Briefly: Religion news

‘Messiah’ auditions
will be Aug. 28
If you’re interested in auditioning for the Independence performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” get your voice, or your instrument, in fine tune.
Auditions for the Messiah Orchestra Ensemble will be Tuesday, Aug. 28. Auditions begin at 7 p.m., and you can audition either as a soloist or as a group.
The ensemble will comprise strings, woodwinds and brass, along with the Stone Church organ.The choir will be 100 singers and eight soloists. Musial director is Alice Beebe.
If you would like to audition, contact robyn@independencemessiah.org or call 816-838-6575 or 816-252-3322.
The community performance of “Messiah” will be Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Stone Church, 1012 W. Lexington Ave., Independence.
For more information, go to www.independencemessiah.org.

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Concert offered
at Berean Free Will
Jeremy Pope will be in concert at 6 p.m. Saturday at Berean Free Will Baptist Church, 2104 James Downey Road, Independence.
Pope began singing to crowds and at church at age 4 when he attended concerts by the Gospelaires, a local group he played drums for and still does.
For more information, call 816-516-7786.

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Contemporary service
at Mount Washington
Mount Washington United Methodist Church in Independence has a new contemporary worship service for young adults and families Sunday evenings called, “The Castle.”
“JAM” Camp – “Jesus and Me” is a weekly vacation Bible school and takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
The church is at 584 S. Arlington Ave. For more information, call 816-252-8064.

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‘Wrestling with the
Bible’ sermon series
Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection this Sunday begins a five-week sermon series, “Wrestling with the Bible,” on fundamental questions of Scripture and faith.
The church, based in Leawood, has a campus at 601 N.E. Jefferson St. in Blue Springs. Services are at 10:30 a.m. and include the sermon via video.
Hamilton says the questions being addressed include:

• Why does God seem violent in the Old Testament, yet loving in the New Testament?
• How do we reconcile the Bible and modern science? Was the Earth really created 10,000 years ago?
• What about the role of women in the Bible? Is the Bible sexist?
• How are we to read the Bible’s passages about sex and sexuality?
• What are we to make of inconsistencies and contradictions in the Bible?
• Can I question the Bible and still be a Christian?

St. Mark’s annual
craft show planned
St. Mark’s Catholic Church will host its 8th Annual Craft Show and Business Expo from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence. For more information, call the church at 816-373-2600 or visit www.stmarksparish.com.

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Sunday theme: ‘Make
Melody to the Lord’
Joey Williams will speak on the theme “Make Melody to the Lord” at the 10:20 a.m. worship service Sunday at the Stone Church Community of Christ, 1012 W. Lexington Ave., Independence.
Williams works for the World Church. During the service, there will be an opportunity to sing a variety of songs selected for the church’s new hymnal. Dennis Sharier will preside, with special music by Joey Williams, Kristopher Taylor, Barbara Fears and Paulette Votava Resch. Others participating in the service are Bob Williams, Judy Williams and Karen Cross.
The Stone Church Summer Series continues this week with Karen Waring speaking on the theme “Invite Others to Christ.” David Todd will preside, with special music by Clare Vlahos and Sandra Byrne. Others participating in the service are Jacquelyn Todd, Barbara Brock-Davis and Hal Davis.
Services have captioning for the hearing impaired. For more information, contact the church at 816-254-2211 or www.stone-church.org.
• Kevin Prine, executive director of Outreach International, will speak on the theme “Make Melody to the Lord” for the 9:15 and 10:15 a.m. services Sunday at The Groves Congregation of Community of Christ, 1515 W. White Oak, Independence.
Pastor Tom Peterson presides, with associate pastors Christina Nagel and Carol Norris Vincent assisting. Music ministry provided by pianist Lois Moore and violinist Marge Wade. All welcome to attend.

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Seniors to tour
Steamboat Arabia
Seniors at Independence First United Methodist Church are scheduled to tour the Steamboat Arabia and have a barbecue lunch on Aug. 24 in downtown Kansas City.
Known as the Sunsetters, the group will leave from the church, 400 W. Maple Ave., at 9:30 a.m. for the City Market area. The Arabia tour is scheduled for 10 a.m. and lunch will follow at Winslow’s City Market Barbecue. The cost of the Arabia tour is $13.50, and each person is responsible for lunch.
This event is open to all seniors, but reservations must be made by calling the church at 816-254-6900 by Monday.
Coordinators are Adele Rohr and Nylene Sage.

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Teens host bird show
at Timothy Lutheran
Teen Club, a fine arts club for teens and adults with disabilities, will host a “Wings of Love” bird show at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at Timothy Lutheran Church, 425 N.W. R.D. Mize Road, Blue Springs.
All Teen Club members may come for pizza at 5 p.m. and help get ready for the show. Anyone who would like to enjoy the bird show may join them for a free will donation.
Teen Club meets once a month for art, fellowship, fun, cooking, life skills, field trips and special guests.
For more information, contact Diane Schiefelbein at 816-229-2034 or dianesingsforjoy@comcast.net.

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First Christian
serving breakfast
The First Christian Church of Independence is holding a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 25 in the Fellowship Hall, 125 S. Pleasant St.
The cost is $3.50 for coffee, juice, sausage and all-you-can-eat pancakes.
Breakfast will also be served from 7 to 10 a.m. Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2. The menu includes cowboy biscuits and gravy for $4.50, and pioneer pancakes with sausage or a fresh baked cinnamon roll for $4. Coffee and juice are included with all meals.
For information, call the church at 816-252-6100.

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Workshop planned
on health, spirituality
The Restoring Health, Hope and Joy, the 10th Annual Health and Spirituality Workshop, will be held Aug. 24 and 25 at the Community of Christ Temple, 201 S. River Blvd., Independence. This event is sponsored by Health Ministries Association of Community of Christ.
The workshop begins at 7 p.m. Aug. 24 with a keynote address, “Feet, Forks, and the Fate of Our Families” by Dr. David Katz. This keynote is free and open to the public with reception following.
Skill-building sessions with other professional presenters will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 25. Registration is $60 and includes continental breakfast and box lunch.
Discounts available for seniors and students. CEU’s for nurses available for additional $20; certificates for other disciplines at no charge.
For more information and to register, visit www.hmaCofChrist.org or call Diane at 816-833-1000, ext. 1418.

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Dinner, concert will
aid cancer patient
A spaghetti dinner, concert and silent auction benefit for Randie Bowen, who has been diagnosed with cancer, will begin at 4 p.m. Aug. 25 at Arise Ministries Church, 4845 S. Norfleet Road, Independence. The concert will held at 6 p.m.
If you would like to donate food items, items needed include spaghetti and sauce, garlic breadsticks or bread, salad and dressing, green beans and desserts. Call Chris at 816-507-3864 if you would like to donate food or items for the silent auction.
If you would like to sing, call Howard Rogers 816-726-1181.

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Pleasant Grove Bible
Church sets concert
Pleasant Grove Bible Church will present  “Evidence” from Calvary Bible College and Theological Seminary in Kansas City. The ministry concert will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at the church, 4916 Lee’s Summit Road, Kansas City.
This group of college students will present a variety of music and testimonies designed to encourage, challenge and lead in worship.
For more information, call 816-373-1218.

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Financial Peace
University offered
St. Mark’s Catholic Church will hold Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 28, at the church, at 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence.
The nine-week course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success. For more information or to register, call Anthony Caracci at 816-373-2600.

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Colonial Hills sets
Divorce Care class
Divorce Care classes are being offered at Colonial Hills Community of Christ Sept. 2 through Dec. 2. This 13-week class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays at the church, 3539 S. Missouri 7, Blue Springs.
Receive healing and strength through this class, which focuses on issues related to separation and divorce. Divorce Care is a Christian-based series of videos, with accompanied workbook and group discussions. The workbook cost is $10, if you are able to cover it.
Childcare is provided with support for your children in regards to divorce as well. Contact Traci Groner at tracivanr@sbcglobal.net with your name, contact information and ages of your children.
For more information, call the church at 816-229-9344.

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Apple festival
at Raytown church
The Missouri Baptist Children’s Home will hold an apple festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 8 at the First Baptist Church of Raytown.
Gospel music lineup: 9 a.m. Doug Hodges and Steven Perry; 9:30 a.m. Michael Easton and friend; 10 a.m. Nick Miller; 10:30 a.m. Isaac Miller; 11 a.m. Jeff Lane and Made Worthy; 11:30 a.m. Stephanie Springate; noon 4-His Love; 12:30 p.m. Tim and Kim Burk family; 1 p.m. Wayne Richardson; 1:30 p.m. Connie Farris; and 2 p.m. Randy Davenport.

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Blessing of the
Animals offered
St. Peter’s United Church of Christ will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals at 2 p.m. Aug. 26 at 700 E. 110th St., Kansas City.
The event is free and the public is invited to bring caged or restrained dogs, cats and other critters for the Rev. Jody Furnas-Wright to bless. Owners will receive a certificate personalized with their pet’s name. Children from the “Sing It Out” summer choir camp will also perform.
Free refreshments for both people and pets will be provided. Donations of nonperishable pet food for the church’s food bank will be accepted.