Religion

It was Independence Day and I was sitting in my office gazing at the serenity of Sasspan Creek. The sea creatures seem to be living peaceably with each other. They give space and place to one another without squawking, fighting or jealously guarding their spot in the water or on our dock. I watched them and wonder why we humans cannot seem to share our earth in such an equitable manner.

Pastor Moses C. Herring, son of the late James Clyde and Lucille Williams Herring, will celebrate 50 years of preaching the gospel this month.

The Mount Zion Church family will celebrate his 44th anniversary at the church in Longwood with a banquet at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. The Rev. Jimmy Brockington, pastor of the Marion Baptist Church from Salter, S.C., will be the guest speaker for the morning service, culminating Herring’s 44th anniversary on Aug. 10.

St. Luke to break ground

St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5869 Ocean Highway West in Ocean Isle Beach (opposite Union School Road), will celebrate the groundbreaking for its new sanctuary, administration area and classrooms on Sunday, July 13.

Services will begin at 10 a.m. inside the existing sanctuary and later will move outside to the location of the new buildings.

Special invited guests will include former pastors of the congregation, charter members, a representative from R.H. McClure Builders and others.

A reception will follow the service.

Christian music concert set for July 5

"Praise God!" is the theme and plan for at least one event for the official North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport on Saturday, July 5.

Nash Street will be closed from Howe Street to City Hall for a youth-led concert beginning at 7 p.m. featuring The Aaron Wagner Band from Dallas, Texas, and Brunswick County’s own Wendy Jones. These two gospel artists will lead an evening of music with a positive message for all ages.

There is no charge to attend this event. A love offering will be taken.