In Memory of Ayanna

On Saturday, April 15, Southern City AME Zion Church, 940 S. Long St., is hosting the inaugural Youth Empowerment Bible Study for ages 7-17.

The group will meet every Saturday from noon-1 p.m. There will be pizza, chips and drinks.

Other community churches are invited to participate and host the study on a rotating basis. Call Rev. Michael Mitchell at 704-245-0729 to learn more.

Today: Breakfast at Solid Rock Church of God

The Men’s Ministry of Solid Rock Church of God, 1004 Locke St., hosts its annual Men’s Prayer Breakfast today at 9 a.m. with worship, song, prayer, praise and food. Info: Pastor Samuel A. Washington or Deacon Edward D. Tucker at 704-232-0538.

Word of Life recognizes pastor

On Sunday during the 10 a.m. service the congregation and board of directors will recognize Pastor Martha Starks’ 65th birthday. Dr. Starks is in her 38th year serving as pastor of Word of Life Family Worship Center.

During the service there will be special music, praise dance, and special presentations. Rev. Toney Snipes, an associate minister at Word of Life and graduate of More Than Conquers College in Charlotte, will speak. Info/ transportation: 704-633-2431.

Stallings Memorial

Stallings Memorial Baptist Church presents “He’s Alive Forever,” an Easter musical performed by the SBC worship choir and orchestra on Palm Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Lyerly Evangelical

ROCKWELL — The Lyerly Evangelical Church choir, 1320 Crescent Road, will present “Easter Cantata” during the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday. Featured pieces are “Jesus, Messiah,” “Agnus Dei,” “Love Grew Where the Blood Fell,” and “Revelation Song.” Linda Povalkins will do worship signing.

Jeff Price is choir director. Dr. W.C. Gaither Jr. is pastor.

Mt. Zion Lutheran 

RICHFIELD — Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 111 East Church St., observes Holy Week starting on Palm Sunday, with worship at 10:30 a.m. with the procession of palms and a congregational reading of the Passion according to St. Matthew.

Sunday night: light supper at 6 p.m., followed by a Folk Mass service at 7 p.m.

The sanctuary will be open for prayer and meditation from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 12.

Services on Maundy Thursday, including Holy Communion, and on Good Friday, begin at 7 p.m. Info: 704-463-7280 or www.mtzionrichfield.org. Host pastor is Ruth Ann Sipe.

St. Paul’s Lutheran

Holy Week St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul’s Church Road, begins with Palm Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the church to process in with palms, weather permitting. Senior choir and guest instrumentalists will present Joseph M. Martins’ cantata “A Journey to Hope.”

Maundy Thursday: 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., the liturgy of the upper roomwith Holy Communion. After the 6:30 p.m. service, the chancel will be stripped.

Good Friday: 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.: at 11 a.m. we walk with Christ to His sacrificial death on the cross. At 8 p.m. is “The Cross of Christ” Good Friday drama, based on Dr. C. Truman Davis’ The Crucifixion: A Medical View.

North Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS — The Adult Choir of North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust St., presents “Behold the Lamb” during Palm Sunday services at 10:45 a.m. Info: 704-933-2125.

Luther’s Lutheran

RICHFIELD — On Palm Sunday the service at Luther’s Lutheran Church, at the corner of Stokes Ferry and Richfield Roads, begins at 11 a.m.

On April 13 is the Maundy Thurdsay meal and service at 6 p.m.

The April 14 Good Friday service is at 7 p.m.

On April 15 the Easter Vigil begins at 7 p.m.

St. Luke Batpist Church

St. Luke Baptist Church in Hawkinstown will celebrate Men’s Day on Sunday during the 11 a.m. service. All men have been asked to participate. The Rev. Marcus Fairley will preside and will be the guest minister for the month of April. Rev. Fairley is the youth pastor at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Salisbury.

In addition, St. Luke Baptist will celebrate the Easter season in conjunction with other churches as follows:

Palm Sunday at St. Luke with the Rev. Marcus Fairley;

Holy week services at First Calvary on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening; and

Easter sunrise service at Shady Grove Baptist Church, with the regular Sunday morning service at 10 a.m. at St. Luke with the Rev. Marcus Fairley presiding.

First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church, 308 W Fisher St. at the corner of S. Fulton and W. Innes., observes  Palm Sunday at 11 a.m.  with  a procession of Palms, the reception of the 2017 Confirmation Class, and music from the 1st Kids’ choir.

7 a.m. Wednesday: prayer breakfast with John Stafford, Director of Music Ministries, speaking on the seven last words of Christ. Breakfast is $3.

Maundy Thursday: 7 p.m., communion and  a performance of John Stafford’s musical creation on the seven last words of Christ.

Easter Sunday: 10:30 a.m.,  the annual butterfly release in the courtyard followed by special music in the sanctuary and  the 11  a.m. Easter Resurrection service.

Info:  www.salisburyfirstpres.org

Friendship Missionary Baptist

COOLEEMEE — Friendship Missionary Baptist Church celebrates Women’s Day with two services on Sunday. The 11 a.m. guest speaker will be Rev. Shirley Timmons, associate of Morning Star Baptist Church, Winston-Salem.

The 3 p.m. service guest speaker is Evangelist Cathye Marlins of Fairview Heights Baptist Church where her husband the Rev. Clarence Marlins is pastor.

Granite Quarry-White Rock AME Zion

GRANITE QUARRY — Granite Quarry-White Rock AME Zion Church Gospel Choir presents a  concert on Palm Sunday at 3 p.m. The Divas of Faith from Marable Memorial AME Zion Church, Kannapolis will also share their ministry through praise dance. Earlene Sifford is Gospel Choir president, the Rev. Thomas Lee, is host pastor.

34th annual Gospel Program

MOORESVILLE — On Sunday at Sills Creek AME Zion Church, 3165 Bradshaw Road at 3 p.m. the Cornelius Family hosts its 34th annual Gospel Program in memory of the late Charles (Kent) Cornelius, known throughout North and South Carolina for the love of gospel singing. He was a member of The Original Gospel Trumpets, President of The Noble Spiritual Singers of Sills Creek and formed a well known group of young men singing Gospel quartet, The Sensational Skylarks.

Mr. Kent was active in the community of Cleveland and an active member of Sills Creek AME Zion Church.

On program will be The Pilgrimaires of Salisbury and The Anointed Vessels of the Carolinas. Special guest: Ray and The Gospel Keys of Charlotte.

Erwin Temple 

The Pastor’s Aide Ministry of Erwin Temple Church, 155 Erwin Temple Church Road, presents “The Seven Ups” on Sunday at 3 p.m.  featuring seven speakers, some from different area churches, and some from Erwin Temple. Gospel singing will be provided. The Rev. Ervin L. Hannah Jr. is host pastor.

Kellam to speak

GREENSBORO — Apostle Charlene Kellam of Bethel Power of Faith Ministries in Salisbury will speak on Sunday at 3 p.m.at Greater Grace Apostolic Church, 1201 Warren St.

Annual service at Historic St. George’s

WOODLEAF — The annual service at Historic St. George’s Episcopal Church, 9170 Cool Springs Road, is at 3 p.m. Sunday. St. George’s was designated a historic church in 2007 by the Episcopal Diocese of NC. From 1893-1906, St. George’s was a chapel of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Woodleaf (established in 1840).

The celebrant for the service will be the Rev. Robert Black, rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Info: 919-619-8588.

Rhema Praise and Worship

SPENCER — Rhema Praise and Worship Church, 117 Long Ferry Road, will host its annual musical program on Sunday beginning at 3 p.m. Soloists, choirs, dance ministries, etc. are invited to come. Host pastor is the Rev. Alonza Williams Sr.

New Life Community Church 

EAST SPENCER — Sunday at 4 p.m. New Life Community Church, 118 Heiligtown Road, presents “Life Changers – Services to Inspire, Uplift and Encourage Women” by the Women’s Fellowship Ministry of New Life Community Church. Guest speaker will be Minister Reba Parker Imes of Shiloh Baptist Church in Concord. Carl W. Gray is host pastor.

Mt. Calvary Holy Church

The Pre-Anniversary Service at Mt. Calvary Holy Church, 1401 Standish St., will be Sunday at 5 p.m. with guest speaker Pastor Nasby Mills of Progressive Outreach Ministries.

Centerview Baptist

KANNAPOLIS —  Centerview Baptist Church, 415 Walter St. presents the Easter Cantata  “When I survey the Wondrous Cross” at 6 p.m. Sunday. Music accompanied by videos and slides depicting the events of the crucifixion and resurrection.  Info: 704-933-2331

Strings of Victory in concert Sunday

Strings of Victory will be in concert at Landmark Church, 1910 Mooresville Road, on Sundayat 6 p.m. A love offering will be received to help with the group’s expenses.

For 12 years, Strings of Victory has traveled throughout four states singing and playing traditional gospel music in a bluegrass style. Info: 704-633-8200; leave a message

Cantata at Holy Cross

MOCKSVILLE — On Palm Sunday, the choir at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1913 601 South, will present a cantata with songs of praise, Lenten contemplation, and Easter joy, directed by Charles Fulton. The congregation will process into the sanctuary waving palms.

Also on this day is the celebration of the 55th wedding anniversary of Tommy and Pat Chaffin, the first couple to be married at Holy Cross on April 14, 1962. They have three children and six grandchildren.

 Organ Lutheran 

On Palm Sunday Organ Lutheran Church, 1515 Organ Church Road, will have a Processional and Recessional, and everyone will receive a palm cross made by the youth group.

On Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. is a Communion Service.

The Good Friday service is at 7 p.m.

The Rev. Carlin Ours is host pastor.

Resurrection Life 

On Sunday at 7 p.m. “An Evening At The Cross” service at Resurrection Life Church, 627 Newsome Road, reflects on the true message of the cross  as people who have been changed share their life experiences. With special music. Info: Pastor Jerry Snipes, 704-433-8776.

Immanuel Lutheran

ROCKWELL—Immanuel Lutheran begins Holy Week with a Blessing of the Palms Service on Sunday. All in attendance will be given palm a cross to wear, hand woven from palm leaves by villagers in Tanzania to earn wages to support their families. All proceeds from the sale of the palm crosses fund basic humanitarian aid projects in Africa such as brick making and feeding displaced people in Uganda.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Services begin at 7:30 p.m. The Maundy Thursday Service will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Afterward the congregation will participate in the Stripping of the Altar which continues with the Extinguishing of Light Service on Good Friday.  Bruce Sheeks is host pastor.

IMF holy week

Inter-Denominational Ministers Fellowship (IMF) of Rowan County Holy Week Services are:

Monday through Friday, April 10-14 at 7 p.m. at host church New Zion Baptist.

Guest pastors/sermons:

Monday: Host Pastor V. Patrick Jones

Tuesday: Pastor Rickey Johnson, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Wednesday: Pastor Nasby Mills, Outreach Progressive Ministries

Thursday: Pastor Carolyn Bratton, Moore’s Chapel AME Zion

Friday: “Eight Events that Led to the Cross,” associate ministers from IMF Affiliated Churches.

Sunday: Resurrection Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, host pastor Dr. Nilous Avery II. Speaker: Bishop Harvey Rice, Mt. Calvary Holy Church. Breakfast served following the service.

Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Association 

EAST SPENCER — The Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Association, 308 Boundary St., hosts Holy Week Services for three nights, April 11-13, beginning at 7 p.m. The speaker for Tuesday: the Rev. Jerome Allison, associate minister of Fairview Heights Baptist Church.

Holy Communion Service is Wednesday with the Rev. Jerry R. Miller, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Speaker for Thursday is the Rev. Perry J. Dye of Henderson Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Host pastor is the Rev. John E. Jones.

Revival at Gospel Lighthouse 

CHINA GROVE — Gospel Lighthouse, 435 Concordia Church Road, will be holding a revival April 12-16 starting at 7 p.m. nightly, Wednesday though Saturday. Sunday at the 11 a.m. hour the guest preacher will be Trey Palmer.

Maundy Thursday Services

New London UMC

NEW LONDON — At New London UMC, 206 South Main St., 6:30 p.m. Daniel Dickens presents a dramatization of the centurion who was at the cross when Jesus died. Dickens is a music educator at Richfield and Aquadale Elementary Schools and pianist at New London UMC.

Mount Olivet UMC

CONCORD —Mount Olivet’s Maundy Thursday Service is at 7 p.m. at 301 Mt Olivet Road.

In My Father’s House

In My Father’s House, led by the Rev. Roosevelt Jenkins, meets the first two Thursdays of each month from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The next service will be April 13 in the Hurley Room at Rowan Public Library.

Christiana Lutheran

On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Christiana Lutheran Church choir and cast present “The Living Last Supper” by Ruth Elaine Schram: Da Vinci’s famous painting brought to life as the characters tell the story of their final meal with Jesus.

Friday at 7:30 p.m.: cast and choir portray the witnesses at Calvary, the contemptuous soldier, the crucified thief’s sympathetic sister, the scornful priest, the anguished shepherd, the grieving mother of Christ and the heartbroken disciple, John.

Christiana Lutheran Church, 6190 US Highway 52, www.christianaelc.org, 704-279-4655.

Good Friday Services

Shady Grove Baptist

EAST SPENCER — Shady Grove Baptist Church, 600 S. Long St., “The Seven Last Sayings of Christ” at noon, hosted by Willing Workers Missionary Ministry.

Speakers: Deacon Curtis McCluney, SGBC, Minister Nadine Hudson, New Zion BC, Minister Pamela Jackson, Citadel of Faith, Sister Faith Howell, Fairview Heights BC, Sister Tara White Dorsett Chapel BC, Minister Margie Miller, South Iredell BC, Sister Mary Cooper, SGBC.

The Way of the Cross

CHINA GROVE — The Way of the Cross begins at noon, hosted by  the South Rowan Ministerial Association involving various churches in the area.  Begins at  First Baptist Church, 302 Patterson St..  The cross will be carried to various stations ending at St. Mark’s Lutheran on Main St.  At each station, remembering a different part of Jesus’ life from His birth, to His Crucifixion, to His Resurrection and Ascension.

Luncheon at Trinity Presbyterian

Trinity Presbyterian Church USA’s Good Friday luncheon event,  “A Few Words from the Cross,” with speaker the Rev. Dr. Derrick Anderson of Soldiers Memorial AME Zion Church. Held at Trinity Presbyterian, 300 South Caldwell St. $7 per person.

Also speaking: the Rev. Olen V. Bruner of Trinity Presbyterian Church USA and the Rev. Dr. William Turner, Pastor Emeritus of Tower of Power United Holy Church.

New London UMC

NEW LONDON —  Tenebrae service at 7 p.m at New London UMC, 206 South Main St. A tenebrae service is one which focuses on scripture readings leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. These reading are accompanied by the gradual extinguishing of candles, until all light is extinguished at the point of Jesus’ death.

Community Service

KANNAPOLIS — Thursday April 14 at 7 p.m. at Jackson Park United Methodist Church, Kannapolis.

The Arbor UMC

7 p.m. at The Arbor United Methodist Church, 5545 Woodleaf Road, led by the Revs. Frank and Mary Gordon, co-pastors at The Arbor.

 

Easter Egg hunts

Today April 8: 7 p.m. 

Glow-in-the-dark Egg Hunt, Luther’s Lutheran Church at the corner of Stokes Ferry and Richfield Roads.

Today April 8: noon -2 p.m. 

Faithful Friends Annual Easter Sniff N’ Snag Egg Hunt for dogs. Registration 11:30-noon, $10 per dog. 220 Grace Church Road, 704-633-1722, www.faithfulfriendsnc.org

Today April 8: noon-2 p.m. 

Sherrills Ford Road Baptist Church, 6455 Sherrills Ford Road. Bring your Easter basket. Hot dogs and drinks provided.

April 9: 3-4:30 p.m.

New London UMC, 206 S. Main St. Play games and hunt for Easter Eggs. Volunteers to help hide eggs please be present by 2:30 p.m.

April 14: 7 p.m. 

Flashlight Egg Hunt at World Hope Worship Center, 2203 Mooresville Road. Free event. Hot dogs, games, prizes.

April 15: 10 a.m. 

Town of China Grove  Community Building, 412 S. Myrtle Ave . Easter Bunny visit and light refreshments. Rain or shine.

April 15: 11 a.m.

Dan Nicholas Park. Infants through age 5 at 11 a.m. Ages 6-10 at 11:15 a.m. 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, 704-216-7803. www.facebook.com/Dan-Nicholas-Park

April 15: 10 a.m. 

Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Fest in Historic Gold Hill, Saint Stephens Church Road, www.goldhillnc.com

April 15: 1 p.m. 

Transformation Church, 1350 Old Stone House Road. Food, music, prizes for ages 1-12. 704-633-6588, Facebook or www.transformationchurchnc.com

April 15: 2-4 p.m. 

Organ Lutheran Church, for K-5th grade with games and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 1515 Organ Church Road.

April 15: 2 p.m. 

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt at Spencer Doll and Toy Museum for children K-grade 4; also a drawing for an Easter basket. 108 Fourth St., 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com

April 15: 2-4 p.m. 

Landmark Church, 1910 Mooresville Road, for children up to 12 years old. 704-633-8200.

April 15: 1:30 p.m. 

Immanuel Lutheran, Rockwell, for toddlers through fifth grade. Prizes and refreshments. Rain date: after breakfast on Easter Sunday. Call 704-279-3737 or 704-639-5247.