The Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care in Southern Pines, the Church Community Services in Sanford and the HAVEN in Laurinburg were recent recipients of more than 1,700 pairs of new socks collected by local Lutheran church members.

The Pines Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans collected the socks over the past several months through Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Southern Pines; St. James Lutheran Church, Southern Pines; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pinehurst; Trinity Lutheran Church, Sanford; and The Lutheran Church of the Living Word, in Laurinburg.

Thrivent Financial members and other volunteers came together Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Our Saviour to sort, package and label the socks for distribution. A pizza party helped to give the workers the necessary energy for this effort.

"A special thanks to John Wake, a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, for leading this effort for the Pines Chapter," says a spokesman.

Bible Study

This year Community Bible Study will cover the "Servants of God," which encourages participants to recognize God's power and availability not only in ancient times, but throughout history. The course covers the period from Joshua's leadership through King David's rule in Israel by exploring the books of Joshua, Ruth, and 1 and 2 Samuel.

Open to all men and woman, Community Bible Study is an interdenominational Bible study and welcomes people from all backgrounds and levels of Bible knowledge.

The expanded weekly schedule has times on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

For further information and locations, contact Merle Lewis at (910) 255-6179 or (605) 321-6353; email mlewis27330@nc.rr.com or Roy Longhta at (910) 215-8717 or email rlonghta@nc.rr.com.

Homecoming

First Wesleyan Church, Robbins, announces homecoming services will be held Sunday, Sept. 23.

The featured speaker is the Rev. Carroll Upton. The music will be conducted by The Pioneers. Service times are: Sunday school, 10 to 10:35 a.m., with worship at 10:45 a.m.

There will be a carry-in dinner in the church fellowship hall following the service.

The church is located at the corner of N.C. 705 and E. Moore Street in Robbins. For directions, or more information, call Pastor Sam Swinney at (910) 948-2332.

Church in the Park

Cameron Baptist Church invites participants to join them for "Church in the Park" at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at Phillips Park, in Cameron.

Dress is casual, and, according to a spokesman, attendees should bring a chair.

For more information, call (910) 245-7222. (In case of rain, the event will be moved to Cameron Baptist Church, 593 Carthage St., Cameron.)

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hold Senior Appreciation Day Sunday, Sept. 16, starting at 8 a.m. with breakfast, followed by Sunday school, then church service at 11 a.m.

Dinner (seniors only) will be at 5 p.m. followed by a concert (for everyone) to celebrate and honor the church's seniors.

The bus ministry is available for those who need a ride to church and back. Call by Thursday at 4:30 p.m. to schedule a pickup.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron. Call (800) 681-8602 or (919) 499-9632.

Pinebluff UMC

Pinebluff United Methodist Curch will hold homecoming Sunday, Oct. 14, with Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m.

The Rev. Gregory Minnick will be the speaker.

Dinner on the grounds will follow the service.

The church is located at 275 E Philadelphia Ave. Pinebluff.

For information, call (910) 281-3468.

Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish Mission will hold special services the week of Sept. 22-26.

There will be opportunity for confession each weeknight at 6 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. talk with the benediction to follow.

The Rev. George McInnins will speak on timely topics regarding the Catholic faith. McInnins is a member of the Fathers of Mercy, whose charisma is preaching parish missions.

Call (910) 295-6550 with any questions.

Healing Service

Trinity Christian Fellowship will hold a healing service Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m. in the Ministry Center, 6 Carter St., Pinehurst.

The service will include Scripture, the celebration of Holy Communion, anointing with oil and individual prayer for those who are hurting physically/emotionally or are being prayed for on behalf of others.

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 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, in the fellowship hall.

A flu shot clinic will be held Sunday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the church fellowship hall.

Quality Care Pharmacy will be administering flu shots for people 14 years old and above. The cost for the vaccination is $25. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and BCBS, cover this vaccination with NO out of pocket expense. Quality Care Pharmacy will file the insurance forms. Quality Care Pharmacy will donate $10 from every flu shots administered to the American Heritage Girls troop.

"With your insurance covering the vaccination, you will be making a $10 donation to support your local scouting program without spending a dime out of pocket," says a spokesman.

Fryes Chapel

Fryes Chapel FWB Church will celebrate homecoming Sunday, Sept. 16. Morning worship will begin at 11 a.m., when the guest speaker is the Rev. Kenneth Stewart.

At 4 p.m., guests are Elder Leslie Capers and St. Joseph FWB Church of Goldsboro. The host pastor is Elder Kent L. McMillian.

Greater Glory

The Missionary Department of Greater Glory will have its annual Missionary Conference Thursday Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 23.

It will begin Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Pastor Arnold McRae, from the Temple of Deliverance Ministry Raeford. Evangelist JoAnn Peoples, an associate of Assurance Deliverance Church, in Bennettsville, S.C., will be Friday's speaker, also at 7:30 p.m. It will conclude on Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. with the Rev. Ernestine McAllister, an associate of Spring Branch Missionary Baptist Church Wagram, as the speaker.

The theme for this event is "Empowered To Make A Change."

Greater Glory will observe its annual musicians appreciation celebration Friday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m., with the keynote speaker Elder Mario Kilpatrick, an associate of New Gethsemane United Holiness Church Kinston. The celebration will conclude on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. with Pastor Tony Fairley, of the House of Refuge Deliverance Church in Hartsville, S.C., as speaker.

Other groups and special guests are expected to appear on program.

All of these services will bebe held in the sanctuary of Greater Glory, located at 1000 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines.

Call (910) 281-0369 or (910) 281-2023 for more information on these and other events.

Men's Day

Sept 23 at 3pm Fletcher's Chapel will celebrate its annual men's day program Sunday, Sept. 23, at 3 p.m. Guest preacher will be Elder WE McLeod, of Philadelphia UMC, Hamlet.

Congregational Church Of Pinehurst

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst UCC will have a "Children's Moment" >Sunday, Sept. 16. Nursery is provided every Sunday in the Butterfly Room, although children are always welcome to stay for services.

Two adult education offerings begin this week, with Marcus Borg's "Embracing an Adult Faith" on Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Sept. 16-Oct. 21), and "Listening to Scripture: Strategies for Interpreting the Bible" on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 2:30 (Sept. 19-Oct. 24). Call the church or email Pastor Brent Bissette at brentuccp@embarqmail.com for more information.

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, the Manor Care Social Group brings games, bingo and refreshments to the residents. Contact Nadine Wokas at (910) 235-0899 to participate.

The Community of Mindful Living in the Pines meets on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hearth Room for ongoing mindfulness meditation. Call (910) 949-2623 for information.

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 at youarewelcomehere.org.

Church Preschool Slots

Wee-Learn Weekday Ministries, Aberdeen First Baptist Church currently has two open slots in the three-year-old class which runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. There are two open slots in the four-year-old Pre-K class, which runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Visit the website at www.aberdeenfbc.org or call (910) 944-1421, extension 215, for more information.

Southern Pines UMC

The Southern Pines United Methodist Church Fall Studies begin Sunday, Sept. 16. Programs are available for adults, youth and children.

Call the church office at (910) 692-3518 for more information.

The Susanna Wesley Circle will meet Monday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. Judie Wiggins of Habitat for Humanity will present the program, "Women Build."

Physical therapist Karen Bacall will make a presentation to the SPUMC Senior Adult Fellowship at the Tuesday, Sept. 18 luncheon scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Table on the Green. Call the church office for reservations.

The men of SPUMC will begin the 24-session series titled "The Quest for Authentic Manhood" on Wednesday, Sept. 19. Participants will meet each Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 a.m. Contact Paul Hora for additional information at paul_hora@yahoo.com or (910) 818-1225.

To learn more about SPUMC, visit the church website: www.southerpinesumc.org.

SPUMC is located at 175 Midland Road in Southern Pines.

High Holiday Services

High Holiday Services at Temple Beth Shalom will led by Rabbi Brickman.

Erev Rosh Hashana services are Sunday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. Rosh Hashana morning, Sept. 17, children's services at 9 a.m., with adult services at 10 a.m.

Temple Beth Shalom is located at the corner of Jackson Springs Road and Hoffman Road in Foxfire Village. Guests and non-members wishing to attend holiday services are requested to call (910) 673-5224 to make arrangements to attend.

Old Bethesda

The 85th homecoming service at the historic Old Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen will be celebrated on Sept. 30, at 11:15 a.m. An intergenerational Sunday School class will be held at 10 a.m.

Constructed between 1860-1862, the church was founded by early Scottish settlers who immigrated to North Carolina after the Battle of Culloden. This battle was the last fight between the Highland Scots and the House of Hanover, the ruling family of England.

Bethesda's homecoming is a celebration of Scottish heritage, Celtic church customs, and hospitality.

The Rev. Jonathan Wallace will preside over the worship service. A past summer intern, The Rev. John McFayden, returns as guest minister. It was in 1980, while a student at Princeton Seminary, that he served as the summer intern at Bethesda. He has currently serves as vice president of church relations for the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Before joining the noard in June 2010, he was senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, Ill.

In more than 30 years of service as a Presbyterian minister, he has has served congregations ranging from 50 to more than 2,000 members in Virginia, Maryland and Illinois.

McFayden has served in leadership positions at every level of the Presbyterian Church. He earned a bachelor's degree in American studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was awarded both his master's and doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary. >

Following the worship service, worshipers will gather in the grove beside the church to share a dinner on the grounds.

Stephen Ministry

On Saturday, Sept. 22, Christ United Methodist Church, in Greensboro, will host a Stephen Ministry Workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and refreshments will be served.

The workshop is sponsored by Stephen Ministries, the St. Louis-based Christian training organization that has been providing congregations with training and resources for Christian care giving for more than 30 years. The workshop will be led by Pam Montgomery. This will be the only workshop in North Carolina until 2013.

The cost of the workshop is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation.

For more information, or to register to attend the Stephen Ministry Workshop at Christ United Methodist Church, contact Stephen Ministries at (314) 428-2600 or register online at www.stephenworkshopnc.com.

Trammell Concert

The Mark Trammell Quartet will perform at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m.

Pleasant Hill is located on Camp Easter Road.The event is part of the Sandhills Baptist Association's Praisefest Weekend and will benefit BackPack Pals, now serving 1,100 children weekly. Admission is free, however, a love offering will be taken.

BackPack Pals was created by Moore County Schools in 2005 to meet the needs of children known to have little or nothing to eat on the weekends. The program began with one school serving 25 children.

Children were selected with input from teachers, teachers assistants, social workers , administrators and counselors. BackPack Pals is now a administered by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina serving 1,100 children weekly.

This is the third year the Trammell Quartet has visited the Sandhills and entertained for the benefit of Backpack Pals.

For more information, contact Linda Hubbard, director of the BackPack Pals program at (910) 692-5959.

Auction, Plate Sate

A "World Mission Auction and Plate Sale" will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Crossroads Community Church, Carthage.

The event takes place in the church fellowship hall. Items to be auctioned include furniture, appliances, exercise equipment, home decor and more.

Barbecue or fried chicken plates, with all the trimmings available for $7 furnished by Talbert's Catering

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

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

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will host Pastor Sharon McIver, of Sanford at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14.

At 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, there will be an appreciation service for Pastor Elwood Hooker at the Douglass Center, in Southern Pines.

Trinity Services

Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church will hold homecoming services Sunday, Sept. 16.

Minnie Ford, wife of the Rev. Anthony Ford, Trinity's pastor, is chairwoman of the event, with Alfreda Chavis as co-chair.

Activities begin Saturday, Sept. 15, with a gathering for former members and friends who no longer reside in Southern Pines. This event will be in the fellowship hall from 5 to 8 p.m.

At 9:45 a.m. Sunday, those "out-of-towners" are invited to share coffee, juice and pastries during the Sunday School hour.

Dr. Ricky Frazier, presiding elder of the Sanford district will be the speaker at the 11 a.m. serivce.

Frazier received his master's and doctorate in divinity from Hood Theological Seminary, in Salisbury. He has pastored A.M.E. Zion churches in Taylortown, Southern Pines, Sanford and Fayetteville.

He is active in civic and community organizations across the state, among them United Way, Boy Scouts and town councils.

"I love people and these positive activities for the Lord," he says.

The morning service will also feature special recognitions and music by two recently organized Trinity choirs. A fellowship dinner will follow the service.