Religion briefs

Program encourages Bible-reading
The Bible is the best-selling book in history, but how many people in our area are actually reading it? A Gallup survey reports the average American household has four Bibles; however, research found that only 16 percent of Americans read the Bible every day.
Little River United Methodist Church in Little River, S.C., is hoping to reverse this trend, starting with its own congregation. The Rev. Randy Smith believes that “The Story,” a Zondervan best-seller, is the right tool to increase biblical literacy, helping readers understand God’s story from Genesis to Revelation and how their own stories intersect with God’s.
Consisting of 31 chapters of carefully selected scriptures sequenced in chronological order, “The Story” presents the word of God in an engaging format, reading like a novel.
“The Bible is central to our faith,” Smith said, “but many people are intimidated by its scope and size. I want the people in my congregation, as well as our surrounding area, to realize the incredible love God has for them and how their story is found in His story.”
The Story Church Campaign is a unique program providing up to 31 weeks of curriculum for children,
teen and adult Sunday school and up to 31 weeks of corresponding sermons. When accompanied by 
reading through the five age-related books (“The Story,” “The Story: Teen Edition,” “The Story for Kids,” “The 
Story for Children” and “The Story for Little Ones”), the entire church can be literally on the same page for 
31 weeks.
With thousands of participating churches nationwide, Little River United Methodist Church plans to begin the experience on Jan. 6, 2013. Sunday services start at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.LRUMC.net.

Youth mission to have program Nov. 18
The youth mission at Little Macedonia Baptist Church in Supply is sponsoring a Thank God for Giving program at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. Guest speaker will be 16-year-old minister John Langley from Clinton. All youth are especially invited to this program.

Kalaman to sing Nov. 18
Kim Kalaman will share her musical talents in concert beginning at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Seaside United Methodist Church, 1300 Seaside Road SW in Sunset Beach. A love offering will be received.
A professional songwriter, singer and master of the acoustic guitar for more than four decades, Kalaman has recorded her CDs in Nashville, Tenn. She is the music minister for Most Holy Redeemer Church, as well as a performer in various venues on the Outer Banks.

Ecumenical service set for Thanksgiving
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5869 Ocean Highway West (U.S. 17), will host an ecumenical Thanksgiving service at 10 a.m. Wednesday,
Nov. 21. The Rev. Henry Rehder from St. Luke will preside. The Rev. Pat Fletcher from Shallotte Presbyterian Church will deliver the message.
The service will be a traditional service of praise and Thanksgiving. Communion will be offered at the service. Everyone that attends is invited to commune. The offering and donations of nonperishable food will be divided between the South Brunswick Interchurch Council and the Brunswick Family Assistance food pantries.

Women have a day of reflection Nov. 17
Saint Brendan Roman Catholic Church in Shallotte will host Women’s Day of Reflection: Praying The Psalms, Singing Our Way Home on Saturday, Nov. 17.
A light breakfast will be provided at 8:30 a.m. and the program will be from
9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., facilitated by Pat Bowers and Jane Moore, co-authors of the devotional book, “Glimpses of the Father’s Love: Psalms and Parables for Ordinary Times.”
The format will include scripture, small group discussions and/or quiet time and fellowship. Lunch is included in the registration fee of $20. Professional songwriter and performer Kim Kalman will provide live music.
Pre-register before
Nov. 15 by contacting Jane Moore at mooreja@atmc.net or Mary Hart at mhhart@atmc.net or call 754-8544, ext 30.