Communities of faith in the Foxfire-West End area are joining hands, hearts and voices in an Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 18, at 4 p.m. at this year's host site, the Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines, located at 581 Seven Lakes Drive, near the North and South entrances of Seven Lakes.

The chapel can accommodate approximately 250 worshippers.

"Everyone in the community is welcome, and participants are invited to linger for music and refreshments following the service to enjoy getting to know their neighbors," says a spokesman.

This seventh annual Thanksgiving community gathering is sponsored jointly by the Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC; Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church; McDonald's Chapel Presbyterian Church; the Sandhills Jewish Congregation, Temple Beth Shalom; Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines; Community of Mindful Living in the Pines; and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills.

Representatives from each faith community designed the service to invite neighbors into a worship setting in which various faith traditions express their gratitude for the blessings of this shared community, nation and world.

Using familiar hymns of the church and synagogue, sharing words and prayers from each religion and Native Americans, will offer worshippers an opportunity to share their common faith traditions and give thanks together for many blessings.

There will be an interfaith choir led by Edward Lee of the Chapel in the Pines, with members from each of the congregations. Those wishing to sing in the choir should arrive at 3 p.m. for rehearsal. Participants of the McDonald's Chapel Acoustic Music Circle will also provide vocal, percussion and string music for the service.

Worshippers are asked to bring nonperishable foods, diapers or blankets as a Thanksgiving offering, to be donated to the Sandhills/ Moore Coalition for Human Care.

"As we offer thanks for the many blessings of this community, we will also remember that some are also in need," says the spokesman.

Gospel Singing

Liberty Church will hold a gospel singing at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, featuring Four Heart Harmony.

A covered dish supper will be held.

The church is located at 1810 Quewhiffle Road, Aberdeen.

Crossroads Church

Crossroads Community Church, in Carthage, will hold a gospel benefit singing at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, featuring Corbin and Linda Whitaker, along with the Crossroads Choir.

"The Last Chance," a Christmas drama, will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 14-16.

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

Admission is free.

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

Music Circle

McDonald's Chapel Presbyterian Church's regular Music Circle that meets on the third Sunday of each month will be canceled for November.

On that date, Sunday, Nov. 18, McDonald's Chapel will participate in an annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service.

"We cordially invite all Music Circle friends to join us instead at the Chapel in the Pines, at Seven Lakes, at 4 p.m. for a wonderful Thanksgiving experience as we join with other religious groups of our community to give thanks in the voices of many religions represented in America for all our blessings," says a spokesman. "As a Thanksgiving offering, please bring canned goods or other nonperishable items to donate to the Sandhills Food Bank."

Yard Sale

Cameron Baptist Church will have a "Christmas Decorations Yard Sale" at 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, in the fellowship hall.

All proceeds go to the Education Expansion Building Fund.

Program

Jesus Is King of Deliverance Ministries, 550 Ashemont Road (off N.C. 211), Aberdeen, will hold a Building Fund Program . Friday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Superintendent Garcia Morman of Voices of Evangelism COGIC.

The host pastor is Senior Pastor Virginia D. King.

For more information, call (910) 944-5536.

Congregational Church Of Pinehurst, UCC

This Sunday the Rev. Brent Bissette will preach a children's sermon especially for our young members as he does the third Sunday of the month. Sunday school is held the second and fourth Sundays of the month and nursery is provided every Sunday.

Members participate in the annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18.

This year's gathering will be held at the Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines and Emily Whittle, from the Community of Mindful Living in the Pines will offer a homily. The folk musicians from McDonald's Chapel will provide music and a community choir will share an anthem. The community is invited to attend.

The next New Member Sunday will be Sunday, Nov. 25.

The members of Community of Mindful Living in the Pines, formerly called The Healing Springs of the Pines Sangha, meet on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hearth Room for ongoing mindfulness meditation. Call (910) 949-2623 for information.

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 fun for all and everyone is welcome regardless of experience or age. Discounts on green fees are often provided to the group.

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.

Harvest Home Fest

On Sunday, Nov. 25, at 4 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church will celebrate its annual Harvest Home Festival.

The guest speaker for the occasion is the the Rev. Kyle Mietzner, of Grace Lutheran Church, in Greensboro.

The pastor of St. James is the Rev. Denton White.

Southern Pines UMC

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

Visitors and prospective members are invited to attend "Coffee with the Pastors" on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 9:35 a.m. Participants should gather in Reeves Hall and follow the pastors to the meeting room.

The SPUMC Senior Adult Fellowship will meet Nov. 20, at Table on the Green. The featured speaker, Sally Thomas, will demonstrate how to bring inside what's growing outside to decorate for the holidays. Call Ed Morrison at (910) 245-2492 for reservations.

Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 21, SPUMC will sponsor an Advent study led by Libby Staples. The study, to be held in the chapel at 5:30 p.m., will utilize the Adam Hamilton video series, "The Journey." Contact the church office at (910) 692-3518 for more information.

Visit the website www. southernpinesumc.org to learn more about SPUMC programs and ministries.

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

Shabbat Services

Shabbat services will be held Friday, Nov. 16, at 7 pm. at Temple Beth Shalom, led by Rabbi Ken Brickman. Torah study will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, also led by Rabbi Brickman.

Temple Beth Shalom is located at the corner of Jackson Springs Road and Hoffman Road in Foxfire Village.

For more information, contact the Sandhills Jewish Congregation at (910) 673-5224.

Aberdeen Thanksgiving

The annual Community Thanksgiving Service in Aberdeen will be hosted at Bethesda Presbyterian Church located on U.S. 1.

The service will be Sunday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. The service is a joint worship service with Aberdeen First Baptist and Page Memorial Methodist Church.

The Rev. Jane Leechford of Page Memorial Methodist Church will be preaching this year. There will also be music from the combined choirs of the three churches and the youth will also join together for a musical presentation.

The service is open to the community. Light refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall following the service.

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.

There will also be a yard sale beginning at 9 a.m.

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

Greater Glory

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.

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 through Nov. 19, with hours on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. 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. 14, at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

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 the music.

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.

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 .

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.