Project Strong YOUth conference today

Outreach Christian Ministries is hosting Project Strong YOUth: Building Game Changers.

The 2014 youth conference is in progress at Outreach Christian Ministries, 722 W. Horah St.

Today’s “Real Talk” panel discussion for ages 14 and up begins at 11 a.m. There will be other activities provided for those younger.

From 2  until 5 p.m. is the outdoors fall festival for all ages and at 7:30 p.m. Grammy award-winner Minister K.J. Scriven and others will entertain. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ocmsalisbury

WWLTC food fundraiser

Whosoever Will Let Them Come Ministries food fundraiser is today at AutoZone on the corner of Long and Innes, starting at 10 a.m. Homemade desserts, cornbread, chili beans, chicken, chicken and dumplings, fish. Info at 704-633-3876. WWLTC Ministries is at 318 8th St., Spencer.

St. Luke’s Reformed chicken pie dinner

A chicken pie/chicken noodle dinner will be held today Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at St. Luke’s Reformed Church, 1775 St. Luke’s Church Road. Adults  $8, six and under $4. Eat in or carry out.

Knox Chapel UMC annual barbecue

CLEVELAND — Knox Chapel United Methodist Church, 3520 Amity Hill Road, holds its  annual barbecue today  from  11 a.m. until 6 p.m. or until gone. There will be plates, sandwiches, homemade desserts and drinks for eat in or carry out.

Cancer awareness at Erwin Temple

A Cancer Awareness program will be held at Erwin Temple C.M.E. Church today beginning at 4 p.m. The guest speaker for breast cancer, Minister Gwendolyn Blake, associate pastor of Souls For Christ Church in Gastonia; the guest speaker for prostate cancer will be Willie Lazenby, a member of Knox Grove Baptist Church of Cleveland.

Invited to attend: cancer survivors and those still going through. Good information will be given. A meal will be served and gospel singing will be provided by the Disciples of Joy.

Sponsored by the Board of Christian Education. The Rev. Ervin L. Hannah Jr. is host pastor.

Bruce Woodman to speak at Maranatha

Maranatha Bible Church, 2320 Statesville Blvd., welcomes Bruce Woodman to speak in their morning service on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Under his leadership, Impact International proclaims the Gospel throughout Central and South America with city-wide crusades, television and radio ministries.

A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. Casual dress is recommended.  Call 704-637-1995 for more information.

Mount Zion UCC

CHINA GROVE  — At Mount Zion UCC, 1415 S. Main St., during the 10 a.m. Sunday school hour Jessica Deal will share stories and slides in the new building, about her recent mission trip to South Africa.

During the 11 a.m. service, the Mount Zion children’s choir will sing “We’re Gonna Have Church.”  Michelle Walker is the children’s choir director and Carole Brooke is children’s choir musician.

See mtzionchinagrove.com or call 704-857-1169.  The Rev. Mark L. Burns is pastor.

Southside Church of God homecoming

CHINA GROVE — Southside Church of God will celebrate homecoming on Sunday at 11 a.m.  Guest singers for the day are The Parables of Christ, southern gospel recording artists.  A covered dish meal will follow the morning service.  There will be no Sunday School or evening worship.  For more information, call 704-467-4555. Host pastor is Joyce Miles.

First Calvary observes Woman’s Day

First Calvary Baptist Church, 400 S. Long St., will observe Woman’s Day at the 11 a.m. service Sunday.  The speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Tressala Hicklin-Alsbrooks of Kannapolis.  The Contemporary Choir will sing.

Dr. Hicklin-Alsbrooks, a graduate of Hood Theological Seminary, received the doctorate of ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.   Former pastorates include Reeves Chapel and Gilmore Chapel AME Zion Churches in Concord and Humphrey’s Chapel AME  Zion  Church in Dallas.  She is currently the pastor of Big Pineville AME Zion Church in Charlotte.

The Rev. Leamon E. Brown is host pastor.

Women’s Day observed at New Hope AME Zion

New Hope AME  Zion Church will observe its annual Women’s Day during the 11 a.m. service on Sunday.  Guest  speaker will be Minister Rosemary Roberson Newman. She is a graduate of Catawba College with a bachelor of social work degree.  She currently serves as an associate minister at Christian Tabernacle Church of Roselle, Ill.

Minister Newman’s career has been rooted in the field of counseling and education.  She  has led women’s conferences, mentored young people and shared God’s Word. She has given the invocation for the Illinois General Assembly and is the first and only female in the 13 year history for the Cultural Awareness Commission to serve as keynote speaker for its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday celebration. 

The Rev. Dr. Debra J. Hall is host pastor,

Love Christian Center

EAST SPENCER  — Love Christian Center, 102 N. Long St., will be celebrating Bishop Ronald and Mother Lotis Hash’s 22nd pastoral anniversary on Sunday.  The 11 a.m. speaker will be Minister Cedrick Hash, Love Christian Center young adult minister. 

The evening service will start at 5 p.m. and the speaker is Bishop J C Hash, pastor of Saint Peter’s World Outreach Center, Winston Salem, where he is senior pastor and chief executive officer of the 3,500-plus member, multi-cultural center.

For information call 704-960-6444 or 704-433-1474.

Henderson Grove celebrates 202 years

Henderson Grove Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate its 202nd church anniversary on Sunday. The congregation was organized in 1812.

The 11 a.m. service will be conducted by the Rev. Perry Dye, pastor of Henderson Grove. Dinner will follow at 1:30 p.m. The 3 p.m. guest speaker will be the Rev. Morgan Glenn, pastor of Sills Creek AME Zion Church in Mooresville.

Faith Temple celebrates pastor’s appreciation

EAST SPENCER —Faith Temple Triumphant Ministries, 900 Pinetree Drive, will have a special pastor appreciation  service on Sunday.

The 11 a.m. preacher is Apostle Kenneth L. Fairbanks, pastor of Faithworks Ministries in Greensboro, who recently published his first book titled “Life’s Perspectives — Wisdom for Everyday Living”.

The book provides readers with practical application to spiritual and motivational concepts, empowering life situations and instructional solutions.

There will be a book signing from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Faith Temple Triumphant Ministries. Pastor Dr. Henry C. Diggs along with First Lady Joann P. Diggs are the founders of this ministry established in October 2008.

Oak Grove Baptist  pastor anniversary

CHINA GROVE — The Oak Grove Baptist Church family will conclude the first anniversary celebration of  pastor the Rev. Dr. Keith and Sister Tammy Curry on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The church is at 1205 S. Main St.

Mt. Vernon’s gospel choir turns 21

WOODLEAF — The gospel choir of Mt. Vernon will observe its 21st anniversary on Sunday with a musical program. The program will begin at 3 p.m. with prayer and praise services. There will be music by Mt. Vernon’s choir and choirs from area churches. Refreshments will be served before and after the program. Mt. Vernon is located on Carson Road. Dr. Emery Rann is the host pastor.

Moore’s Chapel pastoral anniversary

CLEVELAND — On Sunday at 3 p.m., Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church will celebrate the 21st pastoral anniversary of the Rev. William C. Speas. Special guest will be the Rev. Dairl Scott, pastor of New Hope AME Zion Church of Winston-Salem.

Providence AME Zion homecoming

Providence AME Zion Church, 2415 Providence Church Road, will celebrate its eighth annual homecoming on Sunday at 3 p.m. with guest speaker the Rev. Dr. Grant Harrison Jr., pastor of Soldiers Memorial AME Zion Church. Dinner will be served at 1:30 p.m.

Fall revival services will be Monday, Oct. 27 through Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. The Rev. Tamica L. Robinson, pastor of St. John’s AME Zion Church of Mocksville will be the guest speaker on Monday and Wednesday.

On Tuesday and Thursday the guest speaker will be the Rev. Carolyn Bratton, pastor of Moore’s Chapel AME Zion. The theme of the revival is ‘Losing our Infirmities.’ The Rev. Zacahrias E. Allen is host pastor.

Macedonia Missionary holds choir concert

CONCORD — The Inspirational Choir of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 6740 Macedonia Church Road, hosts its 39th annual concert on Sunday at 3   p.m.

Call 704-786-7308 or visit www.macedoniaofconcord.org

St. Luke Baptist

St. Luke Baptist Church on Hawkinstown Road will be celebrating the Usher Board anniversary on Sunday at 3 p.m. The Rev. Carolyn Bratton of Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church will deliver the message. Host pastor is the Rev. Arthur L. Heggins.

Oakdale movie event: ‘God Is Not Dead’

SPENCER — The movie “God is Not Dead!” will be shown at Oakdale Baptist Church, 200 Charles St., on Sunday night at 6 p.m. This is a powerful movie in which a college student stands up for his faith in Jesus Christ in a philosophy class where the professor is an atheist. Call 704-633-9412 for more information. Host pastor is Richard Gross.

Matthew Weaver with Gospel Voices

LEXINGTON  — The Davidson Missional Network of Yadkin Valley District of the Western North Carolina Conference is presenting Gospel Voices and Matthew Weaver in concert Sunday. Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 943 N., NC 150. A love offering will be accepted. All proceeds will go to the West Davidson food pantry.

Barbecue at Liberty UMC

The fall barbecue at Liberty United  Methodist Church, intersection of Stokes Ferry and Liberty Roads, is Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hickory cooked barbecue pork and chicken. Eat in or take out. Barbecue sold by the sandwich, plate, pound; chicken sold whole or half. Plates have green or pinto beans, slaw, bread, dessert, drink. Info at  704-431-5035..

Spaghetti dinner at Second Presbyterian

KANNAPOLIS — Kannapolis Area Men will be serving a complete spaghetti dinner at Second Presbyterian Church,  1578 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The cost for adults is $7 and children under 6 are free.  Proceeds go to My Fathers House of CCM.

Fall Fests and other events for kids and families

Christ UMC Community Fun Fest

Today is the community Fun Fest. at Christ United Methodist Church, 3401 Mooresville Road. The road rally starts at 8 a.m. and there will be musical entertainment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and bounce houses and games from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a corn hole tourney is at 1 p.m., and  a blessing of the animals  at 11 a.m. and  4 p.m. Trunk or treat runs from 6 to 7 p.m. Food will be available.  704-637-7843.

Mount Zion UCC Fall Festival

CHINA GROVE — Mount Zion UCC in China Grove,  1415 S. Main St., hosts a festival and bazaar today from 9 a.m  to 4 p.m. with vendors, items canned, homemade, baked, fried, dried, diced and cut, plants for the Country Store, Steve Corriher’s special Brunswick Stew to sell, plus child care. 704-857-1360.

Fall fundraiser

KANNAPOLIS — Today from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. is the Fall Carnival event at Franklin Heights Christian Books & Gifts, 443 N. Cannon Blvd.,  with food, games, vendors and crafters in a  family environment. Sponsored by the Franklin Heights Baptist Church Women’s Ministry and Franklin Heights Christian Academy. Proceeds will be go to Franklin Heights Christian Academy, 704-932-6245.

First Baptist -Salisbury Fall Festival

Sunday from 4-6 p.m., First Baptist Church-Salisbury will hold its annual Fall Festival themed “Turning A New Leaf” with inflatables, trunk or treat, antique fire truck rides, games,  prizes, food fundraisers, bake sale. The public is invited, costumes are encouraged for all ages. For game tickets, bring two canned food items for Rowan Helping Ministries. Extra tickets are $1. A special “My Hope with Billy Graham” table with Operation Christmas Child boxes will be available. First Ministry Center, 220 N. Fulton St.

Trinity Trunk or Treat Fall Festival

Trinity Weslyan’s festival is Sunday from 5-7:30 p.m., with a jumbo slide, bounce house arena, petting zoo, hay rides, popcorn, cotton candy, plus tons of candy and more. Wear your favorite costume and join the fun. Completely free. Trinity Wesleyan Church, 2200 Mooresville Road, 704-633-2884.

Salem Lutheran Fall Festival Trunk or Treat

The annual Let Your Light Shine for Christ Fall Festival Trunk or Treat at Salem Lutheran Church, 5080 Sherrills Ford Road, is Sunday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wear fun costumes and enjoy trunk or treat, carnival games, carnival food, dinner, and inflatables. Drawings for family fun prizes. Also costume contest with prizes and a cake walk  Bring canned goods for Rowan Helping Ministries. Info at 704-636-0352.

Fall Fest at Blackwelder Park Baptist

KANNAPOLIS – Blackwelder Park Baptist Church’s Fall Festival for children and their parents is on Wednesday, Oct. 29 beginning at 6 p.m., in the church’s family life center. There will be a bouncy house and slide, games, food, prizes, face painting, cake walk, cotton candy, popcorn, a hot dog supper cooked on site and served with fixings, chips and drinks. Blackwelder Park Baptist is at 2204 Summit Drive, 704-932-4266.

J.C. Price annual event just for kids

On Thursday, Oct. 30 from 5-8 p.m., the J.C. Price American Legion Post 107 will hold a Halloween and Crime Prevention program for children and youth with refreshments, music, prizes, face painting, homemade cookies and prizes for the three best costumes. There will be police and fireman demonstrations. Children must be under 15 and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leonard Hall, 704-640-6360.

Mt. Zion Trunk or Treat

RICHFIELD — Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 111 E. Church St., will host Trunk or Treat from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31 with goodies, popcorn, hot chocolate and a short movie. Canned food items will be collected for Stanly Community Christian Ministry. 704-463-7280 or www.mtzionrichfield.org

World of Faith Hallelujah Festival

World of Faith Outreach Ministries will throw a Hallelujah Festival on Oct. 31 at 5370 Stokes Ferry Road. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be free food and drinks, games, a piñata, face painting, apple bobbing, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs and more. Call 704-640-2037 or email WOFOM28146@gmail.com

Not Just Another Fall Festival

ROCKWELL — Saturday, Nov. 1 at Rockwell Christian School: Old fashioned fun with children’s games, prizes, country store, silent auction, special drawings for iPad, iPod, guitar and accessories, cash prizes. Also barbecue pork or chicken meals for $9 between 3 and 7 p.m. Admission is free. Rockwell Christian School, 401 Depot St.

Milford Hills UMC Pumpkin Patch

Funds raised through the Milford Hills UMC Pumpkin sales support missions, local and beyond. Pumpkins of all size as well as baked goods, bracelets, decorative plates.  The church is located at 1630 Statesville Blvd. Hours;  Monday through Friday noon until 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. 704-636-0471.