Church briefs

Briefly

Author to hold book signing at Gospeland

Erynn Mangum will sign copies of her novels "Mismatch" and "Rematch," the first two books of a three-part series aimed at a young adult audience, from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 2 and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3. at Gospeland. Mangum is the granddaughter of Bill and Eloise Terry of Cape Girardeau. Look for a review of the books and an interview with Mangum on the Nov. 3 religion page.

First Baptist Church plans events for week

Sunday's sermon at First Baptist Church will be "Run the Race" [Hebrews 12], from the Rev. Mike Shupert. This will be the final sermon in the series "Stories" [what[']s yours]. HalloweenFest 2007 will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Activities Center, 1289 Lexington Ave. There will be a free candy giveaway and fun for the whole family.

Hearts Against Hunger benefit concert planned

The Jackson Ministerial Alliance, in response to the issue of hunger in the community, will sponsor a benefit concert and worship service called "Hearts Against Hunger." A free-will offering will be received to support the alliance's food pantry and all proceeds will be directed to those in need in our community. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at the South Campus of New McKendree United Methodist Church, 1770 S. Highway 25 in Jackson. All area churches and Christian musicians are invited to perform and take part in the performance. Jeremy Verhines and the Rev. John Rice will be coordinating the efforts, and musicians need to contact them regarding sound support. They can be contacted at 243-4011, 243-8487 or nmc225@newmckendree.org. Local churches are also being asked to bring cookies to share for the fellowship after the service. Food donations in the form of canned goods will also be received.

First Pentecostal Church to hold appreciation day

Sunday is Pastor's Appreciation Day at First Pentecostal Church, 3054 Lexington Ave. in Cape Girardeau. It is part of the nationwide Clergy Appreciation Month in October. At the 11 a.m. service, there will be special songs and drama from each Sunday school class with special presentations. There will also be selected testimony from members of varied ages celebrating Pastor Faire's positive life influence. The 6 p.m. service will be a Singspiration followed with a church fellowship. Everyone is invited. All are invited to celebrate and help us honor the pastor. A ladies' prayer meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Monday. A contemporary worship with Praise Team II and a sermon from Pastor Faire will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. There is a nursery provided for children 5 and younger, staffed by capable adults, for all evening services.

Vincentian Marian Youth fall retreat planned

Vincentian Marian Youth's fall mission/retreat, "Mission: Vincent No. 6," will be held the weekend of Nov. 2 to 4 in Kennett, Mo., to help at the Migrant Whole Health Outreach. To register, call 573-547-3300 and leave a message.

Several Halloween alternatives to be held

• The Bridge, a church at South Frederick Street and Jefferson Avenue, will have Trunk or Treat on Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• Fruitland Community Church, 6040 U.S. 61 North in Fruitland, will host a free Fall Festival from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. There will be games, a space jump, food, prizes and candy. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees are asked not to wear scary costumes.
• Cape Community Church, 2221 Bloomfield Road, will have a "Heroes Unmasked" event from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday for the children. There will be games, prizes and candy.

Family and Friends Fun Day set for today

Rhema Word Ministries will host a Family and Friends Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the church, 750 N. Mount Auburn Road. The community event is being held to bring awareness to the community about health and safety. There will be games and prizes for adults and children. Participating will be Cape Girardeau police, fire and ambulance service personnel who will conduct a variety of activities including child safety seat belt checks. Parents and caregivers will have opportunities to learn more about automotive and home safety. There will also be a basketball tournament, a video game tournament and free food and beverages.

Gospel singing planned for Sunday at church

The Pullen Family Gospel singers will perform at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Jackson Church of the Nazarene, 2245 Old Toll Road.

Church Women United plans local events

Church Women United will meet across the country for World Community Day celebrations. Locally, Delia Trajo of Cape Girardeau will speak about her immigration story at 9 a.m. Nov. 2 at Grace United Methodist Church at Broadway and Caruthers Avenue. Church Women United was founded in 1941 as an ecumenical movement involving Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian women. The 1,200 local and state CWU chapters will gather on World Community Day to share thoughts and prayer focused on the theme: "Embracing Justice Under God's Tent."

Rivermen Quartet to be in concert in Jackson

The Rivermen Quartet of Jackson will be in concert during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at the Cape Community Church, 2222 Bloomfield Road.

'Wonderful Weekend for Women' planned

Miner Baptist Church will have a "Wonderful Weekend for Women" Nov. 9 and 10, featuring keynote speakers and a choice of two from among nine seminars. Meals are included. To register by Nov. 5, call 573-471-1331.

Calendar

Today

• Spiritual Makeover from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Cape Church of Christ, 328 S. West End Blvd.
• Ugly Quilt Weekend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Cape Girardeau.

Saturday

• Ugly Quilt Weekend from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Cape Girardeau.

Sunday

• Reformation service at 10:45 a.m., First Presbyterian Church at Broadway and North Lorimier Street.

-- From staff reports