Davidson Presbyterian Church will host another in its series of fundraising church breakfasts this Saturday, May 19, in downtown Davidson. Meanwhile, Davidson United Methodist Church‘s Boy Scout Troop 82 plans a pancake breakfast on the lawn Sunday, June 3;  Hopewell Presbyterian plans a picnic lunch at Latta Plantation this Sunday; and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Cornelius will celebrate its 185th anniversary. Also, Davidson College Presbyterian has a special graduation day schedule, and DCPC and other area Presbyterian churches are helping out Ramah Presbyterian, a sister congregation, for a couple of months this spring while the pastor is on medical leave. Read below for details. Read the full story

Churchill Downs spire (Elisabeth Davis photo)

By ELISABETH DAVIS

And they’re off! Yes, it’s Town Day on Saturday, but many of you may be also attending or hosting Kentucky Derby parties later, when the 138th Run for the Roses will be held. Derby railbirds will spot a most unusual sight this year, however: Hansen, an almost pure white thoroughbred, is among the favorites. He will be easy to spot in the cavalry charge of bays and chestnuts during the race, although his eccentric owner has been forbidden to dye the horse’s mane and tail blue (and yes, he’s done that). Will he win? Union Rags, Bodemeister, Dullahan, and 16 other horses will challenge him to the wire. (My favorite? Union Rags.) Enjoy Town Day and the Derby!

Around Davidson shares news this week of a baby shower for Brittany and Adam Kicklighter, the retirement of Hansford Epes, the ministry of DCPC’s Mary Margaret Porter, a free concert at Hopewell Baptist, and a book signing by Elisabeth Davis. Read the full story

To the North Mecklenburg Community:

On May 8, we will have an opportunity to vote on an amendment to the North Carolina state constitution. As proposed, Amendment 1 says: “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized by this state.”

There are many objections to Amendment 1. Legal scholars believe that, if passed, the amendment would create significant harm to hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians, including stripping them of healthcare benefits and legal protections against domestic violence. Read the full story

Davidson College and the Jewish community of Lake Norman will host a Yom HaShoah Holocaust remembrance event Thursday night, with music and contemplation. Also on the local church calendar: A breakfast Saturday morning and Mass Choir concert Sunday night, both at Davidson Presbyterian Church; and a “Mini-Golf Mania” tournament for Young Life at Lake Norman Miniature Golf. Read the full story

Updated 4:30 p.m.
By CHRISTINA RITCHIE ROGERS
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson’s Ada Jenkins Center will expand its Learn Works after-school program this fall when it adds 30 students in grades 1-5 from J.V. Washam Elementary School in Cornelius. The regional community services center also plans a satellite program at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church that for the first time will allow Learn Works to serve sixth graders. Read the full story

Vi rejser til Danmark! (Translation: We’re going to Denmark!) That’s the buzz around Davidson United Methodist Church (DUMC) these days. While touring in Washington, D.C., last summer, the Senior High Youth and Handbell Choirs’ moving performances at the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Church and Society led to an exciting and unexpected invitation. Read the full story

Rabbi Michael Shields of the Lake Norman Jewish Congregation notes on his Lake Norman Jewish Life blog today that the area’s Jewish community is flourishing these days. Yet despite growth, he writes, “we have maintained the intimacy that comes with a community focused congregation.” Read the full story

Speakers addressed the crowd at Saturday's rally against Amendment One. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

“Do we, or do we not, treat people equally under the law?” the Rev. Amy Brooks asked a crowd of about 70 people Saturday on the Davidson Village Green. That’s a central question to opponents of the proposed Amendment One, which is up for a vote on the May primary ballot and would add a ban on gay marriage to the N.C. Constitution.

The Rev. Brooks, of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lake Norman, was speaking during a rally against the proposed amendment. She said the proposed amendment treats gays and lesbians unfairly and also could harm children and families.

UPDATED! Watch a video report from Saturday’s rally.
Read the full story