Religion news

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Compiled by Erica Batten

Billy Graham Library

Exhibit: A new exhibit entitled “Billy Graham: God’s Ambassador to World Leaders” is open through October. The exhibit highlights Billy Graham’s relationships with U.S. presidents and other heads of state and world leaders. Free. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 4330 Westmont Drive. www.billygrahamlibrary.org.

Shiloh Institutional Baptist

Discipleship institute: “Informed, Conformed and Transformed Through Christ.” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 8-Sept. 12.

Back-to-school bash: Fun, food, fellowship and free school supplies. Noon-2 p.m. Aug. 18.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony: The church celebrates the rededication of its “Wing of Faith” upper level. The theme is “God’s Tabernacle, Our Trust.” Ceremony and open house after morning worship, 10:45 a.m. Aug. 19. 2400 Greenland Ave. 704-393-2065; www.mysibc.org.

Kingdom Covenant Church

Back-to-school event: Free school supplies, food, games, music. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 18. 2731 N. Graham St. 704-334-6060.

True Love Church of Refuge

Community outreach program: Back-to-school event with free school supplies, food, games and entertainment. Noon-3 p.m. Aug. 18. 5201-D Nations Ford Road. 980-522-8096.

Green Pond Church of God in Christ

Services: Pre-pastoral services for Superintendant George Davis Jr. Guest speaker Vonkendrick Ginyard of Refreshing Wells Church of God in Christ of Southern Pines. 5 p.m. Aug. 19. 3760 Old Wire Road, Gibson. 910-268-3185.

Unity of Charlotte

Community spiritual celebration: “Surge” events focusing on peace, justice and global solidarity held the fourth Friday of each month. Inspiring words from Chris Saade and Nancy Ennis, inspiring music and sacred movement. Co-sponsored by Barry Sherman and The Olive Branch Center. 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 24. 401 E. Arrowood Road. www.unityofcharlotte.org.

Little Rock AME Zion

Family and friends weekend: Cookout 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Park Gazebo at Varick Renaissance Center, 3165 Zion Renaissance Lane. Morning worship followed by Family and Friends Day feast, 10 a.m. Aug. 19. Annual choirs concert, 3:30 p.m. 401 N. McDowell St. 704-334-3782; www.littlerockamezion.org.

Hawthorne Lane United Methodist

Alpha course preview: Course designed for all denominations explores questions about life, suffering, the future, death, other faiths, more. Praise band and communion. 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 12. 501 Hawthorne Lane. 704-332-8131; www.hlumc.org.

Newell Baptist

Community youth group: Youth hut and gym open for studies, games, food, fun. Visitors welcome. Noon-3 p.m. Sundays. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184.

Central Church Life Care Center

Networking meeting: “Open House Coffee Break” for ministers, social workers, and others in the counseling field. Cathy DeLoach Lewis will present “Caring for Victims of Domestic Violence.” Free. Refreshments provided. 9-11 a.m. Sept. 6. 5500 Randolph Road. 704-365-6112; www.centralchurchofgod.org/lifecare.

First United Methodist

Contemporary service: Connect Service with live music in the style of U2, Sting, more. 9:30 a.m. Sundays in Founders Hall.

Traditional service: 11 a.m. Sundays. 501 N. Tryon St. www.FUMCCharlotte.org.

Temple Israel

Informational open house: Clergy and representatives from the religious school, along with various clubs and committees, will be available to answer your questions. Noon-2 p.m. Aug. 26. 4901 Providence Road.704-362-2796; www.templeisraelnc.org.

Sardis Presbyterian

Summer worship schedule: The church will have a single worship service at 10 a.m. Sundays through Aug. 19. Sunday school will be at 9 a.m. The Aug. 19 service, “From the Cradle to the Cross,” will feature music that traces the liturgical year from Advent to Christ the King. Refreshments provided.

Community event: The church will celebrate the end of summer and kick off fall programs with a luau-themed cookout with free food, games and music. Bring chair or blanket. 6 p.m. Aug. 25. Regular schedule will resume Aug. 26 with contemporary worship at 9 a.m., Sunday school at 10 a.m., and traditional worship at 11 a.m. 6100 Sardis Road. www.sardis.org.

Calvary Church

Job search workshop: Calvary’s career ministry presents “Maximize Your Career.” Brian Ray, founder of Crossroads Career Ministry, will present steps to finding jobs, careers and your calling. Allen Clark will present “Job Hunting with the Journal.” $10. 8 a.m.-noon Aug. 25 in room 242. 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road. Register at www.calvarychurch.com/career.

Harrison United Methodist, Pineville

Financial Peace University: Dave Ramsey’s DVD class on money management. Free preview session 4 p.m. Aug. 26. Nine-week course is $100 per family and includes materials.

Kids’ consignment sale: Great deals on gently-used clothing for children and teens, maternity clothing, baby equipment, toys, more. Free admission. 6-8 p.m. Aug. 23 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 24. Half-price sale 8 a.m.-noon Aug. 25. 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. www.humcfaithcircle.org.

Providence United Methodist

Attic sale: Proceeds support Haiti missions. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 25. 2810 Providence Road. 704-366-2823.

St. Mark’s Lutheran

Concert: Organist Lester Ackerman, harpist Christine Van Arsdale, and violinist Jane Hart Brendle will perform works by Handel, Strauss, Friedell and others. Part of the Charlotte American Guild of Organists’ summer series. Donations accepted to provide scholarships for organ students. Reception afterward. 7 p.m. Aug. 19. 1001 Queens Road. 704-375-9185; www.charlotteago.org.

Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte

Lunch and learn: Carol Anne Lawler, communities of faith liaison for Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, will lead an interactive program for caretakers. Lawler is a certified yoga instructor who will present relaxation exercises including meditation techniques, guided imagery, and chair yoga. Wear comfortable clothing. Lunch provided. The workshop is part of a quarterly series designed to help caregivers. Free; reservations required. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Jewish Community Center’s Gorelick Hall. 5007 Providence Road. 704-364-6594; www.jfscharlotte.org.

St. John Neumann Catholic

Workshop: Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey College will present “Lectio Divina.” The workshop is an introduction to Lectio Divine, a prayerful, meditative reading of the Bible. 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 25. 8451 Idlewild Road. 704-536-6520.

Trinity Fellowship Church

Summer film series: “Courageous” will be shown at 6 p.m. Aug. 26. Light refreshments served. Child care provided. 13232 Idlewild Road, Matthews. 704-841-7099.

First Baptist, Indian Trail

“Monday Nights Live”: Guest speakers and artists will join us each Monday. Speaker Dr. Herb Reavis with music by Ricky Atkinson & Compassion. 7 p.m. Aug. 20. 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail. 704-882-1005; www.fbcit.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 19 at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 26 at Lakeview Baptist, 5602 Concord Highway, Monroe. www.cbcc.us.

Salem United Methodist, Denver

Community event: “Spark in the Park” featuring Chef Troy Gagliardo from “Fox News Rising” with some of his grilling sensations. Scavenger hunts, crafts, games, food, fun at the splash pad, more. Free. 5-7 p.m. Aug. 24 at Beatties Ford Park, 8335 Shipley Lane, Denver. For more information, contact Jenny Reilly at 704-483-5055 ext. 304.

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Open house: Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) invites mothers of preschool-age children to learn about our program. MOPS meets twice monthly for fellowship, fun, encouragement, and personal growth. Light refreshments and child care provided. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 22. 1430 Mecklenburg Hwy., Mooresville. www.MOPS.org.

Transformation Church, Indian Land

Study series: Vicky Gray will conclude the “Fit Club” series with a session on nutrition. 9 and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Aug. 19.

Services: The church will have services at 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays at 9030 Northfield Drive, Indian Land. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Sundays at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill. 803-835-0630; www.transformationchurch.tc.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 19 at North Kannapolis Wesleyan, 314 W. 12th St., Kannapolis; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 26 at Saint James Lutheran, 104 Union St. S., Concord; 12:30-4 p.m. Aug. 26 at Cross of Christ Lutheran, 4500 Rimer Road, Concord. www.cbcc.us.

The Choral Academy, Concord

Auditions: Vocal placement interviews for children and youth ages 7-20 to participate in three age-based choirs. No preparation is necessary. All youth in Cabarrus and the surrounding counties are welcome. Rehearsals begin on Sept. 4 and new singers will be accepted through the end of the month. The academy meets on Tuesdays at Calvary Lutheran, 950 Bradley St., Concord. For information, contact Gary Shive at 704-786-7447. www.choralacademy.org.

St. John’s Missionary Baptist, Gastonia

Homecoming: Guest speaker the Rev. Carlton Brown of New Home AME Zion. 3 p.m. Aug. 19. Revival services will be 7 p.m. Aug. 20-23. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. 704-864-6222.

Mount Olive Lutheran, Newton

Divine service: Sermon “Christ Speaks the Words of Eternal Life” based on St. John 6. 10 a.m. Aug. 19. Sunday school and Bible study, 9 a.m. 828-464-2407; www.mtolivenewton.org.

Unitarian Universalist of Catawba Valley, Hickory

Service: Elizabeth Braun speaks about Alan Watts’ classic “The Wisdom of Insecurity.” 11 a.m. Aug. 19. 833 5th St. S.E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 5-7 p.m. Aug. 23 at St. Luke’s Episcopal, 315 N. Cedar St., Lincolnton; 12:30-4 p.m. Aug. 26 at Oxford Baptist, 5965 Springs Road, Conover. www.cbcc.us.