Religion news

Compiled by Erica Batten

Holly Hunter Baptist

Zumbathon: Fun and fellowship. $10 minimum donation. Proceeds go to Bible school and street mission groups. Sponsors welcome. 6-8 p.m. May 16. 4316 Mount Holly-Huntersville Road. 704-399-3316.

Little Rock AME Zion

Spring revival: Guest speaker is the Rev. Stephen Pogue, pastor of Greater Centennial AME Zion in New York. 7 p.m. May 20-22.

Little Rock Day: Annual observance on the theme “Expecting, Experiencing and Expressing God’s Kingdom Through Excellence in Ministry.” Awards luncheon, 1 p.m. May 23. Worship service, 10 a.m. May 24. 401 N. McDowell St. www.littlerockamezion.org.

Central United Methodist

Attic sale: Proceeds go to missions of the Companions in Christ Sunday school class. 8 a.m.-noon May 16.

Community carnival: Giant inflatables, pony rides, games, crafts, entertainment and food. This free event has been rescheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 30. 6030 Albemarle Road. 704-536-9157.

Greenville Memorial AME Zion

Concert: The New Beginnings Youth Choir will present its annual spring concert. Free. 5 p.m. May 17. 6116 Monteith Drive. 704-596-4742.

Allison Creek Presbyterian, York

Bluegrass concert fundraiser: Proceeds will benefit medical expenses of a local resident. Bluegrass Travelers and two other bands will perform. Barbecue plates for sale. 5-8 p.m. May 16. 5780 Allison Creek Road, York. www.allisoncreekchurch.com.

Providence Baptist

Anniversary worship service: The church celebrates 61 years with a special worship service. 10:30 a.m.-noon May 17. Lunch on the grounds will follow the service. 4921 Randolph Road. www.providencebc.org.

South Mecklenburg Presbyterian

Family fun day: Food trucks and concert with renegade bluegrass group Mipso. Food trucks include Vito’s Pizza, Maki Taco, Hot Box and Sticks and Cones. 4:30 p.m. May 17. Bring chairs, blankets and lawn games. Concert at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. 8601 Bryant Farms Road. www.smpchome.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.

Ministry Development Services

Workshop: John Rowe will present “Dreams: God’s Forgotten Language.” Recovering the church’s ancient tradition of looking at God’s messages through dreams, this combination of lecture and experiential learning will equip participants to do dream work, both individually and in small groups. Bag dinner provided. $59. 4-8 p.m. May 19 at Sardis Presbyterian, 6100 Sardis Road. RSVP by May 17 to 704-554-9222.

Saint John’s Missionary Baptist, Gastonia

Women’s event: Women of Wisdom presents “Tables of Colors.” $5 donation. 4 p.m. May 23.

Baby dedication: 10 a.m. May 24.

Gospel choir anniversary: 2:30 p.m. May 24. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. www.stjohnsmbchurch.org.

Temple Israel

Yom Yerushalayim picnic: “Taste of Jerusalem” celebrates Jerusalem Day with Israeli foods, games, magic, live music from The Ruach and more. 12:30 p.m. May 17. 4901 Providence Road. For information, call Jessie at 704-362-2796.

Community study session: A community Tikkun Leil Shavuot study session. Panel discussion featuring Rabbis Ezring, Judy Schindler and Barbara Thiede, 8 p.m. May 23. Breakout discussion groups led by Rabbi Jonathan Freirich, Rabbi Tracey Klirs, Rabbi Noam Raucher, Cantor Elias Roochvarg and Cantor Mary Thomas, 9 p.m. ice cream dessert, 11 p.m. 5007 Providence Road. www.templeisraelnc.org.

Providence United Methodist

Performance: The chancel choir, under the direction of Adam Ward and accompanied by a jazz combo, will perform “A Little Jazz Mass” by Bob Chilcott with images by Rob Landes. 7 p.m. May 17. 2810 Providence Road. www.ProvidenceUMC.org.

Sedgefield United Methodist

Concert: Chamber music concert series will begin with a family-friendly performance. $5. Tickets available online or at the door. 3-4 p.m. May 17. 2830 Dorchester Place. www.sedgefieldchurch.org.

Saint Matthew Catholic

Sale: The Saint Matthew Columbiettes will host its annual Treasures in the Trunk sale. 8 a.m.-noon May 16.

Immigration forum: The church’s Peace and Justice Ministry will host legal professionals and advocates for a presentation on immigration law, issues and proposed reforms. The second of two sessions will be held 2 p.m. May 17 in the New Life Center. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Purcell United Methodist

Attic sale: Proceeds go to church needs and missions. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 23. 2141 Weyland Ave. 704-399-7257.

Prosperity Presbyterian

Special music: John Parker, accomplished trumpet player with the Charlotte Symphony, will play with the congregational singing, perform solos and present a postlude for the morning worship service. 9:45 a.m. May 24. 5533 Prosperity Church Road. 704-875-1182.

Wesley United Methodist

New worship series: “Jesus Is ____” based on the book by Judah Smith. We 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. 3715 Rea Road. Register at www.wesleycharlotte.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 17 is “Reboot.” 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. www.sharonumc.org.

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. Call to register any day before 9 p.m. 5811 Sardis Road. 704-535-2831; judy.u.murphy@gmail.com.

Bethany Presbyterian, Monroe

Worship services: Kick off Pentecost Week during morning worship 11 a.m. May 17. Sunday school 10 a.m. Pastor John Gerstenmier and the gospel praise team will travel to Wade Memorial Presbyterian in Lancaster, S.C., to join its revival services. 7 p.m. May 17-19.

Pentecost Sunday: We remember the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. Sunday school at 10 a.m. May 24. Worship at 11 a.m.

Scouts: Cub Scouts meets 6:30 p.m. Mondays. Boy Scouts meets at 7 p.m. 6713 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe. 704-301-6929.

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

Guest speaker: Jeff Goins will present “Making Your Message Stick.” Communicators in the faith community invited. Learn how to hone your voice, establish your platform, expand your reach, and spread your message. The first 200 to register will get a free copy of Goins’s book, “The Art of Work.” $25 registration. 9 a.m.-noon May 28.

Summer arts camp: Under God’s Sea in 3-D music and arts camp for children in kindergarten to sixth grade. $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.matthewumc.org.

Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Weddington

Blood drive: 3-7:30 p.m. May 19. 8600 Potter Road, Weddington. Register at www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive/chooseDonationTime.jsp.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lake Norman

Sunday morning groups: Humanist discussion group, adult discussion group and youth spiritual exploration meet at 9:45 a.m. most Sundays. The Humanist discussion group will discuss “The Road to Character” by David Brooks.

Service: The Rev. Amy Brooks will present “A UU Understanding of Evil.” Children age 4 and older go to spiritual exploration following the children’s story during the service. Nursery available. 11 a.m. May 17. Services are held at the Woodlawn School, 135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville. www.uulakenorman.org.

Centre Presbyterian, Mooresville

Church anniversary: The church is celebrating 250 years. A Memorial Day celebration will be held May 24. After the 11 a.m. worship service, attendees will enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds. The menu will feature items typically found in lunch baskets from a century or more ago. Veterans will be honored. Activities are planned through the year. 129 Centre Church Road, Mooresville. For information on the church’s history and activities, visit www.thecentrechurch.org.

Morrows Chapel Church, Mooresville

Women’s health fair: “Back to Basics: Healing for the Mind, Body and Soul.” Hosted by Sharnetta Clark-Gordon, founder of KEYS. Vendors needed. 2-5 p.m. June 7. 1536 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. 704-883-4076.

Community in Christ Lutheran, Cornelius

Prayer shawl ministry: Inter-generational group creates shawls, chemo caps and other crafts that serve as a physical reminder of God’s unconditional love to people experiencing illness or other difficulty. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. May 17 and 31.

Denver Bible study: Meets at noon each second and fourth Wednesday at Sports Page restaurant in Denver.

Card ministry: Group provides handmade cards to pastors, lay pastors and staff. 6:30 p.m. May 19.

Seniors’ group: The Happy Times group will meet for lunch and a presentation on long-term care planning. 11 a.m. May 20.

Preschool summer camp: Three sessions available. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 1-4, June 29-July 2, and Aug. 3-6. $120 per session.

Vacation Bible school: June 22-25. 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius. www.communityinchrist.net.

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 19 is “Where’s the Justice?” 2987 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. Information at www.LifetreeCafe.com.

Horizon Church, Statesville

Missionaries called: Christopher and Sara-Rose Sykes, who attend Horizon Church, are preparing to serve as missionaries to Taiwan with OMF International. Their four-year term will begin in July. Both fluent Spanish speakers, Christopher and Sara-Rose have been on several mission trips and were appointed to plant a Hispanic Baptist mission in Mocksville. After traveling to Taiwan in 2013, Christopher felt God’s calling to preach the gospel there. The couple will speak at Christian Outreach of the Piedmont at 4 p.m. May 31. 1424 Rickert St., Statesville. www.omf.org.

Saint Mark’s Lutheran, Mooresville

Outdoor worship service: The Carolina Styles Chorus will lead worship and music. The service will be followed by a picnic of grilled chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs. The event will be held in the family life center if it rains. 10:30 a.m. May 17. 454 Fieldstone Drive, Mooresville. 704-664-5474.

First Baptist, Mooresville

Concert: The music ministry will share an evening of instrumental music by the church’s handbell, choir chimes, student bells, student sign language choir and orchestra ensembles. 6 p.m. May 17. 150 S. Church St., Mooresville. www.fbcmooresville.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.

Temple Solel, Fort Mill

Shabbat services: The Reform Jewish Congregation is holding 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.

This story was originally published May 12, 2015 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Religion news."