Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a family member who has recently died, or it may be a time that has always been difficult.

The constant refrain on the radio and television, in malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had.

The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make some people feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending.

"We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concerns," says a spokesman for Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines. "We need to know that we are not alone."

Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines will host a special "Blue Christmas" worship service with Communion on Dec. 21, at 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Fran Stark at (910) 673-5493.

Christian Science Church

"God the Only Cause and Creator" is the subject of the 10 a.m. Dec. 2 service at First Church of Christ, Scientist.

The Bible lesson opens with the King James Bible verse "Thou art worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4:11.

Music and prayer time is also part of the service. The church is located at at 240 E. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines.

Children and young people up to the age of 20 are welcome to attend Sunday School at the same hour. Child care is available.

A printout of the Bible lesson is available from the Christian Science Reading Room or online through subscription.

The Reading Room is at 173-A NE Broad St. It is close to the Southern Pines Railroad station and is open weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (910) 692-7759 for information.

Sensational Nightingales

The Sensational Nightingales will be in concert at The Worship Center at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2, at 150 Eastman Road, Southern Pines.

For more information, call (910) 315-0080.

Culdee Presbyterian

The Culdee Presbyterian youth will have a float in the Christmas parades in Carthage and Southern Pines. Their leaders, Mark and Michelle Seawell, welcome all youth to come out on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. for meetings.

On Friday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., the Culdee Men's Group will serve a Christmas dinner to the congregation.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., the children will present their Christmas drama "A Rocking' Royal Christmas," under the direction of Gail Meeks and Gail Farmer.

After the program, Santa will greet children in the fellowship hall, and refreshments will be served.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., the Culdee Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gail Meeks, will present the cantata "And On Earth Peace."

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 choir will present a Christmas cantata Sunday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m.

Southern Pines UMC

Southern Pines United Methodist Church's chancel choir, men's ensemble, children and youth choirs, and orchestra will present this year's Advent cantata, "And On Earth Peace," Sunday, Dec. 1. The cantata will be performed at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services.

The annual SPUMC Winter Clothing Drive began on Nov. 18 and will continue through Feb. 8. Clean and gently used coats, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves and boots are being collected for clients of Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care.

On three consecutive Tuesdays beginning Dec. 4, SPUMC will hold prayer meetings at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.

"With so much turmoil and anxiety in the world, along with the pressures of the holiday season, we want to allow people the opportunity to share their burdens and concerns through prayer," says a church spokesperson. "Everyone is invited to attend."

To learn more about the ministries and programs of Southern Pines United Methodist Church, contact 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.

Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC celebrates Communion Sunday. This is also the time when memers offer contributions of food donated to the Coalition. The children of the congregation bring the food to the front of the church to be blessed by the congregation.

Last Sunday, new members were received into the church, and the baptism of Matthew Rowley, son of new member Mary Alice Farina, was celebrated.

The annual Advent party is Sunday, Dec. 9. There will be a chili lunch after worship and then members will decorate the sanctuary for Christmas.

Last Saturday, the choir had the joy of singing with the Spaulding Chapel Choir at the Southern Pines tree lighting.

On Friday, the Silver Belles will pack lunches for MANNA! This ministry helps feed neighbors in need. Call the church office if you have an hour to donate to this mission.

On Tuesdays, the Titanium Whistles golf group meets to play a different course each week. This informal outing is for everyone regardless of experience. Call Roger Nekton at (910) 245-7304 for information. The

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 the website youarewelcomehere.org.

Gospel Singing

Harmony Baptist Church will host a gospel singing featuring Four Heart Harmony at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

The church is located at 3624 N.C. 73, West End.

One Accord

Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church is sponsoring the One Accord Project (OAP), led by Oliver Jennings, of Baltimore.

The OAP is a gospel choral workshop designed to teach gospel music and unify the community.

Jennings is a seasoned minister of music with more than 30 years of playing piano, organ and keyboard. He also teaches voice and harmony. He is presently minister of music at New Second Missionary Baptist Church, in Baltimore.

The workshop begins Friday, Dec. 7, with registration and rehearsal beginning at 6 p.m. at the church, which is located at 9972 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines. There will be an additional workshop Saturday, Dec. 8, beginning at 9 a.m. at Southern Pines Primary School, with dinner at 5 p.m.

Each participant is asked for a donation of $25, which includes a T-shirt, 8 a.m. continental breakfast Saturday, two workshops and a dinner.

The event culminates with a free concert open to the public Saturday at 7 p.m.

For registration forms and additional information, call (910) 692-6622 or (910) 949-5556.

Hanging of the Greens

Bethesda Presbyterian Church will prepare for the Advent season with the "Hanging of the Greens" Sunday night, Dec. 2.

The festivities will begin in the fellowship hall at 1002 N. Sandhills Blvd at 5 p.m. with a light soup and salad meal. >At 6 p.m., folks will gather in the sanctuary and decorate with garlands, wreaths and lights.

Chrismons, symbols of the name, the birth and life of Jesus, will be hung on the Christmas tree. The singing of carols and the ringing of the bells will add to the night's festivities.

Young and old are invited to bring their instruments and play in the Bethesda Presbyterian Church Christmas Concert Band.

Greater Glory

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

It will be hosted at the Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Temple, which is located at 1000 West New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines.

Apostle Dixon and the Greater Glory Church Family will hold services at the Blessed Assurance Pentecostal Deliverance Church, Bennettsville, S.C., Sunday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m.

The JCECA Ministries will host its annual Singles' Conference Thursday, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 9. It will begin on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with a fellowship service and panels with topics centered around issues singles are challenged with.

It will continue Friday at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Evangelist LaShae McKinney, an associate of the Greater Oasis Pentecostal Deliverance Church, Wilson.

The conference will conclude on Sunday at 5 p.m. with a birthday celebration service honoring Executive Chief Apostle Michael S. Dixon. The guest speaker will be Pastor Eric Smalley, of Mount Gilead. Other guests are expected to appear on program.

This conference will also be hosted at the Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Temple.

For more information on this and any upcoming church events, contact Evangelist Vickie Kelly at (910) 281-0369 or (910) 281-2023.

Christmas Luncheon

The Village Chapel is taking reservations for the Friday, Dec. 7, women's Christmas luncheon to be held at the Forest Creek Golf Club, 200 Meyer Farm Drive, Pinehurst.

The event starts at 11:30 a.m.

Vickie Smith will be the featured speaker for this celebration of the Christmas season. Her topic is "God Is Not Finished with Me Yet."

Smith is a staff member at Sandhills Classical Christian School in Southern Pines. She and her husband, the Rev. Ashley Smith, pastor of families and youth at the Chapel, are the parents of four young daughters.

Vickie Smith has served the Chapel, the community and its young people in numerous dynamic ways since she and her family came to the Pinehurst area.

The afternoon will include a lunch with a salad of mixed greens with zucchini and tomatoes, an individual quiche, coffee and tea. Dessert will be peppermint ice cream, candy cane and angel cookie.

"With early notice, special menu requests can be accommodated," say a spokesman.

Darlene Skinner of the Chapel will arrange for Christmas music to be part of the festivities.

"Add in the opportunity to share good fellowship with family, friends and neighbors, and this special afternoon sponsored by the Women's Ministry of The Village Chapel should not be missed," says the spokesman. "You may even take home a door prize."

Cost of the lunch is $19 per person. Make checks out to The Village Chapel, noting on the memo line that it is for the Women's Christmas luncheon. Payment must be in to the church office by noon, Tuesday, Dec. 4.

On the day of the luncheon, directions to parking will be furnished at the Forest Creek gatehouse. Also, golf carts will be available to take those in need of assistance from the parking area to the front door of the clubhouse.

"Your payment is your reservation," says the spokesman.

The address of the church office is The Village Chapel, 10 Azalea Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374. For further information, call (910) 295-6003. The Chapel is located on the Village Green in Pinehurst.

Christmas Celebration

A Christmas celebration with music, mimes and singing will be held Sunday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at Harvest Church of God, 7310 N.C. 22, Southern Pines.

Women's Day

On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m., Fletcher's Chapel will celebrate its annul Women's Day.

The guest speaker is Evangelist Janice Martin.

The church pastor is the Rev. Charles A. Bethea.

Holiday Fundraising

The Chapel in the Pines begins their 24th year of holiday fundraising this month.

Geared toward aiding needy children, adults and seniors, the Chapel's community Christmas Fund encompasses much more than Christmas. It also expends sums for the lesser privileged at Thanksgiving and Easter as well.

The money raised provides food vouchers and gifts for more than 50 area families in West End and Jackson Springs for these festive occasions.

"The source for these gifts is threefold: the Chapel's Benevolence Fund, Seven Lakes area businesses, and individual contributions," said Cindy Holland, the Benevolence Committee's chairwoman. "And I would like to assure contributors that the chapel works diligently with Moore County's Social Services Department to ensure that the fund's recipients are appropriately selected.

"Obviously, with the continuing troubled current economic conditions, the local need for aid has become urgent," she adds. "Please send your checks to the Chapel/Community Christmas Fund, c/o Cindy Holland, Box 4042, Seven Lakes West, West End, NC 27376."

Advent Music

On Sunday, Dec. 9, Community Presbyterian Church of Pinehurst will celebrate Music Sunday at both the 9 and 11 a.m. services in the church's fellowship hall.

The music includes Christmas carols, traditional anthems, contemporary songs and several original compositions. Each piece of music was selected to represent a specific portion of the Biblical account of Christ's birth.

Participating in the services will be the adult and children's choirs as well as a chamber orchestra of winds, strings and percussion, along with in-house instrumentalists.

This musical celebration will be under the direction of Dr. Terri Sinclair, director of music.

Community Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Everette and Kelly roads in Pinehurst.

Greens Service

Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church will hold a special Hanging of the Greens service Sunday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m.

The service observes the tradition of decorating the sanctuary with wreaths, garlands, a Christmas tree and evergreens for Advent and Christmas.

There will be a light supper in the fellowship hall at 5 p.m., with the service to follow at 6 p.m.

Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church is located at 6244 N.C. 73, Jackson Springs, about four miles west of West End.

Call (910) 673-7630 for more information.

Gospel Singing

Aberdeen First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 217 South Pinehurst St., will host the Singing Revelations during the 11 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 9.

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.

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.

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.