The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC invites the community to hear Mary Rider speak of her experiences and the issue of capital punishment on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Rider, the mother of eight children, received a 15-day jail sentence for praying during the last execution held in North Carolina. She is a home health social worker and co-founder of the Father Charlie Mulholland Catholic Worker House in Garner, which ministers to women and children.

Rider was sentenced to jail for following her conscience, which would not allow her to pay a fine and court costs to support a system that oppressed the poor and carried out executions in her name.

"Please join us in learning more of this engaging and socially relevant issue from someone who has truly 'walked the walk,'" says a spokesman.

The church welcomed new members Pamela and Farrell Bushing, Al Kaufhold, and Tammy and Ray Morris into the church family on Joining Sunday. A fellowship reception followed in the Hearth Room.

Sunday School will be held this Sunday during the 10 a.m. worship services for children ages 3-5 years and 6-9 years. Nursery is provided every Sunday although children are always welcome to remain 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 Facebook page or the website you arewelcomehere.org.

Black History Program

The Mount Olive A.M.E. Zion Church will celebrate Black History Month with a program on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m.

Almetta Armstrong, former president of the North Carolina School Board Association, will be the guest speaker.

Both the youth and the senior choirs from the Mount Olive Church will perform.

The church is located at 440 Bethlehem Church Road, Carthage.

The Rev. Angela Davis is the pastor.

Spiritual Music

Jason McKinney, an internationally known bass-baritone, will perform a program of spirituals, arias and other solo works at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines.

Polaris Yard Sale

On Saturday, March 9, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pinehurst United Methodist Church will host a yard sale fundraiser to benefit the Polaris Project, a nonprofit organization that works to combat human trafficking in the United States.

Weather permitting, the sale will be held on the church grounds. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the church. The United Methodist Men will have food available to purchase.

There will be an information desk and presentations on human trafficking throughout the event.

Heather Reed, a junior at Pinecrest High School and a member of Pinehurst United Methodist Church, is coordinating the benefit. Heather learned about the problem of human trafficking at the Annual Conference Session for Youth last year.

This event is going to support the victims of human trafficking and to stop the spread of human trafficking in the United States. All are welcome to attend.

The $25 per table rent will be donated to the Polaris Project. People who rent tables will be able to sell items and keep all of their profits, or if they desire, they may also donate a portion to the cause.

Reservations for tables will be open until March 2. For questions or requests to reserve a table, email Heather at polarisfund raiser@gmail.com.

Family and Friends Day

Concord United Methodist Church of Coleridge will have Family and Friends Day Sunday, March 3, at 10 a.m., with Mercy's Well in concert.

The church is located 10 miles north of High Falls on N.C. 22. A love offering will be received. For more information, call (336) 879-6094.

Teen Girls' Event

A teen girls' conference, "His Revolutionary Love," will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at New Covenant Fellowship, Carthage.

The speaker, Lynn Cowell, is from the Proverbs 31 ministry, in Charlotte.

The conference is from 9 a..m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person.

The church is located at 1305 Hulsey Road, Carthage.

Call (910) 947-1412 or email lee@ncftoday.com

Page Memorial

On Sunday, March 3, at 11 a.m., Re-Creation presents "Gospel Gold: America's Ambassadors to Hospitalized Veterans."

Holy Week services include: March 24 - Palm Sunday Service, 8:30 and 11 a.m.; March 27 - Lenten Luncheon at noon, $5; March 28 - Holy Thursday Service - Last Supper 7 p.m.; March 29 - Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday - Community Sunrise Service at Bethesda Cemetery 7 a.m.; Easter Sunday Service - Page Memorial UMC 8:30 and 11 a.m.

The church is located at the corner of Main and Poplar streets, in Aberdeen.

Beaver Creek Baptist

Beaver Creek Baptist Church, 2280 Nicholson Road, Cameron, offers Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the chapel. The Food Pantry is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays in the Family Life Center.

The church offers a ride to and from church on Sunday mornings. Call (800) 681-8602 or (919) 499-9632 before Thursday at 4:30 p.m. to schedule a pickup.

Southern Pines UMC

The Susanna Wesley Circle of Southern United Methodist Church will hold its annual yard sale at the church Saturday, March 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Please join us to buy or sell," says a church spokesperson. For more information, call (910) 315-4425.

Registration is now open for summer camp opportunities offered by the North Carolina United Methodist Church. Children who have completed grades one-12 by the end of the school year are eligible to attend three church camps: Camp Chestnut Ridge, Camp Don Lee, and Camp Rockfish.

Visit the website www. ncumcamps.org to learn more about each camp and to register online.

For more information about Southern Pines United Methodist Church, call the church office at (910) 692-3518 or browse the website www.southerpinesumc.org.

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

Seven Lakes Baptist

The Seven Lakes Baptist Church OWLS group (Older Wiser Loving Seniors) invites the community to a presentation of "His Little Ones Ministry," with the author and organizer Lynne O'Quinn, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, in the church fellowship hall. O'Quinn's home is in Fayetteville, but she travels the world to bring children the love of Jesus with colorful booklets, translated into their own languages, called "Sharing Jesus with Children Around the World."

For more information, call Diane Evans at (910) 400-5666.

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, 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 (910) 673-1371.

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 wonderful home-cooked meal provided at a charge of $5 per person.

Welcome Home Bible Study will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

West End Presbyterian

West End Presbyterian Church is organizing a new men's group for the church called Presbyterian Men.

The Presbyterian Men met for the first time on Feb. 9, and plan to gather the first Sunday of each month in the church's activities building, the Crawford Center. The men will gather at 8 a.m. for breakfast.

The group's next gathering will be on Sunday, March 3.

Among the group's main purposes will be service projects, not only for the church, but for homebound parishioners as well as local communities such as West End and Seven Lakes.

The group also will enjoy fellowship and hold fellowship events as well. Other activities will include devotions and Bible study.

For additional details, please call Lawton Baker, the group's organizer, at (910) 400-5369.

West End Presbyterian Church is holding a spaghetti supper and silent auction on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. in the church's activities building, the Crawford Center.

The all-you-can-eat supper is $5, and includes spaghetti, bread, dessert and a drink. The silent auction will offer many things for sale that have been donated to the church.

Proceeds from the evening will go to fund the church's mission trip this summer to Chetumal, Mexico. West End Presbyterian has a sister relationship with a Chetumal church that spans more than a decade and has sent a number of mission groups there over the last decade.

"If you have questions or would like to make a donation to the silent auction, please call the church office at (910) 673-4341," says a spokesman.

West End Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The church is located on Knox Lane, one block west of N.C. 211, in West End.

Greater Glory

Greater Glory will render service at the St. John United Church of God, in Carthage, Friday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m.

Apostle Michael Dixon will be bringing the evening message. Elder Carvestine Hester is the host pastor.

The Usher Board of Greater Glory will have its annual fellowship service Saturday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. The special guest will be Evangelist Chris Boyd from Rock Hill, S.C.

This service will be hosted at Greater Glory, which is located at 1000 W. New Hampshire Ave. in Southern Pines.

There will be a special miracle healing and deliverance service at Greater Glory Sunday, Feb. 24, at 5 p.m. The guest speaker will be Prophetess Ruby Shepherd, of Broadway.

Apostle Michael Dixon and the "JCECA" Outfield Ministry will be leading service at the St. Luke Holiness Church in Fayetteville, Friday March 1, at 7:30 p.m.

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

First Church of Christ, Scientist

"Mind" is the subject of the Feb. 24 church service at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Southern Pines, at 240 E. New Hampshire Ave., at 10 a.m.

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 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, 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. 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. 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.

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.

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 an 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 Sunday, Feb. 24, 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.

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.sacredheart pinehurst.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.

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.

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 acknowledgement 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.

Sandy Grove

Sandy Grove Bible Church of God will host Joy Night Friday, March 1, at 7 p.m., with Pastor Margaret Allen, of Sanford, as the speaker.

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.