Religion news

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Compiled by Erica Batten

Temple Israel

People’s Shabbat weekend: “From Ethnicity to Identity: Spirituality and the Jewish Future.” Scholar in Residence Lawrence Hoffman will speak on “Founders, Baby-Boomers and Beyond: This is Your Life, American Judaism” at 6:15 p.m. Jan. 25. Shabbat dinner at 7 p.m. $15 per adult; $7.50 per child. Discussion with Hoffman at 8 p.m. Hoffman will present “Authentic Jewish Spirituality—Even for Skeptics Who Think There Isn’t Any” at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 26. Kiddush and question-and-answer session follow morning session. Hoffman will also speak at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 26 and at 10 a.m. Jan. 27. 4901 Providence Road. Meal reservations and information at www.templeisraelnc.org.

St. Stephen United Methodist

Study series: Senior Pastor Tom Latimer will lead a series on “Growing a Culture of Invitation” based on the Acts of the Apostles and translating the insights to today’s world. Traditional worship is at 9 a.m. Sundays and contemporary worship is at 11:15 a.m. The topic for Jan. 20 is “Getting Out Taking Risks.” 6800 Sardis Road. www.ststephenumc.net.

Temple Beth El

Comparative religion series: “After Life: An End or a Beginning?” Educators and leaders from various faiths will discuss the sources of their faiths’ teachings. 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 22 through Feb. 26. Rabbi Judy Schindler of Temple Beth El and Rabbi Chanoch Oppenheim of Charlotte Torah Center will present a welcome, series overview, and Jewish perspective on the topic Jan. 22. 5101 Providence Road. 704-366-1948; www.beth-el.com.

Sardis Baptist

Study: “Conversations With the Bible” is a yearlong study of the contradictions and duplications in the Bible. Free study guides. 9:45 a.m. Sundays.

Wednesday series: “Which Bible Do You Believe In?” Richard Vinson of Salem College will speak about the Gnostic Gospels and Frank Villaronga of the Charlotte Diocese will speak on the Apocrypha. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16, 23 and 30. Separate children’s and youth programs. Dinner at 5:45 p.m. 5811 Sardis Road. www.sardisbaptistcharlotte.org.

South Mecklenburg Presbyterian

Blood drive: American Red Cross drive open to ages 17 and older. Appointments appreciated. 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Jan. 19 in Mecklenburg Hall. 8601 Bryant Farms Road. For information, contact Kara Guy at theguys@carolina.rr.com.

Carolina Voices

Choir auditions: Carolina Voices will hold auditions for two of its three choirs, MainStage and Impromptu. Auditions are 2-5 p.m. Jan. 19 and 6-8 p.m. Jan. 22 in Shalom Hall at Myers Park Baptist, 1900 Queens Road. Appointments required. Singers are encouraged to learn more about what is expected at auditions and of choir members by visiting www.carolinavoices.org.

Spring concert: Carolina Voices’ MainStage Choir will present “Good Vibrations: Chart Toppers of the ‘60s” on May 10-11 at the McGlohon Theatre. 704-374-1564.

St. John’s Episcopal

Job hunters’ group: Expert speakers provide job search tips, résumé reviews, interview coaching, and networking opportunities. No fees or registration. 7 p.m. Tuesdays. 1623 Carmel Road. www.saintjohns-charlotte.org.

Pineville Church of the Nazerene

Grief support group: GriefShare meets 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 9 through April 3. Join anytime. $10 for class and materials. The group meets in room 410 of the Family Life Center. 8614 Pineville-Matthews Road. Register at 704-542-3618.

Calvary Church

Support ministry groups: Winter sessions offer prayer, biblical teaching, and encouragement. Groups include DivorceCare, DivorceCare for Kids, GriefShare, Boundaries, Search for Significance and Brave women’s groups, and Trusting God men’s group. Limited enrollment for some groups. Child care available. 7 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 21 through April 29. Register at www.calvarychurch.com/support.

Women’s Bible studies: Studies by Kay Arthur, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, more. 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Jan. 15. Preschool child care available. Register at www.calvarychurch.com/women.

English classes: Learn to speak English or improve your skills. Five levels offered. Winter semester runs Jan. 8 through March 28. $50 per semester. Limited child care for morning classes only. 9-10:30 a.m. or 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. An additional pronunciation class meets at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and a Bible study meets at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.calvarychurch.com.

St. Matthew Catholic

Healing prayer service: St. Peregrine service for those suffering with cancer and other diseases. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in the sanctuary. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. 704-543-7677; www.stmatthewcatholic.org.