What's Happening today

Church holds tasting bee to support cookbook

Maple United Methodist Church has compiled a new cookbook, "Feeding the Flock," that is now available. A tasting bee will be at 5 p.m. in the Maple United Methodist Church fellowship hall. The cookbook will be on sale then for $10. The book features favorite recipes submitted by members and friends of the church. The cookbooks can also be purchased at the church office, 2441 Jean Ann Drive, during the week. Call the church office at 335-6890 for more information.

Chamber of Commerce throws welcome-back picnic

Southeast Missouri State University students can enjoy food, fun and giveaways as they begin the fall 2009 semester. The picnic is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Chartwells Educational Dining Services. Festivities last from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Show Me Center.

Book signing at Barnes & Noble

Steven and John Abernathy will be signing the book they co-authored, "A Question of Character," a mystery crime novel. The two authors will appear at 4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the West Park Mall.

First Baptist Church celebrates 175 years

First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau will celebrate its 175th anniversary with guest speaker Dr. Tony Campolo, a professor emeritus of sociology at Pennsylvania's Eastern University. Campolo is a speaker and author of 35 books, including his latest "Red Letter Christians: A Citizen's Guide to Faith and Politics." A media commentator on religious, social and political matters, Campolo has appeared on CNN and MSNBC as well as television programs like "The Colbert Report," "Nightline," "Crossfire" and "Larry King Live." This event is part of First Baptist Church's yearlong celebration of 175 years of ministry. The program is at 10:45 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau and is open to the public.