How to submit a Faith Brief: Free Faith Briefs are for special events (not the regular order of services), and run in the Faith Section every Saturday.  Send submissions to: faith@salisburypost.com, subject line: Church News, deadline:  1 p.m. on Thursday. 

 

Moore’s Chapel

The. Stewardess Board of Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church, 500 Partee St., will sponsor a Gospel Explosion Program tonight at 5 p.m.

Featured area soloists, groups and praise dancers are as follows:

Cedar Grove AME Zion Church Gospel Choir, Divas of Faith of Marable Memorial AME Zion Church, Jonathan French, Henderson Grove Baptist Church Quartet, Taniya Hovis, Gloria Jones, Taliyah and Marcus McCombs Jr., Thomas “Buck” Miller, Vineyard Worship Center Choir, Tri-Faith Singers of Ardis Chapel AME Zion Church, Unity N Praise Singing Ministry, Monica A. Wilson and others.

The public is invited to come and share in an evening of song and praise. The Rev. Carolyn D. Bratton is host pastor and Karen E. Dunlap serves as president of the Stewardess Board.

 

The Spiritual Voices of Salisbury

The Spiritual Voices of Salisbury will celebrate their 41st anniversary tonight at 6 p.m. at New Zion Baptist church, 2785 Dunn’s Mountain Road.

A reunion mass choir has been formed and there will be in- and out-of-town groups singing. The Rev. Patrick V. Jones is host pastor.

 

Rhema Praise and Worship

SPENCER – The fifth annual Women’s Conference continues at Rhema Praise and Worship Church, 117 Long Ferry Road. Saturday will have presentationsby established women. The conference theme is “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again.”

At 11 a.m. Sunday, associate pastor Joyce Williams will bring the message. The conference will conclude at 3:30 p.m. with guest speaker Pastor Donna McNair. Host pastor is the Rev. Alonza Williams Sr.

 

St. Luke’s Episcopal

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 131 W. Council St., celebrates the Passion of our Lord during Holy Week.

Services are March 20 , Palm Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m.

March 21, Holy Eucharist at 7 p.m.

March 22, Holy Eucharist at 7 p.m.

March 23, Tenebrae at 7 p.m.

March 24, Maundy Thursday Liturgy at 7 p.m.

March 25, Good Friday Liturgy at noon

March 26, Great Vigil of Easter at 8 p.m.

March 27, Easter Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m.; Evensong at 5:30 p.m.

From Monday through Thursday, March 21-24, St. Luke’s Episcopal will offering a half-hour of meditative instrumental music (organ and harpsichord) beginning at noon. There is no admission fee; all are welcome to come to St. Luke’s to sit, pray, reflect, listen, and meditate.

 

Sacred Heart

Palm Sunday • Vigil Mass Saturday at 5:30 p.m. • Mass at 8 a.m. • Solemn Procession at 10:30 a.m. Mass. No 12:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish.

Monday • 7: a.m. Daily Mass • 7:30 a.m. Confessions

Tuesday  • 7 a.m. Daily Mass • 7:30 a.m. Confessions • 10 a.m. Chrism Mass at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte

Wednesday • 5:15 p.m. Daily Mass • 5:45 p.m. Confessions

Thursday • 7 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament, Solemn Stripping of the Altar and Sanctuary, Adoration until midnight

Good Friday • Noon Stations of the Cross • 3 p.m. Passion Service • 5 p.m. Living Stations of the Cross in Spanish in front of the Church

Holy Saturday • 10:30 a.m. Practice for RCIA Catechumen and Candidates • 1 p.m. Blessing of Easter Food baskets • No 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass • 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass – Blessing of New Fire and Paschal Candle – Blessing of Baptismal Water – Baptisms and Confirmation of Catechumen and Candidates – First Mass of Easter and the Solemn Gloria and Alleluia

Easter Sunday • 8 a.m. Mass • 10:30 a.m. Mass • 12:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish

Concordia Lutheran 

CHINA GROVE — Concordia Lutheran Church will celebrate Palm Sunday (March 20) with worship at 8:30 a.m.. The 11 a.m. service will feature choirs and a brass ensemble. Maundy Thursday (March 24) at 7 p.m. will include the “prayers of the people” and the stripping of the altar. At 7 p.m. on Good Friday (March 25) we’ll hear the “Seven Last Words of Christ.” Ken Reed in the pastor. Concordia is located on HWY 152 West in China Grove.

 

Palm Sunday Procession at Holy Cross Lutheran

MOCKSVILLE — On March 20, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1913 Highway 601 South, palms will be distributed followed by a procession into the sanctuary. This activity represents Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Worship starts at 9 a.m., followed by the social time before Sunday school. The Rev. Robert Howard will preach.

 

St. Paul’s Lutheran 

Holy week at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul’s Church Road:

10:30 a.m. Palm Sunday, March 20: Gather in front of the church and process in with palms, weather permitting, accompanied by the senior choir and guest instrumentalists.

11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday, March 24: Celebrating Holy Communion. The 6:30 p.m. service will conclude with the chancel being stripped.

11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m Good Friday, March 25:  The 11 a.m. service reminds us of the passion of Holy Week. The 6:30 p.m. service features the drama, “The Cross of Christ,” based on Dr. C. Truman Davis’ “The Crucifixion: A Medical View.”

6:30 a.m Easter Sunday: Sunrise service includes special music and Holy Communion, followed by Easter Breakfast, served by the youth groups. Contributions will help with the youth’s mission trip to Alabama.

10:30 a.m. Easter service with special music and Holy Communion. Weather permitting, both services will in the cemetery.

 

Mt.  Moriah Lutheran

CHINA GROVE — Mt.  Moriah Lutheran Church, 750 Mt. Moriah Church Road,  will celebrate Palm Sunday at  the 10:30 a.m. service. Members will receive palm branches as they enter the church. Holy Week services continue with Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. and  Good Friday Tenebrae Service at  7 p.m. Host pastor is Joseph Tallent, 704-857-5034.

 

‘His Cross, Our Crown’ at NKBC 

KANNNAPOLIS — The Adult Choir of North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust St., will present “His Cross, Our Crown” during the morning service at 10:45 a.m. on Palm Sunday, March 20. There will also be a children’s Procession of the Palms.

 

New Creation Baptist Church

STATESVILLE — The Usher’s Anniversary will be held on Sunday March 20 at 11 a.m. Guest speaker will be Minister James Miles from God’s Tabernacle for Believers. Host pastor is the Rev. Joseph Robinson.

 

Mid-day services at Jerusalem Baptist

SPENCER — Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1570 N. Long St. Extension, will host a mid-day Holy Week service and Resurrection Sunday observance.

Sunday, March 20 is Missions Day at the 11 a.m. service with speaker the Rev. Trevor Beauford, associate minister of Friendship Baptist Church. All women are asked to wear white.

Monday, March 21: noon. Speaker Minister James Lee.

Tuesday, March 22: noon. Speaker the Rev. John Bankhead.

Wednesday, March 23: noon. Speaker the Rev. Barbara Barbour.

Thursday, March 24: 7 p.m. Easter cantata and communion, all ch urch officers wear appropriate attire.

Friday, March 25: 7 p.m. Speaker Pastor Roy Dennis of Bluestone Baptist Church.

Sunday, March 27: Easter Sunrise Service, 7 a.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church, combined with several area churches.

Sunday, March 27: 11 a.m. Resurrection Service speaker the Rev. Dr. David L. Bracken. Mass choir to perform under the direction of Keith Holland.

 

Mt. Zion UCC

CHINA GROVE – During the 11 a.m. service Sunday, Mt. Zion United Church of Christ, 1415 S. Main St., will celebrate the Rite of Confirmation. Those being confirmed include Colby Cress, Kelsey Sanchez, Lupita Sanchez, Dawson Mushala, Travis Lowder, Miquel Valdez, Daniela Rodriguez, Isabel Sanchez, Ethan Bancroft, Gavin Bare and Alex Lizarazo. Having received the Sacrament of Baptism is Sarrah Harwood. A meal in honor of the Confirmands will follow.

On Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. Mt. Zion UCC will celebrate Communion. Saturday at 10 a.m. all preschool and early elementary are invited to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the church ball field. Bring your own basket.

Easter Sunday’s annual sunrise service is at 6:45 a.m. in the historic cemetery. Breakfast is at 7:30 a.m. Easter services are at 9 a.m. and will include Communion.

For information visit mtzionchinagrove.com or call 704-857-1169. The Rev. Mark L. Burns is host pastor.

 

BLITZ at Immanuel Lutheran 

ROCKWELL—Because SOUPer Bowl Sunday was so successful at Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Irene Beaver Circle has dedicated the third Sunday of each month as BLITZ Sunday. (Not only is blitz a football term, a blitz is a sudden, energetic, and concerted effort, typically on a specific task.)  Sunday, which is Palm Sunday, the congregation will BLITZ: Bring Lots of Items To Zap (hunger and poverty) for the Outreach Ministry Program. Items requested include multi-flavored packs of instant oatmeal, individual servings of fruit, juice boxes, assorted breakfast bars, instant grits, pancake mix and syrup.

There will be special music with Christy Trexler. Host pastor is the Rev. Bruce Sheeks.

 

Zion Wesley AME Zion

TROUTMAN – Zion Wesley AME Zion Church, led by the Rev. Rudolph Cornelius, will be having a performance and dinner starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at 133 Zion Wesley Road. Joy of Statesville, The Echoes for Christ, the Pilgrimaires of Salisbury and the Anointed Vessels of the Carolinas will perform, and a meal featuring fish, hotdogs and smoked chicken will be sold.

 

Henderson Grove Baptist concert 

The Men’s Ministry of Henderson Grove Baptist Church will host its annual Spring Concert featuring the All Male Statesville Community Choir on Sunday, March 20. Doors open at 3 p.m. This event is free to the public and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Deacon Anthony Mangham, program coordinator at 704-633-8761. The Rev. Perry Dye is host pastor.

 

Historic St. George’s

WOODLEAF — At 3 p.m. Sunday, March 20 is the annual service at Historic St. George’s Episcopal Church, 9170 Cool Springs Road. St. George’s was designated a historic church in 2007 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. From 1893-1906, St. George’s was a chapel of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Woodleaf (established in 1840). The church was built in 1893 and remodeled in 1928 and is included in today’s 2016 Sacred Places Tour sponsored by the Historic Salisbury Foundation.

The celebrant for the service will be the Rev. Sarah Blaies, Priest-In-Charge at Christ Church, Cleveland. For information, call Betsy Brown at 919-619-8588.

 

Sills Creek AME Zion 

MOORESVILLE — Sills Creek AME Zion Church, 3165 Bradshaw Road, will celebrate its 144th anniversary on Sunday, March 20. Dinner will be served at 1:30 p.m.  Service is at 3 p.m. Pastor Rick Galloway of Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ of Spencer, is the guest speaker.

Galloway is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a master of divinity degree and a magna cum laude graduate of NCA&T State University with a bachelor of science in industrial technology with a concentration in electronics and is the director of operations for The Park Ministries.

 

Cantata by Jubilee Community Choir 

The Jubilee Community Choir will present an Easter Cantata, “Calvary’s Love,” on Palm Sunday, March 20 at 4 p.m., at Soldiers Memorial AME Zion Church, offering the opportunity to take a deeper look at the qualities of Christ’s love.

Tom Fettke and Phil McHugh created this work which presents arrangements of a few familiar songs and incorporates more chorally dramatic pieces. The narrative roles include Carol Waller as the Samaritan Woman; Gerald Rush as Nicodemus; Mitch Siegel as Peter; and Connie Parks who provides a Modern Day Testimony. Solo singers are Monica Green and Phyllis Partee, Daniel Brown and Sarah Norman.

The program is free. An offering will be taken up to support this community choir whose music director is Kay Wright Norman.

 

Annual Stewardship at Hall’s Chapel

CHINA GROVE – The Men’s Fellowship of Hall’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church will host its annual stewardship program on Sunday, March 20, at 4 p.m. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. R. Keith Curry of Oak Grove Baptist Church. The theme is “Integration is Key.” Host pastor is Elder Richard L. Johnson.

 

Salem Lutheran community service 

Salem Lutheran Church, 5080 Sherrills Ford Road, will be hosting a Community Worship Service for area churches. The service will incorporate music, scripture, and drama that will include the last week Jesus walked on earth. Service will begin at 5 p.m., on Sunday, March 20.

 

Special services at Resurrection Life

On Sunday at 6 p.m. Resurrection Life Church, 216 S. Main St., will share “An Evening at the Cross.” Music and testimonies will make up this powerful witness of the cross of Christ.

The Maundy Thursday candlelight service will be at 7 p.m. on March 24. Holy communion will be observed.

For more information contact the Rev. Jarry Snipes at 704-433-8776.

 

United Ministerial Alliance

The United Ministerial Alliance will host its joint worship service at 7 p.m., Sunday March 20, at Hall’s Temple Church, 1129 Bryce Ave. The Rev. Everett Scott of Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church in Concord, is the guest preacher. The Rev. Elder Bruce is host pastor.

The United Ministerial Alliance meets at noon every third Saturday at Tower of Power United Holy Church, 601 E. Cemetery St. Clergy are welcome.

 

Liberty UMC

GOLD HILL — Liberty United Methodist Church, 3940 Liberty Road, will host a Living Last Supper drama production on March 20 at 7 p.m. The meal starts at 5:30 p.m. with donations going toward the building fund.

March 24 at 7 p.m. Rockwell UMC will hold their Maunday Thursday service at Rockwell UMC

Good Friday, March 25 at 6 p.m Liberty will be having a Cross walk for anyone who would like to attend.

 

Christ UMC 

Holy Week activities at Christ United Methodist Church, 3401 Mooresville Road:

March 20: Palm Sunday

March 24: Maundy Thursday Service 7 p.m. with Holy Communion.

March 25: Good Friday Service 7 p.m.

March 27: Easter Sunday 7 a.m. sunrise service on the front lawn (weather permitting; in the sanctuary if wet)

7:30 a.m. Easter breakfast

8:30 a.m. Sunday School

March 27 Easter Sunday 9:30 a.m. One shared worship service in the sanctuary

 

Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Association 

EAST SPENCER — Passion Week Services will be held Monday through Friday, March 21-25 at The Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Association Building, 308 Boundary St.

Speakers for the week are as follows:

Monday: Minster Clayton Ruggs, associate minister, Fairview Baptist Church;

Tuesday: Evangelist Penny Denny, associate minister, United Baptist Church, Kannapolis;

Wednesday, Communion Night: Minister Lovetta Miller, associate minister, Macedonia Baptist Church;

Thursday: the Rev. Perry J. Dye, pastor, Henderson Grove Baptist Church, Salisbury;

Friday: the Rev. James E. Ledbetter III, Old Smith Grove View Baptist Church, Lexington.

The Rev. John E. Jones is moderator.

 

Friendship Baptist

Friendship Baptist, 100 Porter Road, is in Spring Revival March 21-25. Services are at 7 p.m. with guest evangelist Mike Holcomb (formerly of The Inspirations). Friendship Baptist is located at I-85 and Peach Orchard exit 72. Host pastor is Jason Pierce. Call 704-633-8090 for more information.

 

Maranatha Bible Church

The Maundy Thursday Service at Maranatha Bible Church, 2320 Statesville Blvd., is March 24 at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, March 27 the Easter Sunrise Service is at 8 a.m. followed by Sunrise Breakfast.

The Easter worship service is at 10 a.m.

There will be no Sunday School that day.

Call 704-637-8734 for more information.

 

‘Way of the Cross’ Cross Walk 

CHINA GROVE — The South Rowan Ministerial Association announces its “Way of the Cross” Cross Walk for Good Friday, March 25.

The walk begins at noon at First Baptist Church, China Grove and will stop at several places along Main Street, China Grove before concluding at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, China Grove around 1 p.m.  In case of inclement weather, the walk will be held at First Baptist Church, 302 Patterson St., China Grove.

Lake Community Church 

Lake Community Church, 7800 Bringle Ferry Road will host Good Friday Night of Worship on March 25 at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. is the kid’s Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Celebration will be held on Sunday, March 27 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

 

Picking for the Master 

Picking for the Master at Trading Ford Baptist Church, 600 Long Ferry Rdoad, is Friday,  March 25. Celebrate Good Friday with bluegrass from the Fret High Band. Doors open at 6 p.m., program starts at 7.  Concessions are available. No dmission charge, but the hat will be passed. Host pastor is  Mike Motley, 704 633 5986.

 

Landmark Church

Easter Weekend Activities at Landmark Church,  1910 Mooresville Road:

March 27: Sunrise Service at 7 a.m.

Sunrise Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.

Easter Cantata “Behold the Lamb,” performed by Landmark Choir at 11 a.m.

For more information, contact the church at 704-633-8200.

 

Gloria Dei 

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1908 Statesville Boulevard beside CVS,  will hold Holy Week services beginning with Palm Sunday.

March 20: The service begins outside (weather permitting), will process into the church with palms, and includes special music by the choir and a dramatic reading of part of the Passion story.

March 24: Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.; includes Holy Communion and the stripping of the altar.

March 25: Good Friday, 7 p.m.; a service of tenebrae (Latin for shadows), featuring a dramatic gradual extinguishing of the lights in the church except the Christ candle.

March 27: The Meadowbrook community celebrates Easter with a community Sunrise service at 7 a.m., this year at John Calvin Presbyterian Church on Brenner Avenue. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. includes an Easter celebration for the children. The Gloria Dei congregation will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection at 11 a.m. with festive worship and music and Holy Communion.

 

Ebenezer Lutheran

Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 4914 Old Beatty Ford Road, presents “Christ’s Cross and Crown,” which for 54 years has highlighted the life of Jesus Christ from his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his resurrection on Easter Day.

There will be two performances on Easter weekend: Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27, at 8:30 p.m. There is no admission charge. Since these performances are outdoors, dress accordingly and bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

Ebenezer Lutheran Church is located at the intersection of Old Beatty Ford Road and Old Salisbury-Concord Road.

 

IMF Sunrise services

The Inter-Denominational Ministers Fellowship of Rowan Inc. (IMF)  hosts Holy Week services March 21-25 and sunrise services on Sunday, March 27.

Monday-Friday services will be at Word of Life Family Worship Center, 726 E. Liberty St., at 7 p.m.; host pastor Dr. Martha Starks.

The Resurrection Sunrise Service is at Moore’s Chapel AME Zion, 500 Partee St., at 6:30 a.m.; host pastor Pastor Carolyn Bratton.

Guest speakers are as follows:

Monday, Dr. Martha Starks, Word of Life Family Worship Center;

Tuesday, Pastor Roderick Galloway, Dorsett Chapel UCC;

Wednesday, Pastor Dr. David McLean, Soldiers AME Zion;

Thursday, Pastor Debra Ellison, At The Cross Ministries (Communion service);

Friday, five-minute meditations by associate ministers from various IMF affiliated churches;

Sunday, Pastor Dr. Henry Diggs, Faith Temple Triumphant Ministries.

Call 704-782-0072 for details.

 

First Baptist Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS — First Baptist Church, 101 N. Main St., will be providing Holy Week services in the sanctuary. Noon Day Services are Monday, March 21-Friday, March 25, 12:05 p.m. Join us each day for a time of worship and reflection as we focus on the events of Christ’s final week before His crucifixion. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall with services the sanctuary.

The Maundy Thursday service on March 24 at 7 p.m. includes the Lord’s supper and reflections in scripture and song.

Easter Sunday worship is at 10:55 a.m.

For details, contact Mark Hill at 704-938-4697 or mhill@firstbaptistkannapolis.com

 

2016 Health Fair

Coming April 8: Crown in Glory Lutheran Church will host a mammography screening at 517 East Bank St. Other services will be available. Call 704-403-1729 for an appointment or information. See Facebook Crown In Glory Lutheran Church.

 

Easter Egg Hunts

Christ UM Church

In the Family Life Center, 3401 Mooresville Road, today from 2 – 3:30 p.m. for children ages 3 years through 5th grade. Also crafts, games, snacks and fun.

FUMC China Grove

110 W. Church St., Sunday, March 20. Worship is at 10:30 a.m. with lunch at 11:45 a.m. and egg hunt to follow.

World Hope Worship Center

2203 Mooresville Road. Family Fun Flashlight Egg Hunt for preschool-8th grade, March 25 at 7 p.m. Bring your flashlight. Fun, food, games, face painting, prizes. The Easter bunny will also be hopping by, so bring your cameras. Details at 704-636-9159.

Lake Community Church 

7800 Bringle Ferry Road. Saturday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m.

New Bethel Baptist

3727 US Hwy 601, Mocksville. Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m. Info at 336-284-2990.

Landmark Church

1910 Mooresville Road, on Saturday, March 26, from 2 – 4 p.m. for children up to age 12. Fellowship, fun, and lots of candy.

Ramah Presbyterian 

14401 Ramah Church Road, Huntersville, 10-11:30 a.m. March 26: Egg hunt, craft making, snacks and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Free for children ages 1 through third grade. Bring your own basket.