Places to

Worship
March 30, 2016

2 | March 30, 2016

Places to Worship

"We're growing Gods family"

704.788.9211
4284 Orphanage Rd., Concord
www.HarvestConcord.org

Places to Worship

March 30, 2016 | 3

Christians
in the World

hristians make up one of the

largest religious sects of the
world. Christianity has expanded
considerably since the religion
was established from the
teachings of Jesus Christ. According to the
Catholic Education Resource Center and
information from the International Bulletin
of Missionary Research, there were roughly
558 million Christians in the world in 1900.

Currently, there are approximately 2.2 billion

Christians. Half of all the worlds Christians
are Catholics, while the next largest sect
of Christians belongs to denominationally
unaffiliated independent churches that boast
some 400 million members. Almost half of
all Christians live in the United States, Brazil,
Mexico, Russia, or Germany. There are also
large groups living in the Philippines, China
and Nigeria.
Metro Creative

Saint James The Greater Catholic Church

139 Manor Ave. SW Concord, NC

Mass Schedule
Daily
Monday - 7pm Novena Mass
Tuesday - Saturday 8am
(The First Friday of every month is at 11am)
Saturday - 5pm - Vigil
7pm - Spanish
Sunday - 8am
10 am - Childrens Mass
11:30 am
1:30 pm - Spanish
5pm - Teen Mass

Reconciliation
Saturday - 2 pm - 4pm

Vigil Mass
Spanish Mass
8am Mass
11:30am Mass
Spanish Mass
Facebook
facebook.com/saintjamesthegreaterconcord/

704-720-0600

www.saintjamescatholic.org

Places to Worship

4 | March 30, 2016

Choose aChurch
How to

Choosing a church can seem like a complex and daunting

task. Each faith-based community is different.

church is a group of like-minded

people who share a set of beliefs.
Its members often feel like a
kind of family, offering support,
encouragement and assistance
to each other.

Church communities worship and learn
together. Growing in faith should be one of
the goals in attending church services. The
right church can provide a foundation for
your spiritual life.

When searching a church, pray to God
for guidance. Then determine what setting
is important to you. Are you looking for
a less-formal, more modern church with
energetic sermons? Do you need an intimate
community or a mega-church?

Do you have a particular faith? If you
are a Methodist, Baptist or Lutheran, being
surrounded by people with similar beliefs
will be important. Or do you prefer a nondenominational church?

Once you understand your needs,
conduct some research. Look in your local
newspaper, Yellow pages, online or drive
around your city.

Ask friends and relatives about the
churches they attend. People are often
happy to discuss their experiences with you.

Once you have found some possibilities,
visit several churches. Attend services with
a positive attitude and ask questions of the
members. Gather as much information as
you can.
Continued on page 6

Creating a community and a campus where the lost and the hurting
can nd help and hope through Gods word and through His people.

LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE!

Dr. Herb Rhedrick, Senior Pastor

& First Lady Gail Rhedrick

Places to Worship

March 30, 2016 | 5

NEW PASTOR
Rev. Dr. Neal Carter
Sunday School 10:00am
Worship 11:00am

FREE Community Meal

the first Wednesday of every month

at 6:00pm
Feeding peoples bodies and souls.

ALL ARE WELCOME

7940 Rocky River Road

Concord, NC

704-455-2479

www.rockyriver.org

Places to Worship

6 | March 30, 2016

Continued from page 4

Sometimes having a friend
along will help you feel more at
ease. Speak to people sitting
near you, or speak to the pastor
after the service. Take home any
literature offered.

Afterward, reflect on your
experience. Does the churchs
statement of belief match your own
beliefs?

Sometimes churches are
known for their service to the
community. If volunteer work is
important to you, find a religious
community that has programs for

soup kitchens, homeless shelters

or even local parks.

Were you comfortable sitting
in the church or were you itching
to leave? Did the pastor hold your
attention or were you bored?

Knowing your values will
help you select the right church.
Worship and spirituality are deeply
personal. Sometimes different
family members may attend
different churches.

If you feel the presence of God
in the church youve chosen, then
you have made the right decision.

Knowing your values will help

you select the right church.
Metro Creative

S.T.A.R.S. Preschool
Seeking Together and Reaching Success
Our focus is on social and
spiritual development
Ages 2-5

Royal Oaks Baptst Church

Visit a friendly church that believes Gods Word is first.

Pastor Tim Yates

SUNDAY
SUNDAY
9:45am
- Sunday School
9:45am - Sunday School
11:00am
- Worshp Servce
11:00am - Worshp Servce
6:00pm
- Evenng
Worshp
6:00pm
- Evenng
Worshp

SUMMER CAMP
For ages 2-4th grade.

WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Bble
Study
- 7:00pm
Bble
Study
- 7:00pm
Youth
Meetng
- 7:00pm
Youth Meetng
- 7:00pm

Contact Anne Dehlin at 704-707-1172

or anne.dehlin@mycrossroads.co

Youth Leaders: Justin & Valorie Willems and Joseph & Brandi Cox

Located in Crossroads Church

on George Liles Pkwy, Concord

904 Texas Street Kannapols

704-932-7982 Robcnc.com

YOUTH SENIORS PUPPETS

SeniorS PuPPetS Yout

Places to Worship

Know?

Did You

March 30, 2016 | 7

New Hope Lutheran Church ELCA

ifferent branches of Christianity classify

Confirmation in various ways. Some consider it
a sacrament while others do not. For example,
Roman Catholics consider Confirmation to be one
of the Seven Sacraments and believe it brings
a person closer to Christ while strengthening that persons
faith. In the Eastern Orthodox church, Confirmation is also
a sacrament and is called Chrismation. It is believed the
original apostles established the Rite of Confirmation. Among
Protestants, Confirmation is not a sacrament but a profession
of faith or an acknowledgment of Gods grace. Whichever
branch of Christianity a person subscribes to, Christians
believe Confirmation further cements a relationship with Christ
and helps participants come of age within the church.
Metro Creative

1615 Brantley Road

Kannapolis, NC 28083
704-932-3716
newhopelutheran@windstream.net
www.livinginnewhope.org

North Carolina ELCA Synod

A community of Jesus Christ centered upon prayer, outreach,

worship, learning and fellowship

Sunday School 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am

Two Adult Sunday School Discussion Groups

Adult Vocal Choir and Hand Bell Choir
Two Monthly Women Groups
Senior Citizen Monthly Group
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings Tuesdays and Fridays 7:30 pm
Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Wednesdays 7:00 pm
Daisy Girl Scouts Thursdays 7:00 pm
Free Hot Dog Lunch 1st Saturday 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Kannapolis School Snack Pack Program 2nd Sunday
Collection for Community Outreach 3rd Sunday

All Welcome to Come and Worship With Us

Coldwater

Baptist Church
Rev Jim Posey Pastor

Coldwater Baptist Church is the oldest Baptist Church in Cabarrus County dating
back to when WelshEnglish Baptists settled near Coldwater Creek

Baptist Men Baptist Women Puppets

Childrens Ministry Happy Hearts Seniors
Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.
Sun. Morning Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Evening Worship - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Word of Life Hour - 7:00 p.m.
wwwcoldwaterbaptistchurchcom and Facebook coldwaterbaptistchurch

1045 Union Street South

Concord

8 | March 30, 2016

Places to Worship

Religious
Giving

&

Tithing
Today

onprofit organizations rely on the generosity of donors

to help them meet their mission statements. Billions of
dollars are donated to charities each year, but few people
may know that religious organizations are among the
biggest beneficiaries of Americans charitable largesse.

According to data from the National Study of American Religious
Giving and the National Study of American Jewish Giving, American
households donated a median of $375 to congregations, $150 to
religiously identified nonprofit organizations and $250 to secular
charities in 2012. Various sources repeatedly state that those who
identify as religious people are more likely to be philanthropic. That
likelihood may be a byproduct of the tradition of tithing.

Instituted in ancient times, tithing is a concept of giving 10
percent of ones personal income to a religious organization. Because
donors income was unlike it is today, centuries ago tithes often
came as donations of produce and livestock. Tithing was compulsory
within traditional Jewish law and practice, and Christians adopted

the practice through Old Testament teachings. Tithing is mentioned

in Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26, Deuteronomy 14:24, and 2
Chronicles 31:5. While the New Testament does not recommend or
demand tithing and only mentions that gifts should be in keeping with
income, some religious groups continue to embrace tithing.

Depending on the religious organization, adherents to a particular
faith may be encouraged to tithe. But many religious groups now
leave it up to donors discretion with regard to how much to give.

Givers are encouraged to see where their donations go, and its
not without reason to ask for accounting from a church, synagogue or
mosque to understand how donations are attributed. Many religious
groups voluntarily publish this information in weekly bulletins.

Individuals who plan to give to religious organizations can
determine a donation figure that is within their means and adjust it
accordingly through the years - giving out of feelings of purpose and
not obligation.
Metro Creative

Places to Worship

March 30, 2016 | 9

Storing your

Religious Documents
in a safe place

aintaining good records can be beneficial in a variety

of ways. People sometimes have a need to consult
important paperwork, such as birth certificates,
social security cards and mortgage contracts, and
the ability to organize such documents effectively
can make it easier to handle those situations when these records
are needed. Important documents should be kept in a safe, easily
accessible place, and the same can be said for educational
documents and religious certificates.

Parents need to access their kids records during Communion
and Confirmation season. Completing early sacraments is often
a prerequisite to participating in those that come later in life.
Catholic children who do not attend a Catholic school will need
to be enrolled in faith formation classes in order to receive Holy
Communion or to be confirmed in the church. In addition, they
will need to provide proof that they are practicing members of
the faith. For example, many churches and religious educational
organizations require copies of baptismal certificates for children
Continued on page 10

Places to Worship

10 | March 30, 2016

Continued from page 9

to be eligible to receive the

sacraments of Reconciliation,
Communion and Confirmation.
These same certificates may
be necessary later in life
as well, most notably when
men and women want to get
married in a church.

Parents may want to store
their kids religious documents
in a folder. This makes it easier
when kids become adults and
must prove that they have
completed the sacraments.
Keep these items in a secure
place, such as a home safe or
in a safety deposit box. If these
documents are lost and need
to be replaced, it can take time
to contact the parish or church
where sacraments took place.

Godparents or those
serving as Confirmation

sponsors may also need to

produce certain documents.
Churches typically require
documentation from
godparents and sponsors to
verify that they are practicing
members of the faith and
will guide the children they
are sponsoring accordingly.
Sponsors may find they will
need to provide a letter from
a pastor or priest verifying
their attendance at church
and status as an active
participant. Copies of
sacramental certificates may
also be required. Knowing
these requirements in advance
helps everyone participating
in sacraments to be prepared
for what is expected of them
during this religious journey.
Metro Creative

BETHPAGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, KANNAPOLIS

PRAYER

SHILOH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LOVE

COMMUNITY SERVICE

PRAISING GOD

Since 1794
Sunday School9:00 am
Worship Service9:55 am
Wednesday evening programs5:30 pm

The Small Church with a Big Heart

Sunday School 10:00 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM
Pastor Greg Hamilton

205-913-3670

4149 Odell School Road Concord, NC

www.shilohconcord.org info@shilohconcord.org

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March 30, 2016 | 11

St. Johns Reformed Church

Places to Worship

12 | March 30, 2016

May
Communion
a popular month for

ach May, scores of youngsters

embark on another important
step in their spiritual journeys.
Many Christian children
will receive their First Holy
Communion and participate in a sacrament
that will further solidify their connection
to God and the church. It is one of the
important sacraments of initiation.

Children did not always participate in
the Sacrament of Communion at this stage
in their lives. Until roughly the 13th century,
children were admitted to Communion
from infancy. In fact, at baptism, children
were at once confirmed and then given the
Eucharist in the form of some consecrated
wine. Some churches still continue this
practice, including Eastern Orthodox

NORTH KANNAPOLIS BAPTIST CHURCH

Bible Study at
9:30 A.M.
Morning Worship at
10:45 A.M.

Offering a Full Complement

of Programs and Activities for
Children, Youth, and Adults,
including Worship, Bible Study,
Missions, Music,
and Fellowship

312 Locust Street Kannapols, NC 28081

704-933-2125

nkbc@ctc.net nkbc.net

HEART

Places to Worship
Churches, the Oriental Orthodox
Churches and the Assyrian Church of
the East. By the 1200s, Communion
was delayed until an age when children
would have an understanding of the
Eucharist and also sin and forgiveness.

Under Pope Pius X, who served
as Pope from 1903 to 1914, children
could receive Communion as soon
as they could distinguish the Bread of
the Eucharist as being Christ Himself,
and not just ordinary bread. Thus, the
inclusion of younger children in the
Sacrament of First Holy Communion
became more finite in churches around
the world.

The month of May is a customary
time for the Sacrament of Communion to
be held. While there is no documented
reasoning behind offering the sacrament
in May, it may be because May falls after
the important Lenten season and the
miracle of Easter. Furthermore, May is

March 30, 2016 | 13

often a time when religious education

classes culminate, and children have
been properly instructed as to their
duties upon receiving their First Holy
Communion, including participating in
the Sacrament of Penance. Children
also have been taught what it means
to display an attitude of reverence at
Mass. It also does not hurt that May
tends to be a mild month, and one that
makes a beautiful spring backdrop for
communion festivities.

While First Holy Communion is
widely associated with Roman Catholics,
many Protestant churches also celebrate
this sacrament, albeit in a less elaborate
manner.

Communion season is arriving,
and soon children will be seen in
neighborhoods near and far wearing
their Sunday best and participating in a
ceremony that further initiates them into
their Christian faith.
Metro Creative

For more information visit our website www.cbckannapolis.com or call 704.933.8006

14 | March 30, 2016

KANNAPOLIS

Places to Worship

Sharon Baptist Church

Dr. James Strickland, Pastor

SUNDAY
Sunday School 9:45am
Morning Worship 10:45am
Evening Worship 6:00pm

WEDNESDAY
gracecovenantkannapolis.org
Sunday Mornings ... 9:45 & 10:30
Tuesday Evening Prayer........ 6:00
Wednesday Evenings ........... 7:00
Pastor Glynn Weatherby II - Lead Pastor
Pastor Glynn Weatherby III - Associate Pastor

Bible Study 7:00pm

2628 Shady Lane Avenue

Winecoff School Community Concord
704.782.9753

Places to Worship

Central United
Methodist
Church
welcoming, traditional worship, inclusive, diverse,
intergenerational, innovative, technological, missional
The most popular online
United Methodist congregation in NC
(watched by 60,000 people in 125 countries)

Worship with us at
8:45am or 11:00am

30 Union Street North

(across from the downtown library)

704-786-4109

Worship anytime at

centralonline.org
concordcentral.org

March 30, 2016 | 15

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Places to Worship