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

Joy Church, Matthews

Parenting seminar: “Honoring the Body” will equip parents to disciple their children on the gospel, with special emphasis on sex-related topics. Special guest Dr. Gregory Sloop. $7 per person; $10 per married couple. Register by Feb. 24. Child care available. 7-10 p.m. March 1. 11516 Idlewild Road, Matthews. www.joychurch.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. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. www.cltcmc.org. More information on the women’s event at www.ccwg.eventbrite.com.

Providence Baptist

Ministry honored: Providence Baptist Weekday Ministry has recently earned a four-star rating with the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. The ministry offers full day care from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and half-day preschool. Both programs are open year-round. Children benefit from a play-based curriculum in a Christian setting. Enrichments include gardening, music, science, drama and physical education, as well as service learning opportunities. The secure facility in Cotswold includes 14 classrooms, a gym, children’s library, infant play porch and two playgrounds. 4921 Randolph Road. For information or to schedule a tour, go to www.providencebaptistweekday.org.

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. 17 is “Cowgirl Up.” 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. 704-366-9166; www.sharonumc.org.

St. Paul United Methodist

Bible study: “Companions in Christ” will be held at 7 p.m. Sundays starting Feb. 17. Register with Sandra Meyer at palmermeyer@gmail.com or 513-560-1428.

Sermon series: Pastor A. J. Thomas presents “Surprising Things They Never Told You About Jesus.” Thomas will speak on “Jesus Had Bad Manners” at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17. 2830 Dorchester Place. www.stpaulcharlotte.org.

Matthews Presbyterian

Preschool enrollment: The Child Development Center has opened fall enrollment. 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.

Central Church Life Care Center

Networking meeting: “Open House Coffee Break” for ministers, social workers, and others in the counseling field. Tracy Sosebee of The Renfrew Center will present “Taking the Mystery Out of Eating Disorders.” Free. Refreshments provided. 9-11 a.m. Feb. 21. 5500 Randolph Road. 704-365-6112; www.centralchurchofgod.org/lifecare.

Covenant Presbyterian

Ash Wednesday services: Services include communion and the imposition of ashes. Noon Feb. 13 in the chapel and 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. 1000 E. Morehead St. http://covenantpresby.org.

Temple Israel

Children’s services: Torah Tots offers music, dancing and prayer for your preschooler and the kid in you. 10 a.m. Feb. 23. Mini Minyan for grades K-2, 11 a.m. Feb. 23.

Alternative service: Rock out with the TI Shabbat Band. Rock HaShabbat service is free and open to the community. 6:15 p.m. Feb. 15.

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 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.

Elizabeth Communities of Faith

Lenten services: All are welcome. Soup luncheon provided by Elizabeth area restaurants. Donations accepted for local missions. Noon Wednesdays, Feb. 13 through March 27 at St. John’s Baptist, 300 Hawthorne Lane. 704-332-8131; www.hlumc.org.

Zion United Methodist, Monroe

Pancake supper: The church will host a pancake supper to raise money for the youth program. Donations accepted at the door. 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 13.

Ash Wednesday service: 7 p.m. Feb. 13. 1521 Old Fish Road, Monroe. www.zionumcmonroe.com.

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. The Rev. Russ Dean will provide a Baptist perspective on Feb. 19. 5101 Providence Road. 704-366-1948.

St. Andrew’s United Methodist

Lenten study: Dr. Phil Wingeier-Rayo from Pfeiffer University will lead “The Bible and Immigration.” Explore the Biblical mandate of hospitality. 6 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17 through March 3. 1900 Emerywood Drive. www.standrewsumc.com.

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. 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.champsportsinfo.com.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Church at Charlotte, 2500 Carmel Road. www.cbcc.us.

Harrison United Methodist, Pineville

Class: Learn to handle emotions in this series based on Lysa TerKeurst’s book “Unglued.” $15 for the book. 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays starting Feb. 13. Register at 704-541-3463 ext. 213 or anita.king@harrisonumc.org.

Ash Wednesday service: 7 p.m. Feb. 13.

Lenten worship: “The Kingdom of Surprises” based on Luke 5:1-11. Membership and baptism ceremony will be held during morning worship. 8 and 11 a.m. Feb. 17. 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. www.harrisonumc.org.

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.

Peace Moravian

Ash Wednesday service: 7 p.m. Feb. 13. 4418 Rea Road. www.peacemoravian.com.

South Mecklenburg Presbyterian

Donations needed: The church is holding its annual Lenten coat and kitchen drive through March 31. Items requested include coats, hats, gloves, scarves, new socks, pots, pans, glasses, kitchen utensils, and small appliances. Sharp knives will not be accepted. Donations go to local organizations. Collection bins are located in the chapel building. A trailer will also be open for donations 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 23. 8601 Bryant Farms Road. www.smpchome.org.