Religion News

Compiled by Erica Batten

If you would like to have an event included in Faith Notes, send a news release to ebattenobserver@gmail.com.

Greater Bethel AME

Health seminar: Monthly brunch and discussion. Chrissy Malinky of the American Heart Association will discuss cardiovascular health and stroke. 10 a.m.-noon June 30 in the fellowship hall. 5232 The Plaza. www.gbamechurch.com.

St. Luke United Methodist

Chess camp: The church sponsored a chess camp for students from Shamrock Gardens Elementary School during the week of June 25. 2019 Shamrock Drive. 704-537-9286.

Matthews Presbyterian

Table talk series: Video lectures from artists, poets, professionals and others will provide opportunities for discussion of important issues through the lens of faith. Child care and children’s classes available. 9-9:45 a.m. Sundays, July 1-Aug. 19. 207 W. John St., Matthews. 704-847-4094; www.matthewspresbyterian.org.

Newell Baptist

Welcome (Bienvenido): The church will share its sanctuary and facilities with First Philadelphia Baptist, a Spanish-speaking congregation that will meet for worship at 2 p.m. Sundays. The church will also hold weekly Bible study and special events at Newell Baptist. The Spanish church has grown in attendance from 12 to 80 in the past year, with a membership of 42. Newell Baptist’s schedule is unchanged. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184.

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Seminar series: Representatives of ethnic minority Christians will speak about the gospel in “Neglected Voices.” Kimberly Owen, representing the Native American voice, will speak at 5 p.m. June 30. Free. Series continues July 28. 14542 Choate Circle. www.gordonconwell.edu.

East Stonewall AME Zion

Health fair: Blood drive, free health screenings, children’s activities, prizes, more. Noon-3 p.m. June 30. 1729-1 Griers Grove Road. 704-394-2540.

The Grove Presbyterian

Children of Change: Children’s events, speakers on topics concerning children. Free. 6:30 p.m. July 3. www.childrenofchange.eventbrite.com.

Independence Day celebration: Parade, Miss Hickory Grove contest, rides, games, DJ, raffle, more. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4. 5735 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. www.thegrovecharlotte.org.

Motivations Ministries

Singing auditions: Register online to audition for the 2012 Exalt! Vocal Talent Showcase. First round of auditions will be July 14 and 29; register at least one week in advance. Top five vocalists will perform with the Exalt Praise Band on Sept. 23 at CPCC’s Halton Theatre. Other performers include Bridge and Keith Dudley. Proceeds help people with catastrophic medical bills. www.motivationsministries.org.

Hawthorne Lane United Methodist

Independence Day celebration: Family tailgate party, 6 p.m. July 4. Walk to Independence Park for fireworks at 9 p.m.

Music camp: Rising first- through eighth-graders will produce the musical “God in This City.” Lunch provided daily. Registration required. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 9-12 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 13. Camp show and dinner, 6 p.m. July 13. 501 Hawthorne Lane. 704-332-8131; www.hlumc.org.

United House of Prayer for All People

Community event: Family and friends day themed “A Celebration of Freedom: Return and Give God Everything.” Free food, entertainment, games, prizes, and fellowship. Noon July 7. Community is also invited for worship at 11:30 a.m. July 8. 2321 Beatties Ford Road. 704-394-3884.

Shiloh Institutional Baptist

Special event: The beautification committee will present “Everlasting Elegance,” an afternoon of fashion, talent and fun for contestants born in 1957 or earlier. A “Fabulous Fellowship” will be held following the crowning of the winners. 3 p.m. July 14. 2400 Greenland Ave. 704-393-2065; www.mysibc.org.

The Rasberrirose Foundation

Fundraiser: All invited for roller skating. Proceeds go to ministry for young girls in the community. Cosponsored by New Covenant Bibleway Church. 6-9 p.m. July 2 at Starlight Roller Rink, 8830 East W.T. Harris Blvd. www.rasberrirose.org.

Friendship Missionary Baptist

Vacation Bible school: “Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep With God!” Classes for all ages. Child care available. 9:30 a.m. July 15 and 6:30 p.m. July 16-19. 3400 Beatties Ford Road. Register at www.friendshipcharlotte.org.

Amity Presbyterian

Vacation Bible school: “Sky, Everything is Possible With God.” July 9-13. 2831 N. Sharon Amity Road. www.amitypc.org.

Christ United Methodist

Wonderful Wednesdays: Drop-in meal, 5:30-6:15 p.m. Donations only. Small-group classes for all ages, 6:15-7:30 p.m. Nursery for age 3 and younger. 8020 Bellhaven Blvd. www.christumc-charlotte.org.

Parkwood Institutional CME

Car show: Classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Trophies and awards, family games, music, more. Vendor spaces available. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 14. 802 Tom Hunter Road. 704-806-5384; www.parkwoodcme.org.

Living Saviour Lutheran

Camp Vivace: Music, drama and art camp on “Joseph: From the Pit to the Palace.” Open to rising second- through sixth-graders. $60 with $30 nonrefundable deposit due at registration. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. July 9-13. Register by July 3. 6817 Carmel Road. 704-542-3626; www.livingsaviourlc.org.

Shepherd’s Center South and East

Book club: Discussion of Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner’s “Freakonomics.” Please read selection prior to the meeting. The club meets the second Tuesday of each month. 10-11:30 a.m. July 10 at The Ivey, 6030 Park South Drive. 704-541-0100.

Sardis Presbyterian

Summer worship schedule: The church will hold a single worship service on Sundays through Aug. 19. Sunday school will be at 9 a.m. Each service will follow a theme with special music. The July 8 service, “It’s a Classic,” will feature sacred music in the classic tradition. Refreshments provided.

Vacation Bible school: July 9-13. 6100 Sardis Road. www.sardis.org.

South Mecklenburg Presbyterian

Organ recital: Church Director of Music Audrey Lewis McConnell will perform as part of the summer series of the American Guild of Organists’ Charlotte chapter. McConnell will perform works by Buxtehude, Brahms, J. S. Bach, and Vaughan-Williams, as well as two “Christmas in July” pieces. 7 p.m. July 1. 8601 Bryant Farms Road. 704-544-0404; www.smpchome.org.

St. Matthew Catholic

Food drive: The church will collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations throughout the month of July for the annual World Food Drive. The church’s goal is to collect 160,000 pounds of food for a ten-year total of one million pounds. The church will also host a meal-packaging event for Stop Hunger Now on July 14. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. www.stmatthewfooddrive.com.

Matthews Missionary Baptist

Vacation Bible school: “No Friend Like Jesus: Get Connected!” 6-8:30 p.m. July 9-13 at Greenway Park Elementary School, 8301 Monroe Road. Register at www.abingdonpressvbs.com/mmbc. 704-494-9490.

Henderson Grove Presbyterian, Mint Hill

Summer reading program: Toddlers to teens. 10-11 a.m. July 7 and 21 and Aug. 4 and 18. 8724 Blair Road, Mint Hill. 704-545-3331.

Stallings United Methodist

Vacation Bible school: The Bible comes to life as kids explore why nothing is impossible with God in “Sky VBS.” 6:15-8:30 p.m. July 8-13. 1115 Stallings Road, Stallings. www.stallingsumc.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 1:30-6 p.m. July 8 at Shiloh Baptist, 2301 Rocky River Road N., Monroe. 12:30-5:30 p.m. July 8 at Lee Park Church, 2505 Morgan Mill Road, Monroe. www.cbcc.us.

Redeemer Lutheran, Gastonia

Summer schedule: One Sunday service only will be held in June, July and August. 9:30 a.m. Sundays. No children’s Sunday school. Parlor class will meet at 8:30 a.m. Sundays. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Summer camp: Grades K-6. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 6.

Park trip: All ages welcome for a trip to Dan Nicholas Park. 10:45 a.m. July 8. 1915 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia. www.redeemergastonia.org.

West Hickory Baptist, Hickory

Vacation Bible school: Classes for children age 3 through fifth grade, youth and adults. Snacks provided. 6-8:30 p.m. July 22-26. 40 12th St. N.W., Hickory. www.westhickory.org.

Unitarian Universalist of Catawba Valley, Hickory

Service: The Rev. Wyman Rousseau will speak on “Under the Mayan Moon: Reflections on Life and Death in Mexico.” 11 a.m. July 1.

Mindfulness meditation circle: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays. 833 5th St. S.E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

Open Hearts Gathering

Meeting: Faith community of Gaston County open to people of all faiths, sexualities, backgrounds and stories. The group meets monthly in people’s homes. For more information, contact Dennis Teall-Fleming at 704-674-0729. www.openheartsgathering.org.

Three Forks Baptist, Taylorsville

Conference: “America Under God’s Judgment: A Call To Repentance.” Speakers Dr. Carson Moseley, the Rev. Mitch King, the Rev. Gary Jennings and Tim McKittrick. The Rev. Kenneth Lambert, director of missions for the Alexander County Baptist Association, will be the moderator. Free. 9 a.m.-noon July 28. 4685 Three Forks Church Road, Taylorsville. 828-632-7634; www.threeforksbaptist.org.

Redeemer Lutheran, Catawba

Community breakfast: Eggs made-to-order, toast, grits, sausage, gravy, more. $6. 7-10 a.m. July 7. 200 S. Main St., Catawba. 828-241-2371.

All Saints’ Episcopal, Concord

Embroiderers Guild of America: Learn the art of hand embroidery. Correspondence courses from the national organization, expertise and support for all ability levels. Meetings monthly. 10 a.m. July 3. 525 Lake Road, Concord. 704-782-2024; www.allsaintsconcord.org.

Price Memorial AME Zion, Concord

Blessing ministry: Free clothing and food distribution. All clothing sizes. 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 192 Spring St. S.W., Concord.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: Noon-3 p.m. July 8 at West Cabarrus Church, 7655 Speedway Blvd., Concord. www.cbcc.us.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lake Norman

Services: Starting July 1, services will be held weekly. All are invited. UULKN is an inclusive community embracing spiritual growth. Religious education is at 9:45 a.m. Sundays and services are at 11 a.m. at the Woodlawn School, 135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville. http://uulakenorman.wordpress.com.

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Fun Fridays: The children’s ministry will host weekly activities for children age three through fifth grade. Parents welcome. Open to community. Games, pizza, ice cream and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 6. Free. Contact Katherine Allan at 704-664-2880 ext. 5.

Davidson College Presbyterian

PFLAG meetings: PFLAG (Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays) of Davidson and Cornelius offers information and support in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. Meetings are held 7-9 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in Room 201. 100 N. Main St., Davidson. www.dcpc.org.

Presbyterian Church of the Springs, Statesville

Vacation Bible school: “Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep With God!” 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 8-12. 110 Moose Club Road, Statesville. www.thechurchofthesprings.com.

First Baptist, Mooresville

Patriotic musical: The music ministry will present “The Torch Is Passed” at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services July 1. Brunch will be served at 9:45 a.m. 150 S. Church St., Mooresville. www.fbcmooresville.com.

Trinity Baptist, Lancaster

Vacation Bible school: “Sonshine Beach Blast.” 6-9 p.m. Aug. 6-10. 1519 Steele Hill Road, Lancaster. www.trinitybaptistch.com.

Epiphany Lutheran, Rock Hill

Discussion series: Pastor Rob Bell’s NOOMA videos explore spiritual perspectives on life experiences. 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays. 2370 W. Main St., Rock Hill. www.epiphany-rockhill.org.