Preparing

For the Inevitable

"As minister of outreach at the Seven Lakes Chapel the Pines, I am always surprised by the number of folks I talk with that have not given much thought to preparing for their death," says Fran Stark. "I have seen many families struggle when a loved one dies, trying to make decisions not knowing what their loved one would have wanted done."

Stark says that it took her and her husband a long time to realize that these were decisions they needed to make.

"Once we made an appointment with our attorney and began the work of preparing our advance directives, health care power of attorney and our wills, we quickly discovered it was not a difficult task at all," says Stark. "In fact, when all the documents were completed, we felt a great sense of relief that all was in good order and all that we had to do was update our documents yearly with our attorney, and to make sure that our family knew where our end-of-life documents were located.

"It wasn't until the death of my husband that I really learned that he gave me a wonderful last gift in having his wishes prepared in advance for me to carry out."

Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines will host a presentation on end-of-life planning by Jennifer Garner, an attorney with Garner and Hayes, PLLC, in Pinehurst at 4 p.m. Monday, March 19.

No reservations are needed.

For information, call Stark at (910) 673-5493.

'Truth Project'

Trinity Christian Fellowship will host the 13-week seminar series "The Truth Project," beginning Thursday, March 8, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., in the Trinity Ministry Center.

The series is a comprehensive world-view study developed by Focus on the Family that looks at all aspects of life from a biblical perspective. It is taught by Dr. Del Tackett.

Topics include understanding and living the Christian world view; knowing the nature and character of God; recognizing God's design for all of life (work, science, family, government, art, ethics and more); learning how to thrive in a hostile culture; and marrying our actions to our core beliefs.

Contact John Roberts at (910) 235-5271 to register and receive a notebook; or email mizeryjake@yahoo.com.

For directions to the Trinity Ministry Center, call the church office at (910) 215-5775.

Church Conference

The Sunday attendance of the Protestant Church in the United States has been on a steady decline for a number of years.

Current trends in many Protestant churches only seem to indicate that this trend will continue.

Sandhills Presbyterian Church is hosting a conference that aims to uncover the reasons behind this decline and seek ways to address them.

The Rev. Eric Jorgensen will open the conference Friday, March 16, at 7 p.m. with an address that will give some answers to many of the questions surrounding the Protestant faith.

The conference will resume Saturday at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch and a period for questions and answers. Jorgensen will be speaking again Sunday at the adult education hour at 9:45 a.m. and during the worship service at 11 a.m.

"The conference is free of charge," says a spokesman. "We welcome anyone interested to join us."

Chrismon Program

On Saturday, March 31, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, York Pilson will present "Chrismons: Monograms of Christ" in Chapel Hall at The Village Chapel.

Pilson is from Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Va., where the Chrismon idea originated before spreading worldwide. Chrismons are designed to proclaim the name, the life and the saving acts of Jesus Christ. They make statements of faith in symbolic, decorative ways throughout the year on Christmas trees, at weddings, on banners and in other places. > >

A buffet brunch of breakfast casserole, fruit salad, muffins/biscuits, tea and coffee will be served at the event. Cost is $6 per person.

Reservations should be paid and sent in to the church office (910-295-6003) by Thursday, March 29. Make checks payable to The Village Chapel, noting on the memo line that it is for the Chrismon brunch. The address is P.O. Box 1060, Pinehurst, NC 28370.

"The chapel and its Women's Ministry, sponsor of this event, invite you to come and enjoy the fellowship and food, while you learn all about Chrismons," says a spokesman.

The Village Chapel is located at 10 Azalea Road on the Village Green in Pinehurst.

Divine Spirituals

The Divine Spirituals, of Carthage, will appear at Love Grove Freewill Baptist Church at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 10. The event is sponsored by the Pastor's Aid Committee.

The church is located at 193 Dawkins St., Jackson Hamlet.

Gospel Singing

Crossroads Community Church, in Carthage, will be having a gospel singing Sunday, March 11, at 10 a.m., featuring Right Turn.

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

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

St. James Lutheran

Lenten services will be held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. through March 28 at St. James Lutheran Church, Southern Pines

The services will be preached by the pastor of St. James, the Rev. Denton White.

Church Anniversary

Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Ministries will hold its 17th annual church anniversary celebration Friday, March 9, and Sunday, March 11. The anniversary theme is "Let the Church Say Amen."

It will begin on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. with speaker Pastor Tony Fairly, of the House of Refuge Deliverance Ministry, Hartsville, S.C., and continues Sunday at 11 a.m. with the Executive Chief Apostle Michael Dixon bringing the morning message. It will conclude on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. with speaker Pastor Timothy Criss, of Faith Kingdom Builders Outreach, Florence, S.C.

Services will be held in the sanctuary of Greater Glory, which is located at 1000 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines.

The 17th Annual Founder's Anniversary Celebration honoring their leader Executive Chief Apostle Michael Dixon will convene March 13-18, with services at 7:30 p.m. nightly; 5 p.m. Saturday: and concluding at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tuesday night's guests will be Pastor Willie Gilmore, Fellowship House of Prayer, Carthage, and Dr. Ezekiel Young, New Birth Deliverance Church, Coats; Wednesday's guests are Pastor Dedrick Howard, Mount Carmel Pentecostal Church, Sanford, and Pastor Donna Clark, Now Faith Deliverance Ministry, Raeford; Thursday's guests are will be Elder John Penny, Courtyard of Heaven Ministry, Southern Pines, and Pastor Beards, Blessed Assurance Deliverance Church, Bennettsville, S.C. Friday's guest will be Evangelist Chris Boyd, Bold For Christ Outreach Ministry, Rock Hill, S.C.

Saturday evening at 5 p.m. will be a special dinner appreciation honoring Shepherdess Bessie Dixon, Greensboro. The celebration will conclude Sunday with guest Pastor Charlotte Bryant, Praise Tabernacle Deliverance Church, Siler City; Pastor Renee McLean, Worship and Praise Deliverance Center, Fayetteville, Ga.; and Pastor Deborrah Boyd, Sure Foundation Kingdom Ministry, Greensboro.

Contact Vickie Kelly at (910) 281-0369 or (910) 281-2023 for more information on these and other upcoming church events.

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God, in Vass, will hold Joy Night Sunday, March 9, at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Pastor McInnis, from House of Juda Church, Sanford.

Spring revival will be held March 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. Pastor Al Smith, of Rocky Mount, is the speaker.

'Lord's Prayer' Study

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 Thursdays through 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.

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 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 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.

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. Dennis Sheppard, Hope Mills UMC. Menu: baked turkey and dressing with gravy, green peas, cranberry sauce, rolls and dessert.

March 21 -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.

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 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the following dates: March 9, 23 and 30. The cost is $8 for adults, $5.50 for children ages 6 to 12.

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

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

Our Saviour Lutheran

Our Saviour Lutheran church will hold two services every Wednesday during Lent. 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.

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.

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.