PAWS for Celebration today 

KANNAPOLIS — Paws for Celebration takes place today at 1100 West C Street from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church. Pet blessings are at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The event features non-profit rescue organizations, hot sandwiches, sno cones, free popcorn, free face painting, bouncy house, raffle drawing, dunk tank. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the rescue organizations at the event. There will be live music. Host pastor is Jim Brookshire. Call 704-232-4878 or jbbrookshire@yahoo.com or see memorialunitedmethodistchurch.org and we’re on Facebook.

Classic Car Show

CLEVELAND — SWAGGA and the Cedar Grove AME Zion Men’s Booster Ministry will be sponsoring a 2016 Classic Car Show (all models are welcome) on the grounds of Cedar Grove AME Zion Church. Registration is noon until 1 p.m.  Judging will begin at 3 p.m.  There will be food, trophies and  door prizes.

TROUTMAN — Zion Wesley AME Zion Church, 133 Zion Wesley Road, will show its appreciation to the Rev. Rudolph Cornelius and First Lady Ernestine Corneliuson  this evening at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Rev. Cornelius has pastored Zion Wesley for 10 years and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ for 18 years. First Lady Ernestine Cornelius has faithfully served on various committees at Zion Wesley and on the Salisbury District and Western Conference of the AME ZIon Church.

On program will be various gospels groups for each event featuring Cedar Grove Gospel Choir of Cleveland, The Nu Revelations of the Carolinas, Vyzon of Charlotte, Gethsemane Gospel Choir of Davidson, Messengers for Christ of Cleveland, Vineyard Worship Center of Salisbury, The Pilgrimaires of Salisbury, and The Anointed Vessels of the Carolinas. Food will be sold.

Resurrection Life Church

Resurrection Life Church will be conducting services beginning on Sunday at 627 Newsome Road. Morning worship begins at 10 a.m.

RLC was founded in December 2001 by Pastor Jerry Snipes and for the ppast 13 years has been located in the old Empire Hotel on South Main Street. For more information,  call 704-638-0002 or 704-433-8776.

Ardis Chapel

The members of Ardis Chapel AME Zion Church, 1640 Old Mocksville Road, are celebrating Womens Day on Sunday during the 10 a.m. service. The speaker is the Rev. Andrea Polk of Third Creek AME Zion church. Rev. R. Nathan Bratton is the pastor of Ardis Chapel and Rev. Carolyn Bratton is the First Lady.

Mt. Moriah

Mt. Moriah Lutheran will host a community worship at Sloan Park on Sunday at 10 a.m. Michael Kotish will lead this annual Gathering in song and The Word. A picnic lunch will follow in the Morgan shelter. For details call 704 857 5034.

 

Bethel Lutheran

Bethel Lutheran Church, 355 East Ridge Road, will celebrate Church Music Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with a Hymnfest by Susan Palo Cherwein titled “Proclaim in Grateful Songs.” The congregation and all choirs will be participating. The Adult Chime Choir will ring “Come Christians Join to Sing”. The Youth Chime Choir will ring “Here I Am Lord” and “Holy Manna”. “I’m Gonna Sing” will be sung and “Hymn to Joy” will be rung by the Children’s Choir. The Adult Choir will sing the anthem “Make a Joyful Noise”. Pastor Carroll Robinson is the interim pastor at Bethel. Cathy Williams serves as the organist, chime choir and children’s choir director. John Hoffman serves as the interim adult choir director.

Mount Zion UCC

China Grove – Sunday is Youth Sunday at Mt. Zion UCC, 1415 South Main St. During the 11 a.m. service the Mt. Zion children will be performing the musical, “Heaven’s Kitchen.” Mt. Zion graduates will also be honored. Following worship all are invited to the New Building for a Spaghetti Dinner on behalf of the Youth Summer Work Camp in Valdosta, Ga. For more information see mtzionchinagrove.com or call 704-857-1169. The Rev. Mark L. Burns os host pastor .

White Rock AME Zion 

GRANITE QUARRRY — White Rock AME Zion Church, will celebrate its 110th church anniversary on Sunday at 11 a.m. Bro. Tyquan Alston will deliver the morning message. The youth and young adults will be on program. There will be a cookout and covered dish meal immediately following the morning worship service. We will also celebrate family and friends day. Please wear your casual clothing and bring a lawn chair. Mr. Frankie Morrow is Chairman and Rev. Thomas Lee is pastor.

Mt. Zion Baptist anniversary

MOUNT ULLA — Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1765 White Road, will celebrate its sixth pastoral anniversary on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Honoring Pastor Corey and Lady Barr. The morning guest speaker is Pastor Deon Jones of Higher Hope Ministries of Kernersville. The afternoon speaker is Pastor Brent Bailey of Grace Kingdom Life Ministries of Wilkesboro. Dinner will be served at 1 p.m. Call 704-767-3712 for more information.

Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor United Methodist Church (just north of Ellis Park on Old Mocksville Road) will hold a Pentecost Celebration on Sunday at 11 a.m. This family-friendly worship celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and the “birthday of the church.” Call 704-633-7484 to learn more about Pentecost, our upcoming “Digging Into Creation” series or visit us online at www.mounttaborumc.org or on Facebook (mtumc) or Twitter (@MountTaborUMC).

Rodgers Park Baptist 

KANNAPOLIS — Revival services will be held at Rodgers Park Baptist Church, 2400 N. Cannon Blvd., on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Monday, May 16 through Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m. Brother David Harrison will be the guest evangelist. Host pastor is Ralph Robinette.

Pinto bean lunch

STATESVILLE — From noon-2 p.m. on Sunday, get a meal, drink, dessert by donation. at Elmwood UMC, 3233 Salisbury Hwy, Statesville. Call 704-872-1070 for details.

Spencer Presbyterian Church’s strawberry festival

SPENCER — Celebrate strawberries on Sunday  from 1-3 p.m. at Spencer Presbyterian, across from the entrance to the NC Transportation Museum.

Strawberry desserts will be served and there will be musical entertainment on the grounds with Alexis Cowan, Mallory Braun, Natalie Wittiech, Marie Clanton, Wanda Coughenhour, Quincy Cook, Steve Land and other local performers. Special guests will be Spencer members of fire and police departments. The event is free.

Piney Grove

HARMONY – On Sunday there will be a guest speaker and dinner at Piney Grove AME Zion Church, 145 Guilford Road. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Ervin Hannah, from Erwin Temple CME Church in Woodleaf. Dinner will be served at 1:30 p.m. The host pastor is the Rev Darian Potts.

New Bethel Baptist

MOCKSVILLE — New Bethel Baptist Church, 3727 Hwy 601 South, will celebrate its annual Family & Friends Day program at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Call 336-284-2990 for more information, or email newbethhel@yadtel.net

Ambassadors for Jesus Christ

CLEVELAND — Ambassadors for Jesus Christ, 210 Clement St. will host special guest speaker Minister Derrick Kellam of Bethel Power of Faith Ministries, on Sunday at 3 p.m.

St. John AME Zion

MOCKSVILLE — St. John AME Zion Church, 145 Campbell Road, will be celebrating its 119th church anniversary on Sunday. The Rev. Carolyn D. Bratton, pastor of Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church, will preach at the 3 p.m. service. Dinner is at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Tamica L. Robinson is host pastor.

Liberty AME Zion

COOLEEMEE — Sunday is Family and Friends Day at Liberty AME Zion Church, 271 Gladstone Road. Event time is 3 p.m. and the guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Anthony Freeman, pastor of Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church in Hickory. Host pastor is the Rev. David T. Smalls.

Sills Creek AME Zion

MOORESVILLE — Sills Creek AME Zion Church, 3165 Bradshaw Road, is celebrating Family and Friends Day on Sunday. Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Morgan Glenn is the 3 p.m. preacher.

The special guest is Jerrod Sanders. Sanders is a native of North Carolina, graduate of South Rowan High School and a former member of Sills Creek. Sanders made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1985 in the premiere of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess as Mingo. He has toured nationally and internationally. He resides in New York and is currently a Cantor at St. John the Baptist Church Roman Catholic Church in New York City.

The Rev. Morgan Glenn is host pastor. Email sillscreekamez@aol.com or message the church Facebook page with questions.

Rhema Praise and Worship

SPENCER — The Ushers Ministry of Rhema Praise and Worship Church, 117 Long Ferry Road, will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Pastor Alonza Williams Sr. is the guest speaker. Host pastor is Joyce A. Williams.

Women’s Day Program

Fairview Heights Missionary Baptist Church will be observing its annual women’s day on Sunday at 4 p.m. The speaker will be the Rev. Ethel Revis-Bamberg, Associate Minister at Soldier’s Memorial AME Zion Church. The host pastor is the Rev. Clarence Marlin.

First Calvary Baptist

First Calvary Baptist Church, 400 South Long St., is hosting Samuel R. Wilkins and Friends in a musical concert on Sunday at 4 p.m. He will be accompanies by his wife and professional cellist, Sharon Wellington-Wilkins.

Mrs. Wilkins is a native of Salisbury,and holds a bachelor of arts in music, a master of science in elementary education and master of arts in elementary education. She has performed with the Salisbury Symphony, the Western Piedmont Symphony and the Charlotte Orchestra and is the author of two children’s books, “The Alphabet Monster” and “A Mouse in My House.”

The program will include traditional/contemporary favorites, original compositions and praise and worship. For more information, call 704-633-2818

Mt. Calvary Holy

Mt. Calvary Holy Church, 1401 Standish St., will be celebrating the 44th pastoral anniversary of Bishop Harvey L. Rice on Sunday at 5 p.m. The guest speaker will be Dr. Harvey (Chip) Rice Jr. of Maranatha Fellowship COGIC, High Point.

Faith Lutheran presents ‘War Room’ and Bible study

FAITH — Faith Lutheran Church will present “War Room” in its family life center, Sunday at 6 p.m. The movie presents the lives of a modern day family and the importance of prayer in their lives. There will be popcorn and soft drinks. Following the movie there will be five consecutive Bible Studies on Tuesday nights beginning with May 17. A meal will be provided by Debbie Suggs Catering and will begin at 6 p.m. in the family life center. Following the meal everyone will see a short movie clip from the film and participants will join a small group for discussion and Bible Study. Members of the church will serve as small group leaders. Nursery through high school age groups will have small groups as well. Call Faith Lutheran Church at 704-279-2500 to register.

United Ministerial Alliance

The United Ministerial Alliance will host its joint worship service at 7 p.m. Sunday, at St. Luke Baptist Church, 410 Hawkinstown Road. The Rev. Arthur L. Heggins is host pastor. Rev. Evelyn Mattison-Litaker of Macedonia Baptist Church, Salisbury, is the guest preacher.

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

Liberty UMC

GOLD HILL — Sunday is Pentecost Sunday at Liberty United Methodist Church, 3940 Liberty Road. We are asking everyone to wear the color red to celebrate The Holy Spirit.

Immanuel Lutheran To celebrate baptism and confirmation

ROCKWELL—Alex Freeman, Mack Freeman and Cortney Miller will receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism this Pentecost Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran, Rockwell. These three, along with Heather Holshouser, will also accept the Rite of Confirmation as it will be administered by their catechism teachers, Judy Harwood and Rev. Bruce Sheeks.

Carolyn Trexler will present the newly baptized and confirmed with exquisitely unique Chrismons especially handcrafted for them by the Immanuel Chrismon Crusaders, and Pastor Sheeks and Harwood will bestow upon them gifts from the congregation. The brother and sister duo of Josh Trexler and Taylor Trexler will perform a special musical selection in honor of these four special students, and the Irene Beaver Circle invite all in attendance to a reception after the service.

Alex and Mack Freeman are the sons of Maria and Andy Freeman and the grandparents of Carolyn and Joel McDonald, Doris and Calvin Freeman. Cortney is the daughter of Brent Miller and the late Stephanie Wallace, and she is the granddaughter of Mitzi and Ronnie Miller, JoAnn and David Wallace and Kim Bassett. Heather is the daughter of Helen and Sonny Trexler and the granddaughter of Ray Barringer and the late Colleen Barringer.

Providence UMC

Providence United Methodist Church, 6450 Bringle Ferry Road, will be celebrating its Spring Revival on Monday through Wednesday, May 16-18 at 7 p.m. The guest pastor will be the Rev. Dr. Johnny Boggs, pastor of Mt. Hope Church ofSalisbury. Monday night will include music by the Providence Praise Grass Band. Tuesday is Youth Night. Wednesday we will collect food/money for Rowan Helping Ministries.

Milford Hills 

Milford Hills Baptist Church, 1238 East Colonial Drive, is having its monthly Community Brunch on Tuesday, May 17 at 10 a.m. The featured group this month is the Milford Hills Baptist Church Praise Team. Come and enjoy biscuits, gravy, grits, dessert and other delicious food in addition to the fellowship, and music. Call 704-633-1423 with questions.

Southern City Tabernacle

EAST SPENCER — Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church, 940 S Long St., will have Spring Revival Services from May 18-20. Services will begin nightly at 7:30 p.m.

Guest speakers are as follows: Wednesday, May 18 – Rev. Tawanda Myers, Pastor of Devine Ministries, Statesville;

Thursday, May 19 – Rev. Reginald Keitt, Pastor of Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church, Statesville and

Friday, May 20 – Rev. Rick Galloway, Pastor of Dorsett Chapel UCC, Spencer.

Patrick Tate is host pastor.

Joint revival in Rockwell

ROCKWELL — God’s Tabernacle for Believers, 305 Main St., and First Baptist Church of Rockwell, 8630 Hillcrest Drive, will hold joint revival services Wednesday through Friday, May 18-20 at 7 p.m. nightly. Wednesday’s service is at GTB, Thursday’s service is at First Baptist and the location of Friday’s service is yet to be determined.

For more information, call 704-279-6120 or 704-209-1250.

Assemblies & Lifeline United

HIGH POINT — Assemblies & Lifeline United under the leadership of Overseer Annie Smith will be celebrating its second church anniversary May 18-22. Speakers are:

Wednesday: Associate Ministers

Thursday-Friday: Bishop Tony Carter

Saturday: Outreach at Dan Nicholas Park

Sunday, May 22: Founders Day

All services will be held at 301 East Lexington St. except the outreach on Saturday.

Backwater Band at Kirkwood Presbyterian

KANNAPOLIS — The Backwater band featuring Gary Kee will be performing at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 900 Klondale Ave., at 6 p.m. on May 21. The concert is free and a love offering will be received. Band members are Gary Kee lead vocalist, Bill Van Hoy Bass Guitar, Gary Rodgers Lead Guitar & Tommy Nash on drums.

2016 Community City-Wide revival

On May 23-27, the Interdenominational Minster’s Fellowship of Rowan will hold its 2016 Community City-Wide Revival. Host church is Soldiers Memorial AME Zion Church, 306 N. Church St., host pastor Dr. David McLean.

Guest speaker will be Dr. Robert E. Lee McGowens Sr., senior pastor of Greater Galilee Baptist Church of Charlotte and Winston-Salem. There will be music by the IMF Mass Choir and Creative Expression. Workshops begin at 6 p.m. and services are at 7 p.m. Friday is Youth Night and the presentation of the fifth annual Treasure Feamster Memorial Scholarship awards.

These youth and adult services are open to the public. For more information call 704-782-0072  weekdays.

New pastor at Dorsett Chapel

SPENCER — Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ prepares to install its new pastor.

The Rev. Roderick “Rick” Galloway will be installed and ordained on Sunday, May 22, at 5 p.m. as the 15th pastor of Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ. The service will take place at North Rowan High School. A walk-thru reception will be held afterward. The speaker for the occasion is Bishop Claude Alexander of The Park Church, Charlotte.

Pastor Rick Galloway was born and reared in Eden, North Carolina by his mother and grandparents. During his childhood he was very active at Springfield Baptist Church. In 1999, he joined University Park Baptist Church, under the leadership of Bishop Claude R. Alexander Jr. In October of 2000 Minister Galloway accepted his call to the preaching ministry. On April 26, 2002, Pastor Galloway preached his initial sermon and was licensed as a minister of the gospel. He is a graduate of the University Park Baptist Church Ministers in Training Class 2001. Today Pastor Galloway continues his ministerial training under Bishop Alexander.

Pastor Galloway is a 2010 graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. Pastor Galloway is a 1989 Magna Cum Laude graduate of NC A&T State University. He has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Electronics. Pastor Galloway currently works for The Park Ministries as the Director of Operations. He manages the day-to-day operations of three campuses. In November of 2015 he answered the call to the Pastoral Ministry and became Pastor at Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ in Spencer, North Carolina. He loves the Lord. He has a servant’s heart and is committed to His service.

He has been married fourteen wonderful years to Sonya Williams Galloway and they have one daughter Re’Niya Lynn.

Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ was founded in 1913 and is an affiliate of the Western North Carolina Association of the Southern Conference of the united Church of Christ.

Sandy Ridge Sesquicentennial Celebration

LANDIS – For 150 years this church on the side of the road along Mt. Moriah Church Road, has served members of this congregation of families. This milestone celebration for this historic church, will peak on Sunday with the 10 a.m. service and the 4 p.m. service. The theme for this year-long observance, has been “Walking by Faith for 150 years.”

According to the history of the church, it began around 1866 in a brush arbor near Sechler’s Pond in the China Grove Township. The second structure was a long structure built in the area where the current sanctuary is now building. It was begun by a group of newly freed slaves who desired to organize a body of Christ for worship. The building which now serves as the fellowship hall, was the very first brick structure. The current sanctuary was completed in 1984.

There have been f48 pastors who have served the multitude of congregations during the past 150 years. Beginning in July of 2015, the members engaged in the official kick-off of the year-long schedule of events to commemorate this historic milestone. Balloons were launched containing the names of ancestors of current members, who have been established congregants for the past 150 years. Each month the congregation has engaged in services and programs with the Sesquicentennial observation as the underlying theme.

The current pastor, Rev. Clarence J. Shuford Jr., will deliver the morning sermon at the 10 a.m. service. The Mass Choir under the direction of Janet Murdock and C. Eugene Caldwell, will provide the music ministry for this service. A memorial tribute will be held in remembrance of members of the church, who have passed on since May of 2015.

The afternoon service will feature the Rev. Dr. Michael McLean, pastor of East Stonewall AME Zion Church of Charlotte, along with the Men’s Chorus and members from East Stonewall. During this service, a special memorial tribute will be done for Marcy Hester-Wiggins, who served as the director of Christian Education at Sandy Ridge for nearly two decades and passed away in January 2016. Special tributes to her will be given to reflect on her involvement with the church, the community and with her family. Tributes will be given by Fidelina Jackson, who served as Director of Christian Education, prior to Mrs. Wiggins, Margaret Caldwell, a neighbor, and her father, Bennett Hester, Sr., will represent her family. 

This year’s Annual Hall of Fame induction will include: Dolan Allison, Arnold Griffith, Bennett Hester, Sr., Clement Sherrill, and Rev. Harold L Jordan This honor is bestowed upon members upon reaching their 70th birthday. 

A Commemorative Souvenir Journal has been compiled which includes memorials and honorariums to ancestors and current members. In addition, during this year, an historical moment has been observed during each week’s morning service, which consisted of a brief biographical sketch of the former pastors and their name and picture, where available, was added to a wall display, which also featured pictures of the four different structures that have served as the physical places of worship during the past 150 years. This display was created by Mr. John H. Russell, Jr. Members of the Historical Society of the church were assigned the tasks of researching the former pastors for the biographical information, and sharing with the congregation each week.

The Church Anniversary Committee, chaired by Mt. Bennett Hester, Sr., has worked diligently during the year to ensure that this Sesquicentennial year is memorable. Members of the committee include: Adrain Scott, Deborah Shaw, Calvin Shaw, Paulette Byers, Janet Murdock, Fidelina Jackson, Jennie Wright, Catherine Rivens, John H. Russell, Jr., Kelly Hester, Jackie Hester, Frances Glenn, David Brown, Michael Allison, Karen Brown, Andrew Harris, Jacqueline Anthony, Eugene Caldwell, Pearl Melchor, and pastor, Rev. Clarence J. Shuford, Jr.

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