Religion news: The region

Compiled by Erica Batten

Little Rock AME Zion

Vacation Bible school: “Jesus: The True Superhero!” 6-8:45 p.m. July 6-10. 401 N. McDowell St. www.littlerockamezion.org.

Hood Theological Seminary

Degree awarded: Elder Tonisha Chalon Johnson received a master of divinity, summa cum laude, at the commencement ceremony held May 16. Johnson serves as an elder in the education department at Greater Salem Church. She has a passion for teaching and missions and plans to continue these ministries locally and abroad. www.hoodseminary.edu.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 11 at New Zion Missionary Baptist, 217 W. Todd Lane. www.cbcc.us.

Newell Baptist

Vacation Bible school: Experience “Journey Off the Map” with fun, food and fellowship for children age four through 12th grade. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184; www.mynewellbaptist.com.

Prosperity Presbyterian

Guest musician: Harpist Helen Rifas will play a 15-minute prelude, play with all congregational singing, and play a 15-minute postlude at the end of the service. Rifas is the principal harpist with the Winston-Salem and Greensboro Symphony Orchestras. 9:45 a.m. July 12. 5533 Prosperity Presbyterian Church Drive. 704-875-1182.

Advent Lutheran

Day camp: Rising 1-8 grades. Experience the benefits of a traditional overnight church camp at a fraction of the cost. Run by experienced Camp Agape counselors. $125. Extended day care available for small fee. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 20-24. 8840 University City Blvd. Register at 704-549-1555.

Temple Israel

Cantor and friends: Cantor Elias Roochvarg, with accompaniment by Monty Bennett, presents a special afternoon of American music in honor of our nation’s birthday. The program will include patriotic tunes, American folk songs and some uniquely American music. 4 p.m. July 5. 4901 Providence Road. www.templeisraelnc.org.

Providence Baptist

Summer schedule: For six weeks beginning July 5, fellowship will be held at 8:30 a.m. Sundays in the rotunda. Sunday school for all ages, 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. You are invited to join us. 4921 Randolph Road. www.providencebc.org.

Temple Beth El

Lecture: Schloss Annual Summer Lecture and Dinner on “A New Israeli Knesset: What Does It Mean for Israel?” Gil Tamary, Washington bureau chief for Israel’s Channel 10, will join the community to discuss the latest political situation in Israel. $10 per person for dinner; lecture only, free. Summer services at 6 p.m. July 17. Shabbat dinner, 7:15 p.m. Lecture at 7:30 p.m. 5101 Providence Road. 704-366-1948; www.templebethel.org.

Saint Mark’s Lutheran

Vacation Bible school: Children will learn how to build community at Habitat for Humanity’s “Under Construction.” Age 4 through fifth grade. 9:30 a.m.-noon July 13-16. 1001 Queens Road. Register at www.saintmarkscharlotte.org. 704-375-9185.

Sharon United Methodist

Vacation Bible school: Get ready to experience God’s unstoppable love at “G-Force Adventure Park.” Age three through completed fifth grade. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 21-24. Register online or at 704-366-9166.

Performing arts camp: “Kidshine” for grades 3-8. Campers experience and express God’s love through music, drama, dance, puppets and scenery painting. $225 before July 10; $250 thereafter. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 10-14. Performance at 7 p.m. Aug. 14.

Sermon series: Life is not a game, but it can be fun. Jesus came to give us full life. Join us for “The Game of Life” to explore what that means and to play some cool games along the way. The topic for July 5 is “Bridge.” 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. www.sharonumc.org.

Saint Matthew Catholic

Support group meeting: Job seekers are invited to Christians in Career Transition, a ministry providing support for those out of work and under-employed. Learn methods for a successful job search. Free. 7-9 p.m. each first and third Monday in the New Life Center. The next meeting is July 6. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. www.stmatthewministries.org/cict.

New Destiny Restoration Church, Matthews

New church: Join us for services at 10 a.m. Sundays. 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. www.ndrestoration.org.

Bethany Presbyterian, Monroe

New worship time: Sunday school is now at 9 a.m. and worship is at 9:45 a.m. Sundays.

Mission trip: The youth group summer mission trip to YWAM Asheville will begin July 24. 6713 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe. 704-301-6929.

Roberta United Methodist, Concord

Vacation Bible school: “Outback Rock.” 6-9 p.m. July 17 and 9-11:30 a.m. July 18. Program followed by cookout, 10 a.m. July 19. 3925 Cochran Road, Concord. Register at 704-786-9215.

Wilmar Baptist, Concord

Day camp: “KidShine” performing arts day camp offers music, drama, dance, puppets, and scenery painting for kids in rising 3-8 grades. Snacks provided; campers bring their own lunch. Space limited. $155. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 20-24. Performance at 7 p.m. July 24. 584 Wilmar St. N.W., Concord. www.kidshineonline.org/day-camps.html#registerSTEP.

Calvary Lutheran, Concord

Military recognition service: 8:30 and 11 a.m. July 5.

Vacation Bible school: “G-Force” theme. 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 6-9.

Adventure camp: Week one, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 6-9. Week two, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 3-6. 950 Bradley St., Concord. www.clcofconcord.org.

Lake Forest Church, Huntersville

Pastor elected: On June 24, the Rev. Mike Moses, founding and lead pastor of Lake Forest Church, was unanimously elected moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) denomination in a ceremony held at the EPC’s 35th Annual General Assembly gathering in Orlando, Fla. The EPC consists of more than 550 churches with nearly 150,000 members. As moderator, Moses will lead the elder board of the EPC in both vision and strategic planning. During his two-year term, he will continue to lead at Lake Forest, primarily as teaching pastor for the church’s Huntersville location. Lake Forest Church started in 1998 with 42 members and today exists as one church in three Lake Norman communities with a weekly worship attendance of 2,000. www.lakeforest.org.

Mount Zion United Methodist, Cornelius

Concert: The Cornelius Concert Series presents oboist Kelsey Maiorano in recital. A freewill offering will be taken to cover the costs of the concert series. 7 p.m. July 10. 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius. www.mtzionumc.net.

Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist, Mooresville

Sermon series: “The Bible Comes to Broadway” will use Broadway plays such as “Annie” and “Wicked” to illustrate gospel truths. Many of the church staff will take a turn preaching. 8:15, 9:30, 10:55 and 11 a.m. Sundays. 575 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. www.willchapumc.org.

Hopewell Baptist, Davidson

Vacation Bible school: Connect faith and life through Bible stories, crafts, music and games. Classes for all ages. 6:15-9 p.m. July 12-16. 18841 Davidson-Concord Road, Davidson. www.HopewellBaptistChurch.com.

Saint Phillip Missionary Baptist, Huntersville

Children’s book club: The Phenomenal Readers Book Club will meet to read books, visit the library, play vocabulary games, have snacks and work with adult mentors. Ages 6-15. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays through July 30. 524 Dellwood Drive, Huntersville. 704-948-6869.

Community in Christ Lutheran, Cornelius

Denver Bible study: Community in Christ, ELCA, is expanding into the Denver community. All are welcome to attend a small-group Bible study 7 p.m. July 6 at AcuCare Clinic, 388 N. C. 16 N., Denver. Refreshments will be served. www.communityinchrist.net.

In His Steps Dance Ministry

Summer camps: The local, nonprofit dance ministry for girls will offer free summer dance camps in Mooresville, Statesville, Taylorsville, Salisbury and Cornelius. The theme is “Dance Party.” Girls will learn dance moves and how to have fun in our joy for Christ. In His Steps also offers free weekly dance classes and devotions. Pre-K through 12th grade. Volunteers and donations welcome. www.ihsdance.com.

Vanderburg United Methodist, Mooresville

Community outreach event: Homemade ice cream social, 4 p.m. July 12. Donations accepted for scholarship program. At 5:30 p.m., singer and songwriter Terry Edwards will present a concert on the lawn with a blend of Appalachian acoustic music, North Carolina soul and beach band music of the ‘60s. Bring a lawn chair and a friend. A love offering will be taken. 1809 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. 704-663-1690.

First Baptist, Mooresville

Vacation Bible school: Join us for “Journey Off the Map” as we discover truths about Jesus. Kids will visit Survival Springs for snacks, Rappelling Ravine for recreation, Boulder Bridge for missions and much more. 4-7 p.m. July 19 and 9 a.m.-noon July 20-23. Closing program and treats, 6:30 p.m. July 23. 150 S. Church St., Mooresville. Register at www.FBCMooresville.com. 704-664-2324.

Freedom Christian Center, Mooresville

Summer music camp: $25 registration; $125 per week. Private music lessons available. Free consultation.

Afterschool program: $25 registration; $75 per week. Scholarships available. 757 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville. For information, call Kateaka or Veronica at 704-879-5343.

Saint Therese Catholic, Mooresville

Summer schedule: Weekend Masses will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and at 8:30 and 10 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m. (Spanish) and 5:30 p.m. Sundays. The Sunday nursery will be open during the 8:30 and 10 a.m. Masses. The schedule will begin July 4 and end Aug. 30.

Rummage sale: 7:30-11:45 a.m. Aug. 1. Bag sale, noon-1 p.m. 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. 704-664-3992.

All Things Possible Ministries

Auditions: Looking for Christian vocalists for the 2015 Exalt! Vocal Talent Showcase. Auditions will be held July 18 at Grace Presbyterian, 2955 S.C. 160, Fort Mill. Apply online to secure your spot. Top 10 will perform at grand finale; top three will win studio time; winner will perform on TBN. www.ATPMIN.org.

Bethel Presbyterian, Clover

Fall Bible study: Moms of young children are welcome to join a “Mentors and Moms” Bible study about parenting. Light breakfast served. Child care and study books provided. Registration required. 9:15-11:15 a.m. Thursdays starting Sept. 6. 2445 S. C. 557, Clover. www.BethelChurchPCA.com. For information, email Ann Falls at apfalls@yahoo.com.

94.3 FM WRHI, Rock Hill

Radio show: “The Storyteller’s Gospel Show” with Margaret Caldwell will air 9:30 a.m. Sundays. www.wrhi.com.

Saint Paul’s Episcopal, Fort Mill

Staff member welcomed: Saint Paul’s announces that Jane Kilpatrick will be director of Christian Education and Family Ministries, effective July 5. Kilpatrick earned a master’s in Christian education from Pfeiffer University and has passion for teaching and Christian education. “As a child, I would sneak into the church to teach my imaginary Sunday school class. How refreshing to do so now without the sneaking,” she said. The church invites you to worship as they grow and expand Christian education programs. 501 Pine St., Fort Mill. 803-547-5968.

This story was originally published June 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Religion news: The region."