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Compiled by Erica Batten

Friendship Missionary Baptist

Workshop: ?The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness? based on the book by Michelle Alexander. Free. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 6. Breakfast served 7:45-8:30 a.m. 3400 Beatties Ford Road. www.friendshipcharlotte.org.

Mayfield Memorial Missionary Baptist

Concert: Dr. Wanda Wherry will present ?Seasons of Belief.? Special guests the Charlotte Contemporary Ensemble and the Cedric Meekins family and friends. Free. Freewill offering accepted. 4 p.m. Sept. 30. 700 W. Sugar Creek Road. 704-596-7935.

Newell Baptist

New leader: The church has formally called the Rev. Scott Keith as pastor. Keith has served as interim pastor since January.

Singspiration: Music by The Renewals Trio and the church choir, led by Larry Ritter. Community welcome. 6 p.m. Sept. 30. 9115 Newell Baptist Church Road. 704-596-0184; www.discovernewell.org.

Clinton Chapel AME Zion

Worship event: Renaissance Revival with guest speaker Dr. T. L. Penny of Shubach Deliverance World Ministries. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3. 1901 Rozzelles Ferry Road. 980-224-9709.

First Baptist, Huntersville

World Hunger Day: 31st annual event to raise funds for hunger relief. Yard sale, bake sale, craft sale, silent auction, live entertainment, and barbecue. 7 a.m. Sept. 29. Barbecue lunch begins at 10 a.m. A live auction will be held at 5 p.m. Oct. 7. 119 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. 704-875-6581; www.fbc-h.org.

Myers Park United Methodist

Series: ?Hospitality ? Living God?s Welcome.? The Rev. James Howell will consider faith and politics and the Christian perspective on the political process. 7 p.m. Oct. 9. Series concludes Oct. 22 with Lonni Collins Pratt, author of ?Radical Hospitality.? Small groups will study the book starting Oct. 1. 1501 Queens Road. www.mpumc.org. Register for child care at Kristen@mpumc.org.

Ground for Hope-Charlotte

Interfaith environmental event: Presenters will share resources to empower faith communities for environmental action. ?Green? evangelical leader the Rev. Richard Cizik will be the keynote speaker. Local leaders will guide an environmental health and justice bus tour. 3-7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Myers Park Baptist, 1900 Queens Road, and 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Friendship Missionary Baptist, 3400 Beatties Ford Road. Attend one or both days. Register at www.greenfaith.org.

Central Church Life Care Center

Seminar: Drs. Robert and Cindi Dodd will present ?The Emotionally Abusive Relationship.? Learn the symptoms of an emotionally abusive relationship and how to address them, build healthy boundaries and have rewarding relationships. Light refreshments served. 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 6. 5500 Randolph Road. Register at 704-365-6112 or www.centralchurchofgod.org/lifecare.

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Leadership conference: Dr. Peter Scazzero will present ?Emotionally Healthy Leadership.? Pastors, business leaders, counselors and others in leadership positions welcome. Continuing education credit available. General admission, $89. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5. 14542 Choate Circle. Register at http://my.gordonconwell.edu/charlotte_event/ehl2012.

St. Francis United Methodist

Animal blessing event: Vendors and pet games, pictures with St. Francis, individual blessings for animals. The Humane Society of Charlotte will debut its new mobile clinic, providing low-cost vaccinations. CMPD Animal Care and Control will offer micro-chipping for $10. 1-4 p.m. Oct. 6. Blessing service at 2 p.m. 4200 McKee Road. www.stfrancischarlotte.org.

First Presbyterian

Discussion group: The Rev. Kirk Hall will lead ?Urban Legends and Unanswered Questions: A Theological Conversation.? 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays.

Bible studies: The Faithfuls men?s group discusses scripture and themes relevant to everyday life. 7-8 a.m. Thursdays. City of God men?s monthly breakfast study meets 7-8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month. Women?s study of the Psalms led by the Rev. Mary Margaret Porter, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays.

Classes: Wednesday Connect offers mid-week nourishment for the soul, great food and fellowship for all ages. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Preschool play group, 4:45 p.m. Dinner at 5:45 p.m. 200 W. Trade St. www.firstpres-charlotte.org.

Greater Bethel AME Zion

Church anniversary: The church will celebrate its 115th anniversary at 2:15 p.m. Oct. 7. 5232 The Plaza. 980-949-6576; www.gbamechurch.com.

Trinity Baptist

Service: Fifth Sunday Song Service featuring The Keffers. A love offering will be taken. 6 p.m. Sept. 30.

Homecoming: Sunday school, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 7. Worship service, 10:30 a.m. Holy City Quartet performs at 11:30 a.m. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. 2009 W. Arrowood Road. 704-527-2248.

New Zion Missionary Baptist

Hymn choir anniversary: 64th anniversary celebration. 2:30 p.m. Oct. 7. 217 W. Todd Lane. 704-399-4915.

Holy Yoga

Yoga classes: New classes will begin in October. The first four weeks will be an introduction to Holy Yoga. 6:30-7:45 p.m. Thursdays and 10-11:15 a.m. Fridays in the Disciple Building at University City United Methodist, 3825 W. W.T. Harris Blvd. jennakirwan@gmail.com.

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter

Service: Bring your pets for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Reflect on the beauty of all God?s creatures and reexamine our place in his created world. 4 p.m. Oct. 7. 2701 Park Road. 704-332-4171; www.HolyComforterCharlotte.org.

Sardis Baptist

Gentle yoga classes: Increase flexibility, balance, and strength. $10 per class. 4:35 and 6 p.m. Mondays and 4:30 and 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Classes fill quickly; call to register before 9 p.m. the day prior to class. 5811 Sardis Road. 704-535-2831.

Harrison United Methodist, Pineville

Services: Join us as we celebrate National Back-to-Church Sunday. Meet our new pastors, experience wonderful praise and worship, and learn more about the Harrison community. Traditional worship, 8 and 11 a.m. Sept. 30. Contemporary service, 9:15 a.m. Spanish service, 11 a.m.

Prayer classes: Learn the basics of prayer, study models for praying individually and in groups. Free. Child care, $5 per child per session. 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23.

Fall festival: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 6. 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. www.harrisonumc.org.

Temple Israel

Guest speaker: During Shabbat services, Dale Mullennix, executive director of the Urban Ministry Center, will speak about homelessness in Charlotte. 9:30 a.m. Oct. 6.

Adult education course: Rabbi Murray Ezring will lead ?Walking With God,? a course developed by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and the Rabbinical Assembly. Open to the public. $60 includes materials. Course begins Oct. 10. To register, contact Denise Johnson at 704-362-2796. 4901 Providence Road. www.templeisraelnc.org.

Jackson Park Ministries

Program: ?An Evening With Pam and Bob Tebow.? The parents of Tim Tebow will speak on ?A Family of Faith? to promote awareness of Jackson Park?s program to serve needy families in Charlotte. Light refreshments. 7:15 p.m. Oct. 5 at Elevation Church Blakeney, 8835 Blakeney Professional Drive. www.JacksonPark.org.

Shepherd?s Center SouthEast

Book club: Discussion of Tom Franklin?s ?Crooked Letter.? Read selection prior to the meeting. Newcomers welcome. The club meets the second Tuesday of each month. 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 9 at The Ivey, 6030 Park South Drive. 704-321-0325; pegndale@gmail.com.

Matthews United Methodist

Service: Learn about the church?s new mission that supports its vision: ?Through Jesus Christ, we will transform the world one life at a time.? 8:20, 9:40 and 11 a.m. Sept. 30. 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. www.matthewsumc.org.

Blair Road United Methodist, Mint Hill

Children?s consignment sale: Clothing, baby items, furniture, toys, maternity items, more. Proceeds go to missions helping women and children. 8-11 a.m. Oct. 6. Half-price sale, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill. 704-545-6785; www.blairroadumc.org.

St. John Neumann Catholic

Adult confirmation classes: 6-8 p.m. Sundays starting Sept. 30. Register at 704-535-4197.

Catholicism series: Thematic presentation using art, architecture, literature, and music of the Catholic tradition to illuminate the timeless teachings of the church. Monthly meetings start 7-9 p.m. Oct. 1. 8451 Idlewild Road. www.4sjnc.org.

Mill Grove United Methodist, Indian Trail

GriefShare: Thirteen-week program for anyone who has lost a loved one. 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays starting Oct. 4. 7311 Mill Grove Road, Indian Trail. www.millgrove.org.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lake Norman

Meeting: Learn about Unitarian Universalism and the Lake Norman Fellowship. 9:45 a.m. Oct. 7. All are invited. UULKN is an inclusive community embracing spiritual growth. Services are held at the Woodlawn School, 135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville. www.uulakenorman.org.

Mt. Zion United Methodist, Cornelius

Small group classes: Several class options, including ?How Politics and Religion Mix in Election Decisions.? 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting Oct. 3. Dinner served 5:30-6:30 p.m. www.mtzionumc.net/bloom.

Men?s adventure ministry: Backpacking in Mt. Rogers National Forest, Oct. 12-14. For information, contact Matt Sherrill at 704-892-7825.

Fall festival: Kids? games and bounce houses, bean bag tournament, pie baking contest, square dancing, more. 4 p.m. Oct. 6. 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius. 704-892-8566.

St. Luke Greek Orthodox, Mooresville

Gala event: Dinner, cash bar, raffle, silent auction, live music and dancing. $65 per person; $500 for a table. Proceeds benefit the church. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at NorthStone Country Club in Huntersville. Tickets: 704-660-6915.

Davidson College Presbyterian

PFLAG meetings: PFLAG (Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays) of Davidson and Cornelius offers information and support in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Meetings are held 7-9 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in Room 201. 100 N. Main St., Davidson. www.dcpc.org.

The Episcopal Church of St. Peter by-the-Lake, Denver

Lecture: Dr. Matt Brown will discuss the power of nutrition and disease prevention in ?Live Your Life to the Plus.? Sponsored by the parish nursing team. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. 8433 Fairfield Forest Road, Denver. www.saintpeterbythelake.net.

Radiant Life Fellowship, Huntersville

Outdoor movies: Bring chairs or blankets. Free popcorn, drinks, games. Park opens at 6 p.m. Oct. 5. Movie starts at dusk. North Mecklenburg Park, 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. www.moviesintheparkhuntersville.com.

First Baptist, Cornelius

Seniors group: Interesting programs, fellowship, and travel opportunities. We welcome new people to join us. Meetings at 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month. 21007 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. For information, contact Margaret Smith at 704-875-9306.

Grill for God Ministries, Statesville

Golf tournament: All proceeds will help provide meals to people in need. $65 entry fee. 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at Fox Den Country Club, 175 Club House Drive, Statesville. www.grillforgod.com.

Triplett United Methodist, Mooresville

Barbecue: Plates include fresh barbecue, homemade slaw, sweet potatoes and a dessert. $8. Dine in, carry out, drive-through and delivery available. 10 a.m. Oct. 6. 838 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville. 704-663-4619.

Central United Methodist, Mooresville

Support group: GriefShare will help you understand the stages of grief and give you tools to move forward. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. 214 N. Academy St., Mooresville. 704-664-5429; www.cumcmooresville.com.

Temple Or Olam, Concord

Service: Simchat Torah service with Rabbi Barbara Thiede and the congregants of Temple Or Olam. 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at McGill Baptist, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord. 704-720-7577; www.or-olam.org.

Harrisburg United Methodist

Craft show: Local crafters wanted for Harvest Fest. Craft show, bake sale, barbecue and hot dog lunch. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 6. 4560 N. C. 49 S., Harrisburg. 704-784-2319.

St. James the Greater Catholic, Concord

Annual barbecue: Barbecue dinners or three sandwiches, $8. Hot dogs also available. Eat in or take out. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 3. 139 Manor Ave., Concord. 704-720-0600.

Bellefonte Presbyterian

Cook-off: Join us as the men and women compete. Proceeds support church ministries. 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30. 8866 Rocky River Road, Harrisburg. 704-455-5089; www.bellefontechurch.org.

St. Stephens Wesleyan, Concord

Bazaar: 41st annual bazaar and harvest sale. Breakfast biscuits, hot dog lunch, chicken noodle dinner, baked goods, Christmas decorations, crafts, more. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 13. 7601 Brusharbor Road, Concord. 704-795-5853.

West Hickory Baptist

Homecoming: Morning worship service, 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30. Covered-dish lunch follows. No evening services. 40 12th St. N. W., Hickory. www.westhickory.org.

St. John?s Missionary Baptist, Gastonia

Sunday school rally: Classes will be combined in the outreach center. Learn eight biblical reasons to join a class. Breakfast served at 8 a.m. Sept. 30. 704-864-6222.

Jubilee fundraiser: Team Tigler will host a fish fry, noon-5 p.m. Oct. 6. Free delivery for five or more orders. 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia. For orders, call 704-864-8009 ext. 230.

Mt. Olive Lutheran, Newton

Divine service: Sermon ?Serious Business? based on St. Mark 9. 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30. Sunday school and Bible study at 9:30 a.m. 2103 Mt. Olive Church Road, Newton. 828-464-2407; www.mtolivenewton.org.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, Hickory

Adult forum: Discussion on ?Name of God.? 9:30 a.m. Sept. 30.

Service: Special service of memories and reflections celebrating the Rev. Bob MacDicken?s 10-plus years as minister. 11 a.m. Sept. 30. 833 Fifth St. S. E., Hickory. www.uuhickory.org.

Redeemer Lutheran, Catawba

Community breakfast: Eggs made to order, toast, grits, sausage, gravy, more. $6. 7-10 a.m. Oct. 6. 200 S. Main St., Catawba. 828-241-2371.

Newton Area Churches

Christmas open house: Churches in the Newton area will welcome the community to tour their sanctuaries. Special activities are planned at each of the churches. Churches on the tour include Abernethy Memorial United Methodist, Calvary Baptist, Beth Eden Lutheran, Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, First United Methodist, First Presbyterian, and Grace Reformed United Church of Christ. The tour will also include stops at The Corner Table and Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, which will receive all donations from the tour. The tour will be held 4-7 p.m. Dec. 9. www.newtonnc.gov.

Saint Philip Neri Catholic, Fort Mill

Men?s Emmaus walk: This experience is designed to draw participants closer to God through their journey with Jesus in their walk to Emmaus, based on the story from Luke 24. Ages 21 and older. 6 p.m. Oct. 19-5:30 p.m. Oct. 21, with Mass to conclude the experience. 292 Munn Road E., Fort Mill. 803-548-7282.

Epiphany Lutheran, Rock Hill

Growth groups: ?Why I Believe? will examine what it means to be a follower of Christ. Video and discussion. 7-9 p.m. each first and third Wednesday starting Oct. 3 in a church member?s home. ?Biblical Implications for Everyday Life? will meet 7-9 p.m. each second and fourth Wednesday starting Oct. 10.

Adult Sunday school: 9:15 a.m. Sundays. The topic for Sept. 30 is ?Why We Eat Together.? 2370 W. Main St., Rock Hill. www.epiphany-rockhill.org.

Source: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/28/3558556/religion-news.html

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