Religion news

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Compiled by Erica Batten

Plaza Presbyterian

Community Lenten worship: The Plaza-Midwood/Shamrock/Commonwealth Churches will gather for worship and lunch at noon Wednesdays through March 20. Mike Harris of Kilgo United Methodist will speak March 13. 2304 The Plaza. www.plazapresbyterian.org.

InSpirit, A Creative Spirituality Community

Special presentation: “The Spirituality of Kites.” Children’s segment and reflection will be on kites; a prayer kite will be created. 5-6 p.m. March 10. Kite flying at 6 p.m., weather permitting. 2225 Tyvola Road. busernc@gmail.com.

Central United Methodist

Lenten meditations: Central, Memorial, Cokesbury, and St. John’s United Methodist Churches will participate. Noon Wednesdays.

Methodist Men’s barbecue: Proceeds will finance missions projects. Adults, $8; children, $4. Plates include drink and dessert. Delivery for orders of 10 or more. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. March 15. 6030 Albemarle Road. 704-536-9157; www.cumccharlotte.com.

Faith and Health Connection

Live webinar course: Learn about the connection between the Christian faith and health. Become a Faith and Health Ambassador through an 11-week course. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to lead the Bible study “PathWay 2 Wholeness: The Christian Faith and Whole-Person Health.” Two courses begin the week of April 15. 704-542-3207; www.FaithandHealthConnection.org.

Elizabeth Communities of Faith

Lenten services: All are welcome. Soup lunch provided by Elizabeth-area restaurants. $5. Proceeds go to local missions. Noon Wednesdays at St. John’s Baptist, 300 Hawthorne Lane. The Rev. L. Murdock Smith will present, “Learning the Language of Strength Through Weakness” on March 13.

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.

Covenant Presbyterian

Concert: “Nothing but Brahms” featuring the Leibeslieder Waltzes with soprano Jamelia Davis, alto Lorna Graves, tenor Christopher Cameron, baritone John Fulton III and pianists Susan and Stephen Talley. 5 p.m. March 10.

Children’s consignment sale: Kids’ and maternity clothes, toys, and accessories. Cash only. Hosted by the preschool. 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 16. 1000 E. Morehead St. www.covenantpresby.org.

Greenville Memorial A. M. E. Zion

Women’s event: The Daughters of Divine Authority women’s ministry invites all women of faith to “Celebrating Sisterhood: Am I My Sister’s Keeper?” The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Buford will speak. Casual attire. 7 p.m. March 15. Praise and worship at 6:45 p.m. Reception follows program. 6116 Monteith Drive. For information, contact Robin Alexander at 704-598-5814.

St. Paul United Methodist

Scholarship fund luncheon: Former scholarship recipients and friends will host the Barbara L. Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund luncheon fundraiser. The fund was started in 1989 to celebrate the legacy of Barbara L. Carter, former church music director. All donations will go to the scholarship fund. Noon March 10. 2830 Dorchester Place. www.stpaulcharlotte.org.

St. Matthew Catholic

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, “Bread of Heaven: The Mystery of the Eucharist.” 7-9 p.m. March 14.

Women’s day: “Communication: Do You Hear What I Hear?” Guest speaker Charlene Grattan. Mass at 8 a.m. March 16. Program, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lenten parish mission: The Rev. John Collins will present “Give God a Second Thought!” Collins will celebrate all weekend Masses on March 16-17. The mission is at 9:45 a.m. March 18-20 and is repeated at 7:30 p.m. Collins will speak on “What Good is God?” on March 18, “Why Prayers Don’t Work” on March 19, and “Ten Kinds of People You Don’t Have to Love” on March 20. Child care available by reservation; call 704-543-7677 ext. 1011 at least 48 hours in advance. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Advent Lutheran

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

Pritchard Memorial Baptist

Concert: Christian recording artist Steve Green will perform at 7 p.m. March 30. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free; a love offering will be received. 1117 South Blvd. 704-376-1571.

Unity of Charlotte

Community spiritual service: Second Wave Surge is a dynamic service where the love of the Divine meets the passion for justice. Special guest speaker will be the internationally-acclaimed author and teacher Andrew Harvey. 10:30 a.m. March 17. 401 E. Arrowood Road. 704-523-0062; www.unityofcharlotte.org.

True Love Church of Refuge

Youth conference: All youth and youth ministries are invited for “Break Every Chain” conference. Guest speakers Anthony Watson, Ashlynn Simone, and Marteshia Gant. Performances by gospel rap artist Gifted, the Leap of Faith praise dancers, and One Way Steppers. 7 p.m. March 15-16. “Cupcakes and Conversation” girls’ session with makeovers, manicures, power rap sessions, and more will be held at noon March 16. 5201-D Nations Ford Road. www.truelovechurchofrefuge.org.

Temple Israel

Alternative services: Rock HaShabbat with the TI Band, 6:15 p.m. March 15. Kavanah service with Rabbi Noam Raucher, 10 a.m. March 16. 4901 Providence Road. 704-362-2796; www.templeisraelnc.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 10 is “The Things We Do for Love.” 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. 704-366-9166; www.sharonumc.org.

Providence Presbyterian

Lenten prayer service: 7 p.m. March 17. 10140 Providence Church Lane. www.ppc1767.org.

South Mecklenburg Presbyterian

Classical music concert: The Piedmont Piano Trio will perform music by great female composers. Free; donations will support the church’s grand piano fund. 3 p.m. March 17.

College search workshop: College counselor and columnist Lee Bierer will discuss college applications and admission. Parents and youth encouraged to attend together. 4 p.m. March 17 in Mecklenburg Hall.

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.

Sardis Presbyterian

Consignment sale: Baby, children’s, teen, and maternity clothing, shoes, books, toys, furniture, more. Proceeds benefit Sardis Weekday School. Early-bird sale, 7-8 a.m. March 16. $2 admission. Regular sale, 8 a.m.-noon. Half-price sale, 12:30-2:30 p.m. 6100 Sardis Road. www.sardis.org.

Price Memorial A. M. E. Zion, Concord

Service: Annual Family and Friends Day celebration with memorial gift presentations. The Rev. Johnny McClure will speak at 11 a.m. March 17. The Rev. Henry Sterling will speak at 3 p.m. 192 Spring St. S.W., Concord. www.pricememorialamezionchurch.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 2013-14 school year. 2940 Charlotte Hwy., Mooresville. For information, contact Amber Sparks at 704-658-0241 or msamber@thebridgelkn.com.

St. Therese Catholic, Mooresville

Preschool registration: Little Way Preschool is now enrolling children ages 2-4 for the 2013-2014 school year. $80 registration fee. For information or to schedule a tour, contact Dayna Auten at DAuten@sainttherese.net or 704-664-7762.

Lenten penance service: 7 p.m. March 11.

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.

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Seniors’ program: Centralina Area Agency on Aging will present “Living Healthy for Seniors.” Adults age 55 and older will learn practical ways to deal with fatigue and pain, make better nutrition and exercise choices, and talk with health care providers and family. Free. 1-3:30 p.m. Mondays, March 18-April 22. 1430 Mecklenburg Hwy., Mooresville. Register at 704-664-2880.

Denver United Methodist

Consignors wanted: Children’s consignment sale will be held March 23. Consignors accepted through March 15 or until limit is reached. 3910 N. C. 16, Denver. Register at consignment@denverumc.org or 704-822-9533.

Davidson College

Religion lecture: Columbia University historian Richard Bulliet will present “The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization.” Free. 7 p.m. March 14 in the Alvarez College Union. 207 Faculty Drive, Davidson. www.davidson.edu.

Davidson College Presbyterian

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 17 is Carmen Fowler, editor of the “Presbyterian Layman,” who will present the conservative perspective. 100 N. Main St., Davidson. 704-892-5641; www.dcpc.org.

St. Phillip Missionary Baptist, Huntersville

Service: Pastor and Mrs. Daniels’ 18th church anniversary. 11 a.m. March 10. 524 Dellwood Drive, Huntersville. 704-875-6180.

The Bahá’ís of Huntersville

Devotional gathering: The public is invited to share prayers and readings with the members of the Bahá’í community. This week’s topic will be “The Oneness of Mankind.” 2 p.m. March 10 at the Huntersville Arts and Cultural Center, 109 S. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. www.huntersvillebahai.org.

Saint Patrick’s Episcopal, Mooresville

Fundraiser: Yard and bake sale with furniture, clothing, books, tools and baked goods. Proceeds benefit the youth program. 7 a.m.-noon March 16. 201 Fairview Road, Mooresville. www.saint-patricks.org.

Salem United Methodist, Denver

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

Prospect Presbyterian, Mooresville

Barbecue: Pork barbecue, baked beans, slaw, roll, dessert, and drink. $10 per plate. Advance tickets, $8. Single sandwiches, $4. All proceeds go to youth mission trip. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 16. 9425 N. C. 152, Mooresville. 704-664-1514.

Corinth Reformed Church, Hickory

Lenten organ series: Annual Abernethy recital series welcomes Peter Corneliussen, director of music and organist at Corinth Reformed Church. Free and open to the public. 12:30-1 p.m. March 15. Series continues March 22. 150 16th Ave. N. W., Hickory. 828-328-6196.

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. The Rev. Rick Schilling will speak on March 13 at Mt. Zion Baptist, 416 2nd Ave. S.E., Hickory. 704-649-7025; revlongcrier@exodushomes.org.

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 will follow each session. Clinical social worker the Rev. Jerrold Tiggett will discuss “Dealing With Differences” March 14. 2230 29th Ave. Drive N. E., Hickory. www.churchofthemaster.embarqspace.com.

West Hickory Baptist

Barbecue: Proceeds go to student ministry summer mission trip. $7 per plate includes barbecue, slaw, baked beans, bun and dessert. Deliveries available during lunch hours; place delivery orders by March 13. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 22. 40 12th St. N.W., Hickory. 828-327-4286.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, Hickory

Service: The Rev. Bob MacDicken will speak on “The Kingdom of Darkness, The Kingdom of Light.” 11 a.m. March 10. 833 Fifth St. S.E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

Friendship Christian Church, Gastonia

Free exercise classes: 9-9:45 a.m. Saturdays in the Family Life Center. 221 W. Bradley St., Gastonia. 704-865-9016.

St. John’s Missionary Baptist, Gastonia

New members’ fellowship: All members who have joined since November may attend fellowship following the 10 a.m. service March 10.

Women’s day: 10 a.m. March 17. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. 704-864-6222.

Central Steele Creek Presbyterian

Contemporary service: “Crossroads” worship service features upbeat music by the Refresh praise band. 6 p.m. the third Sunday of each month. 9401 S. Tryon St. www.cscpc.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. 2370 W. Main St., Rock Hill. www.epiphany-rockhill.org.

St. John’s United Methodist, Rock Hill

Line dance lessons: Julia Robbins will offer ongoing lessons on popular line dances and favorite oldies. $20 monthly donation will go to the children’s building fund. 2 p.m. Thursdays. 321 S. Oakland Ave., Rock Hill. 803-980-4000; pathollisgrant@cs.com.