Religion news

Compiled by Erica Batten

“Politics and Religion: Where Is the Line?” Religious leaders, politicians, and legal counselors will present current and historical perspectives regarding religious beliefs and political activities. Free. 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 26. 5101 Providence Road. For a full schedule of speakers, go to http://templebethel.org/events/comparative-religion-series/.

“Seeking Purpose” retreat will help you discern the spiritual gifts that God has given you and awaken a desire for God’s will in your life. $35 includes continental breakfast, training materials, assessment, lunch and snacks. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in the New Life Center Banquet Room.

New courses begin in January and February. Course descriptions and registration available online. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Join us for “The Faith Awakens.” The topic for Jan. 17 is “That Is Why You Fail,” a discussion of how God works through failure. 9 and 11:15 a.m.Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. www.sharonumc.org.

The church is participating in a city-wide “Stop Human Trafficking” prayer vigil. The prayer room will be available for the congregation and the public to pray for victims, traffickers, customers, and government agencies. A prayer guide will be provided. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 17.

“Financial Peace University” teaches biblical, practical ways of handling money through video teaching, class discussion and small-group activities. $85 per person or couple. 6:30-8:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 20 through March 16. 3715 Rea Road. Register at www.wesleycharlotte.org.

Beth Moore’s “Sacred Secrets” will explore interesting topics through discussion, teaching videos, and light homework. 9:30-11 a.m.Wednesdays, Jan. 6 through Feb. 10. Join anytime. 5201 Sharon Road. www.sharonpcusa.org.

Join the entire Temple Israel community for Yom Gemilut Hasadim as we come together to perform acts of loving kindness. Projects to benefit Jewish Family Services, Blessings in a Backpack, The Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, the Clyde and Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter, ZABS Place, more. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 17. 4901 Providence Road. www.templeisraelnc.org.

“2016 Happy and Healthy” health fair will feature door prizes and more than 15 vendors covering a variety of health issues. Lunch available for $1. 11a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 16. Bloodmobile open 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 8614 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.pnaz.org.

Rabbi Avraham Stolik will lead an audio-visual presentation on “Jerusalem Uncovered: The Archaeological Claim to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.” $10 in advance; $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13. 6619 Sardis Road. www.chabadnc.org.

Come be a part of our multi-ethnic prayer and praise service, a lively time of celebrating the living presence of God among us. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 3100 Selwyn Ave. www.mouzonumc.org.

The church has begun its winter Room in the Inn Ministry, in which it hosts a small group of homeless people on Tuesday evenings. Clothing, toiletries and monetary donations are needed. Volunteers also needed.

Discover what it means to live by the light of faith through “Lumen Fidei,” the first encyclical of Pope Francis. Then enrich your faith with “Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer.” $40. Babysitting available. 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays starting Jan. 14. Evening study on “Consoling the Heart of Jesus” will be held 7-9 p.m. Thursdays.

Fun and light exercise for older adults. 1:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 12:30 p.m. Fridays. 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. www.stmarknc.org.

Sisters in Christ invites everyone, men included, to discuss “A House Divided.” Author Robert Whitlow will join us to discuss and sign copies of his book. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 in the fellowship hall. 1430 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville. www.robertwhitlow.com.

Guest speaker the Rev. Justin Martin will present “A Reflection on Martin Luther King Jr.” Nursery provided. Children in grades K-5 go to spiritual exploration following the children’s story during the service. 11 a.m. Jan. 16.

The Humanist group meets at 9:45 a.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month. The adult discussion group and youth spiritual exploration meet at 9:45 a.m. Sundays. Services are held at the Woodlawn School, 135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville. www.uulakenorman.org.

Registration for the 2016-2017 school year begins Jan. 13. Classes are available for children ages 2-4, including five-day classes for 4-year-olds. Classes are held 9 a.m.-noon with an 8 a.m. early-bird option. Registration fee of $90 to hold the space. 454 Fieldstone Road, Mooresville. Registration forms available at www.stmarkslutheranpreschool.com.

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 Mount Carmel Baptist, 7237 Tuckaseegee Road and 10-11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at Saint Paul Baptist, 1401 Allen St.

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 Saint Paul Baptist. www.exodusfoundation.org.

All are invited to celebrate as we launch our new church. 10 a.m. Jan. 17 at David Cox Road Elementary School, 4215 David Cox Road. www.legacyministrieschurch.org.

Service for Darial Jackson and first lady Emma Jackson celebrating their 17th pastoral anniversary. 10 a.m. Jan. 17. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. 704-864-6222.

Eat in or take out. Delivery for orders of $10 or more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays. 301 Mount Olivet Road, Concord. 704-782-8846;www.mtochurch.com.

Hot dogs and taco soup, $1.50. Chips, drinks and homemade desserts also available. Proceeds support local missions. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.Thursdays. 1030 Burrage Road N.E., Concord. www.epworthnc.com.

9 a.m.-noon Jan. 17 at Hickory Grove Baptist North Campus, 2350 Odell School Road. www.cbcc.us.

Proceeds go to Lottie Moon missions. Luncheon follows 11 a.m. service Jan. 17. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184;www.newellbaptistchurch.com.

9:30 a.m. Sundays. 38 Church St. N., Concord. www.facebook.com/commachurch.

10 a.m.-noon Mondays. Call the church office 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday to schedule an appointment. Donations of gently-used clothing also accepted. 3925 Cochran Road, Concord. 704-786-9215.

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 2:37 PM with the headline "Religion news."