Religion news

If you have news about your faith community, please send announcements, press releases and photos to stories@newsofsouthcharlotte.com.

Compiled by Erica Batten

Myers Park United Methodist

Series: “Praxis: Think Like Jesus, Live Our Faith” will feature guest speakers, email reflections from Senior Pastor James Howell, Sunday worship emphasis on the Apostle’s Creed that will offer activities to practice at home, and videos on the church website. Howell will engage in a conversation on the topic with evangelist Leighton Ford at 7 p.m. Feb. 11. Child care available. 1501 Queens Road. 704-376-8584; www.mpumc.org.

Joy Church, Matthews

Kids’ ministry conference: Workshops train children to minister through musical drama. Ages 8 and older. Adult helpers welcome. $25 per child; $15 per adult includes lunch and snack, games, worship and training. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 9. 11516 Idlewild Road, Matthews. RSVP: 704-845-5516. www.kidzablaze.com.

St. Paul United Methodist

Sermon series: Join us each Sunday through Feb. 17 as Pastor A. J. Thomas presents “Surprising Things They Never Told You About Jesus.” Thomas will speak on “Jesus Taught Teenagers” at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 10. 2830 Dorchester Place. www.stpaulcharlotte.org.

Temple Israel

Children’s services: Torah Tots offers music, dancing and prayer for your preschooler. 5:45 p.m. Feb. 8 and 10 a.m. Feb. 23. Mini Minyan for grades K-2, 11 a.m. Feb. 9 and 23.

Community Purim carnival: Adults invited for an evening of poker, blackjack, roulette, and more. $36 per person includes hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and other refreshments, one raffle ticket, and a starter supply of chips. Bonus chips for making reservations by Feb. 8 or for wearing a costume. Proceeds benefit Jewish education. Sponsors and prize donations accepted. 7:30-11 p.m. Feb. 23. 4901 Providence Road. 704-362-2796; www.templeisraelnc.org.

Covenant Presbyterian

Bible study: Impact Bible study is an interactive six-week journey through 1 Corinthians. 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting Feb. 6. Small groups will meet at various times. 1000 E. Morehead St. covenantpresby.org/learn/impact-bible-study.

TL Music Group Love in Action

Family event: “Love in Action” Valentine card creation party for Meals on Wheels recipients. Local schools, youth groups and other organizations invited to participate. Free. 2-5 p.m. Feb. 10 at Family Christian Store, 1848 Galleria Blvd. 704-752-3810.

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 through Feb. 26. J. Daniel White of UNC-Charlotte will provide a Buddhist perspective on Feb. 12. 704-366-1948.

Classes: Join Rabbi Judy Schindler, Rabbi Jonathan Freirich and Cantor Mary Thomas for this winter’s session of Temple Beth El University, “Our Judaism Today.” The clergy will discuss the sources of the Judaism we learn and practice and share how we can make our lives vibrant with Jewish ideas, rituals and practices. Registration requested. $36 for members; $52 for nonmembers. Scholarships available. 7-9 p.m. Feb. 13, 20 and 27. 5101 Providence Road. 704-749-3054. Register at www.beth-el.com/RSVP.

First Baptist, Indian Trail

Real evangelism conference: Guest preachers Bob Pitman, Roc Collins, David Ring, Junior Hill, many more. Musical guests the Mike Speck Trio, Greater Vision, the Triumphant Quartet and the Collingsworth Family. March 6-8. 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail. 704-882-1005; www.fbcit.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 Feb. 10 is “Faith Story.” 6800 Sardis Road. www.ststephenumc.net.

Matthews United Methodist

Special event: Third annual Global Impact Celebration. Worship and visit with local, national, and international ministries and learn how we can “Change the World.” Guest speaker Joy Griffin. Celebration service, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8. International banquet, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9; reservations required. Worship services, 8:20, 9:40, and 11 a.m. Feb. 10. 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-847-6261; www.matthewsumc.org.

St. Paul’s Episcopal, Monroe

Workshop: The Rev. Tom Ward will lead an introductory workshop on “Centering Prayer.” Learn the discipline of silent prayer and opening your being to God’s presence and action. Orientation with wine and cheese social, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 8. Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 9. Continental breakfast and lunch included. $30. Scholarships available. Optional follow-up sessions, focused on organizing a community centering prayer group, will be held in February and March. 116 S. Church St., Monroe. 704-289-8434; www.spechurch.org.

St. Matthew Catholic

Men’s conference: All men are invited to the third annual Charlotte Catholic Men’s Conference. Featured speakers include Dr. Ray Guarendi, the Rev. Larry Richards, Bishop Peter Jugis, and Bishop Emeritus William Curlin. 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Feb. 16. A companion women’s night of reflection will be held 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 15. www.cltcmc.org. Information on the women’s event at www.ccwg.eventbrite.com.

Symposium: Join us for a viewing of the Rev. Robert Barron’s television series “Catholicism.” Monthly meetings will include video and small-group discussion. The Rev. Thomas Kessler will lead the next session, “The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church.” 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Christ the King Church

Concert: Performances by Christian hip-hop artist Jrichinchrist and special guests Abbey Bumgarner, Mackenzie Wray, and Crucial. Admission is $5 or a new package of socks, underwear, or T-shirts to be donated to those in need in our community. 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 10. 13501 S. Tryon St. www.ctkcharlotte.org.

Dulin’s Grove Church

Chili cook-off: Community invited. Cash prizes. $10 entry fee. Judging at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9. Hot dog supper at 6 p.m. 11200 Arlington Church Road. www.dulinsgrovechurch.org.

Sardis Baptist

Beginners’ yoga classes: Class will work on breathing and postures for strength, balance and flexibility. $10 per class. 4:35 and 6 p.m. Mondays and 4:30 and 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Call to register before 9 p.m. the day prior to class. 5811 Sardis Road. 704-535-2831; www.sardisbaptistcharlotte.org.

Congregation Ohr Hatorah

Shabbat story hour: Children ages 5 and younger will enjoy Shabbat stories, traditional crafts and games followed by junior Kiddush. Meets monthly at Ohr Hatorah, 6619 Sardis Road, and Chabad of Ballantyne, 8632 Bryant Farms Road. www.ChabadNC.org.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Conference: Elder Russell Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside and speak during the 10-congregation Charlotte South Conference. Visitors welcome. Adult session, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 9. General session, 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 10. 5815 Carmel Road. For seating and parking reservations, contact Heather Jenkins at heatherjenkins@ldspublicaffairs.org.

Calvary Church

Spring sports registration: CHAMP soccer, flag football, T-ball, coach-pitch baseball, and karate. Program emphasizes sportsmanship, Christian character development, and athletic skills. Practices begin March 4. www.champsportsinfo.com.

Open enrollment: The Calvary Child Development Center has begun enrollment for fall. Applications available online or at the office. Tours conducted 10 a.m.-noon daily. 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.calvarycdc.com.

Light of Christ United Methodist

Worship services: Informal, contemporary worship, 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Children’s and youth ministry available. 9212 Bryant Farms Road. www.locumc.org.

Dilworth Church

Pine needle fundraiser: All proceeds will benefit local schools and missions for women and children. $5 per bale; $4.50 each for orders of 25 or more. Free delivery for orders of 10 or more. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 2. 605 East Blvd. Place orders at 704-333-4173.

Sharon United Methodist

Sermon series: Senior Pastor Kyle Thompson will preach about the meaning, impact, and relevance of Bible stories in a 31-week series. Small-group opportunities available. The topic for Feb. 10 is “Recalculating.” 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. 704-366-9166; www.sharonumc.org.

Matthews Presbyterian

Preschool enrollment: The Child Development Center will open fall enrollment to the public Feb. 6. Classes offered September through May for children ages 3 months to 4 years. The program uses thematic curriculum based on developmental milestones and includes weekly chapel and music. 207 W. John St., Matthews. www.matthewsprespreschool.com.