Local National Day of Prayer Events for 2008

The 90-hour Bible Read-a-Thon will be held from 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, until 10 a.m. Thursday, May 1, downtown on the Plaza Stage facing Pilar Street behind the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Individual readers will read aloud in 15-minute increments during this nonstop 90-hour public reading of God's Word. This event is held in conjunction with the International Bible Readers Association. There will be Bible Read-a-Thons across the nation during this time.

The National Day of Prayer noon observance will be held Thursday on the Pilar Street stage. 2008 Theme is "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" Psalm 28:7

The National Day of Prayer prayer evening rally begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at East Side United Pentecostal Church on the Center Highway, one mile outside the loop.

This event will be focused on worship, praise and prayer. This is a powerful and moving spiritual experience. Scripture from the book of Acts are prayed over the city and region by various participants from all denominations.

For information, call 569-7729 or 615-0113.

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This Sunday at Vineyard Church Nacogdoches teaching pastor Jim Miller will continue his series of life lessons on "Confronting Our Respectable Sins — The Sins of Commission and Sins of Omission" focusing on two encounters of Jesus in subsequent chapters of John's gospel, one the ultimate insider and the other the ultimate outsider, and what those encounters teach us.

The Vineyard meets 10 a.m. Sundays at the Vineyard Community Center, 4140 FM 1878.

For information, call 564-4600.

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Joining with United Methodists around the world, First United Methodist Church Nacogdoches, will participate in Nothing But Nets, a global effort to protect the children of Africa from the deadly malaria mosquitoes. Globally, malaria infects more than 500 million people a year and kills more than a million per year – one malaria death about every 30 seconds. Malaria is particularly devastating in Africa, where it is the leading cause of death among children. The most cost-effective prevention is the use of insecticide-treated bed nets which work by creating a protective barrier against the insects. A family of four sleeping under a treated bed net is safe from malaria for up to four years. And when enough homes in one community are protected by the nets, the insecticide used to deter the mosquitoes makes the entire community safer.

Through the program, an insecticide-treated bed net can be procured and distributed to an African family for $10.

First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches, will feature Nothing But Nets as its mission focus during vacation Bible school the week of June 23 through 27.

For information about VBS, log on to www.fumcnac.org, and for information about the Nothing But Nets project, log on to www.nothingbutnets.net.

This Sunday, Dr. Bill Gandin resumes his current sermon series,"Hello! It's The King Calling!" with a message based on Matthew 13:18-23 titled "In God's Kingdom, Growing Is A Given!"

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The Rev. David Brasher, pastor of Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church, will begin a new series of sermons on "Desperate Household." This Sunday's sermon "He Said, She Said." is taken from "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations" by Robert Schnase. The United Methodist Women will have a meeting/luncheon following the 11 a.m. service.

Perritte's vacation Bible school 2008 Beach Party will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 28. Beach Be-Attitudes is the theme this year with emphasis on being obedient, kind, forgiving, bold and believing. VBS will be June 8 through 12. Contact Kimberly Brasher at 569-8115 or Susan Teekell at 564-8268.

For information, call 564-8427 or go to www.perritteumc.org.

"Coping with Aging Loved Ones," a class for those involved in the care of an aging loved one and want to be better equipped is available at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, May 7, 14, and 21. The class will explore the numerous issues around aging loved ones including changing roles, honoring our loved ones, local resources, caregiver care and the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual changes impacted through the aging process. The reference guide Caring for Aging Loved Ones is being ordered, but is not required for the class. Cost for the guide is $20.

According to Karen Swenson, class facilitator, "managing the last years of a loved one's life often overlaps with the demands of raising children, careers and hectic households. There are so many critical decisions in all aspects of our lives. Caring for an aging loved one is some of the most important work we do on earth. Being well-equipped is essential."

The first class will meet in the sanctuary. To register for the class, call 564-8427 or 569-9934 or 615-1982.

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Harmony Baptist Church will hold revival services at 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Evangelist will be the Rev. Paul Gothard.

Church pastor is the Rev. Tim Brewer. For information, call 559-0269 or 568-9247.

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The pastor's aide committee of Shady Grove Church of the Living God in Christ will host a program at 3 p.m. May 25 featuring choirs, praise dancers and soloists.

For information, call 903-399-1087.

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Freddie Weber will present "Being Here Now" when she speaks Sunday at Unity Church of Christianity, 2400 South St., Nacogdoches. "Being Here Now." A former Broadway performer, Weber will give a musical concert in the sanctuary following Sunday's service and potluck.

For information, call 560-3853 or visit www.UnityofNac.org.

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The annual Mission Day program will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 1413 Powers St. Guests will be the Rev. Elton Foster and members of New Center Prospect Baptist Church, Pollok.

Church pastor is the Rev. Ralph Shepherd.

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Guest speaker for Sunday, April 13, at Unity Church of Christianity, 2400 South St., will be Joseph Smith of Houston on the topic "Revealing Your Hidden Self." Within each one of us lies a hidden part of us that is eager to "leap out" and express itself. Smith teaches classes at Unity Church of Christianity in Houston and also provides spiritual counseling. For information, go to: www.UnityofNac.org or call 560-3853.

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The anniversary service for Pine Flat Senior Choir will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Pine Flat CME Church. Local choirs, groups and soloists can participate in the evening.

Church pastor is the Rev. T.J. Pleasant. For information, call 564-4102.

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An Usher Day program will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday at New St. Matthews Baptist Church, 2720 Matthew St.

Guests will be the Rev. Lionel Whitaker and members of Simpson Chapel in Alto.

Usher president is Nannette Sweats. Church pastor is the Rev. David Avant.