Religion briefs

Churches take part in National Day of Prayer

The 2008 Community Prayer Breakfast and Service, a local observance in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, will be held May 1 at Greater Dimension Ministries, 723 Hackberry St., with food available any time from 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. and a prayer service from 7 to 7:45 a.m. The theme of this year's observance is Unity in Prayer — Strength in Community.

Other services:

• Noon, Centenary United Methodist Church
• 6:30 p.m., St. Andrew Lutheran Church
• 6:30 p.m., Rhema Word Ministries

The public is welcome at all services. Congregations in Jackson will attend services at Cape Girardeau churches in lieu of having a service in that community.

Block party set at Washington Park today

Apostolic Promise Church, 361 Country Club Drive, is having a block party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Washington Park featuring music, games and giveaways. Everyone is welcome.

Churches hold special music celebrations

• Bobby Bowen will perform at 7 p.m tonight at the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church, 922 Koch Ave. A love offering will be taken.
• Brian Free and Assurance will be in concert at 7 p.m. May 3 at the first General Baptist Church of Jackson. There is no admission charge.
• The Gloryroad Travelers of Mounds, Ill., and Voices of Praise of Creal Springs, Ill., will sing at 7 p.m. May 3 at Shiloh Baptist Church in Villa Ridge, Ill.
• The music ministry of Immaculate Conception parish in Jackson will present its annual spring concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at the church. Three choirs, four handbell ensembles and parish musicians will perform. The concert is free; refreshments will be served after the concert.
• The New Beginning Quartet from Chaffee, Mo., will be special musical guests at the 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. services Sunday at Centenary United Methodist Church. The quartet sings old standards, recent hits and some original songs.

n The Perry County Lutheran Chorale will present its spring concert, "An Easter Hymnody," at 4 p.m. Sunday at Historic Hanover Lutheran Church, 2949 Perryville Road. Free-will donations will be taken in support of the chorale. The Perry County Lutheran Chorale is made up of members of area Lutheran churches under the direction of Tyson Wunderlich.

• Jason Upton and band will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday at Christ Church of the Heartland. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and a donation will be taken at the door.
• Apple Creek Memorial Association will hold its 14th annual "Gaslight Sing" at 7 p.m. at the old church, a mile north of Pocahontas. Performers include the Gaslight Singers, Country Travelers, the group "Just in Thyme" and others. The audience will sing hymns accompanied by the old pump organ.

Church Women United mark May Friendship Day

Church Women United will observe May Friendship Day at 6 p.m. Friday at St. Vincent's Catholic Church. A meal will be provided. The theme is "God's Wisdom Inspires Hospitality," based on Matthew 23: 35, 40, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (NRSV). Study and worship will follow with dedication of the Fellowship of the Least Coin Offering. The recipient for the 2008 Nursing Scholarship Award will be announced.

Friedheim Trinity Church marks anniversary

Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedheim is celebrating its 160th anniversary at 9:30 a.m. May 4, followed by a luncheon in the school.

United Way wants VBS information for calendar

Churches in Cape Girardeau that provide transportation to their Vacation Bible School sessions are asked to contact the United Way to be included in a citywide calendar of events. For more information, call 334-9634, and include the name of the church, location, and dates and times of the VBS sessions. The information will be used to help parents know what summer church activities are available with transportation provided.

Abbey Road begins contemporary services

Abbey Road Christian Church, 2411 Abbey Road, will begin its new contemporary service called "The Road," beginning at 8:30 a.m. May 4. A "dress rehearsal" for the new service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Ascension Day services Thursday at Hanover

Hanover Lutheran Church, 2949 Perryville Road, will have Ascension Day services at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday. The Rev. Robert Azinger will be the guest pastor for this special service.

Evangelist, Circleslide concert planned Sunday

Tony Cruz, evangelist from New York City, will be in special services at Bethel Assembly, 1855 Perryville Road, at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The Circleslide concert will be at 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church announces schedule

• At 10:45 a.m. Sunday the first sermon from Pastor Mike Shupert in the new Extreme Faith series, "Risky Business," from Mark chapter 8.
• At 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, there will be Bible study with Dr. Ron Winstead. This week's study is in the remainder of Luke chapter 11.
• At 11 a.m. Monday, Young @ Heart will host special speaker Jackie Wortman, NASA Educator Resource Center coordinator.

Tickets on sale for Teen Challenge benefit

Tickets go on sale Sunday for a Summer Music Festival at Wesley United Methodist Church in Fruitland to raise money for Teen Challenge. The festival will be June 14 and will feature local artist Jeremy Verhines, as well as the Teen Challenge Choir and New Creations. Tickets are available through the church, Teen Challenge or by clicking on the Paypal button on the church Web site, www.wesleyumcfruitland.com. More detailed information will be announced closer to the time of the festival.

Anniversary service set at Church of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ, 721 County Road 316 between Jackson and Gordonville, will celebrate its anniversary at 7 p.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. May 3 with the theme "I Have Hope." Specal ministers will speak, and meals will be served. Other special services with guest speaker Brian Goodman will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

— From staff reports