Six members of the United States Air Force Band will appear at The Village Chapel on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m.

The Langley Winds woodwind sextet from Hampton, Va., features the diverse talents of six professional musicians whose commitment to excellence has earned worldwide acclaim and military distinction.

The Langley Winds presents polished and passionate performances of the woodwind ensemble literature as well as transcriptions and patriotic favorites.

Activated in 1941, the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band has a rich history of inspiring public patriotism and enhancing an esprit de corps among all the U.S. military service branches.

They travel more than 30,000 miles each year performing concerts for the public and providing music for military protocol events throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band remains at the forefront of preserving and enriching America's military and musical heritage into the 21st century.

This concert of outstanding music is presented to the Sandhills community as a free event.

The Village Chapel is located at 10 Azalea Road, adjacent to the Village Green in the village of Pinehurst.

Lenten Lunches

The Lenten Lunches at Page Memorial United Methodist Church provide opportunities for spiritual reflection, Christian conversation and meals.

The lunches will be held Wednesdays at noon, Feb. 13 through March 27, in the fellowship hall.

The cost is $5 and includes a home-cooked meal, dessert and a time of ministry and fellowship.

Feb. 13 - The Rev. Thomas Simpson, Goldston United Methodist Church. Menu: baked chicken breast, corn casserole, broccoli-cauliflower salad, rolls and dessert.

Feb. 20 - The Rev. Ben Lawson, Calvary Chapel. Menu: chicken corn chowder, pimento cheese sandwich, crackers and dessert.

Feb. 27 - The Rev. Jonathan Wallace, Bethesda Presbyterian Church. Menu: pork tenderloin, pineapple casserole, crowder peas, rolls and dessert.

March 6 - the Rev. Dennis Sheppard, Hope Mills United Methodist Church. Menu: baked turkey breast, dressing and gravy, yams, cranberry sauce, rolls and dessert.

March 13 - the Rev. Won Namkoong, West End United Methodist Church. Menu: beef tips/rice, squash casserole, green beans, rolls and dessert.

March 20 - the Rev. Mike Branscomb, First Baptist Church. Menu: chicken and broccoli casserole, apple waldorf salad, lima beans, rolls and dessert.

March 27 - the Rev. Jane Leechford, Page Memorial United Methodist Church. Menu: mixed green salad topped with grilled chicken, muffins and dessert.

Friday Fish Dinners

St. Anthony of Padua Church, located at N. Ashe Street and E. Vermont Avenue in Southern Pines, will once again offer Friday fish dinners during the Lenten season.

The dates are Feb. 15 and 22; March 1, 8 and 22.

Fried or baked fish is available with sides of french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, Italian-style green beans, fruit cup and choice of drink.

Cost of the dinners is $8 adult, children under 12, $5. There is no charge for children under 5 years old. The dinners are available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dine in or take out.

For more information, call (910) 281-4320.

Black History Program

Greater Harvest House of Prayer Ministries, located at 760 Midway Road, Aberdeen, will be having a Black History program on Feb. 24, at 4 p.m.

Lenten Services

Our Saviour Lutheran Church will hold Wednesday evening services in the fellowship hall throughout Lent.

"The focus of the services will be our individual relationships with God and each other and will include Holy Communion," says a spokesman.

All services will begin with a light dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the service at 7. A free will offering will be collected to cover the cost of the dinner.

On Ash Wednesday (Feb. 13) there will be a healing service. On Feb. 20, the service will use the Holden Evening Prayer setting.

The remaining services will include contemporary music.

For more information, call (910) 692-2662.

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

Prepare for Life

The Sandhills Baptist Association's Senior Adult Ministry Advisory Council is sponsoring a educational program to create an awareness of community resources available from St. Joseph of the Pines for our older adults.

Many who live to be 80 and beyond will require some form of active support and assistance.

Lynn Drinkwater, community educator for St. Joseph of the Pines, will discuss the resources and opportunities provided for senior adults and caregivers. She will also highlight the top five points that need to be addressed for caregiving in later years.

The program will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Sandhills Baptist Resource Center, located at 5254 U.S. 15-501, across from the Moore County Schools Administrative Offices. The program will begin at 9:30 and end around 11:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

For more information, call the Sandhills Baptist Association office at (910) 947-2238.

Frye Performs

Bruce Frye will perform at the 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. services at Red Branch Baptist Church, 1748 Old River Road, Carthage.

Call (910) 947-1974 for information.

Workshop

First Baptist Church in Southern Pines will host a five-week "Hope for the Hurting" series on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m,. from Feb. 20 through March 20.

The workshop series is for those who have or are experiencing hurt of any type, including the loss of a loved one, declining health, job loss, division in the family or other hurt.

Life is a two-way street. Some folks are heading into the community of hurt and pain, while others have come through the same territory and can see hope and healing ahead that can be shared with others.

"All who are suffering hurt or have come through it are welcome," says a spokesman. "A close look at faith and Scripture will be an integral part of the series."

The workshop will be conducted by Bob Vetter, a hospital chaplain and retired minister and hospice chaplain, and his wife, June, who has participated in numerous conferences as a speaker and facilitator.

There is no cost associated with the workshop. Individuals wishing to participate are invited to attend the Wednesday evening supper in the church hall beginning at 5:15 p.m. Reservations for the dinner may be made by signing up on the church website, www.fbcsp.org, or by calling the church office at (910) 692-8750. The cost for the dinner is $4 per person.

First Baptist Church is located on New York Avenue in Southern Pines.

Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC observes Ash Wednesday this evening, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. with a brief meditative service of prayer and ashes. All are welcome to participate.

The Community of Mindful Living meets on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hearth Room for ongoing mindfulness meditation.

On Thursdays at 4 p.m. in the afternoon, QiQung instruction class is also offered.Call (910) 949-2623 for information.

The Manor Care Social will be held next Wednesday with games, bingo and refreshments. Call Nancy Kinney at (910) 400-3064 for information

The group discussion of Jesus Seminar scholar Robin Myers' latest book takes place on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. through March 17. This group discussion is in preparation for Dr. Myers' visit May 17-19 when he will be leading a seminar weekend at co-sponsoring churches, Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines and Congregational Church of Pinehurst. Call the church at (910) 295-2243 if you would like to participate.

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 at youarewelcomehere.org, or the Facebook page.

Chicken and Dumplings

A Southern favorite - chicken and dumplings - is on the menu for the Doubs Chapel United Methodist Church annual supper Saturday, Feb. 16.

The folks of Doubs Chapel start working on Friday evening and into the early morning hours to prepare and cook the chickens. The next morning and throughout the day, dough is mixed, rolled, cut and dropped into the seasoned broth. Generous portions of this Southern favorite, along with coleslaw and a roll, are $8 per plate - dessert and drink included.

The sale of eat-in or take-out plates begins at 4 p.m. and will continue until the pots are empty. An auction of homemade cakes and pies will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Doubs Chapel UMC is located at 1444 Doubs Chapel Road, West End.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Baptist Church will hold a special service of remembrance at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13.

"Every Wednesday we offer morning Bible study at 9:30 a.m. in our chapel, followed by the Food Pantry serving the community from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in our Family Life Center," says a spokesman.

The church is located at 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron.

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

Shabbat Services

Shabbat services will be held at Temple Beth Shalom Friday night, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., led by Rabbi Ken Brickman, who also lead the Torah study at 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

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.

Southern Pines UMC

The Southern Pines United Methodist Church Spring Studies begin on Sunday, Feb. 17.

Dinner is provided at 4:45 p.m. ($5 donation) and classes begin at 5:30 p.m.

The six-week studies will include three adult classes and a program for children ages 3-kindergarten.

Contact the church office at (910) 692-3518 for additional information.

The SPUMC Trinity Choir (first-fifth grade) and Jubilee Choir (sixth grade and up) will resume practices on Sunday, Feb. 17. The Jubilee Choir will be preparing a Lenten cantata scheduled for the 8:30 a.m. worship service on March 17. The Trinity Choir will begin work on their spring musical to be performed at both worship services (8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.) on May 17.

The SPUMC Senior Adult Fellowship will gather at Table on the Green at Midland Country Club on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 11:30 a.m. for food and fellowship. Erin Shore, minister to children and youth, will discuss summer mission possibilities that the church will be offering for people of all ages. Call Ed Morrison at (910) 245-2492 for reservations.

Information about Southern Pines United Methodist Church is available at www.southernpinesumc.org. The church is located at 175 Midland Road in Southern Pines.

West End UMC

West End United Methodist Church will have a covered dish dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in celebration of the beginning of the Lenten season.

Following the dinner, there will be a special service of imposition of ashes.

Each Monday evening West End UMC 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, 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, please call the Church Office at (910) 673-1371.

Bread of Life Ministry at West End UMC 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.

A luminary service will be held Sunday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. This service is to honor 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 a spokesman. "Our guest speaker will be Eric Barto, an amazing young man of incredible faith. This is >a service open to our entire community."

Trinity Christian Fellowship

An Ash Wednesday service will be held today at 5:30 p.m. at The O'Neal School, 3300 Airport Road, Southern Pines.

The service includes Scripture, the celebration of Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes.

For more information, contact the church office at (910) 215-5775 or visit www. trinitycf.net.

Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart Catholic Church announces special services for the Lenten season.

Stations of the Cross will be held Fridays during Lent at noon (except on Good Friday).

All Fridays in Lent are days of full abstinence from meat and meat products.

Days of fast and full abstinence are Ash Wednesday (Feb. 13) and Good Friday (March 29).

Catholic norms for Lent and Easter seasons are provided by the Diocese of Raleigh, and can be viewed in the bulletin for Feb 3 at http://www.sacredheartpinehurst.org.

Gospel Singing

Emmanuel Baptist Church will host a gospel singing, featuring The Bledsoes, at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24.

The church is located at 632 McCrimmon Road, Carthage.

For information, call (910) 947-4736.

First Church of Christ, Scientist

"Soul" is the subject of the Feb. 17 10 a.m. church service at First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 240 E. New Hampshire Ave., in 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 on-line through subscription.

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

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.

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."

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.

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 at (910) 295-668 5.

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.

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.