If you have news about your faith community, send announcements and photos to ebatten⊗observer@⊗gmail.⊗com.

Compiled by Erica Batten

Trinity Presbyterian

Lecture: Annual Lenten Gilchrist Lecture welcomes Dr. Peter Hobbie, the Emma Bailey and the Rev. George H. Cornelson Professor of the Christian Religion at Presbyterian College. Hobbie will speak on “The Once and Future Church.” 10 a.m. March 3 in the fellowship hall. He also will preach at the 11 a.m. worship service. Worship will be followed by a time of fellowship and conversation in the church parlor. 3115 Providence Road. www.trinitypreschurch.org.

Covenant Presbyterian Church

Organ recital: David Higgs, chairman of the organ department at the Eastman School of Music, will headline the recital. Sponsored by the church and the Charlotte chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Offering will be received. 3 p.m. March 3. 1000 E. Morehead St. www.covenantpresby.org.

First Baptist, Indian Trail

Real Evangelism Conference: Guest preachers Bob Pitman, Roc Collins, David Ring, Junior Hill and 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.

Charlotte Projecting Hope Film Festival

Film screenings: Faith-based and family movies, including “October Baby,” “Home Run,” and “Unconditional.” Free. March 8-10 at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas, 9110 Kings Parade Blvd. www.projectinghopecharlotte.com.

Plaza Presbyterian

Community Lenten worship: The Plaza-Midwood/Shamrock/Commonwealth Churches will gather for worship and lunch at noon Wednesdays through March 20. Nancy Kraft of Holy Trinity Lutheran will speak March 6. 2304 The Plaza. www.plazapresbyterian.org.

New Saint John Baptist

Pastor’s anniversary service: The Rev. Robert McGowens of Greater Galilee Baptist will be the guest speaker at a service honoring the Rev. Eric Baker’s fourth anniversary. 3 p.m. March 3. A dinner will be served after the morning worship service. 2000 St. Johns Church Road. www.newstjohnbaptistchurch.org.

Elizabeth Communities of Faith

Lenten services: All are welcome. Soup luncheon provided by Elizabeth-area restaurants. $5. Proceeds go to local missions. Noon Wednesdays at St. John’s Baptist, 300 Hawthorne Lane. The Rev. David Docusen will present “Congregations as Healing Communities” on March 6.

Contemplative prayer: Noon Tuesdays in the Scott Lindsay Chapel of Presbyterian Hospital and 6 p.m. Thursdays in the prayer room at Caldwell Presbyterian, 1609 E. 5th St. 704-332-8131; www.hlumc.org.

Christ Episcopal

Art show: “In the Genes” is a collection of works by four sisters and two daughters of the Lee family of Maryland. The eclectic exhibit includes realism, expressionism, abstract and impressionism pieces in oils and acrylics as well as photography. March 1-29. 1412 Providence Road. www.christchurchcharlotte.org.

Providence United Methodist

Workshop: “Understanding the Difficult Relationships in Your Life.” The 12-week workshop is hosted in partnership with the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Registration required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays starting March 7. 2810 Providence Road. Register: www.providenceumc.org.

St. Matthew Catholic

Special Mass: On March 8, Maronite Catholic Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn will pay an official visit to the Maronite Mission of Charlotte. To celebrate the occasion, a special Mass and dinner reception will be held. Bishop Mansour will celebrate Mass at 7 p.m. The dinner reception will follow Mass. Adults $10; children free.

Lenten penance service: 7:30-9 p.m. March 5.

Scripture study day: Alice Camille will present “Finding Our Place in the Story of Faith.” 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 9. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. 704-543-7677. Registration forms available at www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Central United Methodist

Lenten meditations: Central, Memorial, Cokesbury, and St. John’s United Methodist Churches will participate. Noon Wednesdays. 6030 Albemarle Road. 704-536-9157.

First Presbyterian

Class series: Wednesday Connect classes available for all ages. Adult participants may choose Journey to the Cross, which expands study of the Sunday scripture, or Practicing Lenten Faith, which will deepen the Lenten experience. Children’s choices include sports conditioning, basketball, Girls Unite, and Teen Talk. Series runs through March 13. Preschool play group, 4:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Children’s choir and hand bells, 6:15 p.m. Classes held 6:30-7:15 p.m. 200 W. Trade St. www.firstpres-charlotte.org.

Holly Hunter Church

Women’s Bible study: 5 p.m. Wednesdays.

Exercise classes: Zumba classes offered 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays. $3 per class or $20 for 10 classes. 4316 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road. 704-399-3316.

.

Advent Lutheran

Lenten worship: “The Tree of Life.” 6:30 p.m. March 6, 13 and 20. Fellowship meal 5:30 p.m. 8840 University City Blvd. 704-549-1555; www.adventlu.org.

Christ Lutheran

Concert: Compassion International presents the “All Things Possible” tour featuring Mark Schultz and Aaron Shust with special guest Jonny Diaz. $10 general admission. 6 p.m. May 5 in the new worship center. 4519 Providence Road. 800-965-9324; www.itickets.com/events/298188.html.

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 March 3 is “A Few Good Men … and Women.” 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. 704-366-9166; www.sharonumc.org.

Providence Presbyterian

Food-packing session: Our goal is to package 40,000 meals for international hunger relief organization Stop Hunger Now. 2 p.m. March 10. 10140 Providence Church Lane. 704-846-1079.

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 through March 3. 1900 Emerywood Drive. www.standrewsumc.com.

Harrison United Methodist, Pineville

Lenten worship: Series on forgiveness through March 10. Traditional worship at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays. Contemporary worship 9:15 a.m. Hispanic service 11 a.m.

Lenten study: Based on Adam Hamilton’s book “Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go.” $15 per book. 7 p.m. March 6, 13, 20 and 27. 15008 Lancaster Highway, Pineville. www.harrisonumc.org.

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.

Idlewild Baptist, Matthews

Missions barbecue: One platter, three sandwiches, or one pound of meat, $8. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. March 9. 12701 Idlewild Road, Matthews. 704-847-6565.

.

Zion United Methodist, Monroe

Baked spaghetti supper: Proceeds go to vacation Bible school program. $7 per plate. 6-8 p.m. March 9. 1521 Old Fish Road, Monroe. 704-753-1068; www.zionumcmonroe.com.

St. Mark’s Lutheran, Mooresville

Lenten soup suppers: 5 p.m. March 3 and 17. Lenten services at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. 454 Fieldstone Road, Mooresville. 704-664-5474.

Centre Presbyterian, Mooresville

Lenten series: “24 Hours That Changed the World.” Nursery provided. 6:45-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Meal served at 6 p.m. 129 Centre Church Road, Mooresville. 704-664-3160.

St. Therese Catholic, Mooresville

Lenten meditation service: 7 p.m. March 6.

Lenten prayer: Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m. Fridays.

Lenten Mass: Noon Tuesdays. Soup lunch follows. 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. 704-664-3992.

Denver United Methodist

Consignors wanted: Children’s consignment sale March 23. Consignors accepted through March 15 or until limit is reached. 3910 N. C. 16, Denver. Register at consignment@denverumc.org.

Salem United Methodist, Denver

New preschool: Registration open for fall 2013. Ages 1-4. 378 N. Pilot Knob Road, Denver. For information and registration, contact Jenny Reilly, 704-483-5055, ext. 304. www.SalemUnitedMethodist.com.

First Baptist, Cornelius

Senior citizens’ group: Interesting programs, fellowship, and travel opportunities. New members welcome. Meetings at 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month. 21007 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Contact Margaret Smith, 704-875-9306.

St. Mark Catholic, Huntersville

Dinner and show: Hibernian St. Patrick dinner and show with Irish food and beverages. Music by the Almost Irish Band and Irish step dancing by the Rince na h’Eireann School. Ceili dance called by Sandra Connick. 6:30-11 p.m. March 9. 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. Ticket information at 704-942-6345 or uniteire@yahoo.com.

.

The Bridge Church of the Nazarene, Mooresville

Preschool: The Bridge Academy offers classes for children age 2 through transitional kindergarten. School year follows the Iredell-Statesville Schools calendar. 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. Registration open for the 2013-2014 school year. 2940 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. For information, contact Amber Sparks at 704-658-0241 or msamber@thebridgelkn.com.

Meadowlake Presbyterian, Huntersville

Kids’ consignment sale: Sponsored by the Meadowlake Preschool. Children’s and maternity clothing, toys, books and baby furniture. Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase playground equipment. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 8-9. 6500 Gilead Road, Huntersville. 704-948-1600; preschool@meadowlakechurch.com.

Davidson College Presbyterian

Parent session: Dr. Brian Kissel of UNC Charlotte will present “How to Promote Literacy at Home.” 9:30 a.m. March 5 in Lingle Chapel.

Lenten study: 10 a.m. Saturdays at The Pines at Davidson, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson.

Lenten prayer: The church staff will lead practicing and walking prayer using the church labyrinth as well as journaling, Lectio Divina and visual prayer. 10 a.m. Thursdays and 4 p.m. Sundays.

Discussion program: “The Church in Transition: The PCUSA Faces the Future.” 9:45 a.m. Sundays. The speaker for March 3 is Richard Boyce of Union Presbyterian Seminary. 100 N. Main St., Davidson. 704-892-5641; www.dcpc.org.

Mt. Zion United Methodist, Cornelius

Concert: The Cornelius Concert Series presents the Lake Norman Big Band performing jazz music from the 1920s to today. This concert is a fundraiser for the Cornelius Concert Series and the Lake Norman Big Band. $5. 7 p.m. March 8. 19600 Zion St., Cornelius. www.mtzionumc.net.

Prospect Presbyterian, Mooresville

Fashion show: Potato and salad bar dinner. Models will display Coldwater Creek fashions for modern professionals. 5:30 p.m. March 3. 9425 N. C. 152, Mooresville. 704-664-1514.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. March 3 at St. Alban’s Episcopal, 301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson. www.cbcc.us.

All Saints Episcopal, Concord

Conference: Order of St. Luke healing conference. Be refreshed, encouraged and inspired, feel empowered to pray for and expect healing, and enjoy an even closer relationship with Jesus. $15 registration fee. 6-8:30 p.m. March 8 and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. March 9. 525 Lake Concord Road, Concord. 704-782-2024.

.

Daniels Lutheran Church

Food giveaway: The church held its third Bread of Life Food Giveaway on Feb. 9; 131 boxes of food, totaling 6,000 pounds, were given to people in Lincoln County. The Lincoln County Christian Ministry and Second Harvest Food Bank of Charlotte donated the food. Eight children and 24 adult volunteers from Daniels helped box the food. Holy Cross Lutheran of Lincolnton sent a team of seven to observe and learn how to conduct their own food giveaway. Daniels’ next food giveaway is scheduled for June 15. 3170 Reepsville Road, Lincolnton.

Greater Hickory Ministerial Alliance and Hickory Area Ministers

Community Lent services: This series will bring people of faith together across racial and denominational lines. A brief worship service will be followed by a light lunch provided by the host church. Noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Retired United Methodist minister the Rev. Bill Gerrard will speak March 6 at Mt. Zion Baptist, 416 Second Ave. S.E., Hickory. 704-649-7025; revlongcrier@exodushomes.org.

Corinth Reformed Church, Hickory

Lenten organ series: Annual Abernethy recital series welcomes Andris Rozukalns, director of music and organist at Mount Olive Lutheran. Free and open to the public. 12:30-1 p.m. March 8. Series continues March 15. 150 16th Ave. N.W., Hickory. 828-328-6196.

Church of the Master United Church of Christ, Hickory

Lenten series: “Celebrating Diversity” is a study of the Biblical letter to the church at Ephesus. 7-8 p.m. Thursdays. Light refreshments and fellowship follow each session. Islamic activist Duane Muhammad will discuss “Discovering Partners in Faith” on March 7. 2230 29th Ave. Drive N.E., Hickory. www.churchofthemaster.embarqspace.com.

New Covenant United Methodist, Mt. Holly

Sportsman banquet: Spaghetti supper, silent auction, vendors and door prizes. Guest speaker Tom Ryan of Ironman Outdoors Pro Shop. $10. Doors open 5 p.m. March 9; dinner served 6 p.m. 14514 Lucia-Riverbend Highway, Mt. Holly. 704-827-4468; www.newcovenantumc.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, Hickory

Adult forum: Discussion of “What Is the Ministry of UUCCV?” 9:30 a.m. March 3.

Service: The Rev. Bob MacDicken will speak on “We Are in This Ministry Together.” 11 a.m. March 3.

Meditation group: Meditation and discussion to foster mindfulness and clarity. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays. 833 Fifth St. S.E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

Blessed John XXIII Ecumenical Church, Hickory

Services: 4:30 p.m. Saturdays in the old sanctuary of Zion Lutheran Church, 1911 Zion Church Road, Hickory. 828-850-2675.

Temple Solel, Fort Mill

Services: Regular services will be 7 p.m. each second and fourth Friday. The first service will be a Kabbalat Shabbat; the second will be a Midrash, or learners’, Shabbat. The program will include prayer and a discussion.

Religious school: Classes for children in kindergarten through B’nai Mitzvah using the curriculum of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life. 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Classes and services are held at St. Philip Neri Catholic, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill. www.templesolelsc.org.

Epiphany Lutheran, Rock Hill

Lenten Bible studies: “Stepping Up,” 7 p.m. Mondays. “Making Sense of the Cross,” 9:15 a.m. Sundays.

Lenten prayer: 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Prayer vigil, 6 p.m. March 8 through 6 a.m. March 9.

Craft event: The junior youth’s annual craft blast will be held after the 10:30 a.m. service March 3. Age 3 through fifth grade. Lunch provided. 2370 W. Main St., Rock Hill. www.epiphany-rockhill.org.

Mount Vernon United Methodist, Hickory Grove

Lunch: Stew beef and rice, chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, green beans, homemade slaw, homemade yeast rolls and desserts. Adults, $8; children 10 and younger, $4. All takeout plates are $8. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 3. 2160 Smithford Road, Hickory Grove. 803-925-2316.

Community Bible Study

Bible studies: Community women’s and grades one to three Bible studies share the books of Amos and Isaiah concerning the prophecies of Jesus Christ. Nursery and preschool classes available. 9:15-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays at River Hills Community Church, 104 Hamiltons Ferry Road, Lake Wylie. www.lakewylie.cbsclass.org.

.