• Davidson College Presbyterian Church pastor Lib McGregor Simmons continues her sermon series on “The Lord’s Prayer” this Sunday, Jan. 17.
• Davidson Friends Meeting (Quakers) moves to a new location this weekend – Calvary Presbyterian Church on South Street.
• Local religious leaders are organizing local efforts to help earthquake victims in Haiti.
• UU Lake Norman invites guest speaker Kristine Kaoverii Weber to talk about yoga at its meeting Sunday.
• Plans for a museum of African-American church history in Huntersville will be the subject of program Sunday at Davidson College Presbyterian Church.
• Davidson College Presbyterian Church weekday preschool is accepting registration for next fall.

Details below.
FRIENDS MOVE TO SOUTH STREET

Davidson Friends Meeting (Quakers) will hold services at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 605 South St., beginning this Sunday, Jan. 17.

The meeting began in 1989 with just three families, and now attracts 40 to 45 people weekly, according to member Jan Blodgett. The group had been gathering previously at Davidson College’s Tomlinson dorm conference room during the winter months, and at the college’s Carolina Inn at other times.

Meeting for worship begins at 9:45 a.m., with First Day classes for children beginning at 10 a.m.  The Davidson Friends Meeting is part of the un-programmed tradition of Quakers and welcomes newcomers and seekers. For more information about the meeting, go to the group’s website http://davidson.quaker.org/.

’THE LORD’S PRAYER’ AT DCPC

Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons

Davidson College Presbyterian Church is taking a closer look this month at ‘The Lord’s Prayer,’ through a series of sermons by pastor the Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons and her staff. The series will include weekly readings of the prayer in different languages. And the church plans a multi-disciplinary celebration of the prayer during the annual retreat on Jan. 30.

Sermons will be heard during both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services each Sunday.

“For many, this prayer was the first liturgical language to be committed to memory, and it remains a daily devotional discipline,” the Rev. Simmons said. “We will be pondering in greater depth the petitions of the prayer. Through music, prayer, Scripture, and sermon, we will be immersed in the powerful meaning embodied in each line. As the new year and the new decade begin, I look forward to moving together with you into the mystery and power of the Lord’s Prayer.”

This series dovetails with a Davidson College conference in February on “The Lord’s Prayer in Theology and Ethics.”

The schedule:

Jan. 10 – “Our Father who art in heaven; Hallowed be thy
name.” – Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons

Jan. 17 – “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Rev. Simmons

Jan. 24 – “Give us this day our daily bread.” – Rev. Shelli Latham

Jan. 31 – “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
debtors.” Rev. Simmons

Feb. 7 – “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Rev. Simmons

Feb. 14 – “For Thine is the kingdom and the power and glory forever.” – Rev. Bill Tieman, DCPC Parish Associate

More information about Davidson College Presbyterian Church can be found at DCPC.org.

HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
Community and religious leaders in Davidson are meeting this week to discuss how the community might help with relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday. We’re compiling a list of drives and fund-raising efforts. Send us any news to editor@davidsonnews.net. See our Wednesday aftrernoon, Jan. 13, report, “Local efforts seek aid for Haiti quake victims.”

UNITARIAN MEETING SUN.: YOGA

Kristin Kaoverii Weber will talked about “Yoga for Personal Transformation” at the regular meeting of UU Lake Norman Sunday, Jan. 17, at Ada Jenkins Center. The service begins at 11 a.m., followed by refreshments and conversation.

Ms. Kaoverii Weber will discuss the foundations of yoga and how they can help effect change in your life. She is a yoga teacher and speaker. More on her website www.subtleyoga.com.

Children are welcome at Sunday’s service, though no child care is available. Find out more about UU Lake Norman by calling 704-779-0533 or visiting uulakenorman.org.

BLACK CHURCH HISTORY PROGRAM SUNDAY

A free program Sunday in Davidson will focus on the history of black churches in the region and plans for the African-American Museum of Church History at Mt. Olive Baptist Missionary Church on Neck Road in Huntersville. The program, featuring the museum’s Pearlie Borders, begins at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House, 218 Concord Road.

Ms. Borders, museum project director and member of Mt. Olive Church, will share the plans for this special museum and discuss some of the history that will be included in the museum.

During the years immediately following the Civil War, many African-American churches in the south were established by ex-slaves to create communities and worship in culturally distinct ways. Some of the African-American churches in our area, including Mt. Olive Church (est. 1868) on Neck Road in Huntersville, were founded at this time. Mt. Olive Church is currently spearheading a project to restore and convert a 1916 house across the street to be the African-American Museum of Church History. The museum will interpret the 141 year history of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church as well as the history of other African-American churches.

DCPC PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION

Davidson College Presbyterian Church Weekday Preschool will be accepting registration for the 2010-2011 school year soon. Registration forms will be available in the preschool office Feb. 1-19, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

To register, a $75 check must be submitted along with the form. Transitional Kindergarten students must add the first month’s tuition.
Current students will be guaranteed a spot for the upcoming school year. Forms are due back Feb. 19. Notifications will be mailed March 3.

Parents interested in learning more may attend open houses in February: Feb. 16, 11 a.m., for Transitional Kindergarten; Friday, Feb. 12, at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. for other preschool classes.
For questions, contact Kristin Clark or Jan Tevepaugh at 704-892-5641,  ext. 26. Information also on the DCPC website: www.dcpc.org.

GOSPEL SINGERS WANTED FOR THE STAGE

Davidson Community Players seeks gospel singers for its March 2010 production of the musical, Violet.  Singers will form a gospel choir that will enhance the group numbers in the show.

There will be a light rehearsal period and the opportunity to sing in as many as 15 performances. Singers must be available in the February/March timeframe, but depending on availability, DCP will consider singers for one, two or all three weekends of the run.

Auditions will be held Tuesday, Jan. 26 starting at 7 p.m., at Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson.  Those interested in auditioning should prepare a portion of a folk, pop or gospel song. An accompanist will be provided. Groups welcomed!

If you are not available during this time, please call the Davidson Community players office at 704 892-7953 to make an alternate appointment.

One of the most acclaimed off-Broadway shows of the ’90s, “Violet” astounded critics and audiences with its powerful story, its energetic, toe-tapping Gospel, Rock, Country, and Rhythm and Blues score by Jeanine Tesori, and its well-crafted book and lyrics by Brian Crawley that are not afraid to deal with important, sensitive issues.  Set in 1964 in the Deep South during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, Violet follows the growth and enlightenment of a bitter young woman accidentally scarred by her father. In hopes that a TV evangelist can cure her, she embarks on a journey by bus from her sleepy North Carolina town to Oklahoma. Along the way, she meets a young black soldier who teaches her about beauty, love, courage and what it means to be an outsider.

HAVE NEWS? Send listings for DavidsonNews.net’s Church News column to editor@davidsonnews.net.

Kyle Wallace

CHURCH MOVES TO YMCA

The Church of the Good Shepherd moved this fall from South Street to the Lake Norman YMCA, where members now gather on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m.

Led by Pastor Kyle Wallace and supported by a director of music and the arts, a Pastor to Students, and a Director of Children’s Ministry, Good Shepherd emphasizes the three great streams of Christian heritage – Scripture, Sacrament, and Spirit – in its weekly worship. With a focus on both biblical preaching and Holy Communion, each gathering is designed to equip those for whom Christ died to experience life beyond belief.

To find out more about the Church of the Good Shepherd, and to learn about its unique relationship with the Christian church in Rwanda, check out its website at http://www.tcotgs.org/.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES EVENTS

Church of the Good Shepherd

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 5:30 p.m., The Church of the Good Shepherd, meeting at Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius – This year the children will present a special musical, “Oh Bethlehem,” during the Christmas Eve worship gathering.

Coddle Creek ARP

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 5 p.m., Coddle Creek ARP, 2297 Coddle Creek, Highway 3, Mooresville – Christmas Eve service.

Cornelius Presbyterian Church

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 7:30 p.m.,, Cornelius Presbyterian Church, Catawba Avenue and Church Street, Cornelius – “Carols, Candlelight and Communion” Christmas Eve Service. There will be a 30 minute musical prelude beginning at 7:00 p.m. featuring the combo “Duo Pyrenees” with Linda LaBombard and David Solis Olson; Carolyn Cook and both Church and Children’s choir. Info: Amy Morand, Cornelius Presbyterian Church, 704-892-5577; www.corneliuspcusa.org

Davidson College Presbyterian Church
100 N. Main St., Davidson, www.dcpc.org

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 4 p.m. – DCPC Christmas Eve Services. This service will be child-friendly and exhuberant! However, child care is available for children under 2 years. Also, a special offering of new or gently used hats and socks may be placed in the containers at the doors. Monetary gifts (checks made to DCPC with “hats and socks” in the memo line) are also welcome. All donations from this special offering will be given to Urban Ministries for Room in the Inn, which houses homeless men, women, and children during the winter months.

7:30 p.m.Pastor Lib McGregor Simmons preaches and music is provided by the Chancel Choir.

11 :00 p.m. The Rev. Shelli Latham preaches, music is provided by DCPC’s Geneva Choir and Davidson College Students provide liturgical leadership.

Davidson United Methodist Church
233 S. Main St, Davidson, www.davidsonumc.org

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23, 5:00 p.m., chapel – Love Feast. Join us for this traditional Wesleyan Feast with Moravian buns and red-trimmed candles. Childcare will be provided.

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, and 11:00 p.m., sanctuary – Candlelight Christmas Eve Services. Childcare will be provided for all services except 11:00 p.m.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
301 Caldwell Lane, off Concord Road, Davidson, www.saintalbans-davidson.org/

TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 7 p.m. – Taize Contemplative Worship Service.

THURSDAY, DEC. 24. – Christmas Eve Services. All with Holy Eucharist: 4:00 Family Service, 7:00 Lessons and Carols, 10:30 Candlelight Service.

Hopewell Baptist Church

18841 Davidson-Concord Rd., Davidson, www.hopewellbaptistchurch.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 6 p.m. – Children’s Choir Presentation Shepherds, Sheep and a Savior. Birthday Party for Jesus following the Children’s Choir program.

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 6 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service.

THURSDAY, DEC. 31, 10:30 p.m. – New Year’s Eve Service.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church

19600 Zion St., Cornelius, www.mtzionumc.net

SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 8:30, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. – Worship Services.

THURSDAY DEC. 24 – Christmas Eve Services: 5:00 p.m. Family Communion Service, 7:00 & 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service.

Saint Therese Catholic Church

217 Brawley School Rd., Mooresville, www.sainttherese.net

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 4, 6, 8 p.m. – Christmas Eve Masses.

FRIDAY, DEC. 25 – Christmas Day Masses. Midnight, 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 2:30 p.m. Spanish.

FRIDAY, JAN. 1, 9 a.m., noon – Feast of Mary, Mother of God.

St. Mark’s Catholic Church

14740 Stumptown Rd., Huntersville, www.stmarknc.org

Christmas Eve, 4, 6, 8 p.m., and midnight (lessons and carols at 11 p.m.) Also, a 4:15 p.m. service will be held at Torrence Creek Elementary School.

Christmas Day, 8 and 10 a.m., and noon (Spanish)