Religion briefs 7/10

Whitewater Presbyterian plans annual picnic for July 17

Whitewater Presbyterian Church will hold its annual picnic July 17 with children's games, turtle races and gospel music at 4 p.m. A meal also will be served at the church.

Churches to hold simulcast on same-sex marriage debate

Lynwood Baptist Church and Fruitland Community Church will hold an Internet and satellite broadcast sponsored by the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. The broadcast will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday at both churches to help educate church members about the same-sex marriage debate. Pro-family organizations are encouraging pastors to preach on marriage Sunday as part of "Protect Marriage Sunday." The simulcast is titled "The Battle for Marriage: Imminent Vote" and includes speakers like Focus on the Family chairman Dr. James Dobson, Charles Colson of Prison Fellowship and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.

Area churches schedule vacation Bible schools

La Croix United Methodist Church will hold "SonGames 2004" as the theme for its vacation Bible school. Events begin at 8:30 p.m. July 20 and continue through July 23. The morning events end at 11:30 p.m. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade are eligible to attend. For information, phone Allison Davis at 335-0554.

Cape Bible Chapel will hold "Rickshaw Rally" July 19 to 23. The theme takes children to the Far East for Bible stories, games and crafts with a Japanese flair. For information, phone Christina Green at 334-5948.

Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church will hold "Hero Quest" during its vacation Bible school Monday to Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. The program is open to children of all ages.

Christian Women's Club to meet Monday at Port Cape

The Christian Women's Club will hold a luncheon at 11 a.m. Monday at Port Cape restaurant. The organization is affiliated with Stonecroft Bible Studies. Patsy Johnson will provide a special feature on American quilts at the meeting, and Janet Roark will speak. For information, call LaDonia Beggs at 243-2470 or Jo Leadbetter at 651-3598.

-- From staff reports