McDonald's Chapel Presbyterian Church will hold a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the church fellowship hall.

The menu will include pancakes, sausage, harvest apples, juice, coffee and milk.

Suggested donations are $5 a person or $10 for a family. The proceeds will benefit Linden Lodge.

McDonald's Chapel is located at 1374 Foxfire Road, Aberdeen. For more information, call Jill McCloy at (910) 692-5094.

Lenten Bible Study

How should Christians respond to mental illness?

This is a pressing question because, though it is often ignored or stigmatized, mental illness is pervasive in our country. Roughly one in four Americans suffers from a diagnosable mental illness, while approximately one in seven suffers from a serious mental illness.

This means that most people in our country probably know someone among their family members, friends and colleagues who is affected by mental illness. So what is the Christian response to those suffering from and affected by mental illness?

Dr. "Bob" Whitehouse, pastor of McDonald's Chapel Presbyterian Church, who has an undergraduate degree in psychology, and extensive postgraduate training in family systems theory, will lead a four-week Lenten Bible study, which explores how to answer this question.

The study was developed by the Presbyterian Church USA in 2004.

"In this study, we will explore what the Holy Bible, theology and science have to tell us about mental illness," says a spokesman. "We will also share how mental illness has affected the lives of the participants in the Bible study. The public is invited and encouraged to join us as we explore ways in which we can be more effective in our ministry to those with mental illness."

The study will take place at McDonald's Chapel Presbyterian Church, located at 1374 Foxfire Road in Aberdeen.

"We will meet on four consecutive Tuesday evenings from Feb. 19 through March 12 at 6:15 p.m.," says the spokesman.

For more information, call Dr. Bob Whitehouse at (910) 245-7024.

Congregational Church of Pinehurst

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC will celebrate a "Joining Sunday" at the regular 10 a.m. service Sunday, Feb. 10, for those wishing to become members of the church.

Sunday school, and educational time just for our young members, will be held. Nursery care is provided each Sunday in the Butterfly Room by member volunteers, although children of any age are welcome during service.

CCP is sponsoring a community-read and discussion group on Dr. Robin Meyers' book "The Underground Church: Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus."

Starting this Sunday, Feb. 10, there will be four consecutive Sunday evening sessions from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with several chapters discussed each session. The book advocates that the church set aside doctrinal squabbles and return to its roots as the non-creedal "people of the way," followers of the subversive love and justice of Jesus. Books are available locally at The Country Bookshop in downtown Southern Pines and are discounted for members of the class.

"Call the church office if you would like to participate," says a spokesman.

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, members will enjoy the frivolity of Mardi Gras with a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.

"In addition, we'll celebrate the joy of engaging in mission with a presentation on the Habitat Apostles' Build by staff from Habitat of Moore County," says the spokesman. "After the presentation, we will receive donations and pledges to meet our commitment of raising $2,500 toward building a house for a local family. Call the church office to let us know you are coming."

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, Ash Wednesday will be observed with a brief meditative service of prayer and ashes at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary.

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

Founders Day

Spaulding Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church will have its Founders Day program, celebrating its 108th year, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24.

"Anyone who would like to make a donation or honorary acknowledge in the commemorative booklet is asked to contact LaFaye Ellerbe at (910) 420-2995, Connie Raye at (910) 295-7381, Carolyn Jamison (910) 295-5854, or Doris Lee (910) 295-4353. The ads include a full, half, quarter or business-card size. All inclusions must be received by Feb. 11."

Gospel Singing

Pleasant View Friends Church will host a gospel singing at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

Special singers include Stacy Branch and the Rev. Ben Hurley.

A freewill offering will be taken.

"Please bring a nonperishable food item to help the local needy," says a spokesman.

The church is located on N.C. 27, Robbins.

Southern Pines UMC

In preparation for the Lenten season, Southern Pines United Methodist Church will sponsor a pancake dinner Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, Feb. 13, the church will hold Ash Wednesday services at noon and 7 p.m.

SPUMC Spring Studies will begin on Sunday, Feb. 17. The six-week series will include three programs for adults and one for children.

Senior Pastor Tommy Sweeley will lead a Bible study titled "The Explicit Gospel," by Matt Chandler. Associate Pastor Chae Albright will offer the Craig Groeschel program "The Christian Atheist: Believing in God, But Living As If He Doesn't Exist." Sherry Driscoll will present "The Way," a Lenten study by Adam Hamilton.

Children will take a journey through the Easter garden as they learn the Easter story. Dinner will be provided at 4:45 p.m. ($5 donation) with classes beginning at 5:30 p.m.

To learn more about the ministries and programs at Southern Pines United Methodist Church, call the church office at (910) 692-3518 or visit the website www.southernpinesumc. org.

SPUMC is located at 175 Midland Drive in Southern Pines.

West End UMC

Each Monday evening West End United Methodist Church will have a fellowship meal at 6 p.m., followed by worship service at 7 p.m.

"So if you have to work on Sundays or travel on the weekends, or you are not ready for Sunday morning, please join us on Monday evening," says a spokesman. "Come as you are."

The church is located at 4015 N.C. 73, West End. For more information, call the church office at (910) 673-1371.

Bread of Life Ministry at WEUMC 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, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

On Sunday, Feb. 10, at the 11 a.m. worship service, WEUMC will celebrate the contributions of our local Boy Scout programs.

"Please join us for this special service led by our Boy Scouts," says the spokesman.

On Monday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m., the United Methodist Women at WEUMC have invited Father Bill Knapp to share his experiences in New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The presentation will be in the church sanctuary.

On Sunday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary, WEUMC will have a service to honor its members, family and friends who are battling cancer or to remember those who have lost the fight. >

"During the service, we will light a candle in >honor or memory of every >name given," says the spokesman. "Our guest speaker will be Eric Barto, an amazing young man of incredible faith. >This is >a service open to our entire community."

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, WEUMC will have a covered dish dinner at 6 p.m. to celebrate the beginning of the Lenten season. Following the dinner, there will be a special service of imposition of ashes at 7 p.m.

Pastor's Anniversary

Piney Grove Church, in the Windblow Community, Ellerbe, will celebrate the anniversary of its pastor, Elder Robert McArthur, Saturday, Feb. 23, and Sunday, Feb. 24.

Feb. 23 offers a musical with service beginning at 6 p.m.

The Feb. 24 worship service begins at 11 a.m. with guest preacher Elder Kevin Henry, accompanied by St. Luke No. 1 Choir and Congregation.

The annual Choir Day is March 3, sponsored by Calvary Gospel Singers. Service begins at 3 p.m. Several guest choirs and groups are expected.

Beaver Creek Baptist

Beaver Creek Baptist Church offers rides to and from church every Sunday morning service through its bus ministry.

"Please call in advance to schedule a pickup," says a spokesman.

Every Wednesday, the church offers morning Bible study at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel, and the Food Pantry is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

Call (800) 681-8602 or (919) 499-9632.

Culdee Presbyterian

Culdee Presbyterian Church will hold Ash Wednesday services at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13.

The church is located on N.C. 73, West End.

For more information, call the church office 295-6685.

First Church of Christ, Scientist

"Spirit" is the subject of the Feb. 10 church service at 10 a.m. First Church of Christ, Scientist, Southern Pines, is at 240 E. New Hampshire Ave.

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 open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (910) 692-7759 for information .

Culdee Presbyterian

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m., at Culdee Presbyterian Church, Pastor Joseph Washburn will present a program and pictures on his recent trip to Israel.

Culdee is located on N.C. 73 between Eastwood and West End.

For more information, call the church office at (910) 295-6685.

Women's Retreat

The fifth annual Christian Women's Retreat, "Made for More," will take place Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.), at Hampton Inn and Suites, Aberdeen (off U.S. 15-501 behind Starbucks).

The will be music, speakers, small groups and luncheon as well as door prizes.

Speakers include Cathy Smith, Tarshima Hackett, Debbie Schwob and Pauli Curl.

For reservations, mail a check for $28 per person, payable to Meetings Network, P.O. Box 5893, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

For additional information, call Barbara Weeks, coordinator, at (910) 215-0426, or Linda Poteet at (910) 420-2916 .

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will host a Ladies in Red event at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. The speaker is Eldress Yanon Monroe, of Jackson Grove Church in Red Springs.

On Friday, March 1, at 7 p.m., Pastor Margaret Allen, of Sanford, will speak at Joy Night.

On Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m. Pastor Sharon Williams, of Sanford, will speak for a fellowship program .

Purim Speaker

Mira Gracheva, a representative of Chosen People Ministries, will speak at Christ Community Church Monday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.

Gracheva will present a message on Purim, along with a question-and-answer session.

The meeting is open to women of the community of all faiths.

For more information, call the church office at (910) 215-8099.

Jordan Chapel News

Jordan Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church will hold Family and Friends Day on Sunday, Feb. 10, at 3 :30 p.m. The Rev. S.O. Greene Sr. is the speaker.

'Walk to Jerusalem'

Our Saviour Lutheran Church is sponsoring a Lenten Pilgrimage called "Walk to Jerusalem" starting in February.

"We are encouraging the congregation to get out and walk during the Lenten season," says a spokesman. "It is a little more than 6,160 miles from Southern Pines to Jerusalem, Israel. Our congregation will be charting their miles and posting them for the six weeks from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday. Our goal is to walk the 6,160 miles."

The "Walk to Jerusalem" is a walking program developed by St. John's Providence Health System. This "imaginary" trip is designed to increase the physical, spiritual and emotional health of participants.

"We will be showing a PBS DVD titled 'Jerusalem, the Center of the World' in the adult Sunday School class during the Lenten season," says the spokesman.

Humana Health Systems provided pedometers for the walkers, and First Health Cardio provided brochures on "Walking for a Healthy Heart."

Bible Study

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.

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.pagememorialumc.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.

For information, call (910) 295-1577.