Religion news

Compiled by Erica Batten

Saint Matthew Catholic

Retreat

“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.

Library celebration

Please join us as we celebrate our parish library’s 10th anniversary. Meet authors and church parishioners Kelly Buckley, author of “Gratitude in Grief,” and Fred Berretta, author of “Flight of Faith: My Miracle on the Hudson.” 2-4 p.m. Jan. 24 in the banquet room.

Healing prayer service

The Rev. Christopher Krymski, director of the National Shrine of Saint Peregrine, will be our guest for the seventh anniversary commemoration of our monthly Saint Peregrine healing prayer service for those suffering with cancer and other grave diseases. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Sardis Presbyterian

Clergy series

“The Clergy Checkup: A Clergy and Spouse Exclusive.” This is part of the Ministry Development Services’ Healthy Parsonage Series. $160. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 26 in the fellowship hall. 6100 Sardis Road. Register at www.ministryds.org/healthy-parsonage-family-series.html.

Sharon United Methodist

Sermon series

Join us for “The Faith Awakens.” The topic for Jan. 24 is “It Is Your Destiny,” a discussion of free will. 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. www.sharonumc.org.

Temple Beth El

Comparative religion series

“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. The focus for Jan. 26 will be on U.S. minority religions; guest speakers include Rabbi Judy Schindler of Temple Beth El, Ryusho Jeffus Shonin of Wonderful Voice Buddhist Temple, and Imam Atif Chaudhry of the Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte. 5101 Providence Road. For a full schedule of speakers, go to http://templebethel.org/events/comparative-religion-series/.

South Mecklenburg Presbyterian

Author visit

Anna Whiston-Donaldson, author of “Rare Bird,” will share ideas of how churches and communities can better support families in crisis and how to talk to your children about trusting God in difficult situations. 9 a.m. Jan. 24 in the McQueen Room. She will share her faith story during the 10:30 a.m. worship service and will speak at 5 p.m. in Mecklenburg Hall. A reception and book signing will follow the 5 p.m. event. Park Road Books is offering a discount on copies of the book to patrons who mention “SMPC event.” 8601 Bryant Farms Road. www.smpchome.org.

Wesley United Methodist

Finance classes

“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.

Saint Martin’s Episcopal

Conference

We will live-stream the Trinity Institute’s 2016 conference, “Listen for Change: Sacred Conversations for Racial Justice.” The conference takes place in New York. Speakers include “New York Times” columnist Nicholas Kristof, actor Anna Deavere Smith, and NPR’s Michele Norris. Free. Child care available by reservation. 1510 E. Seventh St. www.stmartins-charlotte.org/TI2016.

Trinity Episcopal School

Guest speaker

Rabbi Judy Schindler will speak on how individuals and organizations can use their voices to effect change in our communities. The event is part of the school’s annual Freedom Fete in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Free; seating limited. 7 p.m. Jan. 21. 750 E. 9th St. www.TEScharlotte.org/FreedomFete.

Saint John Neumann Catholic

Service

The church will host a community service in recognition of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Pastor In-Yong Lee of Cokesbury United Methodist will be our speaker. Soo-Jin Ridgell will lead the music. Other participating churches are Christian Faith Assembly, Joy Church and Morning Star Lutheran. Refreshments will be served after the service. 7 p.m. Jan. 28. 8451 Idlewild Road. For more information, contact Shea Barja at sheabarja@gmail.com.

Sharon Presbyterian

Annual women’s gathering

Wendy Blight of Proverbs 31 Ministries will present “Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner.” Blight will share her transforming journey of hope and healing and lessons we can apply to our own lives. Space limited. 12:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in the chapel. 5141 Sharon Road. Reservations: www.SharonPCUSA.org.

Saint John’s Episcopal

Job hunters’ group

Expert speakers provide job search tips, résumé reviews, interview coaching, and networking opportunities. No fees or registration. 7 p.m. each second and fourth Tuesday. 1623 Carmel Road. www.saintjohns-charlotte.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at New Beginnings Community Church, 7027 Stillwell Road, Matthews. www.cbcc.us.

Lake Norman Baptist

Celebration dinner

The Bread of Life Ministry invites the community to celebrate the blessings received and shared in the past year. The ministry provides spiritual support and meals to local families in need. The celebration will include a catered Italian meal, inspiring testimonies, and reports on the impact of the ministry in our community. Free. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 in the worship center. 7921 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville. www.LakeNormanBaptist.com.

Saint Mark Catholic, Huntersville

Prayer shawl ministry

Pray together as you crochet and knit prayer shawls for people in need. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Youth programs

Two nationally-recognized programs, Fidelis for young women and Fraternus for young men, are designed to meet the needs of today’s middle- and high-school youth through discussion, contemporary movie clips, recreation, and spiritual challenges. 7:15-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. www.stmarknc.org.

Triplett United Methodist, Mooresville

Consecration service

Join us as we consecrate our new building. 4 p.m. Jan. 23. Meal at 5 p.m. 838 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville. www.triplettumc.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Lake Norman

Service

The Rev. Amy Brooks will present “Resistance: My Journey to Understanding White Privilege.” Nursery provided. Children in grades K-5 go to spiritual exploration following the children’s story during the service. 11 a.m. Jan. 24.

Sunday morning groups

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

Saint Mark’s Lutheran, Mooresville

Bishop visit

The Rev. Tim Smith, bishop of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will lead worship, including Holy Communion, at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services Jan. 31. Between services, Smith will hold a question-and-answer session in the family life center. Light breakfast served. 454 Fieldstone Road, Mooresville. www.saintmarkslutheran.com.

First Baptist, Mooresville

Music programs

Registration is available online for the music opportunities at the church. Groups include choir for age three through kindergarten, grades 1-6, grades 7-12, student sign language choir, adult choir, senior adult choir, hand bells for grades 4-6, 7-12, and adults, adult choir chimes, orchestra, praise band and In His Steps Dance Ministry for grades K-12. No cost to participate. 150 S. Church St., Mooresville. www.fbcmooresville.com.

Mount Zion United Methodist, Cornelius

Men’s prayer breakfast

The study is led by the ministerial staffs of Mount Zion United Methodist and Bethel Presbyterian. 7-8 a.m. Wednesdays at the Cookhouse Restaurant, 20936 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius.

Lenten Fair

Activities for preschool to fifth-grade children 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 17-March 23. Email Crystal Parrish at cparrish@mtzionumc.net if you have questions. Education Building, 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius. www.mtzionumc.net.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drive

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Robinson Presbyterian, 9424 Harrisburg Road. www.cbcc.us.

Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Weddington

Alpha course

Explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open, informal environment. Class begins 6-8 p.m. Jan. 31.

Marriage workshop

“The Art of Marriage.” Fully experience God’s design for marriage. Feb. 19-20. $50. 8600 Potter Road, Weddington. www.spiritofjoy.us.

Hope Academy at West Cabarrus Church, Concord

Book signing

Jerel Law, author of the “Son of Angels” series, will discuss his writing, answer questions and sign copies of his books. 3:30-5 p.m. Jan. 25 at in the Fireside Room. 7655 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord. www.hopek12.com.

Rocky Ridge United Methodist, Concord

Hot dog sale

Hot dogs, $1.25 each. Homemade desserts, chips, and drinks also available. Eat in or take out. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays. 1428 Old Charlotte Road, Concord. For delivery, please call 704-782-3579.

Mount Olivet United Methodist, Concord

Hot dog sale

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.

Temple Kol Ami, Fort Mill

Special guest

Please join us for a special weekend of prayer, study and cultural enrichment with Rabbi Bruce Aft from the Institute of Southern Jewish Life. Activities include Shabbat Shirah, Torah study, a “Taste of the Diaspora” Haydalah, and a talk by Aft on “Little-Known Communities of the Diaspora.” All activities are free and open to the community. 303 Tom Hall St., Fort Mill. www.templekolamisc.org.

Temple Solel, Fort Mill

Shabbat services

The Reform Jewish Congregation is currently holding Shabbat services at 7 p.m. each second and fourth Friday in the ministry building at Saint 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.

Clinton Chapel AME Zion

February Gala

Experience a night of delicious food, entertainment and fellowship. The Chosen Ones gospel group will perform. The event will also feature a fashion show, take-home photos, a silent auction, mime performance and more. $25. 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Varick Renaissance Center, 3165 Zion Renaissance Lane. 980-224-9701.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Religion news."