Religion news

Compiled by Erica Batten

The 16th annual Kennedy Lecture will feature Gerard Mannion of Georgetown University. Mannion will present “Remembering the Future: Pope Francis and Vatican II,” offering insights into the Pope’s vision for an updated commitment to the reform agenda of the Second Vatican Council. Free parking and admission. 9-11:30 a.m. Jan. 30. Coffee served at 8:30 a.m. 507 S. Tryon St. 704-332-2901.

“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 through March 1. The focus for Feb. 2 will be “Christian Approaches to Religion and Politics: Conservative Protestant, Liberal Protestant, and Roman Catholic Viewpoints.” Guest speakers include David Chadwick, Steve Shoemaker and Sister Rose Marie Tresp. 5101 Providence Road. For a full schedule of speakers, go to http://templebethel.org/events/comparative-religion-series/.

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.

Join us for “The Faith Awakens.” The topic for Jan. 31 is “That’s No Moon,” a discussion of death. 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays. 4411 Sharon Road. www.sharonumc.org.

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 information, contact Shea Barja at sheabarja@gmail.com.

Join us for great study, conversations, and fellowship. Topics include “Why Millennials Are Leaving the Church,” “The Energy Bus,” and “Faithfully Fit.” 1117 South Blvd. www.pritchardmemorial.com/pritchard-connect.

Clergy invited to explore a deeper interior space of intimacy with God and move forward in your spiritual formation. $99. 5-7 p.m. Feb. 2. 6100 Sardis Road. Register at www.ministryds.org.

David and Jason Benham, best-selling authors and nationally-acclaimed entrepreneurs, will present “Whatever the Cost,” their inspirational message on how to live powerfully for Jesus in the areas of leadership, work, family, and culture. A dessert and coffee buffet will be served after the presentation. $5. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the Benhams and purchase copies of their book. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30. 2048 Carmel Road. http://carmelpresbyterian.org.

Celtic duo Thistledown Tinkers will perform at 4 p.m. Jan. 31 in the sanctuary. Free; a goodwill offering will be received. 8601 Bryant Farms Road. www.SMPChome.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.

Pastor 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 on 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.

Heartland Baroque will present “At the Monarch’s Pleasure,” a program honoring the music and musicians from the House of Habsburg in the 17th century, including Bertali, Buonamente, Neri, and Valenti. $15 general admission; students and seniors, $10; children, free. 7 p.m. Jan. 28. 100 N. Main St., Davidson. 704-560-0101.

2-7 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Congregation House, 218 Concord Road, Davidson. www.dcpc.org.

Pastor appointed: The church has welcomed Pastor Horatious Harris as senior pastor of its University and Lake Norman locations. Harris led the first worship service at the Huntersville location on Oct. 18. Harris has been in ministry for more than 25 years. He and his wife, Kecia, have three children and are bivocational leaders. Everyone is welcome to experience the new birth of ministry in Charlotte as the church grows from its provisional years. Services are held at 8 a.m. Sundays at the Hilton Charlotte University Place, 8629 JM Keynes Drive, and at 10:45 a.m. Sundays at 17001 New Birth Drive in Huntersville. www.newbirthcharlotte.org.

It has been our tradition to focus on an issue of concern and social justice on fifth Sundays. On Jan. 31, as preparation for the UUA’s 2015-16 common read, we will discuss white privilege. Service at 11 a.m. Jan. 31. Nursery provided. Children in grades K-5 go to spiritual exploration following the children’s story during the service. Services are held at the Woodlawn School, 135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville. www.uulakenorman.org.

The church has created a life-size reproduction of the Holy Door at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The image depicts the history of salvation in the Bible. Twelve bronze panels tell the story, beginning with Adam and Eve through the crucifixion of Christ and ending with the opening of the Holy Door by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

Married and engaged couples are invited to an evening with Mary Healy, author of “Men and Women Are From Eden.” The event will include a marriage vow renewal and refreshments. Free; reservations required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Family Center Parish Hall.

Young adults invited to a casual game night. Pizza will be delivered. 7-10 p.m. Jan. 30 at Crafty Beer Guys in Huntersville.

Caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimer’s disease invited to a monthly support group. 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Family Center, Room 203. 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. www.stmarknc.org.

Moving communion service will set the tone for Lent. The church’s Shine Trio will sing. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31. 1430 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville. www.fairviewumc.org.

“Knocking on Heaven’s Door: Contemplative Ways of Opening to the Holy Teaching.” Worship session, 9:30 a.m. each first Sunday. The Feb. 7 session will focus on powerlessness. 304 S. Main St., Davidson. For information, contact Ann Starrette at AStarrette@DavidsonUMC.org.

The Bridge Academy preschool will provide connections and promote community businesses. Please walk through and stay for lunch, which is available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Bridge Academy. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 27. 2940 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville. www.thebridgeacademylkn.com.

Rejuvenating midweek service with acoustic guitar music. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius. www.mtzionumc.net.

Mark Valenti will perform rarely-heard piano works by J. S. Bach, Debussy, Bartok, and Villa-Lobos. Free; donations accepted. 8 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Belmont Abbey Basilica. 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Road, Belmont. www.bac.edu.

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.

Congregational forum. 10 a.m. Jan. 31. Sunday school at 9 a.m. 950 Bradley St., Concord. www.clcofconcord.org.

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.

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

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

If you are experiencing difficulties dealing with grief, join a group that will help you through the healing journey. Monthly meetings. 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 6. 4435 E. WT Harris Blvd. www.churchofchristnorthside.net.

Community “Soup and Singing” service. The gospel praise team will perform. 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at Beulah Presbyterian, 8305 Landsford Road, Monroe. 704-301-6929.

“Just Joy” monthly worship service for special-needs friends and their families. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28. 201 E. White St., Rock Hill. 803-327-2009; www.firstarp.org.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 12:12 PM with the headline "Religion news."