Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church will hold its annual missionary candlelight service at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 10.

The speaker is the Rev. Sarah Kelly, from Hunters Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. The Hunters Chapel Church choir will provide the music.

"The march will begin promptly at 6 p.m., so everyone should come a few minutes early to get candles," says Minnie Ford, Parent Body president.

Church pastor is the Rev. Anthony Ford. The church is located at 972 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.

Culdee Presbyterian

Culdee Presbyterian Church will hold a Lenten Bible study at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening.

A Palm Sunday service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 24, during which the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gail Meeks, will present the cantata "It Is Finished."

A Maundy Thursday service will be held Thursday March 28, at 7 p.m. Communion will also be observed.

A Good Friday service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 29.

For more information or directions to the church, call (910) 295-6685.

Study of Daniel

A Bible study on the book of Daniel will be led by Bill Demastus at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, located at 1002 N. Sandhills Blvd. on U. S. 1, in Aberdeen, Thursday evenings from April 4-June 20.

A catered meal will be served at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall, and the study will begin at 7 p.m. Call the church office at (910) 944-1319 to register for the study and the meal (optional). There is no charge for the study.

Youth Rally

The Northern Moore Crusade Committee in Robbins will hold a youth rally, Saturday, March 16, with Evangelist Scott Ferguson, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brown's Chapel Christian Church, located at 608 Brown's Chapel Road in Robbins.

There will be music and games, including moon bounces, teen volleyball tournament, corn hole, relay races, three-on-three basketball tournaments, and food. There will be awards, prizes and much more.

For more information, call (910) 464-3697.

"There is no cost for this event," says a spokesman.

Women's History

Women of every age and denomination are honored for their contributions to society during Womens' History Month.

The Christian Science Reading Room at 173 NE Broad St. in Southern Pines will be featuring an American woman who founded what has become a world wide religion.

Mary Baker Eddy published her major work "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" in 1875 at the age of 54. The ideas in the book grew out of her life-long search for healing. Many of her ideas ran counter to the currents of 19th-century society, medicine and religion.

Undaunted by the lack of many basic rights afforded to women of her day, Eddy persevered. She took up desperate cases of illness and healed them. She lectured and preached, established a teaching college, founded a church, started several magazines and a publishing society and, at the age of 87 founded a daily newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor, "to injure no man but to bless all mankind."

Many today are appreciating the foundational role her life and writings have played in fueling today's discussions of spirituality and healing. Her book was voted one of "75 books by women whose words have changed the world" by the Women's National Book Association. During March, some 10 of the many biographies will be available at the Reading Room.

The Reading Room is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (910) 692-7759 for information.

Southern Pines UMC

Southern Pines United Methodist Church will celebrate Girl Scout Sunday on March 10. Girl Scouts from three troops will be participating in the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services.

A small group from SPUMC will have the opportunity to travel to Zimbabwe in August to visit the orphans that the church is supporting through the ZOE Ministry. Associate Pastor Chae Albright will host an information session on Sunday, March 10, at 4 p.m. in the Ezra Room. Anyone interested in the trip should attend the meeting. Contact Albright via email at calbright@nccumc.org for additional information.

Call the church office at (910) 692-3518 or visit the website www.southerpinesumc.org.

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

Greater Glory

Greater Glory Pentecostal Deliverance Ministry will celebrate its 19th annual church anniversary beginning Friday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Apostle Gracie David, of Greater Rock Outreach Ministry Church from McColl, S.C.

It will continue on Sunday, March 10, beginning at the 11 a.m. service, with the keynote speaker being Pastor Larry Tyler, of the Lifeline Deliverance Church, of Willingboro, N.J. The celebration will conclude with an evening service at 6 p.m.with Pastor Byron Johnson, of Greater Full Gospel Lighthouse Church, Laurinburg.

Dinner will be served following the morning service. It will be hosted in the sanctuary of Greater Glory, which is located at 1000 West New Hampshire Ave., in Southern Pines.

The 18th Founders Week Celebration honoring Executive Chief Apostle Michael S. Dixon will be held Wednesday, March 13, through Sunday, March 17. Service times are 7:30 p.m. nightly and Sunday at 11 a.m.

Speakers include Pastor Tony Fairley, House of Refuge Deliverance Church, Hartsville, S.C., and Pastor Willie Gilmore, of Fellowship House of Prayer Church, Carthage (Wednesday); Minister Benjamin Harris, of St. Peter United Church of God, Eastwood community, and Pastor Maxine Beards, of Blessed Assurance Pentecostal Deliverance Church, Bennettsville, S.C. (Thursday); Pastor Jabarri Douglas, of Kingdom Worship Center, Washington, D.C. and Apostle Sherenna Glenn, of Greater Full Gospel Deliverance Church, of Laurinburg (Friday).

It will conclude on Sunday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Renee McLean, Center of Deliverance Church, Fayetteville, Ga., and Pastor Charlotte Bryant, Praise Tabernacle Church Family, Siler City.

For more information, call Evangelist Vickie Kelly at (910) 281-2023 or (910) 281-0369.

Congregational Church of Pinehurst

The Congregational Church of Pinehurst, UCC will hold Sunday school this Sunday during the 10 a.m. worship services for children ages 3-5 years and 6-9 years.

"Please visit our space at the Community Yard Sale at the Fair Barn on March 16," says a spokesman. "We will have treasures from attics and garages, as well as hand-made one-of-a-kind items. Chairperson Gail Harrell promises something for everyone, and no one will leave empty handed. The event is sponsored by The Pilot for benefit of the community."

This spring from May 17-19, Dr. Robin Meyers will be speaking and conducting workshops at co-sponsoring churches, Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines and Congregational Church of Pinehurst. Call the church office at (910) 295-2243 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, visit Facebook or on the website at youarewelcomehere.org.

West End UMC

Each Monday evening, West End United Methodist Church will have a fellowship meal at 6 p.m., followed by a Lenten 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 West End United Methodist Church meets every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This ministry is for seniors. 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, March 6, at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

The West End United Methodist Church Youth Group is sponsoring a fundraiser dinner with entertainment from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9. The cost of the dinner is $10 per person and will include lasagna (vegetarian or meat), salad, bread, dessert and a drink. The Cameronian Quartet from Rockingham will entertain. A silent auction will also be held at this time for those wishing to participate. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to support the youth group summer trip. Tickets are available from youth group members, the church office and at the door. Contact the church office at (910) 673-1371 with any questions.

The Mission Outreach Committee at West End United Methodist Church is having a spring flower sale to support their next mission trip to Peru. Spring flowers that will be available are: flats of begonias, vinca, and impatiens or six-inch potted geraniums. Flats contain 36 plants and are $13 each. Geraniums are $6.50 per plant. To place an order, contact Mary Anne Lauer at (910) 281-0353 or lauere@hotmail.com or Jennifer Forsman at (910) 673-3409 or rjforsman2@aol.com. All orders are due by Monday, April 1, and payment is due upon pickup. Delivery of flats will be on Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, at the church.

Bible Lesson

"Man" is the subject of the March 10 church service at First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 240 E. New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines, 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 open weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call (910) 692-7759.

Spring Revival

Spring revival services will be held at Brown's Chapel Christian Church in Robbins, March 17-20, with Evangelist Scott Ferguson.

Sunday service times will be 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

"Join us for prayer each night 15 minutes prior to the service," says a spokesman.

The church is located at 608 Brown's Chapel Road in Robbins.

For more information, contact Pastor Michael Parenti at (910) 464-3697 .

Emmanuel Episcopal

Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines will hold an outdoor Liturgy of the Palms on Sunday, March 24 (Palm Sunday), followed by a procession into the church for the reading of the Passion of Our Lord and Holy Eucharist at 9 and 11 a.m.

On Monday and Tuesday evenings in Holy Week, members will observe the Stations of the Cross in the church at 6 p.m.

On Wednesday evening of Holy Week at 6 p.m. the church will celebrate Tenebrae (Latin for "shadows" or "darkness"), an ancient Christian service marked by the gradual extinguishing of candles while a series of readings and psalms are recited.

On Maundy Thursday, members will celebrate a Service of Holy Eucharist and Foot Washing, following the actions of Our Lord on the night before he was handed over to be crucified. The service concludes with a stripping of the altar, and the congregation departing the darkened church.

On Good Friday, the church will observe the "Three Hours" with readings, psalms, prayers and a sermon from noon to 3 p.m. There are three distinct services beginning at noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. with time for prayer and meditation between each service. Soup and bread is also offered between each service. Worshippers are invited to attend any or all of the three services and are asked to quietly arrive a few minutes before the top of each hour.

On Easter Sunday morning, members will celebrate the ancient Great Easter Vigil at 6 a.m., marked by the kindling of a new flame in the darkness outside the church, followed by the chanting of the Exsultet by the light of the Paschal Candle.

The Holy Eucharist follows the glorious lighting of the church, with shouts of "Alleluia!" and ringing of the bells.

An Easter Egg Hunt follows the service on the church's grounds. And there are also two services of Festal Holy Eucharist at 9 and 11 a.m. on Easter Sunday morning.

For more information, Emmanuel's website is www.emmanuel-parish.org.

Day of Reflection

Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church, in Biscoe, will have a Day of Reflection Thursday, April 4.

Monsignor Mo West will present "Growing in Age and Grace."

Check-in is from 10:30 to 11 a.m., with the program from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by a closing Mass.

The event is free, but registration is required as a light lunch will be provided.

The deadline for registration is Monday, March 25.

To register, contact Trudy Hintz at (910) 400-5034, representative of Our Lady of the Americas; or Sandra Breakfield at (704) 370-3220 or Sherill Beason at (704) 370-3228 at Catholic Social Services or by sending your name, address, phone number and parish to: Catholic Social Services Elder Ministry, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, Attn: Sandra Breakfield.

West End Presbyterian

West End Presbyterian Church raised more than $7,000 in its recent spaghetti supper and silent auction. All of the funds will go to help pay for the church sending a mission team to Mexico this summer.

The church has had a relationship with a sister church in Chetumal, Mexico, for more than a decade, and has sent a number of mission groups to Mexico to help with projects there and to build relationships. This year seven high school youth and a number of adults as well will travel to Mexico to do more mission work.

West End Presbyterian is also planning evening Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services for Holy Week coming up the last week in March. Passion/Palm Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, March 24, with worship beginning at 11 a.m. The church will offer a Maundy Thursday worship service at 7 p.m. on March 28 and a Good Friday worship service at 7 p.m. on March 29. Easter Sunday worship will begin on March 31 at 11 a.m.

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.

Bible Study

Praise Temple Community Outreach will hold Bible study Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.

Contact Pastor James McNeill at (910) 384-4369 for more details.

Penance Service

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, in Southern Pines, will hold its Lenten Penance Service this Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

There will be several priests available to hear private confessions.

Vaughn Anniversary

The Rev. Bill Vaughn, pastor of Highland Baptist Church, in Vass, along with his family, will celebrate 26 years of ministry at the church with a special service Sunday, March 10, at 11 a.m.

The day's activities will conclude with dinner on the grounds.

The church is located at 5587 U.S. 1, four miles north of Southern Pines.

For information, call (910) 695-0494.

Choir Anniversary

The Crystalaires will celebrate their 28th choir anniversary starting Saturday, March 9, at 6 p.m. and concluding Sunday, March 10, at 2:30 p.m.

The church is located at U.S. 1 N across the railroad tracks in Hoffman.

The pastor is the Rev. Charles Bethea.

Course Offered

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Sandhills is offering a 10-session course titled "Building Your Own Theology."

Based on the assumption that everyone is their own theologian, this classic UU adult education program invites participants to develop their own personal credos, the fundamental religious beliefs, values and convictions that inform and direct the living of their lives.

There are five developmental tasks in which participants come to terms with human nature, ultimate reality, history, ethics and religious meaning.

"This course is open to everyone, and you do not have to be a Unitarian Universalist to attend," says a spokesman.

The course is $18 for materials, and the date, time and location are still to be determined. If interested, contact Liz Harry at liz_harry12@ yahoo.com.

Barbecue

On Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, the men of Pinehurst United Methodist Church will sell pit cooked barbecue. Plates, which are $7, include slaw, beans, bread, drink and dessert for eat in or take out. Also available is a 12-ounce barbecue package, also for $7.

Hours on Friday are from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 4:30 to 7 p.m.

On Saturday, March 9, there will be a giant yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with breakfast foods, barbecue sandwiches and desserts.

Portion of proceeds will benefit community hunger relief missions and the Polaris Project to halt the practice of human trafficking.

Call Pinehurst United Methodist Church at (910) 215-4559 for delivery (five-plus orders).

The church is located at 4111 Airport Road, near Sandhills Community College.

Coping with Divorce

Divorce is, unfortunately, prevalent in our society. Many people have been affected by divorce, either having gone through it themselves or know a family member or friend who has experienced this life-changing event. Ending a marriage can be painful and the associated legal issues can be confusing.

Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, in Southern Pines, is offering the 5-week lecture series "Coping with Divorce." There is no charge, and the series is open to the public. Topics include: March 11, Real Estate Closings and Wills While Going Through Divorce, Stephen Gaydica, attorney; March 18, Counseling, Relationships and Divorce, the Revs. Karen and Robert Allen; March 25, Court System and Divorce, District Court Judge Skipper Creed.

This lectures series will be offered on Monday nights, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Brownson in Conference Room A.

To register and for directions, call the church office at (910) 692-6252.

Harmony Baptist

Harmony Baptist Church will host a gospel singing Sunday, March 10, at 6 p.m., featuring Potter's Wheel, 3624 N.C. 73, West End.

Call (910) 947-2551.

St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, located at 1145 Seven Lakes Drive, Seven Lakes, announces special programs and services for the Lenten season.

March 7, at 6 p.m., a light Lenten supper followed by the Rev. Fred Thompson with the history and spirituality of Lent. Stations of the Cross Devotion follows.

March 14, at 6 p.m., >a light Lenten supper, Stations of the Cross Devotion follows.

March 21, at 6 p.m., >a light Lenten supper followed by Deacon Carol Burgess with a program on final arrangements, Stations of the Cross Devotion follows.

Holy Week Services include:

March 24, at 9:30 a.m., Palm Sunday Liturgy.

March 28, at 7 p.m., Maundy Thursday Liturgy.

March 29, at 12 noon, Good Friday Liturgy, Stations of the Cross Devotion follows.

March 31, at 7 a.m., Easter Sunrise Service at Lake Sequoia.

March 31, at 9:30 a.m., Easter Liturgy at the church building with traditional seasonal music.

For more information, visit our website at http://stmm. dionc.org

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.

This fundraising event is to support the victims of human trafficking and help stop the spread of human trafficking in the U.S.

Page Memorial

Holy Week services at Page Memorial UMC 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.

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) 400-5556.

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.

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 March 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.

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.

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., 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.

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.sacredheartpinehurst.org.

Sandy Grove

On Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m., Sandy Grove Bible Church of God, in Vass, will host Pastor Sharon Williams, of Sanford, for a fellowship program.