Religion briefs 11/6/04

Cornerstone Church to hold youth revival

Cornerstone Church in Cape Girardeau will hold a three-day youth revival Nov. 12 to 14. The theme is "Reviving Generation X for Christ." The service will start at 7 p.m. Friday and Nov. 13. A service Nov. 14 is at 6 p.m. Speakers include Mike Mahurin and Charlie Lutes, both of Sikeston, Mo., and Stephen Clardy of Jonesboro, Ill. Mahurin also will lead music.

Operation Christmas Child begins collections

Several area churches are beginning to collect items and shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a program that provides Christmas gifts to needy children in the United States and overseas. Anything you can fit into a shoebox or similarly-sized container will work, with the exception of any war or military toys. No liquids or chocolates -- items that could melt or spill and spoil an entire box -- are allowed, either. "These boxes can touch up to 20 people," said Birdie Casebolt, who coordinates the collections through First Baptist Church of Millersville. Simple gifts like school supplies, hard candies, books and hygiene items can brighten a child's holiday. Toys that require batteries should include extra batteries. Some boxes include letters from the senders to the children, many of whom respond. Casebolt received a letter this summer from a box she sent three years ago. The girl lived in Belarus and didn't know enough English to read the letter and respond so she saved the letter until she could reply, Casebolt said. "You never really know how many people are impacted," she said. Children share the boxes with siblings, parents and grandparents. Casebolt expects about 5,000 boxes to be collected through churches and individuals in Southeast Missouri. Last year, there were about 3,300 boxes collected locally. More than 6 million were received nationwide. Boxes can be dropped off at the Millersville church beginning Nov. 15. The church acts as a regional collection point before taking its boxes to Paducah, Ky., and then on to a distribution center.

Church Women United begins Ribbon of Hope

Church Women United in the Cape Girardeau area recently participated in a "Ribbon of Tangible Hope" project. The ribbon project began after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as a means of symbolism for forgivenenss, reconciliation and hope. Segments of the ribbon are pieced together and will be sent to the World Trade Center site, an Islamic shrine and the United Nations. All the ribbons from Missouri Church Women United will be pieced to make one large ribbon. The local segment was created by Melinda King, the daughter of Helen Lohmeier of Cape Girardeau. For information about the project, or to make a segment, contact Joyce King at 243-5230 or e-mail her at bjk4967@showme.net.

-- From staff reports

Today

Stained-glass walking tour at 10 a.m. beginning at Centenary United Methodist Church. Stops include Centenary, First Presbyterian and Old St. Vincent Church. The event is part of a "Week of Worship Renewal" sponsored by the campus ministries at Southeast Missouri State University.

Worship experience at 12:30 p.m. as part of Week of Worship Renewal at Southeast Missouri State University. Student groups will meet on the Academic Terraces for performances in dance, drama, mime and spoken word.

Shiloh Baptist Church in Villa Ridge, Ill., will host a gospel singing service at 7 p.m. The Gloryroad Travelers and The Challengers are slated to perform.

Sunday

First Baptist Church in Jackson will hold a celebration worship service at 9 a.m. at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau. Worship is at 10 a.m., and a family lunch will be held at 11:45 a.m. The service is a concluding event for the "40 Days of Purpose" campaign. Child care is available at the Arena Building, and transportation is available at the church, beginning at 9 a.m.

All Saints Sunday service with communion and baptism will be held at 10:15 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church.

Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville will hold a celebration after its 10:30 a.m. worship service as part of its conclusion to the "40 Days of Purpose" campaign.

"Ever Ancient Ever New," a program on the Mass through the centuries, will be held during services at 11 a.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Newman Center at Southeast Missouri State University.

Monday

Cape County Christian Women's Club meets at 11 a.m. at Port Cape Girardeau. The meeting's theme is "American Heritage." For information, phone Bonnie Macket at 243-2866 or Pat Smart at 335-5525.

Wednesday

Performance by university's a capella choir at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The performance is part of the "Week of Worship Renewal."

Friday

Kids Across Cape musical concert at 7 p.m. at the Arena Building. The concert includes a variety of Christian music performed by children ranging in age from 5 to 16 from four churches across Cape Girardeau. The performance is free

-- From staff reports