As part of Our Saviour Lutheran Church's 50th anniversary celebration, the Rev. David R. Keck returns to preach on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 28, at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services.

Keck served as senior pastor of Our Saviour from 1994-2000. Upon his retirement, he was named pastor emeritus by the congregation.

Prior to coming to Our Saviour, Keck served as pastor at Lutheran Church of Our Father, in Greensboro; Grace, in Boone; and Kimball, in Kannapolis.

Since retiring from full-time ministry, he has served as interim pastor in six congregations and now serves as a supply preacher most Sundays.

He graduated from high school in Hickory in 1956 and Lenoir-Rhyne College (now University) in 1960. He attended seminary at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, S.C., from 1960-1964.

Keck is the son and grandson of Lutheran pastors on both his mother's and father's side and also a great-grandson of a pastor on his mother's side. His and Diana's son, Dave, is also a Lutheran pastor at Mount Olive, in Hickory.

A former six-term member of the Lenoir-Rhyne College Board of Trustees, Keck is also the former dean of the Southern District of the North Carolina Synod.

He is married to Rachel Diana Keck, and they live in Mooresville. Diana taught public school (including second grade at Aberdeen Primary for 11 years) and now continues to teach as her daughter's assistant teacher in a kindergarten class in Kannapolis. She's also in her fifth year as organist, choir and handbell director at St. Enoch Lutheran in Kannapolis. Diana will serve as the organist on Oct. 28.

A >pot luck will follow the 11 a.m. service.

Our Saviour Lutheran Church is located at 1517 Luther Way in Southern Pines.

For more information, call (910) 692-2662 or visit the website www.oslcsp.org.

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.

Church Women United

The Moore County Chapter of Church Women United will meet Friday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church library.

"This meeting will be to discuss and prepare for our planned trip to "Prison Match," says a spokesman.

Bazaar and Barbecue

Carthage United Methodist Church will hold a fall bazaar and barbecue plate sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.

Barbecue plates, with dessert, are $7 each.

The bazaar will feature baked goods, crafts and more.

Fall Festival

First Missionary Baptist Church will hold its fall festival, Saturday, Oct. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 315 South Gaines St. in Southern Pines.

There will be games, popcorn, inflatables, candy, face and nail painting, cake walk, hot dogs and drinks, and bingo for seniors. Transportation is available by calling (910) 944-7883.

Southern Pines UMC

The Southern Pines United Methodist Church will hold its annual fall festival Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

"Please join our preschool friends and families, the SPUMC youth group, and community friends for an evening of fellowship, food and fun," says a church spokesperson.

The SPUMC Senior Adult Ministry has scheduled two fundraisers to benefit the church food pantry.

A drawing will be held on Oct. 28 for a wool shawl knitted by Elizabeth Neligan. Donation tickets, which are $5, will be available before the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services on Oct. 28. The winner's name will be drawn after the 11 a.m. service.

The second fundraiser is the Fabulous Fall Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairwoods on 7 Clubhouse. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased prior to the event.

Marcia Rowbottom, a lecturer on Native American arts, will share folk tales of the first Americans.

For information or tickets, contact Ed Morrison at (910) 245-2492.

Due to increased need in our community, the SPUMC Food Pantry has an immediate need for food and monetary donations. Food items needed include: 15-to-18-ounce boxes of cereal, peanut butter, 11- to 15-ounce cans of fruit, and five-ounce cans of tuna or chicken. Items may be brought to any church service or the office.

To learn more about SPUMC, contact the church office at (910) 692-3518 or visit www.southernpines umc.org.

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

Congregational Church of Pinehurst

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC will celebrate Reformation/ Reconciliation Sunday.

Most of the predecessor bodies of the United Church of Christ can trace their origins to the Reformation, which was the movement in the 16th century that articulated many doctrines and liturgical practices of the church in new and often controversial ways.

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC, will hold Sunday school 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 Community of Mindful Living meets on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hearth Room for ongoing mindfulness meditation. Call (910) 949-2623 for information.

The community is invited to attend a seminar by attorney Robert S. Thompson of Southern Pines from 3 to 5 p.m. this afternoon, Oct. 24. Topics will include power of attorney, inter vivos trusts, health care power, living wills, Medicaid, charitable giving, wills and annuities.

On Monday, Matthew Bahr leads silent mediation at 12:30 followed by a Course in Miracles at 1 p.m., to which are welcome. Call (910)639-0439 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 us on Facebook or the website youare welcomehere.org.

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 members of West End United Methodist Church will meet and enjoy a special chili and cornbread meal at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24. Church and community members are invited to attend and share in this time of fellowship.

West End United Methodist Church will have a fall festival from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at the West End Scout Lodge (3164 Carthage Road - just outside Seven Lakes). There will be games, crafts, bingo and a cake walk, as well as hot dogs.

Pastoral Anniversary

Green Pond Church of God in Christ, 3760 Old Wire Road, Gibson, will celebrate the pastoral anniversary of Superintendent George W. Davis Jr. on Friday, Oct. 26, at p.m., with Superinten-dent T. C. Leak, pastor of Smith Temple COGIC, in Fayetteville, as the speaker; at 6 p.m. Saturday, with local churches; and Sunday, Oct. 28, with Superintendent Frankie Davis, pastor of Mount Zion COGIC, in Charlotte, as guest speaker at 11:15 a.m. and Superintendent Frank Jacobs, pastor of Rock Worship Center COGIC, in Charlotte, speaking at 5 p.m.

For information, call (910) 268-3185.

Beaver Creek Baptist

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hold its annual community fall festival Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a hot dog dinner, activities and games followed by trunk-or-treat.

"Also we are promoting Operation Christmas Child that night, so please bring a small toy to put in a shoe box if you are able," says a spokesman.

Pinehurst Toyota, located at 10760 U.S. 15-501, Southern Pines, is conducting a food drive in support of the church's food pantry through the months of October through December. Donations of nonperishable items will be appreciated.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

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

Prayer Event

Trinity Christian Fellowship will host a prayer event Wednesday, Oct. 24.

"At 4 p.m., we will view 'The Truth Project' session, looking at the foundation of religion and morality, evolution of law in America, and the call to remember, repent and return to our nation's moral foundations," says a spokesman.

Dinner follows at 5:45 p.m., and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Call the church office at (910) 215-5775 to make a dinner reservation (cost $6 per person).

The "prayer for our nation" event will be held at Trinity Hall, 5 American Legion Lane, Pinehurst.

White Elephant Sale

The annual White Elephant Sale and Raffle, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary of Sacred Heart Church, will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The sale will be in Founders Hall, adjacent to the church, located at N.C. 211 and Dundee Road in Pinehurst.

On Friday, Nov. 2, there will be a pre-sale of furniture and outdoor items only.

Household items, electronics, tools, jewelry, toys and recreational items will be offered at reasonable prices.

The bake sale will offer cakes, pies, cookies, breads and many other goodies to take home.

Raffle tickets will be available at a cost of $2 each or three for $5. Among the more than 95 raffle prizes are weekend hotel stays, golf certificates, dining certificates, gift baskets, home accessories and service certificates.

Winners need not be present at the drawing. All proceeds from the sale and raffle are donated to the church and to local charities.

For more information, go to the parish website, www.sacredheartpinehurst.org, or call (910) 695-0886 or (910) 215-5467.

Conference

Sandhills Assembly is hosting a Holy Spirit Conference Sunday, Oct. 28, through Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Services begin with Sunday morning service at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday evening through Tuesday evening services at 7 p.m.

Tim and Rochelle Enloe are guest speakers. They are communicators, authors, vocalists and songwriters.

"The Enloes bring a practical approach to the Holy Spirit, his power and giftings," says a spokesman. "They desire to have a long-term impact on people's lives by demystifying the Spirit's work and by removing common fears and misconceptions."

For more information contact the church office of Sandhills Assembly at (910) 692-2403.

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.

Auction

Pleasant View Friends Church will have a silent auction of baskets on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Breakfast will be at 8 a.m., hot dogs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Door prizes will be given hourly.

The church is located on N.C. 24-27, one mile west of Robbins Crossroads.

Fall Festival

Trinity Christian Fellowship will hold a fall festival Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. for its annual Trunk or Treat and Chili Cook Off. Games, prizes and food will be part of the event at Trinity Hall, 5 American Legion Lane, Pinehurst.

For more information, contact Debbie Brown at (910) 215-5775.

Essay Contest

All Catholic students in public, private and parochial schools, grades 8-12, are invited to participate in the 2012-2013 Knights of Columbus Essay Contest. Students are encouraged to write a 500- to 750-word essay on the theme "The Importance of Religious Freedom."

For entry forms and additional information, contact Al Siano at (910) 255-6940.

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.

Greater Glory

The Pentecostal Deliverance Ministries Inc. will observe its 11th Annual Holy Convocation Festivity of the Saints services through Oct. 28. Weeknight services will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will include different speakers each night.

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

For more information, call (910) 281-0369 or (910) 281-2023.

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.

WEPC's Trunk or Treat

West End Presbyterian Church will be hosting its annual "Trunk or Treat" Sunday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be games for kids, a hot dog and chili dinner, and plenty of trunks for trunk-or-treating.

West End Presbyterian Church is located at 275 Knox Lane in West End, just off N.C. 73 and N.C. 211.

Chicken and Dumplings

Jackson Springs Community Club will hold its annual chicken and dumpling supper from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the community center, 447 Mill Road, Jackson Springs.

Take-out plates are available. The cost is $7 for adults, and $3 for children 12 and under.

An auction, conducted by Johnny O., will follow.

All funds raised go to provide scholarships for area students and assisting the needs of residents of the Jackson Springs community.

Anyone wishing to contribute items may call (910) 974-9406.

Fall Revival

Lakeview Chapel FWB Church will hold its annual fall revival Wednesday, Oct. 24, through Friday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Pastor Valine Thompson, of Pleasant Hill FWB Church, in Carthage.

Pastor Derrick Graham and Pastor Criptal Graham are in charge of the services.

Concert

Bensalem Presbyterian Church, near Eagle Springs, will hold a concert featuring the Whisnants Sunday, Nov. 4, at 5 p.m.

The Whisnants are a full-time gospel group traveling all over the U.S. and Canada. They have recorded 11 No. 1 songs and numerous top 40 songs on the gospel charts.

Gospel Singing

The Down East Boys will be in concert Sunday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 632 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

A love offering will be taken. For information, call (910) 947-4736.

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.

Appreciation Day

Pastor Appreciation services for Bishop Roy A. McKoy and co-pastor Costella R. McKoy, of The Worship Center, 150 Eastman Road, Southern Pines, will be held Sunday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. The guest speaker will be Pastor Kent L. McMillian, Fryes Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.

Prayer Service

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m., First Baptist Church Southern Pines will celebrate a service of prayers, the Lord's Supper and healing (first Wednesday of the month).

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.

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. For information, call (910) 949-3971.