Lake Progressive Christians in Davidson is hosting a series of discussions on the ideas of progressive Bishop John Shelby Spong over the next few Sundays. Bethel Presbyterian Church’s annual barbecue is this Thursday, raising money for Barium Springs Home for Children. Meanwhile, The Cove Church in Mooresville has added a satellite meeting on Sundays at W.A. Hough High School in Cornelius. And Saturday is World Hunger Day at Huntersville Baptist Church.

BETHEL CHURCH BBQ

Bethel Presbyterian Church will host its 18th annual BBQ, Bake Sale and Silent Auction for Missions on Thursday, Sept. 27, to raise money for Barium Springs Home for Children. Barbecue will be sold in plates, sandwiches, and by the pound during the daylong event.

Tickets available at $8 for three sandwiches, or a plate, which includes a barbecue sandwich, slaw, baked beans and barbecue sauce. A $10 ticket will get you 1 pound of fresh barbecue. It’s all available for pickup Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 19920 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius.

For ticket info or to volunteer, call Allen Cook at 704-820-0248. More about the church: bethel-pc.org

PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIAN DISCUSSIONS

Lake Progressive Christians in Davidson is hosting a series of weekly discussions on the ideas of progressive Christian Bishop John Shelby Spong titled “Who is this man – Bishop Spong?” over the next few Sundays. The series leads up to an appearance by Bishop Spong at Davidson College Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the college union.

The series is sponsored by Lake Progressive Christians, and will be hosted at Tapestry Center in Davidson (111 Potts St.), across the railroad tracks from Summit Coffee. It runs Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.; come early at 9:15 for fresh coffee and snacks. Sessions include:

• Sept 30 Why Christianity Must Change of Die – Steve Cloniger PhD
• Oct 7 Jesus for the Non-Religious – Dan Carrigan
• Oct 14 Eternal Life: A New Vision Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism,
  Beyond Heaven and Hell – Sam Todd

Bishop Spong’s Oct. 29 appearance is co-sponsored by the Vann Ethics Center, the Gay Straight Alliance, Lake Progressive Christians, and Davidson Unitarian Fellowship.

More information at http://lakeprogressivechristians.wordpress.com/

JOIN A ‘MINDFULNESS’ COMMUNITY

Frank Gantz of Davidson is hoping to drum up interest in the creating a “mindfulness” community in the area. He describes it as a way of reducing stress and improving their quality of life. “There are mindfulness communities in Salisbury and in Charlotte, but maybe it is time for our own community in Davidson,” he says. Mindfulness practice has its roots in Buddhism, but it has been adopted in the West by everyone from Christian groups to counseling centers. If you would be interested in creating such a community or if you would just like to learn more about it, please contact Frank Gantz at gantzf@bellsouth.net.

THE COVE COMES TO CORNELIUS

The Cove Church, which started with a campus off I-77 Exit 33 in Mooresville, has expanded to a fourth location, in Cornelius.

Beginning Sept. 16, the church now meets on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. at W.A. Hough High School, 12420 Bailey Road. Chad Sloan is the campus pastor.

The Hough services join those at the main campus at 197 Langtree Road in Mooresville, at Newton-Conover Auditorium, 60 W. 6th St., Newton, and at Statesville High School, 474 N. Center St., Statesville.

The non-denominational church describes itself as “a Christian Church where the message of Jesus is presented in a relaxed, casual setting with music you can relate to and talks that are simple and relevant to your everyday life.” They offer a children’s program and live Spanish translation at all Sunday services.

More info: www.covechurch.org

WORLD HUNGER DAY AT HUNTERSVILLE BAPTIST

This Saturday, Sept. 29, is the 31st Annual World Hunger Day at First Baptist Church-Huntersville, a major fundraiser for world hunger relief. The day includes yard and bake sales, a barbecue, a craft sale, silent auction and entertainment.

The yard sale, craft sale, bake sale, silent auction and entertainment will run from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. The barbecue begins runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $9 for a barbecue plate, 3 sandwiches or 1 lb. of bulk. First Baptist Church-Huntersville is at 119 N Old Statesville Road.

All proceeds from the event go to hunger relief efforts locally, regionally, and internationally. Since the event began 30 years ago, more than $829,000 has been raised to help fight hunger in the Huntersville area and around the world.

“This event has had a direct impact on our community and our church congregation,” the Rev. Doug Danner, pastor of First Baptist Church-Huntersville, said in announcement. “Lives have been touched in our own neighborhood and around the world. As a result of an idea conceived by a small group in our church to help the hungry years ago, today we’re reaching thousands both by providing families with a way to purchase needed items inexpensively at our yard sale to raising funds to feed families in Huntersville and around the world.”

Since the start of World Hunger Day, the church and community have developed year-round clothing ministries, launched a Latino/Spanish church, assisted with a medical clinic and collaborated on many other resources for the community.

In addition to the September 29 event, a live auction will be held on Sunday, October 7 at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church-Huntersville. The live auction will include sports tickets, theme baskets, gift cards, vacation packages, and much more.

PFLAG MEETING AT DCPC

PFLAG (Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays) of Davidson and Cornelius meets on the first Thursday of each month in Room 201 at Davidson College Presbyterian Church. The next meeting is Thursday Oct. 4. Meetings run from 7-9 p.m. All are invited to attend this group which offers information and support in a non-judgmental atmosphere.