Activities in area churches this week include the following:

Abingdon Episcopal

Dental Mission of Mercy organizers have asked the parishioners of Abingdon Episcopal Church, White Marsh, to help provide lunch for some of the 500 volunteers working at this year’s charity event. Prepare a 9"x13" pan of spaghetti, lasagna or pasta dish and deliver to Gloucester High School cafeteria at 11 a.m. Saturday. There is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall to help track contributions. Contact Cami Glovier, 693-3035 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), for more info.

Abundant Harvest Worship Center

Pastors Wil Early and Gloria Savage-Early of Abundant Harvest Worship Center will speak on "The Power of Love" at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The church meets at Ware Academy, Gloucester.

Antioch Baptist

The Rev. MarQuita Burton will be the guest minister at the 11 a.m. Sunday service in Antioch Baptist Church, Susan.

Apostles Lutheran

Apostles Lutheran Church, Gloucester, will once again have two Sunday services starting Sunday. The 8 a.m. service will be a spoken service with communion, and at 10:30, the full sung service of communion will be celebrated. Christian Education will begin at 9:15 for all ages. On Sunday, there will be a combined intergeneration meeting with a panel of members from various backgrounds talking about their remembrances of growing up in the church. Fellowship with light refreshments will follow the 10:30 service.

Starting Wednesday, a soup supper followed by Holden Evening Prayer will be held each Wednesday during Lent beginning at 6 o’clock. Choir will follow the service at 7:30.

Bellamy United Methodist

The sermon title of Pastor Ken Waclo of Bellamy United Methodist Church, Gloucester, at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday services will be "Beginnings."

The United Methodist Women will hold a "Leap of Faith" Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. Remember to mention the Bellamy UMW when placing your order so your purchase is credited to the UMW. All proceeds will go to fund missions.

Bethany United Methodist

The sermon title of the Rev. Arthur Wolz, pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church, Gloucester Point, for both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday services will be "The Treasure."

Other activities include: Monday, 7 p.m., Men’s and Women’s Bible Study and Stephen Ministry meets; Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Men/Ladies night, supper served by members of Cub Scout Pack #113 with a musical program after the meal, and Wednesday, 5:15 p.m., dinner, followed by Lenten lecture and discussion group, "Non-Violent Living in a Violent World," at 7. A nursery will be provided.  Richard Soulen, a United Methodist minister and seminary professor, having served for more than 30 years as Professor of New Testament Studies at The School of Theology, Virginia Union University in Richmond, will speak. He taught at Boston University, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Virginia Commonwealth, and United Theological College (Bangalore, India). His most recent publications include "Sacred Scripture: A Short History of Interpretation."

Bethel Baptist

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan K. Stubbs will preach during the 11 a.m. "Youth Sunday" service at Bethel Baptist Church, Gloucester. Church youth will take active roles in the service, as well as sing. Black History Month celebration will close with a presentation.

Bible study will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Bethel United Methodist

The Rev. Charles Winner, pastor of Bethel United Methodist Church, Onemo, will begin a seven-part sermon series, "A Journey to Hope," at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday services. His sermon title will be "A Journey to Hope: Who’s Going?"

Other activities include: today, 6:45 p.m., prayer meeting; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Lenten Bible study on Adam Hamilton’s book, "24 Hours that Changed the World"; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Men’s Life Group at Riverside Convalescent Center Mathews.

Central United Methodist

The sermon title of the Rev. Suzanne Gibson, pastor of Central United Methodist Church, Mathews, at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday services will be "Seeing Things Differently."

A four-week Lenten study, "This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion," will begin on Wednesday. A simple supper of soup and bread will be offered at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, followed by the study at 7 o’clock. Books for participants are available; call the church at 725-2832 for more information.

Christian Fellowship Ministries

Christian Fellowship Ministries, King William County, will honor Pastor Mary Edwards with a special service at 5 p.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be Pastor Daryl Bridges of Revealing Truth Church in Virginia Beach.

Church of Abraham

The Rev. Desmond O. Forrest, associate minister of Church of Abraham, Ordinary, will preach at the 8 a.m. Sunday service. 

Church of the Living Word

The sermon title of Bishop Gregory Woodard of the Living Word, Hayes, at the 10 a.m. Sunday service will be "Work With What You Have."

The book of Romans will be the 7 p.m. Wednesday Bible study topic.

Ebenezer Baptist

Ebenezer Baptist Church, Cobbs Creek, will hold an "African-Americans: Past, Present and Future in Education" Black History program at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Dr. Cassandra Herring, Dean of Hampton University’s College of Education and Continuing Studies, will be the keynote speaker.

Dr. Herring has been a dean for six years and is the youngest black woman to serve as Dean of Education and Continuing Studies in the United States and at Hampton University. A strong advocate for education, she believes education is a ladder to prosperity. Her goal is to help as many people as possible to access higher education by an affordable path. Ultimately, the idea is to reach out internationally with global connectivity and share technological advances in the U.S. with other countries, a release noted.

Joining Dr. Herring will be the Hampton University Band, directed by Professor Shannon Ladson. Also attending will be Zion Baptist Church of Cardinal with Joshua Generation Youth Group and Glorified Angels Praise Team. Dr. Janice Blake-Brooks, mistress of ceremonies, will provide historical facts about heroes of Mathews County.

Faith Baptist

Pastor Werlie Hendrix will preach from Mark chapter 2 during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service in Faith Baptist Church, Bohannon. Special music will be by the Adult Choir, "Voices of Faith." Sunday evening Bible studies for adults and youth will be held at 6 o’clock.

Choir practice will be held at 7:30 tonight.

First Baptist, Mathews

First Baptist Church, Mathews, will hold its final Friday service of praise and song at 7 p.m. Friday.

First Baptist, Ordinary

The Rev. James Harris, interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Ordinary, will speak at the 11 a.m. Sunday service, and the Senior Choir will sing. A Soul Food Tasting Fellowship will follow the service.

The last Wednesday "special" daytime Bible study will be held from noon until 1:30 p.m. The study will explore the context of African-American Spirituals in recognition of Black History Month. 

First Morning Star Baptist

The Rev. Larry J. Arrington, pastor of First Morning Star Baptist Church, Bena, will conduct the 11 a.m. Sunday service. Music will be rendered by the Fellowship Choir under the direction of Leander Myers. During the service, a senior church member will be recognized in honor of Black History Month. A special Black History program will follow the service, beginning with a soul food dinner and a presentation by Kathleen Getward of Newport News.

Other activities include: Friday, 10 a.m., devotions at RCC-Saluda; Saturday, 9 a.m., Constitution Ministry, and Wednesday, 7 p.m., Bible study.

First Presbyterian

The sermon title at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday services in First Presbyterian Church, Gloucester, will be "The God Who Seeks the Lost."

Gleaning Baptist

The USDA Food Ministry of Gleaning Baptist Church, Gloucester, will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Pastor Stevens Burrell will ordain Minister Daniel Johnson at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Gwynn’s Island Baptist

The sermon topic of the Rev. David Patton, pastor of Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Sunday will be "Bonus Time." The church choir will provide special music.

Kingston Episcopal Parish

An "Introduction to the Episcopal Church" continues at 4 p.m. Sunday at Kingston Episcopal Parish House, Mathews. To participate, call 725-2175.

"Soup with Love" Lenten lunches will be offered at noon Wednesday at the parish house. The Parish Women will prepare four homemade soups and a variety of breads. Lunch will follow a brief time of prayer and short meditation offered by the Rev. Ted McConnell of Kingston Parish. Monetary donations will be given to Hands Across Mathews.

Lighthouse Worship Center

Pastor Thom and Becky Davis, missionaries to Ecuador, will speak at the 10 a.m. Sunday service in Lighthouse Worship Center, Ordinary. They were Ministers of Music at Lighthouse from 1984-1994. Prayer will precede the service at 9.

Other activities include: today, 6:30 p.m., Celebrate Recovery; Saturday, 7 a.m., prayer and 9 a.m.-noon, Life Group training for Life Group leaders and potential leaders, and Monday, 7 p.m., prayer.

Locust Grove United Methodist

The sermon title of the Rev. Donald M. Warrick Jr., pastor of Locust Grove United Methodist Church, Dutton, at the 11 a.m. Sunday service will be "To Hell and Back." A fellowship with light refreshments will be held between the 9:45 Sunday school and the worship service.

Other activities include: today, 11 a.m., Bible Study at Mount Zion UMC and 7 p.m., at Locust Grove; Saturday, 8-11 a.m., free clothes closet including prom dresses and free breakfast; Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Alcoholics Anonymous meets for open meetings.

Mathews Baptist

Mathews Baptist Church, Hudgins, will begin a free community family meal at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday. The public is invited for a delicious meal and time of fellowship; guests donot need to bring food, a release noted.

Mathews Chapel United Methodist

The sermon title of the Rev. Harry Loyd, pastor of Mathews Chapel United Methodist Church, Cobbs Creek, at the 11 a.m. Sunday service will be "Fulfilling Love." It will also be "Food Pantry" Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Finance Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. and the Church Council will meet at 7 o’clock at the church.

A Lenten Bible Study will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday through April 4 at the church. The Chapel Chargers will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1.

Morning Glory Baptist

Morning Glory Baptist Church, Woods Cross Roads, will hold USDA food distribution from 2-5 p.m. today.

Mount Zion United Methodist

The sermon title of the Rev. Donald M. Warrick Jr., pastor of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Gloucester, at the 9 a.m. Sunday service will be "To Hell and Back." A light snack fellowship will be held between the service and the 10:15 Sunday school.

Bible study will be held at 11 a.m. today and 7 p.m. at Locust Grove UMC.

New Creation Ministries

Pastor Angel Johnson of New Creation Ministries, Cobbs Creek, will preach at the 11 a.m. Sunday service.

New Hope Baptist

The Outreach Ministries of New Hope Baptist Church, Ark, will have an open Food Pantry from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Evening services will be conducted at the Cary House Adult Home at 6:30.

Pastor David Seabolt will conduct the 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday services. Adult Choir practice will be held at 4:45 p.m. conducted by Music Director Rob Blair.

Wednesday worship service at 7 p.m. will be conducted by Mr. Seabolt.

Newington Baptist

PB&J, Youth Praise Band and Jonathan, will lead the 10:15 a.m. Sunday worship in Newington Baptist Church, Gloucester. A box lunch fundraiser for Relay for Life will follow the worship.

Olive Branch United Methodist

Olive Branch United Methodist Church, Gloucester, will hold worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Teen Community Bible Study will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Petsworth Baptist

Petsworth Baptist Church, Gloucester, honored its pastor, Dr. Clint Miller Sr., with a reception in celebration of his graduation from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology on Sunday.

AWANA students will have "Store Night" from 5-7 p.m. Sunday.

Reedswood Christian

Minister Dave Thornton of Reedswood Christian Church, Gloucester, will preach from the series "Ownership Rights" with the sermon title "Who Does it Belong To?" at 11 a.m. Sunday. Youth Group will meet at 5:15 p.m.

Ladies’ Bible Study will meet at 10 a.m. today in the Fellowship Hall.

"A Resolution for Men" class will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, as a follow-up to the "Courageous" movie. Call 804-824-1702 for more details or to join the class.

Revival Outreach Center

Revival Outreach Center, Maryus, will hold a "Gospel Sing" at 6 p.m. Saturday. God’s Chosen Servants will perform.

Rising Valley Baptist

A Black History Heritage celebration, "I Still Believe that People Should Not Struggle," will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in Rising Valley Baptist Church, James Store. Youth guest speakers will be Regina Jackson of Shepherdsville Baptist Church, Donte Travis Dickerson of Union Zion Baptist Church, and Darryl Butler of First Morning Star Baptist Church, Bena. Music will be provided by Colossian Youth Ministry of Fort Eustis Boulevard. Worship leader will be Christopher Morgan of Bethel Baptist Church.

Salem United Methodist

Salem United Methodist Church, Gloucester, will begin worship at 11 a.m. Sunday. Boy Scout Troop 2010 will have a spaghetti lunch fundraiser from noon-1:30 p.m. Youth and parents will meet after the worship service.

Samuel Word of Freedom Fellowship

Samuel Word of Freedom Fellowship, Wicomico, will hold a "Free Clothes Jamboree and Food," from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Call Elise Gray at 642-0222 for more information.

Severn Church

Severn Church, Naxera, will take a special Building Fund offering at its 11 a.m. Sunday service. All loose offering and special envelopes will be placed in this fund. The Youth Fellowship will meet at the church from 6-7:30 p.m. for its regular meeting and game night.

Other activities include: Monday, 6 p.m., Youth Fellowship Committee will meet at the home of Pastor Bill West for planning meeting, and Wednesday, 7 p.m., Mr. West will continue the study on the book of Romans, followed by Adult Choir practice at 7:45.

Shepherdsville Baptist

The sermon title of Senior Pastor Frederick Carter of Shepherdsville Baptist Church, Gloucester, at the 11 a.m. Sunday service will be "What Does God Look Like?" Irving Driver will conduct the Senior Choir. The sermon title of the Rev. Kevin Thompson at the 8 o’clock service will be "Living Victoriously in Christ." Music will be performed by the Rev. Richard Jackson, Robert Brown and Minister Vivian Holmes. The 10 o’clock Sunday school teachers will be Donald Driver for the adult class, and Monette Osborne for the youth class; the topic will be "Bearing the Fruit of Redemption."

Christian Education will meet at noon Wednesday and 6 p.m. Sunday to review the texts from Bible study, Sunday school and the sermons. Bible study will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on Matthew 19.

Singleton United Methodist

The sermon title of the Rev. Calvin Griffin, pastor of Singleton United Methodist Church, Schley, at the 11 a.m. Sunday service will be "Suffering and Temptation."

Smithfield Baptist

Pastor Steven J. Daniels Sr. Smithfield Baptist Church, Gloucester, will preach a sermon from the "Got Faith?" series at the 10 a.m. Sunday communion service. Music will be provided by the Unity Choir under direction of George Clarey.

Soul Food Wednesday will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the discussion of 2 Samuel 1-7.

Spring Hill Baptist

The sermon title of the Rev. Dr. Chuck McDaniel,pastor of Spring Hill Baptist Church, Cobbs Creek, at the 11 a.m. Sunday service will be "A Witness to the End of the Age?" Family Game Night will be offered at 6 p.m.

Senior exercise classes are offered at 10 a.m. every Wednesdayat the church led by Raymond Sykes.

St. Matthew United Methodist

The Rev. Charles Winner, pastor of St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Peary, will begin a seven-part sermon series, "A Journey to Hope," at 9:45 a.m. Sunday. His sermon title will be "A Journey to Hope: Who’s Going?"

St. Paul Baptist

The sermon title of Pastor Bradley A. Holmes of St. Paul Baptist Church, Gloucester, at the 11 a.m. Sunday service will be "A Peaceful Church." Pastor Joshua Harris and officers, members and friends of First Baptist Church, Mathews, will be guests at the 3:30 p.m. church anniversary celebration.

St. Paul United Methodist

St. Paul United Methodist Church, Susan, will hold its regular fourth Sunday fellowship lunch will be at noon Sunday.

The Mathews Christian Men’s group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Mark Barrick, Mathews County sheriff, will address the group. 

St. Therese Roman Catholic

St. Therese Roman Catholic Church, Gloucester, will begin "Soup with Love," a community luncheon event from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday. This will continue for the following five Sundays of Lent. A brief devotion will be given at noon. Parishioners and volunteers donate homemade soups and breads. The monetary donations collected will be given to charities selected by the volunteers.

Stations of the Cross devotional will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Friday and each Friday evening (with the exception of Good Friday) throughout the Lenten season.

Susanna Wesley United Methodist

The Worship Committee of Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church, Ordinary, will meet at 6 o’clock tonight and the Administrative Council will meet at 7.

On Saturday, Easy Worship/Sound Board Training will be held at 2 p.m. and the Fish and Loaves Ministry will deliver food to shut-ins at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, the Children’s Bell Choir will meet and the Intentional Faith Development Committee will have a Library Work session after the worship service. The Youth Group will meet at 4:30 p.m. The Lenten Bible Study, "Final Words from the Cross," will have its first session at 6:30 p.m. and will continue to meet Sunday evenings until April 1.

The Leadership Planning Meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The First United Baptist

The Rev. Allen Davis, pastor of the First United Baptist Church, White Marsh, will preach at the 11 a.m. Sunday service and the Male Chorus will sing.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Rappahannock

Margaret M. Sequeira, MTS, will present "Sweet Darkness" at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service in Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Rappahannock, White Stone.

Unity of Richmond

Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula residents who drive up to two hours to attend worship and meetings at Unity of Richmond can now attend a Unity center closer to home. Jay and Rita DePew, of Lancaster County, will lead the Unity of the Chesapeake study group from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, at the Lancaster Community Library, Kilmarnock. RSVPs to the DePews at 804-435-9553 are preferred but walk-ins are accepted, a release noted.

Westville Christian

The Rev. Tim Dice, pastor of Westville Christian Church, Mathews, will deliver the message at 11 a.m. for the first Sunday in Lent. A special offering for "Week of Compassion" will be taken.

Interested church members have been invited to participate in a meeting with the Tour de Chesapeake organizers at Williams Wharf at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Westville provides the Tour’s Sunday morning breakfast in May.

White Marsh Baptist

The sermon title of the Rev. Ben Dyer, pastor of White Marsh Baptist Church at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service will be "Somebody’s Praying." Activities from 5:30-7 p.m. will include AWANA for Pre-K (3 years old) up to eighth grade (Cubbies-Trek programs) and Adult Bible Study.

Zion Baptist

Zion Baptist Church, Cardinal, will hold "Youth Explosion 2012: A Chosen Generation, Walking in our Purpose, Living Out our Destiny!" at 4 p.m. Saturday. Guest hosts will be Elder Antonio and Tammi Arrington of Shiloh Baptist Church. Special guests will be the Drama Team of Calvary Chapel of Gloucester and Explosion Praise Ensemble under the direction of John E. Smith. Other guests will include Pastor Andre Brooks of Williamsburg, Zion’s Youth Department co-directors, Minister Jeff and Trisha Clinton, Glorified Angels Praise Dance Ministry, and Anointed to Mime. Conference will also include "Straight Talk Rap Session" and fun, food and fellowship hour, a release noted.

Zion Poplars Baptist

The Rev. Dr. Elton Pryor, pastor of Zion Poplars Baptist Church, Gloucester, will preach at the 11 a.m. Sunday service. There will be "Old Time Gospel" congregational singing. The Male Chorus will celebrate its ninth anniversary at 3 p.m. Participants will include the Male Chorus of Quoccasin Baptist Church of Richmond, the Worshippers of Newport News, the New Hope Singers of King and Queen and Sons of Spirit of Newport News. Dr. Elton and Ellen Pryor will be the worship leaders.