Church calendar for Thursday, Nov. 30
Editor’s note: Church notes need to be submitted at least one week in advance of the event for inclusion.
SUNDAY, DEC. 10
Christmas concert
Grace Episcopal Church will host a Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The concert will feature the Burlington Boys Choir and will be in benefit of the church’s Backpack Ministry. Admission is free, with donations going to purchase food and other needed items for the ministry. A reception will follow in the church’s Parish Hall at 303 S. King St.
‘Light of Bethlehem”
This Christmas season immerse yourself in the true spirit of the holidays at a special event that promises to be nothing short of magical. Join us for the “Light of Bethlehem” on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5-7 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 901 Bethel Road, Morganton. Walk the streets of Bethlehem, transformed into a winter wonderland with beautiful lights and decorations. Enjoy musical performances, live nativity, carolers, and family activities. There’s something for everyone. Experience the true meaning of Christmas as we culminate the evening with a breathtaking live nativity scene. Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories and share in the joy of the season.
ONGOING EVENTS
Facebook Live services
Evangelist Frances Edwards is teaching and preaching the word of God via Facebook Live. Services can be found at the Rhema Word Ministry-Morganton NC Facebook page. Every Wednesday evening she will host “A Quick Word” from 7-8 p.m. and every Sabbath-Saturday she will host praise and worship services from 10-11 a.m.
Worship services
Gaston Chapel AME Church, 100 Bouchelle St., holds worship services each Sunday at 11 a.m.
Chambers Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, at 4089 Chambers Chapel Circle, Morganton, hold worship service from 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. Visitors will be expected to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Messy ChurchSalem United Methodist Church, at 1200 Salem Road in Morganton, offers Messy Church at 5:45 p.m. every first Monday of the month. Messy Church is an alternative to a traditional church service featuring interactive activities, opportunities for questions and conversation and a free family meal. People of all ages and religious backgrounds are encouraged to come see what Messy Church is all about.
Trail of Faith openfor season
TheWaldensianTrailofFaith, at 401 Church St., NW, in Valdese, is open for the 2023 season. The 11-acre outdoor museum tells the history of the Waldensians back to the time of the Apostles. The property contains 15 buildings and monuments recreated in full scale from the Alps of Italy that portray each phase of their journey. The trail offers a 1.5-hour tour. Guided tours need to be scheduled two to three days in advance. Self-guided audio tours are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost for tours is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for students. For more information, contact the trail office at 828-874-1893 or , or visit waldensiantrailoffaith.org .
Family History Library
The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints, at 901 Bethel Road, Morganton, will open its Family History Library to the public from 6:30-7:45 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. For information, email Joshua Carswell at .
Church medical clinic
Compassionate Hearts HealthcareClinic serves patients Mondays from 1-4 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. To be eligible for the free medical services, one must be at least 18 years old, must not receive Medicaid or Medicare, not have insurance and meet federal guidelines of living below 200% of the poverty level. The clinic is at 7449 Oak Ridge Church Road, Connelly Springs. For information on how to qualify for assistance or for volunteer opportunities, call 828-522-1112.
Grief support group
is a faith-based course offering support to those who have lost a loved one. Walker Road Baptist Church is hosting GriefShare on Sundays at 6 p.m. at 100 Walker Road in Morganton. The program will run through Dec. 18. For information, contact John Riley at 828-514-3173 or .
Word of God prayer line
The Rev. Benjamin Douglas Cuthbertson, a local pastor, has created the “Word of God” prayer line. Call 716-427-1082 and enter the code 812359# to hear him preach and offer a Bible lesson at the following times:
Friday: noon
Saturday: noon and 7 p.m.
Sunday: noon
Monday: noon and 7 p.m.
Tuesday: noon
Wednesday: noon and 7 p.m.
Thursday: noon
Cuthbertson also invites the public to listen to his “Word of God” program from 9:15-9:30 a.m. Saturdays on WCIS-AM 760.
Emotional support
The North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry provides a “Hope Line” for older adults who feel isolated or lonely. Seniors can call 866-578-4673 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday to hear a friendly voice.
Sabbath-Day services
Sabbath-Day worship services St. Luke’s Church of Opportunity, at 126 Brookside Lane, Morganton, include Sabbath-Day school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. every Saturday. For information, call the church at 828-433-9192.
Options fundraiser
Local author Patricia Looper is donating a portion of sales from her novel “The Virgin and the Kings” to Options Inc., a domestic violence shelter in Morganton. The Bible-based book explores the life of Abishag, who was chosen to be King David’s concubine in his old age. The story includes incidences of abuse in the protagonist’s life and how she dealt with them. To purchase the book, email the author at ; include “book wanted” in the subject line.
Church holds monthly food pantry
Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church, at 960 Malcolm Blvd., Connelly Springs, holds its Wright’s Food Pantry from 9 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of each month. People must live within the districts of Drexel and Valdese elementary, Heritage Middle or Draughn High schools and either participate in the state’s Food and Nutrition Services Program or fall under a gross income threshold requirement to receive food. People who come for food should clean out the truck or cargo area of their cars so church members can load the food into the cars. Those who are signed up to receive food should bring their cards. The church also offers ongoing financial management classes. For information, contact the church at 828-879-8894 or .
The Giving Heart Thrift Shop
The Morganton Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s The Giving Heart Thrift Store is open at 402 E. Main St., Glen Alpine. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The shop sells new and gently-used clothes, furniture and small home goods. Proceeds support the church’s Silver Creek Adventist School, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Bible studyJamie Torres Ministries holds the “Real Faith, Real Talk” Bible study at 7 p.m. Friday at the Catawba River Baptist Association building on U.S. 70. For information, visit facebook.com/jaimetorresministries .
Church day care
Day care services are available at the following churches:
Morganton First Church of God is enrolling school age children for its four-star before- and after-school program. Student pick up is available at Drexel, Mull and Valdese elementary and Heritage Middle schools.
First Baptist Preschool After-School has full-time openings available for its after school and summer camp programs. For information, contact 828-433-1018 or .
The Wee School at North Morganton United Methodist Church has openings available for its 2-, 3- and 4-year-old classes. For information, call Sharon Swinson at 828-437-3418 or 828-448-5718.
STANDING EVENTS
Christian Business Men’s Connection of Burke County meets on Tuesdays and is a network opportunity for men in the area. For information, visit cbmc.com or call 828-413-5819.
The Twice Blessed Clothing Closet is open from 2-4 p.m. at Valdese First Baptist Church. Enter by the doors at the back parking area. For information, call 828-874-2266.
The Fellowship Seekers Christian Ministry meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at A.J.’s steakhouse.
Hildebran United Methodist Church,
A nonsectarian Buddhist group meets at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 828-443-1161.
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