Religion

I have previously mentioned I love to read novels, both as a kind of palate cleansing from more serious theological and scriptural texts and just for the sheer fun of letting the words flow over and through me.
Though it had resided in my library for a long time, I finally got around to reading Sue Miller’s book, “While I Was Gone.” Perhaps my waxing and waning health was the cause, but it took a while before I could be gone within the book and begin to enjoy it.

I wasn’t there. I didn’t see for myself, experience for myself, the wonder of Jack Jezreel’s prophetic call for the parishioners of St. Brendan Church and the people of Brunswick County.
I feel a bit like Paul, the letter writer of the Christian Scriptures. He also was not there in the physical company of Jesus of Nazareth. He did not see or experience for himself the power of Jesus’ presence among the people of Jerusalem and its environs. Yet, he felt the call and command of Jesus’ message witnessed in his words and works viewed from afar.

Sharon United Methodist Church will have its annual bazaar Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29, on the church grounds on Holden Beach Road. There will be about 20 tents erected to house all the goodies, such as fried bananas, baked goods and canned goods.
This year is the 16th bazaar and could be the largest yet if Sharon gets the support from the community, members and friends. The church’s new worship center was built primarily with money raised from these annual bazaars and periodic dinners.

Church has revival
Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2000 Zion Hill Road in Bolivia, will have a revival Oct. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. nightly. The Rev. Darryl Hardy of St. John MBC will be guest minister. His theme will be “But God” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
Musical guests will perform each night, including: Wednesday, Zion Hill; Thursday, Pleasant Hill; Friday, St. John MBC of Chadbourn.
Donations for the free winter giveaway are now being accepted. Drop-off box is at 2000 Zion Hill Road in Bolivia, behind the cafe.