Religion news

Compiled by Erica Batten

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Service project: On April 18, 145 youth and 30 leaders served alongside Wesley Chapel Mayor Pro Tem Mike Como to clean debris, trees, trash and drainage pipes and to pull weeds and spread mulch along 22.5 acres of trails at Dogwood Park. The young men and women of the church have adopted the theme Embark in the Service of God for 2015. This project is one of many in which the south Charlotte LDS youth have participated and will participate throughout the year. www.lds.org.

Torrence Grove AME Zion

Fundraiser: The public is invited to an Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser. $7 per person. 8-10 a.m. May 2 at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill, 8700 JW Clay Blvd. 704-536-8313.

Saint Thomas Lutheran

Attic sale: The Women of the ELCA will hold its annual attic and bake sale. Proceeds help purchase Christmas gifts for children in foster care. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 2 in the fellowship hall. 4013 Shamrock Drive. www.stelc.org.

Providence United Methodist

Family event: Food Truck Family Jam returns with the city’s best food trucks, children’s bounce park, and live music. Bring lawn chairs. Parking and children’s area are free; food prices vary. 5-8 p.m. May 2. 2810 Providence Road. www.ProvidenceUMC.org.

Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox

Shredding event: Automated Shredding will conduct a public event to shred unneeded documents. Purge document clutter from your home or office. Each participant may bring up to one 95-gallon bin of paper. Remove paper clips and binder clips; staples are acceptable. Shredded paper will be recycled. $20 suggested donation. Proceeds support the church Missions and Philanthropy Ministry. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 2. 5108 Kuykendall Road. www.stnektarios.org.

Ebenezer Baptist

Mother’s Day tribute: Ebenezer HAT-titude tribute and luncheon. Guests are encouraged to wear hats. Tribute emcee Kei-Kei Gilchrist. Christian monologue “The Conversation” presented by Dawn Pettus. Donations of purses, ties and men’s wallets will be collected for Crisis Assistance Ministry. $5 per person; advance purchase required. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 9. 2020 W. Sugar Creek Road. Tickets available before and after church services or at WXCurry12@gmail.com. 704-598-2219.

Women Living Well Ministries

Forum: Women invited to learn the word of God and be empowered to grow in Christian faith. The new series is Conquering Giants. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays. Free. The next forum will focus on “Be Strong and Courageous.” 7-8:30 p.m. May 7 at Pritchard Memorial Baptist, 1117 South Blvd. Free parking and entrance behind the church off South Caldwell Street. www.womenlivingwellministries.org.

Temple Beth El

Attic sale: Open to the public. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 3 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4. 5101 Providence Road. 704-366-1948.

Wesley United Methodist

New worship series: “Jesus Is ____” based on the book by Judah Smith. Discussion will shed light on the path to becoming who you were made to be as we reveal the character of Jesus. 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays starting May 10.

Bible study: Pastor Judi Hunt will lead a study of Kyle Idleman’s “Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus.” The study will be held on the front lawn. Bring a friend, a lawn chair and a sack supper. 6 p.m. May 12, 19, 26 and June 2, 9 and 16. 3715 Rea Road. Register at www.wesleycharlotte.org.

The Billy Graham Library

Mother’s Day event: Annual Mother’s Day breakfast and tour. Bring your family for a special morning honoring mothers. Guests will enjoy a buffet breakfast, guided “Journey of Faith” tour, and a special gift. Space limited. 7:30 a.m. May 8 and 9. 4330 Westmont Drive. www.billygrahamlibrary.org.

Myers Park Baptist

Concert: The chancel choir will present the Charlotte premiere of Ola Gjeilo’s “Sunrise Mass: A Symphonic Mass for Chorus and String Orchestra.” Charlotte Strings, directed by Minister of Music Jonathan Crutchfield, will provide accompaniment. In addition, . Matthew Manwarren will perform Franz Schubert’s “Four Impromptus, Op. 90.” Free. 4 p.m. May 3. 1900 Queens Road. www.mpbconline.org.

Saint Matthew Catholic

Immigration forum: The church’s Peace and Justice Ministry will host legal professionals and advocates for an insightful and educational presentation on current immigration law, issues and proposed reforms. 2 p.m. May 3 and 17 in the New Life Center. The May 3 session will focus on general immigration issues, and the May 17 session will focus on childhood immigration. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Sharon United Methodist

Sermon series: Life continues to transform at a nonstop pace. How do we make sense of it? How can we best deal with it? Join us for “Transformers.” The topic for May 3 is “Ark of the Autobots.” 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. www.sharonumc.org.

Grace United Methodist

Community attic sale: Tables available for rent; $20 each. Church members will help with set up and advertising. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 9. 737 E. Woodlawn Road. 704-523-5052.

Sardis Baptist

Beginners’ yoga classes: Open to anyone who wants to improve strength, balance and flexibility and learn to relax. Space limited. 3:30 and 5 p.m. Mondays and 4:30 and 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Please call to register any day before 9 p.m. 5811 Sardis Road. 704-535-2831; judy.u.murphy@gmail.com.

Jewish Family Services

Friends run: Fifth annual Mother’s Day Friends Run with a 5K, 10K and a 1-mile family fun run/walk. Free food and events include a kids’ zone with bouncy houses, face painting, and snow cones, moms’ zone with free massages, manicures and “momosas,” Brixx Pizza, and other goodies. Proceeds benefit Jewish Family Services. Babysitting available through the Levine JCC for $4.50/hour; make reservations by May 3. 7:45 a.m. May 10 at Shalom Park, 5007 Providence Road. www.friendsrun.com.

Dilworth United Methodist

Musical: “Footloose the Musical.” Ren McCormack moves to a small town where the government has banned dancing and rock music. $10. A portion of proceeds go to The Relatives, a local nonprofit. 8 p.m. May 15 and 16. 605 East Blvd. www.dilworthchurch.org/calendar/Footloose_the_musical.

Blair Road United Methodist, Mint Hill

Golf tournament: Bob Bryant Memorial Golf Classic. Proceeds support projects for missions and youth. Captain’s choice. Prizes awarded for first through fourth place and worst team score. $85; $75 if you played last year. Seniors, $75 or $65 if you played last year. Registration at noon May 18 at Emerald Lake Golf Course. Shotgun start at 2 p.m. Barbecue dinner, awards presentation and door prizes at 6:30 p.m. Sponsor opportunities available. Contact Steve Denison at 704-619-1648 or sdenison16@gmail.com.

Light of Christ United Methodist

Vacation Bible school: Registration is open for Everest Bible school for children age 3 through fifth grade. Join the climbing team and learn the power shuffle with Olaf, have wintery adventures, eat frosty snacks and make friends, all while building faith. Children will have the opportunity to participate in a Kid to Kid project with children from Haiti. Free and open to community. 9:30 a.m.-noon June 15-19. 9212 Bryant Farms Road. www.locumc.org.

Matthews United Methodist

Pancake breakfast: All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and bake sale. $5; kids 3 and younger eat free. Family fun includes llamas to visit and games. Proceeds support local missions, including the Charlotte Rescue Mission, Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and Hoskins Park Ministries. 7:30-11 a.m. May 9 in The Commons.

Concert: Billy Kim and the Korean Children’s Choir will perform. A love offering will be collected and free CDs will be available after the performance. 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 10.

Summer arts camp: Under God’s Sea in 3-D music and arts camp for children in kindergarten to sixth grades. $75 includes daily lunch and snack, T-shirt, materials. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 6-10 with performance at 6 p.m. July 11. Registration open.

Weekly summer camp: At The Lighthouse, children will explore cities where Jesus’ ministry came alive and learn to live faith in daily life. Games, crafts, cooking projects, devotions, field trips, service projects and more. $145 per week. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. June 15-Aug. 19. Space limited. Registration open.

Vacation Bible school: Everest VBS: Conquering Challenges With God’s Mighty Power. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 22-26. 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. www.matthewsumc.org.

Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Weddington

Health screenings: Life Line Screening will provide screenings for health problems including blocked and hardened arteries, abdominal aortic aneurysms and bone density. Register and receive $10 discount off any package over $129. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. May 5. 8600 Potter Road, Weddington. Register at www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: Noon-3 p.m. May 3 at Cross and Crown Lutheran, 300 Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews. www.cbcc.us.

Mount Olivet United Methodist, Concord

Special event: Stowe A-Way for a Day will serve seafood and other favorites just like the old Stowe A-Way restaurant. A meal with hush puppies, slaw, chips and tea, shrimp salad and fish sandwiches will be served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 9. From 3-5 p.m., fish sandwich plates will be served. The United Methodist Women will sell desserts, and the youth will sell soft drinks. Everyone will receive orange sherbet. The Zion’s Hill gospel group and Christian Burleson will perform 6 p.m. in the sanctuary. 301 Mount Olivet Road, Concord. www.mtochurch.com.

Moms in Prayer International

Prayer group: Pray for children and schools one hour each week during the school year. A group meets at noon Tuesdays in the Williams Room at the West Cabarrus YMCA, 5325 Langford Ave. N. W., Concord. www.MomsInPrayer.org.

Davidson College Presbyterian

Class: Rabbi Barbara Thiede will teach a course on women in the Hebrew Bible. 9:45 a.m. May 3 and 10.

Reception: “Fiesta Nicaragua!” will feature a photo exhibit of nine years of missions to Nicaragua. Sample Nicaraguan-style food, hear music and do activities inspired by the work of Gerardo Arias. Guests can purchase supplies for a Nicaraguan preschool the mission team will visit in June. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 3 in the congregation house. 218 Concord Road, Davidson. www.dcpc.org.

Lake Norman Hadassah

Women’s health program: Every Beat Counts focuses on women’s heart health. Cardiologist Dr. Richard Scherczinger of the Sanger Clinic will be the speaker. Yoga trainer Sally Phillips will present relaxation techniques. Red wine, dark chocolates and fresh fruit served. $5 minimum donation. Space limited. 6:45-9 p.m. May 11 at Temple Kol Tikvah, 605 South St., Davidson. RSVP to Karen at ksmarshall@roadrunner.com.

Saint Mark’s Lutheran, Mooresville

Jazz cantata: The Children’s Spirit Choir will present “100% Chance of Rain,” a story about Noah and his family. 9:45 a.m. May 3 in the family life center. 454 Fieldstone Road, Mooresville. 704-664-5474.

Trinity Episcopal, Statesville

Choir performance: The Trinity Artist Series presents The MasterSingers from The Choir School at Saint Peter’s. Adults, $10; students, $5. 3 p.m. May 3. 801 Henkel Road, Statesville. www.trinityartistseries.org.

New Hope Lutheran, Mooresville

Ministry: Lifetree Café is part of a national network of locations offering participatory events related to life and faith. Events typically include a short original film and guided conversation on topics such as loneliness, immigration, angels, guilt, prayer, and life after death. Snacks and drinks available. Free admission. 7 p.m. Tuesdays. The topic for May 5 is “What Makes Relationships Tick?” 2987 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. Information at www.LifetreeCafe.com.

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Community-wide service: National Day of Prayer service includes worship, music, prayer and a homily by Susan Harrison. Noon-12:30 p.m. May 7. The church will be open 12:30-1 p.m. for prayer. 1430 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville. 704-664-2880.

Central United Methodist, Mooresville

5K fundraiser: In July, nine youth from the church will travel to Honduras with Carolina Cross Connection to work in orphanages. The cost is $1,600 per person. To raise funds, a 5K and fun run will be held 8:30 a.m. May 9 at Bellingham Park. Registration is $20 for the 5K and $12 for the fun run. www.cumcmooresville.com.

Saint Luke Greek Orthodox, Mooresville

Worship services: 9:15 a.m. Sundays. 134-A Talbert Pointe Drive, Mooresville. www.stluke-nc.org.

RiverLife Wellness Center, Mooresville

Christian counseling: Free individual, marriage, and family counseling. Daytime and evening appointments available. 2487 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. To schedule an appointment, provide your name and contact information to 704-664-7705 ext. 1.

Davidson United Methodist

Quiet Space Fridays: Ecumenical monthly opportunity using the power of space to revive, restore and reveal. Limited registration. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 8 at the Starrette Farm Retreat in Statesville. $20. Quiet Space Fridays will be offered the second Friday of each month. www.TheLydiaGroup.com.

Temple Solel, Fort Mill

Shabbat services: The Reform Jewish Congregation holds Shabbat services 7 p.m. each second and fourth Friday in the ministry building at St. Philip Neri Catholic, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill. Religious education is held at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Blooming Einsteins, 2752 Pleasant Road, Suite 103, Fort Mill. 803-619-9707; www.templesolelsc.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 1-4 p.m. May 5 at Inspiration Ministries, 3000 World Reach Drive, Fort Mill. www.cbcc.us.

This story was originally published April 29, 2015 at 11:22 AM with the headline "Religion news."