Christmas program and free dinner for Veterans and the public at Love Christian Center

Submitted

EAST SPENCER — The Rubystene Morrison and Gladys Hawkins Gifts of Love Foundation will provide a free dinner for the public and especially Veterans on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 6 p.m. at Love Christian Center, 102 N. Long St. The food will be catered by a professional company and the public, especially veterans, is invited to attend. Everything is free.

There will be a short program before the meal. Participating on the program will be the CCOG Mime from Henderson Grove Church, Love Christian Center Praise Team, Love Christian Center Dance Team and others.

The Rubystene Morrison and gladys Hawkins Gifts of Love Foundation focus on veterans. Once a year the foundation sponsors a Christmas program for veterans to let them know that they are not forgotten in a time when family and friends are important. For the past three years the program was held at the Bill Hefner Medical Center for their patients. This year the Foundation decided to reach out to all veterans, especially the homeless, as well as the public.

For additional information contact Brodrick Morrison at 704-640-2405.

 

Girls for Change

Submitted

CHINA GROVE — Calling all young ladies who are in the 6th through 12th grades. You are invited to Girls for change, an empowerment weekend for girls who want to deepen their relationship with Christ, while meeting sisters in Christ.

We begin Friday Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of China Grove, 110 W. Church St.

The cost is $25, which includes a T-shirt, awesome worship services and great speakers. We will have a service day on Saturday, with relational mission opportunities. There will be lots of snacks, breakfast Saturday and Sunday, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, plus a fun-filled Saturday night evening after worship. We will end our time together at noon on Sunday after the 11 a.m. worship service.

You will need toiletries, an air mattress, a sleeping bag/sheets, pillow, pjs, work clothes for Saturday, a jacket (it will be January, after all!), clothes for Saturday night and whatever pants you would like to wear with your T-shirt Sunday morning.

Call the church office for more information at 704-857-9713 or email Scarlette Pless at scardog3@outlook.com

 

FUMC Festival of Lessons & Carols

Submitted

The Stanback Department of Sacred Music of First United Methodist Church welcomes the community to its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m.

The service is presented in the same format as the Christmas Eve service held at King’s College, Cambridge, England in 1918. The format of the service alternates readings from the Bible with carols for choir and congregation.

Joining the Chancel Choir of First Church will be a brass quintet, organ, harp, oboe and timpani. Lectors for the nine lessons will include representatives from current church leadership and benevolent organizations within the greater Salisbury community.

The Chancel Choir will be conducted by Director of Music Matthew Michael Brown and will offer anthems by Leo Nestor, Paul Halley, Barlow Bradford, Gerald Near, Herbert Howells and Stephen Paulus.

A prelude of music for harp and brass precedes the service at 4:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church is located at 217 S. Church St. For more information, call 704-636-3121.

 

Rector plants Anglican Church in Concord

CONCORD – Resurrection Anglican Church recently opened its doors with Father Joshua Gilliam as its rector.

Gilliam was born and raised in the Concord/Kannapolis area and lives in Enochville with his wife Nelva and their four children.

As well as being the rector at Resurrection Anglican Church, he shares his time with La Misión, a Spanish Anglican church which meets at Kerr Street UMC. He celebrates Holy Eucharist in English at 11 a.m. at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 2330 Old Salisbury-Concord Road. He then travels to La Misión Iglesia Anglicana and celebrates Holy Eucharist at 1:30 p.m. at Kerr Street United Methodist Church.

Father Joshua graduated from Concord High School. He is a graduate of Queens University in Charlotte and has spent time in Costa Rica as part of a Spanish language program.

Joshua was a police officer and served his country as a 1st lieutenant in the Army. He subsequently completed his Masters of Divinity at Liberty Theological Seminary and is currently working on his Doctorate at Hood Theological Seminary.

 

Christmas events today and upcoming

Bible Missionary Baptist’s ‘The Ornament’

ROCKWELL — 7 p.m. Dec. 19 plus 2:30 p.m. matinée Dec. 20: “The Ornament,” a musical drama specifically for area assisted living, retirement centers, nursing homes and group homes. Free, but tickets are required. 704-640-7127 or www.bible missionarybaptist.com

11th annual Singing Christmas Tree

7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 20: West Corinth Baptist Church choir’s 11th annual Singing Christmas Tree presents “The Star Still Shines” with songs made famous by Steve Amson and Jason Crabb. Reception follows the Saturday performance. Dean Orbison is Minister of Music.

Unplugged Christmas benefit concert 

ROCKWELL — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19: Four-time Grammy Award-winning artist Kevin Max. Net proceeds and canned goods benefit RHM and The Hands & Feet Project. Grace Bible Church, www.facebook.com / events/ 487257908117981/

Testify Youth Choir

STATESVILLE — 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20: 80-90 high school students using music, dance and dramatic performances, including the Christmas musical “When Hope Came Down.” Horizon Church, 316 Signal Hill Drive, www.horizonchurch.net

Christmas at Word of Life Family Worship Center

• 10 a.m. Dec. 20 and 7 p.m.  Dec. 23: The Adult Christmas Choir presents “Christmas Around The World,” including a presentation by the Adult Dance Ministry, directed by Dr. Martha Starks • 7 p.m.  Dec. 23:  the Children’s Empowered For Christ Ministry presents a program with a dramatization titled “Back To Bethlehem,”including the Agape Children’s Dance Ministry and recitations.

The Church is located at 726 E. Liberty St.  For transportation or information, call 704-633-2431.

‘Believe The Truth of Christmas’

CHINA GROVE — 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20: Christmas Cantata presented by the adult choir of First United Methodist Church, 110 W. Church St.,China Grove. Also the Little Wings of Grace, with additional special music by the Celebration Ringers Handbell Choir, SonShine Choir and WonderKids.

Christiana presents ‘A Blest Messiah Born’

10:30 a.m. Dec. 20: The choirs of Christiana Lutheran Church, 6190 US Hwy 52 ,under the direction of and accompanied by Becky Lipe Morris. Cantata by Larry Shackley. Many of the melodies are drawn from centuries-old carols. A staffed nursery will be provided. Christiana is located across from Old Stone Winery.

‘O Holy Night’

10:30 a.m. Dec. 20: The Lyerly Evangelical Church choir will present its cantata, arranged by Russell Mauldin and Sue Smith, with narration and music telling the story of Christ’s birth. Jeff Price, worship leader, directs.

‘Breath of Heaven’

11 a.m. Dec. 20: Christmas musical at Mount Tabor UMC, north of Ellis Park on Old Mocksville Road, www.mounttaborumc.org

New London Christmas Cantata

NEW LONDON — 11 a.m. Dec. 20: The Chancel and Children’s Choirs of New London UMC, 206 S. Main St., present the Christmas cantata, “Listen to Christmas and Feel the Joy,” written by Marty Parks. Nursery care is provided.

‘Come and Behold Him’

11 a.m. Dec. 20: South China Grove Baptist, 501 Haney St., presents the choir musical “Come and Behold Him.” Covered dish meal at 4:30 p.m. in the family life center followed by a Christmas play by the youth and children. The church is one block off Thom Street between Hwys. 29 and 29A, 704-857-3611.

St. John’s Lessons & Carols

Dec. 20 – 11 a.m.: Service of Lessons and Carols, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., stjohns-salisbury.org

‘The Loaned Manager’ 

CHINA GROVE — 11 a.m. Dec. 20: The youth Christmas musical will be presented in the Family Life Center at Concordia Lutheran Church (NALC), 185 Concordia Church Road. No early service, but breakfast and Sunday school at the regular time. Hwy 152 West, 704-857-2163.

Fairview Heights program and dinner

Dec. 20 after the 11 a.m. morning service: Fairview Heights Missionary Baptist Church, 704 Old Concord Road, holds its annual Christmas program along with Christmas dinner. Host pastor is the Rev. Clarence E. Marlin.

Christmas Memorial Singing Program

MOORESVILLE — 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20: Annual program in memory of the late Rev. F. L. Cornelius, at Sills Creek AME Zion Church, 3165 Bradshaw Road, with special guests The Chosen Disciples, Asheboro, The Revelations of Salisbury, The Anointed Vessels of the Carolinas.

Bethlehem’s Child’ 

3 p.m. Dec. 20: The senior choir of Trinity Presybterian Church, 300 S. Caldwell St., presents the Christmas cantata with soloists Monica Green, Guam Reid and Dr. David Boger. Narrators: Judy Robinson and the Rev. Olen V. Bruner and accompanist is Justin Snyder. Organist and pianist for Trinity is Tanya Dixon Neely.

‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ 

3 p.m. Dec. 20: Henderson Grove Missionary Baptist Church will present its annual Christmas program featuring poetry, praise dances, Christmas music and the original play, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” written by Brenda Rice-McNeely.

‘A Christmas Journey’

CHINA GROVE —  3 p.m. Dec. 20: “A Christmas Journey,” at Mt. Zion United Church of Christ is an afternoon of music, food, crafts, storytelling and stocking stuffing.  Please bring any of the following: coloring or activity books, crayons, colored pencils, books and/or puzzles for children in local hospitals. 1415 South Main St., mtzionchinagrove.com

‘Jesus, There’s Something About That Name’

5 p.m. Dec. 20: Christmas Cantata by Milford Hills Baptist Church, Food and fellowship to follow. Milford Hills Baptist, 1238 East Colonial Drive, 704-633-1423. www.milfordhills baptistchurch.org

FUMC festival of lessons and carols

5 p.m. Dec. 20: First United Methodist Church’s annual event, presented in the same format as the Christmas Eve service held at King’s College, Cambridge, England in 1918. Prelude of music for harp and brass at 4:30 p.m. 217 S. Church St., 704-636-3121. See page 4.

‘God With Us’

KANNAPOLIS — 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20: The Adult Choir of North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust St., presents “God With Us.” For additional information, call 704-933-2125.

‘The Awaited One’

CHINA GROVE — 6 p.m. Dec. 20: The evening service will feature Pine Ridge Baptist Church’s Christmas program, “The Awaited One.” Schedule change:  there will be no Sunday school and morning worship starts at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will follow for all. There will be no Wednesday evening service. The regular schedule will resume on Dec. 27. Pine Ridge Baptist Church, 880 Old Linn Road, 704-279-0574 or 704-857-3182.

‘A Cricket County City Christmas’

MOCKSVILLE — 6 p.m. Dec. 20: Bethel United Methodist Church presents “A Cricket County City Christmas” and candlelight service, followed by refreshments. Bethel United Methodist Church is located at 353 Bethel Church Road.

‘All I Want for Christmas … Is Jesus’ 

NEW LONDON — 7 p.m. Dec. 20: New London United Methodist Church, 206 S.Main St., presents the Christmas play “All I Want for Christmas … Is Jesus.”

‘The Christmas Cupcake’

ROCKWELL — 7 p.m. Dec. 20: Immanuel Lutheran Church,  2070 Emanuel Church Road, presents a musical production directed by Amie Capano and Christy Trexler and starring Kayla Trexler, Callie Trexler, Susie Trexler, Austin Page, Hayden Stiller, Logan Stiller, Helen Weddington, Emma Capano, Israel Deal, Alex Freeman, Annabelle Humes, Ethan Humes, Payton Karns, Megan Skeen, Wyatt Trexler.

The congregation will celebrate by bringing gifts to the manger as Mary and Joseph light the candles on the birthday cake.  Susie Trexler portrays Mary, and her ten month old brother, Jacob, will make his debut as Baby Jesus. Alex Freeman will portray Joseph.

Christmas at St. Matthew’s Lutheran

6 p.m. Dec. 20: Children’s Christmas program directed by Elizabeth Williams

• 10:30 a.m. Dec. 27: Service of Lessons and Carols followed with meditation • St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 9275 Bringle Ferry Road.

South River UMC

CLEVELAND — 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20: Live Nativity and children’s Christmas program at 11535 Cool Springs Road.

 

Christmas Eve Services

New London UMC

NEW LONDON — 7 p.m. Dec. 24: New London United Methodist Church, 206 S. Main St., service of carols, candles, and communion. There will be special music before the service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

North Kannapolis Baptist

KANNAPOLIS — 10 p.m. Dec. 24: Candlelight Service of Communion at North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust St. For additional information, call 704-933-2125.

South River UMC

CLEVELAND — 10 p.m. Dec. 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve, 11535 Cools Springs Road.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran

7 p.m. Dec. 24: Christmas Eve worship with Holy Communion and familiar Christmas carols. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 9275 Bringle Ferry Road.

First United Methodist Church China Grove 

5 and 11 p.m. Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Services will be held at First United Methodist Church China Grove, 110 W Church St. 704-857-9713.

First United Church of Christ

7 p.m. Dec. 24: Candlelight service at First United Church of Christ, 207 West Horah St. The Greg Alcorn family will be liturgist and light the Christ Candle. Carols by the congregation, scripture readings, Holy Communion. Fellowship in the fellowship hall afterward. 704-633-2723.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

• 5 p.m. Dec. 24: Family Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion with preludes at 4:30 p.m. • 9 p.m.: Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion. Preludes begin at 8:30 p.m. • 200 W. Innes St., stjohns-salisbury.org

The Mt. Zion UCC

CHINA GROVE — 8 p.m. Dec. 24: Randy and Stephanie Bare and family light the Christ Candle, children’s choir sings “A Home for Jesus,”  followed by a Mt. Zion UCC kind of love feast. 1415 South Main St.

St. Paul’s Lutheran

7:30 p.m. Dec. 24: This service will include Holy Communion, message and special music by the St. Paul’s choirs. Special prelude music begins at 7:30 p.m. with the service beginning at 8 p.m. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul’s Church Road, splchurch@att.net

 

Giveaway today at Hall’s Chapel

The annual give-away and meal is today from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., sponsored by the Mens’ Fellowship of Hall’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, 611 E. Monroe St. Find free clothing, shoes, toys and small items plus a light lunch will be provided. The church is located at the corner of South Clay and East Monroe. Call for more info at 704-636-8461 or 704-636-7605.

Advent at Mt. Moriah Lutheran

CHINA GROVE — Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, 750 Mt. Moriah Church Road, will celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent with a special presentation of Christmas music at the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday. The hand bell and chancel choirs, directed by Michael J. Kotish, will perform Christmas selections. The children’s choir, directed by Janet Parsons and Kay Efird, will sing. Call 704-857-5034 for details.

Advent at First Presbyterian

On this fourth Sunday of Advent First Presbyterian Church of Salisburywill celebrate at 8:30 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and at 8:50 a.m. in Lewis Hall. A time of fellowship and a morning snack will be held in fellowship hall feom 9:15-10:10 a.m..

A Happy Birthday Jesus Party will be held at 10:10  a.m. for children 2 years old through 5th grade, while adults and youth will hear some Christmas ztories read by Dr. Karl Hales.

Advent at First UCC

A worship service for the fourth Sunday of Advent will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday at First United Church of Christ, 207 West Horah St. The Kevin Leichman family will be liturgist and light the candle of Love. The Rev.Carol Hallman is pastor.

Advent at Mt. Zion UCC

CHINA GROVE — At 11 a.m. on Sunday,Mt. Zion UCC  observes the Fourth Sunday of Advent with the lighting of the Candle of Love by  Fred and Bonnie Corriher and family.  The combined adult and children’s choirs will sing, accompanied by Eli Helms on bass and Ben Helms on percussion. 1415 South Main St. The Rev. Mark L. Burns is pastor.

United Ministerial Alliance

The United Ministerial Alliance will host its joint worship service at 7 p.m., Sunday at Macedonia Baptist Church 2865 Enon Church Road. The Rev. Vincent Patrick Jones, pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, will deliver the message. The Rev. Rev. Jerry Miller is pastor.

Charity shoe drive

Outreach Christian Ministries Int’l is sponsoring a shoe drive through Jan. 31. New or slightly used shoes will be accepted and shipped overseas to help those less fortunate. Call 704-637-9955 for details.