Pastor Raymond D. Campbell was called by the First Baptist Church of Carthage on Sunday, Oct. 21, to become its new pastor.

Campbell is a native of Richmond, Ind. He received his undergraduate degree from Campbell University and his Master's of Divinity from Southern Seminary, in Louisville, Ky. Serving in the pastorate as senior and associate minister in churches in North Carolina and Indiana, Campbell also served as a USN chaplain, a lieutenant commander, from 1996 until 2009.

Since retiring from the military, the pastor and his family have resided in Richmond, Ind., where Campbell worked with Richmond Community Schools. With his return to ministerial service, he and his family will reside in Carthage in the parsonage of First Baptist Church.

Campbell, his wife, Angela, and their two sons, Michael and Matthew, will arrive in mid-November, and Nov. 18 will be his first sermon as the new pastor.

New Director

Debbie Brown, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has joined the staff of Trinity Christian Fellowship as director of family ministries. Her primary responsibility is to assist Trinity's pastors in meeting individual needs within the church family.

"New church members need to feel connected immediately," says Brown. "Families need to know what special activities and ministries are available for children, youth and couples. Military families need to know the church family is available to them in a variety of ways. And seniors with health issues need to be able to receive help from our members or learn what community resources are available to them.

"My role is to assist the pastors in all these areas through a concentrated effort to identify needs individuals or families may be confronting."

Brown holds a master's degree in counselor education and a bachelor's degree in nursing. Through 25 years in private practice, she has specialized in counseling children, adolescents and couples, with special emphases on military families.

"As the wife of a retired military professional, I understand the unique challenges military families face," she says.

"Debbie's tremendous abilities and her passion for our people have enhanced so many aspects of our pastoral ministry at Trinity," said Dr. Al Hill, senior pastor at Trinity. "Her work helps us meet the needs of our people more effectively and draws us all closer together in the kind of loving Christian fellowship that is central to the Trinity experience."

Brown's past experiences include being the director of a residential treatment facility for abused boys, co-founder of a family counseling center, founder and director of a nonprofit organization specializing in programs to reduce childhood violence, and director of health ministries and children's ministries in a local church.

In addition to her other duties at Trinity, Brown leads a weekly women's Bible study and a weekly Bible study for Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS), and coordinates the activities of other Trinity-sponsored organizations, including Cub Scout Pack 173, American Heritage Girls Troop 173, and the Military Spouse Group, WOW (Wives of Warriors).

Trinity Christian Fellowship offices are located at 6 Carter St. in Pinehurst. Debbie Brown can be reached at (910) 215-5775 or by email at debbie brown@trinitycf.net.

Beaver Creek

The food pantry at Beaver Creek Baptist Church, 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron, is open each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Community Thanksgiving lunch is Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This includes a free turkey or ham plate with sides.

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

Congregational Church of Pinehurst

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC, will have a special musical treat Sunday, Nov. 11, as the gospel group Master's Men performs.

The Master's Men are directed by Robert Cox, a talented choral director, arranger and Christian music minister. Cox is also the choir director for CCP.

Arrangements include hymns, spirituals, gospel and other musical styles in four, five and six part harmony for unaccompanied male voices. All of the members have considerable experience singing in quartets and/or choruses and choirs.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet at 10:30 a.m. Monday to knit simple shawls that are blessed by the congregation and presented to those who need a reminder of our love. Call (910) 245-7304 for the location.

The Titanium Whistles golf group meets on Tuesdays to play a different course each week. Consisting of 20 to 30 men from local churches, this informal outing is open to all regardless of experience or age. Discounts on green fees are often provided to the group.

On Wednesday, the Manor Care Social group will take refreshments and play bingo with some of the residents. If interested in joining this group, call Nancy Kinney at (910) 235-0899.

The church is located at 895 Linden Road across from Elliott's restaurant. For information call the church office at (910) 295-2243, see the Facebook page or visit the website www. youarewelcomehere.org.

Greater Glory

Greater Glory will render services at the House of Refuge Deliverance Church, located in Hartsville, S.C., Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. for its pastor's anniversary celebration.

Greater Glory will observe its annual Family and Friends Day Celebration Sunday, Nov. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. The speaker is Executive Chief Apostle Michael Dixon. It will conclude with a 5 p.m. service, with the guest speaker, Co- Pastor Faye Gilmore, of the Fellowship House of Prayer Church, of Carthage.

Music will be performed by the Blessed Singers of Bennettsville, S.C.

The Youth Department of Greater Glory will sponsor its monthly Unified Youth Fellowship service Friday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Elder Jay Cobbs, who is an associate of the Greater Peace United Holy Church of God, of Kinston. Other participants are expected to appear on program.

Greater Glory will sponsor a two-night Evangelistic Fresh Fire Fall Revival Thursday, Nov. 29, and Friday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. nightly.

Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Family Worship Center is located at 1000 West New Hampshire Ave. in Southern Pines.

Shepherdess Bessie Dixon is the host pastor and EC Apostle Michael Dixon is the senior pastor.

For more information on these and other events, call Evangelist Vickie Kelly at (910) 281-0369 or (910) 281-2023.

Southern Pines UMC

Southern Pines United Methodist Church will begin its annual Angel Tree-Empty Stocking program Sunday, Nov. 11.

Angel families will be available for adoption after the worship services on Nov. 11 and 18.

"For many, adopting an Angel Tree family has become an important Christmas tradition," says a church spokesperson. Contact Sherry Driscoll at (910) 528-6758 for further information.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, David Worthington, manager of the New Room, John Wesley's Chapel in Bristol, England, will visit SPUMC to present the story of John Wesley's ministry in Bristol. The presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Reeves Hall.

Each month, the 4-year-old class from SPUMC's Little People Loving and Learning Pre-School helps to package lunches for MANNA! of Moore County, an organization that provides food to those in need of nourishment.

"This program provides our children an early lesson on the importance of missions and helping those in need," says a church spokesperson.

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

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

Operation Christmas Child

First Baptist Church Southern Pines, on East New York Avenue, will be a drop- off site for the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.

Dates will be Nov. 12-19, with hours on Monday throughThursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, and all day Sunday, Nov. 11. The boxes will ship out Nov. 19.

West End UMC

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, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

The West End United Methodist Men will be sponsoring their annual spaghetti supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, in the church fellowship hall. Tickets are $8 each and include salad, spaghetti, dessert and a drink. Takeout is also available. Tickets can be purchased at the door. All proceeds go to support local Scout troops.

West End Baptist Church will be hosting this year's Community Thanksgiving service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, with the choir from West End Presbyterian providing themusic.

Dr. Won Namkoong and the Rev. Bill Knapp will be delivering the message.

November Events

In November, the Christian Science Church and Reading Room celebrates several special events:

n National Bible Week (Nov. 18-24), with a selection of Bibles, Bible translations and commentaries.

n The presentation of the Gratitude Tree. On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 17, the Reading Room offers those passing by the opportunity to express thanks for all the good experienced in their lives. Both adults and children are invited to write a brief note of gratitude on a colorful card, which is then affixed to the tree. This activity, symbolizing the spirit of Thanksgiving, is confidential and free of charge.

n Thanksgiving Day church service from 10 to 11 a.m. The Thanksgiving service Bible lesson printed in a full text format will be available at the Reading Room more than a week before the service. Since the lesson-sermon is printed in various languages, it follows that Christian Science churches throughout the world have a Thanksgiving Day church service.

For more information about the Christian Science Church services at 240 E. New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines, and its Reading Room at 173A Broad St., its activities, and for church and Reading Room hours, call (910) 692-7759 or visit the Reading Room weekdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Fall Break Tour

Galilee United Methodist Church presents "The Sounds of Gospel," featuring the Howard Gospel Choir, of Howard University, in Washington, D.C., at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at Scotland High School Auditorium, 1000 West Church St., Laurinburg.

Choir members B. Chanei Rogers and Terrance McCollum are graduates of Scotland County High School.

Tickets are $10. For information, call (910) 217-4670 or (910) 276-0811.

Chicken Stew

Priest Hill Presbyterian Church will hold its annual chicken stew and pork barbecue supper Saturday, Nov. 10, beginning at 4 p.m.

Plates are $8, and are available for eating in or taking out.

The church is located at 2792 Old River Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-3337.

Clothes Giveaway

Holiness Church of Promise will hold a free clothes giveaway Nov. 10-12, beginning at 9 a.m.

The church is located at 557 Addor Road, Addor.

For information, call (910) 206-7508 or (910) 691-1218.

Chicken and Dumplings

New Life will be selling chicken and dumpling plates for lunch on Friday, Nov. 9.

Plates are $7 and include chicken, dumplings, a choice of yams or potato salad, cornbread and a slice of pound cake.

"We will deliver 10 plates or more to you," says a spokesman. For information, email mizyoung82@yahoo.com

Fall Bazaar

First Wesleyan Church, located at 240 E. Moore St. in Robbins, announces its fall bazaar, which is sponsored by the Wesleyan Heart Sisters.

It will be held at the church Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beginning at 8, ham or sausage biscuits will be sold. Beginning at 11 a.m., hot dogs will be sold. Coffee and drinks will be available. A cake walk will be held at noon.

There will be lots of homemade items for sale, including pies, cakes, cookies, candies, jellies, canned vegetables and produce. Craft items will be for sale.

Tickets may be purchased for a mixed raffle drawing of $100, pottery by Rockhouse and Country Pots, wooden church birdhouse and a wooden casserole tray. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

For more information, call (910) 948-2332.

Writers' Workshop

Author Bekah Hamrick Martin is slated to lead a Writers' Workshop Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. until noon at Grace Church in Southern Pines.

Her first book, "The Bare Naked Truth: Dating, Waiting and God's Purity Plan," will be released next spring through Harper Collins. Martin has a background in journalism and communications and "a passion to help other writers develop their skills and realize their dreams."

She plans to present the workshop in two parts:

In Part I, titled "Come As You Are," "We will discuss our writing styles, will practice writing in two short increments, and have the opportunity to receive a review on manuscripts," Martin says. (Bring a two-page sample of your manuscript if you desire a written review.)

The second part is a discussion about the world of publishing.

"We will discuss how to break into magazine, newspaper and book markets," she says. "You will have the opportunity to craft a query letter and brainstorm your project with other writers."

Martin serves as editor of Real Teen Faith (www.real teenfaith.com) and lives in Aberdeen with her husband and young daughter. Find entries from her blog at www.bekahhamrickmartin.com.

Grace Writers Group of Grace Church is sponsoring this free workshop. An estimate of attendees is needed. Call Grace Church at (910) 692-6711 to register.

Piney Grove Church

The Calvary Gospel Singers will celebrate their anniversary on Nov. 18 at Piney Grove Church, in the Windblow community, near Ellerbe. The service begins at 3 p.m.

Several guest choirs are expected to be present to help in this celebration.

Cookbooks Available

The Women's Missionary Union of the First Baptist Church of Aberdeen offers a treasured collection of recipes from many outstanding cooks in the church and from friends of the church.

"Containing almost 600 recipes, the cookbook will make an ideal gift for the holidays, weddings and birthdays," says a spokesman.

Proceeds from the sales will be given to the Women's Missionary Union of North Carolina.

The cost of the cookbook is $15. For further information or to place an order, call Deborah at the church office at (910) 944-1421.

Merry Market

The popular Merry Market, sponsored by St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, will take place Saturday, Nov. 17, beginning at 9 a.m. and running through 4 p.m.

The Merry Market this year is featuring the works of 20 area crafters of jewelry, festive candles, baskets and a host of other items. Also take advantage of the huge bake sale of cakes, cookies and all manner of baked goods.

St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church is located at 1145 Seven Lakes Drive.

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.

Music Circle

McDonald's Chapel Presbyterian Church welcomes traditional musicians and listeners to a monthly music circle. It is held the third Sunday of each month, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the church, located at 1374 Foxfire Road, Aberdeen.

Any interested acoustic musicians are invited to participate in a casual jam session of a variety of traditional music. For more information, call Jill McCloy at (910) 692-5094.

Market Place Ministries

Market Place Ministries meets the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. at Russell's Seafood.

All denominations are welcome. For more information, call Dwight at (910) 639-4084.

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 not accepting clothing until further notice. Martha's Place is in the fellowship hall of Page Memorial United Methodist Church of Aberdeen. Visit www.pagememorial umc.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.

UUC of Sandhills

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills (UUCS) meets 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.

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.

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.

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.

"Good News Inspiration" offers gospel music, preaching, church information and other public service announcements. Rose 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. to noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m.).

Those who would like to be on the program or who have church and community announcements should contact Highland-Sharpe at rosesharpe37 @gmail.com, or call (910) 295-0013.