Three local churches have announced plans to offer grief support groups beginning next month. Some offer meetings throughout the year with sessions beginning at various times.

In 1998, a group of five ladies at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, then at a temporary location with a Sharpsburg address, gathered to form what would become a vital ministry to the community — a shawl-knitting and crocheting ministry which would evolve into a ministry providing chemo caps, slippers, lap robes, prayer bears and shawls for those in need of such items.

Abigail Pearman of Newnan and Michael Wine of Sharpsburg, were voted “Best Dressed” at the annual Christmas dinner at Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Sharpsburg, which held its 2008 Christmas Dinner in its own facilities for the first time. The event has been held in numerous locations over the past twelve years.

‘Prayers and Squares’ meets Jan. 3
“Prayers and Squares” is a prayer quilt ministry at Hopewell United Methodist Church where participants learn to make prayer quilts for shut-ins and people who are ill. Nettie Wilson does the instruction at her studio on Trammell Road. Those who are interested in learning to quilt, or those would like to participate in the prayer quilt ministry, may contact Nettie at 770-631-0980 or 770-722-7221. The next session will be Saturday, Jan. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon.

All Saints Anglican Church in Peachtree City will have a Christmas Eve Family Service at 5 p.m. and a Carol Service with communion at 11 p.m. A Christmas Day Service will be held at 10 a.m. All Saints meets at 303 Kelly Dr. in Peachtree City. Phone: 770-486-5374.

Sam Burch, director of music at Covenant Presbyterian Church, has retired after 26 years of service. His last worship service will end with the Christmas Eve service.

“His knowledge of music, choir and congregational direction has earned him great respect from the choir members and great appreciation from the church staff and congregation,” said organist Marty Alexander.

Fayetteville First Baptist Church will offer GriefShare, a 13-week Bible based program for those who have lost a loved one, each Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. beginning Jan. 13. Each class begins with a video followed by group discussion.

The outreach committee of St. Andrew’s in the Pines Episcopal Church are shown with a portion of the gifts they wrapped for delivery to the children of Emmaus House, Atlanta.

Rachel Lee Handley, daughter of Dan and Michelle Handley of Peachtree City, and her cousin, Madison Grace Handley, daughter of Michael and Deborah Handley of Sanford, Fla., received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism recently at Christ the King Church in Sharpsburg. The sacrament was administered by Bishop David Epps who was assisted by the fathers of the children.

Liberty Baptist to show “Fireproof” Dec. 31
Liberty Baptist Church will offer a free showing of “Fireproof,” an action-packed love story about a firefighter, his wife and a marriage worth rescuing, Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 6 p.m. The church is at 1077 Ga. Hwy. 314 between Fayetteville and Riverdale. For more information call 770-461-5644 or visit the church website at www.lbcfayette.org

All Saints Anglican Church Music Director Shannon Bryan leads the church choir in practice for Lessons and Carols which will be Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10:30 a.m. Afterwards there will be a reception at the Rev. Michael Fry’s home. Shown above, front row, left to right, are Bryan, Rosalie McVay, Trish Gurney, Becky West, Kelly Abrams, and Sheri Schafer.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fayetteville will offer the final Soup and Bread Advent dinner and Advent Service tonight, Dec. 17.

The Middle Fayette Church of Christ, formed in 2007, has moved into more permanent quarters in downtown Fayetteville. The church met first in the media center of Fayette Middle School on Grady Avenue, then at Spring Hill Elementary School.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Peachtree City distributed 20 Thanksgiving baskets and 49 gift cards for food to needy families. The families’ names were provided by the Family and Children’s Services of Fayetteville. Above, volunteers load completed Thanksgiving baskets into several SUV’s for delivery.

Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City will offer a LifeKeys course for adults ages 21 and up.

LifeKeys is a spiritually based, comprehensive program that helps individuals discover their life gifts, spiritual gifts, personality type, values, and passions.

Hopewell United Methodist Church invites the community to participate in a six-week Bible study beginning Jan. 12.

The study, based on a book by Anne Graham Lotz entitled “The Vision of His Glory,” will be led by Phyllis Gaddy and is open to all men, women, and teens.

A course on healing, sanctioned by The Order of St. Luke the Physician (OSL), an interdenominational healing ministry, was completed recently at Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Sharpsburg.

Celebrate Recovery group meets Thursdays
Celebrate Recovery, a 12-step program for those with hurts, hangups and habits, meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Church of the Harvest-Fayette, 1653 Highway 85 South, Fayetteville. For more information, call the church office, 770-460-9801, or e-mail info@cothfayette.org.

Churches ... don’t forget to send information on your Christmas events for our front page story next week (Dec. 17). Deadline is Monday, Dec. 15, at noon for info on pre-Christmas weekend, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day events. Send via email to jkilgore@thecitizen.com or JodieK444@aol.com.

Fayette Presbyterian Church (USA),will hold a “Santa’s Spaghetti Supper” featuring pictures with Santa this afternoon, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults and $2 for kids. All proceeds go to youth fundraising.

Ten members of All Saints Anglican Church were confirmed Sunday in Peachtree City by the Right Rev. David Anderson of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA).

Recording artist Charles Haugabrooks will be in concert at McDonough Road Baptist Church this Sunday, Dec. 14, in both morning and evening services. The Florida native began singing at age three, and has presented sacred music concerts throughout the United States, and in Africa, Romania, Canada, Central America, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Bermuda.

National Heights Baptist Church will offer a “Prayer Star” on the lawn of the church to enrich the community’s Christmas experience.

The South Metro Ministries Celebration Choir will present a free performance of “The Perfect Tree” on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 9:15 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Holy Trinity choirs to present concert
On Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m., the Young Voices Singers, a children’s choir at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, will present “Prepare the Way,” a children’s concert. On Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., the Holy Trinity Adult Choir will present Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring choirs, soloists and organ. Holy Trinity is on the corner of Ga. Hwy. 54 and Walt Banks Road, next to McIntosh High School.

St. Andrew’s Fine Art and Crafts Christmas Bazaar, Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Andrew’s in the Pines Episcopal Church, 316 Peachtree Parkway North, Peachtree City.