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Compiled by Erica Batten

Levine Museum of the New South

Presentation: The Vajradhara Mahayana Buddhist Center hosts Gen Kelsang Jampa, the national spiritual director for the New Kadampa Tradition, to give a presentation on the eBook, “Modern Buddhism: The Path of Compassion and Wisdom.” 2-4 p.m. March 17. Free; donations accepted. Book signing follows the presentation. The book is available at www.emodernbuddhism.com. 200 E. Seventh St. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.

St. Stephens Wesleyan, Concord

Fundraiser: Annual country ham and fried chicken day. Plates include chicken or center-cut country ham, sides, drink and dessert. Large plates, $8; small plates, $6. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. March 16. 7601 Brusharbor Road, Concord. 704-795-5853.

Plaza Presbyterian

Community Lenten worship: The Plaza-Midwood/Shamrock/Commonwealth Churches will gather for worship and lunch at noon Wednesdays through March 20. 2304 The Plaza. www.plazapresbyterian.org.

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.

Film series: “Speaking Truth to Power: The Justice Series” will stimulate informed dialogue in our community. This will be an ongoing monthly series with discussion after each film. “What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire” will be shown at 7 p.m. March 23. Popcorn and beverages served. $5 suggested donation. 401 E. Arrowood Road. 704-523-0062; www.unityofcharlotte.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 Lytle will present “Painful Pathways of Spiritual Knowledge” on March 20.

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. Fifth St. 704-332-8131; www.hlumc.org.

Newell Baptist

Benefit luncheon: Honoring Lily Hoag; proceeds benefit the Buddy Walk and Down’s syndrome research. Luncheon follows the 11 a.m. service March 17.

Easter egg hunt: Community invited. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 23. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184.

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.

Weddington United Methodist

Rock-n-roll Easter: “Where the Rock Rolled Away From the Tomb!” Games, music, crafts, snacks, more. 10 a.m. March 16.

Concert: Inaugural event of the Weddington Concert Series presents Director of Music and Arts Dr. Valentino Piran with string trio, piano, organ, and the chancel choir. Free. 4 p.m. March 17. 13901 Providence Road, Weddington. www.weddingtonchurch.org.

Exodus Foundation

Volunteer orientation: Learn how to mentor people who have criminal records or who have been incarcerated. 6-7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at Mt. Carmel Baptist, 7237 Tuckaseegee Road and 10-11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at St. Paul Baptist, 1401 Allen St.

Career networking: Group for people with criminal records or who have been incarcerated. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at St. Paul Baptist. www.exodusfoundation.org.

New Life Theological Seminary

Scholarly forum: The public is invited to the Voices of New Life quarterly forum. Dr. Stephen Stout will read his paper, “Did Irenaeus Use a New Testament Canon?” A discussion period of questions and answers will follow the reading. 7 p.m. March 21. 3117 Whiting Ave. 704-334-6882.

Pleasant Hill Baptist

Annual men’s day: Observance during morning worship on March 17. The men’s choir and guest choirs will present a musical program at 4 p.m. 517 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1201.

Grace Lutheran

Easter for kids: One-day Vacation Bible school with Bible story, crafts, singing and an Easter egg hunt. Age 2 through third grade. 9:30 a.m.-noon March 23. 7000 Providence Road. Register at www.grace-charlotte.org.

Temple Israel

Community Passover Seder: All are welcome to enjoy the traditional rituals, beautiful melodies and warm fellowship. Kosher le-Pesach dinner; vegetarian option available. Members, $60; guests, $70. RSVP by March 18. 7:15 p.m. March 26. Ma’ariv at 7 p.m. 4901 Providence Road. 704-362-2796; www.cart.templeisraelnc.com.

St. Matthew Catholic

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 at least 48 hours in advance. 704-543-7677 ext. 1011.

Healing prayer service: St. Peregrine service for those suffering with cancer or other grave diseases. 7:30 p.m. March 21. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. 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.

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.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal

Fundraiser: New and gently-used spring clothing sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. March 22-23. Sausage biscuits and coffee available for purchase, 8 a.m.-noon. Hot dogs, chips, and tea, noon-2 p.m. 3601 Central Ave. 704-537-0370.

Second Calvary Baptist

Revival services: Guest speakers the Revs. Eric Miller, Sidney Phillips, and Cornelius Atkinson. 7 p.m. March 18-20. 114 Nelson Ave. www.secondcalvary-charlotte.org.

The Billy Graham Library

Easter celebration: Children’s activities focusing on the true meaning of Easter. Storytime, crafts, book reading and signing with author Dandi Mackall, photos with live lambs. Lunch and library tours also available. Space is limited. $5 per child for ages 3 and up. 10 a.m.-noon March 23. 4330 Westmont Drive. Reservations: 704-401-3256. www.billygrahamlibrary.org.

Hawthorne Lane United Methodist

Palm Sunday service: The children of Hawthorne Lane invite you to share Palm Sunday with our family. Children’s processional, worship, and lunch, 11 a.m. March 24. Easter egg hunt, 4 p.m. 501 Hawthorne Lane. www.hlumc.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 23 at Greater Providence Baptist, 2000 Milton Road. www.cbcc.us.

Advent Lutheran

Lenten worship: “The Tree of Life.” 6:30 p.m. March 20. Fellowship meal at 5:30 p.m.

Palm Sunday worship: Cantata “Once Upon a Tree.” 8:30 and 11 a.m. March 24. 8840 University City Blvd. 704-549-1555; www.adventlu.org.

University City United Methodist

Easter musical: “Living He Loved Me: An Easter Musical.” 7 p.m. March 23 and 3 p.m. March 24. Free. A love offering will be received. Child care available for children under age 6; reservations required. 3835 W. W.T. Harris Blvd. www.ucumc.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 8 a.m.-noon March 23 at Stonebridge Church Community, 3700 Prosperity Church Road. www.cbcc.us.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 2-6 p.m. March 17 at West Monroe Baptist, 1212 Icemorlee St., Monroe. 1-5 p.m. March 17 at New Hope United Methodist, 3221 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe. www.cbcc.us.

All Saints Anglican

Palm Sunday service: 9:30 a.m. March 24. Services are held at Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.allsaintscharlotte.com.

Harrison United Methodist, Pineville

Family Easter fun: 10 a.m.-noon March 23.

Palm Sunday services: Musical, “Arise My Love.” 8:30 and 11 a.m. March 24. 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. www.harrisonumc.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.

Peace Moravian

Easter egg hunt: Children from Good News Church, Hope Community Church, and the neighborhood are invited. 10 a.m. March 23. 4418 Rea Road. www.peacemoravian.com.

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 17 is “No Soup for You.” 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. 704-366-9166; www.sharonumc.org.

Myers Park Baptist

Meeting: The Faith Communicators, an informal network of nonprofit communications and marketing people, meets the fourth Friday of each month for networking and a program on some aspect of public relations. Coffee and Danish will be served. Free. 10 a.m. March 22 at the Cornwell Center. 2001 Selwyn Ave. 704-295-4819; ken@mpumc.org.

Sardis Baptist

Beginners’ yoga classes: We 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 before class. 5811 Sardis Road. 704-535-2831; www.sardisbaptistcharlotte.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 17 at Providence Baptist, 4921 Randolph Road. www.cbcc.us.

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.

Providence Presbyterian

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

Price Memorial AME 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.

St. James Catholic, Concord

Service: The men’s and women’s choirs will present “In Calvary’s Shadow: A Tenebrae Service” by Victor C. Johnson. 7 p.m. March 22. 139 Manor Ave. S.W., Concord. 704-720-0600.

Forest Hill United Methodist, Concord

Cantata: The Singing Saints will present “Jesus of Nazareth” by Vann Trapp and Tom Fettke. 3 p.m. March 24. 265 Union St. N., Concord. 704-782-1109.

Bethpage Presbyterian, Concord

Concert: The music department, under direction of Sonny Turner, will present a reunion concert at 3 p.m. March 24. 8701 Mooresville Road, Concord. For information, contact Louise Hamrick at 704-933-8912.

McGill Baptist, Concord

Barbecue: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. March 22. 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord. www.mcgillbaptist.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 17 at Epworth United Methodist, 1030 Burrage Road N. E., Concord. www.cbcc.us.

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.

Organ concert: Organ at Davidson’s annual Bach Birthday Bash with performances by organist Vivian Montgomery, baroque violinist Jennifer Roig-Francoli, baroque cellist Barbara Krumdieck, and soprano Penelope Jensen. Free; donations accepted. Reception follows the performance. 7:30 p.m. March 19.

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. Tom Currie, dean of Union Presbyterian Seminary, will speak on March 24. 100 N. Main St., Davidson. 704-892-5641.

St. Phillip Missionary Baptist, Huntersville

Service: Vocal choir’s 14th anniversary. 2:30 p.m. March 24. Dinner at 1:30 p.m. 524 Dellwood Drive, Huntersville. 704-875-6180.

St. Therese Catholic, Mooresville

Lenten Mass: Noon March 19. Soup lunch follows.

Lenten prayer: Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m. March 22.

Palm Sunday Masses: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon and 5:30 p.m. March 24. Spanish Mass at 2:30 p.m. 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. 704-664-3992.

Rehobeth United Methodist, Terrell

Palm Sunday services: Palm processional, music by children and adults. 8:45 and 10:45 a.m. March 24. 9297 Sherrills Ford Road, Terrell. 828-478-2518.

Denver United Methodist

Children’s consignment sale: 8 a.m.-noon March 23. 3910 N.C. 16, Denver. www.denvermethodist.org.

St. Mark’s Lutheran, Mooresville

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

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Seniors’ program: Centralina Area Agency on Aging will present “Living Healthy for Seniors.” Adults age 55 and over 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 Highway, Mooresville. Register at 704-664-2880.

Salem United Methodist, Denver

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

Tabernacle of Joy Ministries, Mooresville

Prophetic conference: 7:30 p.m. March 21-22 and 9 a.m. March 23. Brunch follows. 421 Parker Ave., Mooresville. 704-799-0774.

Mt. Zion United Methodist, Cornelius

Palm Sunday services: Children and adults will receive a palm branch for processional. 8:30 and 11 a.m. March 24 in the sanctuary. 9:45 a.m. in the Family Life Center. 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius. www.mtzionumc.net.

Concord Presbyterian, Statesville

Spring bazaar: Breakfast, bake sale, cruise-in, yard sale, crafts, more. 8 a.m.-noon March 23. 3867 Taylorsville Highway, Statesville. 704-872-7344.

Huntersville United Methodist

Easter egg hunt: Rain or shine. Make your own basket, hunt for eggs, enjoy snacks. 3 p.m. March 24. 14005 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. www.humconline.org.

Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist, Mooresville

Easter family fun: Games, crafts, treats. 5-7 p.m. March 22.

Palm Sunday services: 8:15, 9:30, and 11 a.m. March 24. 575 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. www.williamsonschapel.org.

The Salvation Army of Iredell County

Emergency assistance program: Financial and food assistance. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Fridays at the Statesville office, 1361 Caldwell St., Statesville, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday at the Mooresville office, 470 N. Broad St. Suite C, Mooresville.

Church programs: Adult Bible study, 6-7 p.m. Mondays. Youth character-building program, 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays. 704-872-5623; www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/commands/statesville.

Corinth Reformed Church, Hickory

Concert: The Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus and the Lenoir-Rhyne University A Cappella Choir will lead a choral evening prayer service, including an anthem in memory of the children of Newtown, Conn. 7 p.m. March 24. 828-328-7149.

Lenten organ series: Annual Abernethy recital series welcomes Lenoir-Rhyne University organ students Brandon Burns and Amanda Watts. Free and open to the public. 12:30-1 p.m. March 22. Series concludes March 29. 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 will follow each session. The Rev. Bud Zehmer will discuss “Celebrating God’s Secret Plan” on March 21. 2230 29th Ave. Drive N.E., Hickory. www.churchofthemaster.embarqspace.com.

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. David Ratke of Lenoir-Rhyne University will speak March 20 at Mt. Zion Baptist, 416 Second Ave. S.E., Hickory. 704-649-7025; revlongcrier@exodushomes.org.

West Hickory Baptist

Barbecue: Proceeds go to student ministry summer mission trip. $7 per plate includes barbecue, slaw, baked beans, bun and dessert. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 22. 40 12th St. N.W., Hickory. 828-327-4286; whbcsm@yahoo.com.

The Hickory Choral Society

Spring concert: 3 p.m. March 24 at First Baptist, 339 Second Ave. N.W., Hickory. www.hickorychoralsociety.org.

Temple Beth Shalom, Hickory

Services: Monthly services will be held at 8 p.m. March 22 and 10 a.m. March 23. Luncheon follows morning service. The congregation is affiliated with the Reform Jewish movement and serves the Hickory and Unifour areas. 4360 N. Center St., Hickory. www.hickoryjewishcenter.com.

St. John’s Lutheran, Cherryville

Palm Sunday service: Worship service with Holy Communion. 10:30 a.m. March 24. 310 W. Church St., Cherryville. www.stjohnscherryville.com.

St. John’s Missionary Baptist, Gastonia

Women’s day: 10 a.m. March 17.

Service: The Hymn Choir will hold its 50th anniversary celebration during morning service. 10 a.m. March 24. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. 704-864-6222.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, Hickory

Adult forum: The Rev. Bob MacDicken will facilitate discussion on “UUCCV Today.” 9:30 a.m. March 17.

Service: Lay minister Sharon Smith will speak on “What Can We Learn From the Irish?” 11 a.m. March 17. 833 Fifth St. S. E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

Augustana Lutheran, Hickory

Barbecue lunch fundraiser: Plates include barbecue, slaw, beans, roll, dessert and drink. Adults, $8; children 10 and under, $5. Proceeds go to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley. Noon-2 p.m. March 17. 1523 16th St. S. E., Hickory. www.augustanalcms.org.

Catawba United Methodist

Community Bible study: Light meal will be served. Pastor Donald Gray will lead the study at 7 p.m. March 20 at Mt. Sinai Baptist, 100 Sixth Ave. N.E., Catawba. Pastor Derek Jones will lead the study at 7 p.m. March 27 at Catawba Baptist, 102 First St. N.W., Catawba. 828-241-4868.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives: 1-4 p.m. March 17 at Cornerstone Baptist, 4357 W. Dixon Blvd., Shelby. 1:30-6 p.m. March 19 at Gaston Christian School, 1625 Lowell Bethesda Road, Gastonia. www.cbcc.us.

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.