Religion

Religion news

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Compiled by Erica Batten

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 through March 1. The focus for Feb. 23 will be “Pews to Polls: The Use of Religion in Politics.” Guest speakers are former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot, former “Observer” editor Ed Williams, Mecklenburg County Commissioners Trevor Fuller and Pat Cotham, and Mayor Jennifer Roberts. For a full schedule of speakers, go to http://templebethel.org/events/comparative-religion-series/.

Guest speaker

Rabbi Amy Scheinerman will join us as this year’s Sadie Levin Scholar-in Residence. All are welcome. Scheinerman will present reflections from the Talmud in “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Relationships” at 6 p.m. Feb. 19. She will discuss “Religious Fanaticism” at 9 a.m. Feb. 20. A brunch-and-learn on “The Rabbis’ Radical Views of God” will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 21. 5101 Providence Road. www.templebethel.org.

Sharon Presbyterian

Concert

Carolina Pro Musica and the UNC-Charlotte Chorale will present “Innovations Italian Style.” Vocal and instrumental works by Monteverdi and Carissimi. $16; students and seniors, $8. 8 p.m. Feb. 20 in the chapel. www.carolinapromusica.org.

Women’s Bible study

“Stronger: Hope in Fragile Places” by Angela Thomas. Through video guidance, discussion, and personal study, we will discover that God is stronger than every struggle you will face. 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 24 through April 6 in the chapel building. 5201 Sharon Road. www.sharonpcusa.org.

Trinity Presbyterian

Lenten lecture

Dr. Carson Brisson, associate professor of Bible and Bible Languages at Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Charlotte campus, will be the speaker for Gilchrist Sunday. Brisson will examine Exodus 3, with specific emphasis on Hebrew terms, at 9:45 a.m. Feb. 21 in Carson Fellowship Hall. During the 11 a.m. worship service, he will focus on Mark 1: 40-45.

A luncheon will be held following the worship service. Brisson will answer questions at the luncheon. Gilchrist Sunday is named for Trinity charter members Pat and Katie Gilchrist. The annual lecture welcomes theologians and ministers who challenge us to approach our faith in new ways. 3115 Providence Road. www.trinitypreschurch.org.

Central Church

Fundraising 5K

The church invites you to join us for our annual Pure Religion 5K to promote awareness and fight against human trafficking. The family event will include a kids’ fun run, face painting, and music. 9 a.m. April 16. Early-bird pricing through Feb. 29. 5301 Sardis Road. www.PureReligion5K.com.

Saint Nektarios Church

Guest speaker

Father Themi Adamopoulo, a rock star who became a servant of God, will discuss the joys and struggles he has experienced at the Holy Orthodox Mission in Sierra Leone. Free admission; goodwill donations accepted. Coffee and dessert served after the program. 6 p.m. Feb. 21. 5108 Kuykendall Road. 704-708-4669.

Elizabeth Communities of Faith

Lenten worship

Ecumenical 30-minute worship experience with prayers, music, homily, meditation and imagery followed by a simple soup lunch. This year’s theme is “Last Words --Lasting Words: Proclaiming Jesus’ Words From the Cross to the Needs of Today.” $5 donation requested for lunch. Offering collected for Loaves and Fishes. Noon Wednesdays at Saint John’s Baptist, 300 Hawthorne Lane. www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org.

Baha’i Center

Panel discussion

“Revealing the Gems” will focus on the potential of education to reveal the gems hidden within each child. Panelists include Dr. Mary Moss Brown of Charlotte Lab School, Dave Edwards of Ignite Learning Partners, Kayla Romero of Students for Education Reform, Rebecca Soular-Patel of the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, and Kwame Stith of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Reception follows program. 3-4:30 p.m. Feb. 21. 3514 Marvin Road. www.bahaicharlotte.org.

Wesley United Methodist

Lenten study

“Jesus Revealed” is an innovative series of teaching films, followed by group discussion. Materials provided. 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays through March 24. 3715 Rea Road. Register at www.wesleycharlotte.org.

Calvary Church

Adult fitness classes

Variety of choices with trained instructors for men and women ages 16 and up. $20 per month unlimited participation. First class is free. www.calvarychurch.com/champexercise.

Spring sports

Champ Sports offers youth soccer, flag football, t-ball, baseball, and karate. The season begins the week of Feb. 29. 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road. www.champsportsinfo.com.

South Mecklenburg Presbyterian

Aging program

The JOY Social Group presents “Best Practices for Healthy Aging” with chaplain and grief counselor Carol Anne Lawler. 10:30 a.m. Feb. 25. Optional barbecue lunch, $12, paid at the door. Please make lunch reservations by Feb. 22. 8601 Bryant Farms Road. www.SMPChome.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.

Fair View United Methodist, Mooresville

Lenten study

Join us for an in-depth study of Jesus as written by John. Gain understanding of Jesus’ miracles, the “I am” statements, the Passion week, more. Dr. Susan Harrison will lead the study. 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 17 through March 23. 1430 Mecklenburg Hwy., Mooresville. Please register at 704-664-2880.

RiverLife Wellness Center, Mooresville

Study series

“Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.” Free, eight-week series based on bestseller by Peter Scazzero leads people to become emotionally mature and spiritually healthy. Workbook purchase recommended. 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting Feb. 10. 2487 Charlotte Hwy., Mooresville. http://www2.riverlifefellowship.com/ministries/wellness-center/.

First Baptist, Mooresville

Lenten luncheon series

Lunch, music, and a brief homily by an area minister. Free; donations accepted to offset costs. 11:45 Thursdays through March 24. 150 S. Church St., Mooresville. www.fbcmooresville.com.

Triplett United Methodist, Mooresville

Wednesday night services

Contemporary worship. A free meal will be served before the services at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 838 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville. www.triplettumc.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Lake Norman

Service

The Rev. Robin Tanner will present “The Holy Indecent.” Nursery provided. Children in grades K-5 go to spiritual exploration following the children’s story during the service. 11 a.m. Feb. 21.

Sunday morning groups

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.

Davidson United Methodist

Film discussion group

Film and Spirituality group meets monthly. View the film on your own before the meeting, then join us for a guided discussion. We will discuss locally-filmed “War Room” at 10 a.m. Feb. 23 in Room 220. 233 S. Main St., Davidson. www.davidsonumc.org.

The Episcopal Church of Saint Peter by-the-Lake, Denver

Concert

The Ziad Jazz Quartet, with two featured guests on guitar and violin, will perform a concert of “gypsy jazz.” Reception follows concert. Adults, $15; students and seniors, $10; children under 12, free. 3 p.m. Feb. 28. 8433 Fairfield Forest Road, Denver. 704-489-6249.

Community in Christ Lutheran, Cornelius

Lenten soup suppers

We will come together for fellowship and a warm meal prior to worship. 6 p.m. Wednesdays.

Card ministry

6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and 3:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Spirit Center.

Prayer shawl ministry

6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and 28 and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 17 and 24. 7621 Norman Island Drive, Cornelius. www.communityinchrist.net.

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. www.mtzionumc.net.

Saint Mark Catholic, Huntersville

Special needs classroom

The church offers free care and education for children with special needs. Certified professionals create a fun, loving environment. 9 a.m. Sundays. Please register in advance. 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. www.stmarknc.org.

Grace AME Zion

Black history celebration

The church will host its annual concert to spread the love of God and honor the lives and legacies of three distinguished community leaders and church members, including John Arthur Davis, Armstead Mayo Houston, and Joseph Allen Swain. The concert will feature the Saint Mark AME Zion Church Mass Choir of Pineville and the music ministry of Grace. 3 p.m. Feb. 21. 3722 David Cox Road. www.facebook.com/grace.a.church.3.

Common Heart, Indian Trail

Church partnership program

Local nonprofit Common Heart will host a meeting for pastors and church leaders on its new Charitas Network. The initiative will join faith communities in western Union and southeast Mecklenburg Counties to more effectively serve their neighbors in need, especially those who experience poverty, disability, homelessness, unemployment, or crisis. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 18 at The Trail House, 6751 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail. RSVP: 704-218-9060. www.commonheart.org.

Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Weddington

Marriage workshop

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

Doers of the Word Christian Fellowship

Black history celebration

The public is invited to a fellowship celebration on the theme “Saluting Big and Small Black History Makers.” Pastor Dennis Funderburk of H. O. Graham Metropolitan Presbyterian will give an inspirational message. The celebration will also include musical presentations, food, a dramatic reading and other presentations. Attendees will be able to register to vote and register for an upcoming seminar on how to respond when stopped by police. 4 p.m. Feb. 21. www.doersofthewordcfc.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 Mount Carmel Baptist, 7237 Tuckaseegee Road and 10-11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at Saint 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 Saint Paul Baptist.www.exodusfoundation.org.

Saint John’s Missionary Baptist, Gastonia

Women’s retreat

Women of Wisdom will host “Heart to Heart.” 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 20.

Black history observation

A meal will be served. 10 a.m. Feb. 28. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. 704-864-6222.

Chapel Grove Baptist, Gastonia

Terrific Tuesday nights

Dr. Mike Whitson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, will be our guest speaker at 7 p.m. Feb. 23. 716 Camp Rotary Road, Gastonia. 704-864-6134.

First Baptist, Indian Trail

Spring sports leagues

Tackle football for ages 6-11, cheerleading for ages 6-11, soccer for ages 4-11. 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail. www.316-Sports.com.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

Blood drives

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Central United Methodist, 801 S. Hayne St., Monroe. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Greater Providence Baptist, 2000 Milton Road. 4:30-8 p.m. Feb. 22 at Bethpage Presbyterian, 6020 Mooresville Hwy., Kannapolis. www.cbcc.us.

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.

Calvary Lutheran, Concord

Lenten midweek worship

7 p.m. Wednesdays starting Feb. 17. Light meal at 5:45 p.m.

Worship services

8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays unless noted. 950 Bradley St., Concord. www.clcofconcord.org.

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.

Forest Hill United Methodist, Concord

Consignment sale

Register now to consign children’s clothing and toys. The sale will be held March 11-12. 50 Elm Ave., Concord. www.foresthillumc.org.

Trinity United Church of Christ, Concord

Discussion group

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

Roberta United Methodist, Concord

Free clothing

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.

Hot dog sale

Hot dogs and homemade desserts, $1.25 each. Delivery for orders of 10 or more. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 20. 3925 Cochran Road, Concord. 704-786-9215.

Temple Solel, Fort Mill

Shabbat services

The Reform Jewish Congregation is currently holding Shabbat services at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of the month in the ministry building at Saint Philip Neri Catholic, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill. Religious education is held at 10 a.m. Sundays at Blooming Einsteins, 2752 Pleasant Road, Suite 103, Fort Mill. 803-619-9707; www.templesolelsc.org.

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 2:52 PM with the headline "Religion news."

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