Religion news

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Compiled by Erica Batten

Pritchard Memorial Baptist

Concert: The South Korean Children’s Choir will perform. A love offering will be received. 6:30 p.m. July 25. 1117 South Blvd. 704-376-1571.

St. Peter’s Catholic

Mass: 16th annual Mass of fellowship and diversity for gay and lesbian Catholics and their friends and families. Reception afterward. Free parking in The Green garage. 7 p.m. July 25. 507 S. Tryon St. 704-332-2901; www.stpeterscatholic.org/gay_lesbian_ministry.

First Baptist

Guest speaker: Dr. Del Tackett, creator of Focus on the Family’s Truth Project, will host a question-and-answer session at 6:30 p.m. July 21. He will deliver the sermon at worship at 10:30 a.m. July 22. 301 S. Davidson St. 704-375-1446; www.charlottefbc.org.

Berryhill Baptist

Reverse yard sale: All items are free. 8 a.m.-noon July 21. 9801 Walkers Ferry Road. 704-399-1870.

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Seminar series: Representatives of ethnic minority Christians will speak about the gospel in “Neglected Voices.” Bishop Claude Alexander Jr., Gordon-Conwell graduate and senior pastor of The Park Ministries, representing the African American voice, will speak at 5 p.m. July 28. Free. 14542 Choate Circle. www.gordonconwell.edu.

Central United Methodist

Mission trip: Nearly 25 youth will travel to Asheville July 28 with director Kevin Eudy to participate in Carolina Cross Connection’s Homeless Outreach Mission Experience for one week. The Central UMC contingent will partner with the Haywood Street congregation to learn about and serve the homeless in the area by working at a local food bank, preparing a community meal and worship service, walking the daylong route the homeless commonly walk and befriending those living on the streets. The church is at 6030 Albemarle Road. 704-536-9157; www.cumccharlotte.com.

Fellowship Place

Community event: “TFP on the Corner,” with free hot dogs, clothing closet and other giveaways. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 21, Ashley Road at Alleghany Street. 980-833-4837.

Newell Baptist

Yard sale: Proceeds go to youth projects and ministries. 7 a.m.-noon July 28. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184.

New St. John Baptist

Youth conference: “Building on Our Testimonies (BOOT) Camp.” Recreational time and workshops for children and young adults. Church youth performing arts ministries and individuals invited to share on performing arts night; reservation requested. 5:30-9 p.m. July 25-26. 2000 St. John St. turner.charles@yahoo​.com

Hawthorne Lane United Methodist

Alpha course preview: Course designed for all denominations explores questions about life, suffering, the future, death, other faiths, more. 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 501 Hawthorne Lane. 704-332-8131; www.hlumc.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 Central Piedmont Community College’s Halton Theatre. Other performers are Bridge and Keith Dudley. Proceeds help people with catastrophic medical bills. www.motivationsministries.org.

HollyHunter Baptist

Vacation Bible school: Infants through fifth-graders invited. Older students invited to assist with children’s classes. 6-8:30 p.m. July 23-27. Family night July 27. 4316 Mount Holly-Huntersville Road. 704-399-3316.

Torrence Grove AME Zion

Musical program: “Ministers: Delivering the Gospel in Song” will feature the Rev. Ellison Bowman and the Nightingale Singers of Myers Tabernacle AME Zion and other area ministers. 6 p.m. July 28 at Myers Tabernacle AME Zion, 309 Cherry St. 704-536-8313.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. July 22 at Simpson Gillespie United Methodist, 3545 Beatties Ford Road. 12:30-4 p.m. July 22 at Cornerstone Baptist, 8947 Albemarle Road. Noon-4:30 p.m. July 29 at Robinson Presbyterian, 9424 Harrisburg Road. www.cbcc.us.

Sugaw Creek Presbyterian

Vacation Bible school: “Praise VBS: Where Kids Get Down and God Gets Lifted High.” Age 3 through ninth grade. Dinner and snacks served nightly. 6-8:30 p.m. July 23-27. 101 W. Sugar Creek Road. 704-596-4466.

Advent Lutheran

Vacation Bible school: “Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity” for age 3 through fifth grade. 9 a.m.-noon July 30-Aug. 3. 8840 University City Blvd. Register at 704-549-1555 or www.adventlu.org.

Prosperity Presbyterian

Vacation Bible school: “Gold Rush: Discovering the Rock of Ages!” for age 3 through fifth grade. Adult study of the film “Courageous.” 6-8:30 p.m. July 29-Aug. 3. 5533 Prosperity Church Road. Register at 704-875-1182 or www.prosperityvbs.com.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 4-7 p.m. July 24 at Mecklenburg Community Church, 8335 Browne Road. www.cbcc.us.

Sardis Presbyterian

Soccer camps: The church will sponsor a Charlotte Eagles soccer camp July 30-Aug. 3 at the Siskey Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews. The camps offer professional instruction and character development. Participants receive a camp shirt, season tickets to Eagles soccer games, a soccer ball and camp photo. www.charlotteeagles.com.

Summer worship schedule: The church will have a single 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 29 service, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” will feature international music and preaching from Brazil missionary the Rev. Tim Carriker. Refreshments provided. 6100 Sardis Road. www.sardis.org.

Harrison United Methodist, Pineville

Women’s conference: Sandy Witherspoon will lead “Be Refreshed.” Learn to refresh your faith, your furnishings, more. Women of all ages invited. Free. Optional workbook $15. Lunch $5. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 4. 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville. 704-541-3463; www.harrisonumc.org.

Temple Beth El

Dinner and lecture: Annual Schloss Summer Dinner and Lecture presents “The Bible Belt, Banks and Barbecue: Charlotte on an International Stage.” Guest lecturers will look toward the Democratic National Convention this fall by addressing Charlotte’s international image from religious, economic, urban and global viewpoints. Free lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3. Dinner at 7:15 p.m. Reservations and payment required by Aug. 1. 5101 Providence Road. www.beth-el.com/schlosssummerlecture.

South Mecklenburg Presbyterian

Blood drive: Walk-ins welcome; appointments appreciated. 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. July 28 in the commons. 8601 Bryant Farms Road. 704-451-4706; cireland@mindspring.com.

Crown Point Covenant, Matthews

Benefit event: Barbecue dinner, special speakers and concert. All proceeds go to a child abuse victim to help with medical expenses. Barbecue plates, $8. Deliver and pick up, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 4. Dinner and entertainment, 4-7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs. 3628 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews. www.crownpointcovenant.org.

Lake Forest Church, Huntersville

Summer outreach project: Community invited to join us as we serve partner ministries The Bin, Friendship Trays, the Ada Jenkins Center and Charlotte Rescue Mission. July 22-28. 8519 Gilead Road, Huntersville. www.lakeforest.org/tour.

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Fun Fridays: The children’s ministry will host weekly activities for age 3 through fifth grade. Parents welcome. Open to community. The group will travel to Sky High Sports in Pineville, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 27. $11 plus lunch money. Contact Katherine Allan at 704-664-2880 ext. 5.

Broad Street United Methodist, Mooresville

Vacation Bible school: “Operation Overboard.” Classes for all ages. Dinner served nightly. 6-8:30 p.m. July 22-25. 355 S. Broad St., Mooresville. www.bsumcmooresville.org.

St. Therese Catholic, Mooresville

Rummage sale: 7:30-11:45 a.m. July 28. Bag sale, noon-1 p.m. 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. www.sainttherese.net.

Central United Methodist, Mooresville

Vacation Bible school: “Sky: Everything is Possible With God.” Age three through fifth grade. 5:30-8 p.m. July 29-Aug. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2. 214 N. Academy St., Mooresville. Register at www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/centralmooresville. 704-664-5429.

First Baptist, Mooresville

Vacation Bible school: “Amazing Wonders.” Encounter God like never before as you tour the world’s natural wonders. 4-7 p.m. July 22 and 9 a.m.-noon July 23-26. Closing program, 6 p.m. July 26. 150 S. Church St., Mooresville. Register at www.FBCMooresville.com. 704-664-2324.

First United Methodist, Troutman

Service: Please join us for a contemporary service with a praise band. 6:05 p.m. Sundays. Kids Club meets at 6 p.m. Child care available. 204 Mills Ave., Troutman. www.troutmanmethodist.com.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lake Norman

Services: Services now 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.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 28 at Siler Presbyterian, 6301 Weddington Road, Wesley Chapel. www.cbcc.us.

Monroe AM Community Light House

New location: Services will be at The Rock Worship Center, 3405 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe. Speaker Donni Earp. 9:30 a.m. July 28. Fellowship at 9 a.m. Mlulu45@aol.com.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: Noon-2 p.m. July 22 at Calvary Lutheran, 950 Bradley St., Concord; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 29 at Cold Springs United Methodist, 2550 Cold Springs Road E., Concord. www.cbcc.us.

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, 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.

St. John’s Lutheran, Cherryville

Vacation Bible school: Classes for children and adults. 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 29-Aug. 2. Meals included. 310 W. Church St., Cherryville. Register at 704-435-9264.

St. John’s Missionary Baptist, Gastonia

Service: “Fruit of the Spirit 2012.” 2:30 p.m. July 22.

Jubilee plate sale: Baked or fried chicken, side items, bread, dessert and beverage. Adults, $8; children, $5. Noon-2:30 p.m. July 22.

Rally Sunday: Sunday school classes will be combined in the outreach center. Bring a friend. Breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. July 29. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. 704-864-6222.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. July 28 at Shoal Creek Baptist, 619 Chapel Drive, Shelby; noon-4 p.m. July 29 at Forest Pointe Church, 196 YMCA Drive, Belmont. www.cbcc.us.

West Hickory Baptist, Hickory

Vacation Bible school: Classes for 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: “This I Believe.” In the manner of the famous NPR show, we will have a lay-led service discussing our various beliefs. 11 a.m. July 22. 833 5th St. S.E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

Faith Presbyterian, Indian Land

Concert: The church will host the Smithills School Brass Band from Bolton, England, on their last U. S. performance before returning to play at the Olympics. Free. 7 p.m. July 28 at Unity Presbyterian, Fort Mill. www.faithpresusa.org.

Trinity Baptist, Lancaster

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

Riverview Presbyterian, Fort Mill

Bible school: “Pandamania!” Preschool through high school. Advance registration required. 6-8 p.m. July 30-Aug. 3. 124 N. Sutton Road, Fort Mill. Register at the church 4-6 p.m. July 29 or at www.riverviewpcusa.org. 803-547-2581.

Transformation Church, Indian Land

Series: Join Pastor Derwin Gray, “Bible Answer Man” Hank Hanegraaff and Sean McDowell for “Three Questions You Don’t Ask in Church.” Topics include the trustworthiness of the Bible; science and the existence of God; and interracial marriage. 4 and 6 p.m. Saturdays and 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays. 9030 Northfield Drive, Indian Land. 803-835-0630; www.transformationchurch.tc.

Powerful Praying Women’s Ministry

Luncheon: The ministry celebrates five years with an empowerment workshop luncheon open to members and community. $10. 1:30-5:30 p.m. July 28 at the Carolinas Medical Center–Steele Creek Community Room. 13640 Steelecroft Parkway. Reservations: SmallsTerri@aol.com. www.meetup.com/powerfulprayingwomen.

Epiphany Lutheran, Rock Hill

Discussion series: Pastor Rob Bell’s NOOMA videos explore spiritual perspectives on life experiences. 9:15 a.m. Sundays in the Community Room. 2370 W. Main St., Rock Hill. www.epiphany-rockhill.org.