Religion briefs 5/3/08

Summer Bible study on James to begin in June

The eight-week Stonecroft Bible Study at the park for the summer will be "James, the Christian Faith." Studies will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays in June and July, beginning June 4 at the Cape County Park South at Shelter No. 21. To reserve a book or a Bible or to ask questions, call Jane Boren at 243-1225, Judy Leist at 243-3975, Dee Maupin at 243-5023 or Ruth Maevers at 243-8506.

Church celebrates 10th anniversary

Cape Girardeau's Bethany Baptist Church will celebrate its 10th anniversary at 11 a.m. Sunday at 1712 Randol Ave. The celebration will include former pastor Donny Ford, testimonies from charter members, special music, a catered meal in the fellowship hall and a note-burning ceremony. All friends of Bethany as well as past and present members are invited to attend the special service starting at 11 a.m.

Upcoming events at First Baptist Church

• Sunday 9:30 a.m., the Gathering: Contemporary praise and worship with a Bible study for young adults. At 10:45 a.m., the Rev. Mike Shupert continues Extreme Faith with the second in the series, "Radical Grace."
• Wednesday, 6:15 p.m. Bible study with Dr. Ron Winstead in the book of Luke 12: 1-34.
• Parents' Night Out, May 16. For children ages 6 months to sixth grade from 6 to 9 p.m. Sign up now by calling the church office at 335-6006.

'Blue Sky Church' to be held at Capaha Park

For three evenings in May the Downtown Council of Churches is calling the whole community to come to "Blue Sky Church" to share songs, stories and prayers under the heavens. The event is on three consecutive Sundays, May 4, May 11 and May 18. The informal services will begin at 5 p.m. at the Capaha Park band shell. The first week's music will be led by the choir of St. James AME, pastored by the Rev. Debbie Thornton. Worship leader will be the Rev. Scott Moon of Grace United Methodist Church, and the story teller will be Dr. Paul Schnare of Sunny Hill Gardens. Iced tea is donated by McAllisters. Weather permitting, picnicking is an option. Bring a lawn chair.

VMY Encounter planned May 11 in Perryville

The next Vincentian Marian Youth Encounter will be held on Mother's Day, May 11, at the shrine church in Perryville, Mo. The evening begins with a five-minute Faith Alive presented by St. Vincent High school students at 6 p.m. Mass with the Rev. Hank Grodcki follows. The event concludes with food and fellowship at the shrine's visitors' center.

— From staff reports

Calendar

Today

• Brian Free and Assurance will be in concert at 7 p.m. at the First General Baptist Church of Jackson, 1506 S. Farmington Road.
• The Gloryroad Travelers of Mounds, Ill., and Voices of Praise of Creal Springs, Ill., will be in concert at 7 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Villa Ridge, Ill.