Deep Creek Baptist Church will host a gospel singing at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5. Rick Strickland will be performing.

Strickland is recognized as one of Southern gospel's finest tenors.

"He is loved throughout the world for his love for Christ and the work he has done," says a spokesperson.

Strickland was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998 for his dedication, talent and professionalism.

"His prayer is to share his testimony and to follow in the leadership and anointing of Jesus Christ," says a spokesperson.

Refreshments will be served in the fellowship afterward.

On Sunday, Jan. 13, Pastor Bryan Maness will hold the dedication of the new addition at the 11 a.m. service. There will be a catered luncheon afterward.

For information on these and other events in the month of January, call Pastor Bryan Maness at (910) 988-5264. Deep Creek Baptist Church is at 1995 Linden Road, in Pinehurst.

Bible Challenge

You are invited to connect - to connect to the major stories, themes and messages of the Bible through the 2013 Bible Challenge.

Created and offered to the community by Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, you can connect to the Challenge online at www.brownsonchurch.org. Here you can access the weekly reading assignments and questions to help guide you on your journey of spiritual enrichment.

Enjoy the flexibility of completing the assignments at home, on the road, with a partner or form a small group.

If obligations cause you to miss a week, just jump right back in the following week.

An optional meeting at Brownson at 10 a.m. on Sundays in January provides review, questions, discussion and fellowship. The 2013 Bible Challenge begins on January 6.

No previous Bible study experience is necessary, just a commitment to connect to the Bible - the lens through which to see God.

Beaver Creek Baptist Church

Bible study is held every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel, and the Food Pantry serves our community 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, for more information.

The Widows, Widowers and Single Adult Ministry welcomes you to join them for a time of food (Dutch) and fellowship, at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Andy's Restaurant, 2280 Nicholson Road, Sanford.

First Church of Christ, Scientist

"God" is the subject of the Jan. 6th church service. The Bible lesson opens with the King James Bible verse "God has heard me; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer." Ps 66:19 Music and prayer time is also part of the service.

All are welcome 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 online through subscription.

The Reading Room is at 173-A NE Broad St., close to the Southern Pines Railroad station, and is open weekdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call (910) 692-7759 for more information.

Southern Pines UMC

Southern Pines United Methodist Church begins the new year with the formation of the Spring Fling dinner groups. Registrations forms must be returned to the church by Jan 4.

"The purpose of the groups is to provide couples and singles an opportunity to dine while experiencing Christian fellowship," says a church spokesperson. "Participants will take turns hosting the groups."

The SPUMC Clothing Drive to benefit clients of the Sandhills Coalition for Human Care will continue through January. Donated items should be placed in a marked box and left in the fellowship hall.

To learn more about Southern Pines United Methodist Church, call the church office at (910) 692-3518 or visit the websitewww.southernpinesumc.org. The church is located at 175 Midland Road in Southern Pines.

Winter Bible Studies

Trinity Christian Fellowship offers the following Bible studies:

Monday Afternoon: 2 to 3 p.m., beginning Jan 7. "One Year Chronological Bible Study." Pastor Hill will explore the weekly readings and discuss the biblical events and the historical context in which they unfold.

Monday Evening Women's Bible Study: 6 to 8 p.m., beginning Jan 7. "Daniel, Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy," a 12-week Beth Moore study facilitated by Renate Yow. Child care is provided.

Tuesday Afternoon: 2 to 3 p.m., beginning Jan 8. "Bible Discussion": Pastor Ellis will discuss the weekly readings of Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs from the One Year Bible. The weekly sermon scripture will also be explored.

Thursday Morning Women's Study: 10 a.m. to noon, beginning Jan 10. "Gospel of John," facilitated by Anita Gray.

Thursday Afternoon Community Bible Study: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning Jan 10. "Servants of God" begins with Samuel and Eli: submission and responsibility.

All studies are held at the church ministry center, located at 6 Carter St., in Pinehurst, and are open to the community.

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

Praise Fest

Greater Glory will sponsor a New Year's Revival Jan. 9-11, at 7:30 p.m. nightly.

Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Church is located at 1000 West New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines.

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

Culdee Church Offers

Fire Safety Class

Culdee Presbyterian Church will be offering a fire prevention and safety class for both adults and children.

This class includes cooking safety, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide, using fire extinguishers, home heating safety, evacuation plan for your house, and emergency planning.

The class is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.

"Everyone in the community is invited to attend," says a spokesman. "We ask that you please complete a registration form and return it to Culdee Presbyterian Church as soon as possible. A general idea of expected attendance will ensure that adequate supplies will be on hand for the class. If a nursery is needed for your child or children, please note this on the form."

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

"We can email you a form, or you may pick up a copy at the church office," says the spokesman.

Registration information or the registration form can be mailed to the following address: Culdee Presbyterian Church, 916 N.C. 73, West End, NC 27376, or email as an attachment to Culdee@embarq. com.

Congregational Church

Of Pinehurst, UCC

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC celebrates Communion the first Sunday of every month. This is also the time when we offer our contributions of food donated to the Coalition. The children of the congregation bring the food to the front of the church to be blessed by the congregation.

Nursery care is provided each Sunday in the Butterfly Room by member volunteers.

On Friday, the Silver Belles will pack lunches for MANNA! as they do every first Friday of the month. This ministry helps feed our local neighbors in need. This is fun and takes only about an hour. Call the church office if you would like to help.

Two opportunities for the winter and spring season in the church are planned for January through March. On Wednesdays at 1 p.m., from Feb. 23 to Feb. 27, there will be a discussion- oriented study of the Hebrew prophets based on presentations by UCC Hebrew Scripture scholar Dr. Walter Brueggemann.

A group discussion of Jesus Seminar scholar Robin Myers' latest book will take place on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. starting Feb. 10 and continuing through March 17. Dr. Myers will be leading a seminar weekend at our church on May 17-19. Both groups are open to the community and there is no charge. Please call the church office to sign up.

The Community of Mindful Living in the Pines will meet Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Hearth Room for ongoing mindfulness meditation.

The church supports the United Church of Christ's Equal Exchange Project. Nancy Kinney has expanded the offerings to include great fruit and nut snacks as well as chocolate bars, coffee and tea products. Sales from these organic foods help farmers in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the United States build better futures.

The Titanium Whistles golf group meets on Tuesdays to play a different course each week. Made up 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 greens 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 the website youarewelcomehere.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.

West End United Methodist Church will begin a "Welcome Home" Bible study, beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2. This study is designed for the reverts, who went to the church when they were young and strayed away or were not active in the church, then came back later to know God and seek the purpose of life. Dr. Won Namkoong will lead this session with the deep knowledge of the Scriptures and its daily applications. The text will be Matthew 2: 1-12. This Bible study will meet each Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the WEUMC Fellowship Hall.

The men at West End United Methodist Church will meet and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast and a time of fellowship at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5. After breakfast, there is a brief devotional and the men discuss projects to assist both the church and the community. Any man of the church or our community is welcome to attend.

Monday Night Services at UMC

Do you have to work on Sundays? Do you have to travel on the weekends? Or are you not ready for Sunday morning? If so, starting in January, West End UMC will offer a Monday night service at 7 p.m.

"Come as you are," says a spokesman.

The church is located at 4015 N.C. 73, West End.

For more information, call the church office at (910) 673-1371.

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.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.