Church digest

Unitarian Universalists of Benton County

July 20 is Topic Forum Sunday. Melissa Clare and Jim Dudley will be presenting "Love, Harmony and Beauty: Discovering the Heart of Sufism in the Western World." They will share a brief introduction to the Sufi message of Inayat Khan, a musician and mystic who came to the United States from India in 1911, bringing the fragrance of the Orient and starting an international movement that still flourishes today.

Unitarian Universalists of Benton County meets at the Elks Club, 501 S. 40th St., in Rogers. Sunday services begin with an all-inclusive opening and a traditional closing. Coffee and social time is at 10:30 a.m., and the program starts at 11 a.m. and usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes. Sunday school is available for children through age 15.

For more information, go online to www.uubcar.com, www.facebook.com/UUBC.AR or http://uubcar.tumblr.com, or connect with @UUBC1 on Twitter.

Bella Vista Lutheran

Shepherd's Food Pantry helps feed those in need from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday. The congregation has been urged to contribute to the pantry's restocking with jelly, peanut butter and cereal. Sugar or gluten-free items are greatly appreciated. Donations from visitors are also welcome and may be dropped off in the church's fellowship hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

A traditional worship service is offered at 8:30 a.m. Sunday and a blended service is at 10:45. Sunday school and adult Bible classes begin at 9:45 a.m. Bella Vista Lutheran Church is at 1990 Forest Hills Blvd. Visit www.bvlutheran.com or call 479-855-0272.

United Lutheran

An exercise class is offered at 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the United Lutheran Church of Bella Vista. The community is welcome.

The Rev. Fred Nelson will conduct the worship service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 20, followed by adult Sunday school at 10:45 a.m.

W-ELCA will meet for a continental breakfast and Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 21. Those wishing to attend should sign up at the church.

The church is located at 100 Cooper Road. Call 479-855-1325 or go to www.unitedlutheranbv.org. Email the church at office@united

lutheran.arcoxmail.com.

Presbyterian Church

On Sunday, July 20, and the third Sunday of each month, the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista will collect funds for the Cents-Ability Hunger Program. This Presbyterian Women's Mission program fights world hunger and poverty. The collection container is located in the connector hallway.

Presby Singles will attend a performance of "The Sound of Music" at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale. Anyone interested in going should call 479-855-4538.

Women of the church are invited to attend the monthly Ladies Birthday Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, to celebrate those having a birthday in July. Sign up at the information center to learn the location of this month's gathering.

An exercise class meets from 8 to 8:45 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the fellowship hall. It is free of charge and open to the community.

The church is located at 1880 Forest Hills Blvd. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m., and Sunday school for children and adults meets at 8:30 a.m. All are welcome. Recent sermons can be heard on the website at www.pcbv.org. Call the office at 479-855-2390 with any questions about activities or to speak with a pastor.

Village Baptist

The men's Bible study of 1 Peter is held at 9 a.m. Friday at Village Baptist Church.

The Rev. Bill Bowen will present the message at the 10:15 a.m. service Sunday, July 20. Children's Church for ages 4 through sixth grade is offered with a puppet ministry during morning worship in the fellowship hall.

There will be no choir practice in July.

A list of items needed for the military and the Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter is available by calling the church office at 479-855-7775.

Village Baptist, a Southern Baptist church, is located at 380 Glasgow Road. Sunday School begins at 9 a.m., a worship service is at 10:15 a.m. with a nursery provided, and a Sunday evening service takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening prayer and Bible study begin at 7 p.m. Call 479-855-7775 for other information.

Forest Hills Church

Guests are welcome to drop in for lunch, prayer time and Bible study starting at noon Wednesdays at Forest Hills Church.

The Forest Hills Church community welcomes people of all faiths to its Sunday activities. A sweets and coffee fellowship starts at 9 a.m., two adult Bible studies begin at 9:45 and the worship service is at 10:45. The Rev. Susan Metcalf will preach on "When the World Has Stolen Your Peace and Joy" on Sunday, July 20.

The church, an American Baptist congregation, is located at 1702 Forest Hills Blvd. Call Andrea for information at 479-855-3555 or send an email inquiry to [email protected]. Visit the website at www.ForestHillsChurch.info for up-to-date information and a calendar of activities.

Highlands Church

Vacation Bible school is scheduled for July 20-24, from 6 to 8 p.m. daily. This year's theme is "Weird Animals."

A "Lord, Teach Us to Pray" weekend begins Saturday, Aug. 9, with a prayer workshop at 3 p.m. A second workshop will take place at noon Sunday. The weekend will conclude at 6 p.m. Sunday with Holy Communion and a healing service. All are invited.

The annual Homes Tour is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16.

Highlands Church, a United Methodist congregation, is at 371 Glasgow Road in Bella Vista. Call 479-855-2277, visit www.humcbv.com or search for Highlands Church of Bella Vista on Facebook.com.

Community Church

The Men's Study Group meets at 8 a.m. every Wednesday in the parlor at Bella Vista Community Church.

Parish nurses conduct blood pressure checks from 9 a.m. until noon Wednesdays and between services on the last Sunday of each month in the parlor. There is no charge, and no appointment is necessary. This service is available to anyone in the community.

Prayer Fellowship meets every Wednesday morning at 9:15 in the conference room.

Wednesday night family activities start at 6 p.m. with pizza, followed by Bible study for all ages at 6:30. A nursery is provided.

Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 17, in McKay Hall.

Growing Through Grief support group will meet at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, in the parlor.

The Prostate Cancer and Diabetes support groups will not meet during July and August.

The Rev. Eric Sloter will preach at both the 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services Sunday, July 20. The chapel is open for prayer from 8 until 11:30 a.m. An adult Sunday School class meets at 9 a.m. on the lower level. The current series is "The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit." Children's Teaching Time for ages 4-12 is offered during the 10:15 a.m. service.

Vacation Bible school will be offered from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 21, through Thursday, July 24, for ages 4 years through sixth grade. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. each day. For more information or to register, visit the website at www.bvcommunitychurch.org or call the church office. Children who have a signed release from their parents will be taken by church bus to the Boys and Girls Club in Bella Vista after vacation Bible school ends each day.

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, and will continue every Thursday for nine weeks. A free preview session will be at 6:30 p.m. July 24. For more information, phone Ron Corn at 816-668-553.

Bella Vista Community Church is a Stephen Ministry church and is located at 75 E. Lancashire Blvd. Call 479-855-1126, email [email protected] or visit www.bvcommunitychurch.org.

First United

Methodist

A prayer service is offered at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday in the chapel at the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista.

Junior and senior high school students participate in Youth Life at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

The Rev. Zach Underwood on Sunday, July 20, will give his first sermon at the church after being assigned here the first of the month. He will preach from the sermon series "Cool Aid: First in My Heart! Spiritual Simplicity Refreshed." His message, "Receive a Cool Aid in Life (seek and pursue renewal cleansing, forgiveness)," is from Isaiah 43:2, 3, 18, 19. Traditional services are held every Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with a contemporary service at 9:30. Sunday school classes for all ages are also held at 9:30 a.m. A nursery is provided.

The Care and Share trailer will be in the upper parking lot at the church from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, July 21, so people may drop off donations for the nonprofit organization's thrift store in Gravette.

An all church family birthday party will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 27, to celebrate the beginning of Underwood's ministry with FUMCBV. This come-and-go event will be an old-fashioned ice cream social.

United Methodist Women will sponsor a rummage sale Saturday, Aug. 2. People are encouraged to set aside items to donate; however, items will not be accepted at the church until the week before the sale because of a lack of storage space.

Bazaar workshops are held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Thursday in the downstairs quilt room. Snacks are available, and those planning to stay the day may bring a sack lunch. No particular talent is required, but those with sewing abilities are greatly appreciated.

Caregivers Support Group provides an essential support system for those who are primary caregivers of family or friends. The group meets at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in room 5.

Moving Forward, a single men's fellowship group, will meet at 11:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in Becker Hall. Memories associated with any loss and the problems of adjusting to life as a single person are expressed in the supportive setting of a group of individuals who have all had similar experiences. A home-cooked meal will be served. Contact the Rev. Albert Fisher at 903-271-2738 or [email protected] for more information.

Two weekly meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are being hosted at the church on Saturday and Monday. Call or stop by the church for details.

The church is at 20 Boyce Drive. Call 479-855-1158 or visit www.lovelearnlead.com.

Bella Vista Christian

"The Circle Maker," a series on prayer, will be the focus of the message at both the 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services Sunday, July 20, at Bella Vista Christian Church. KidTown is offered at both times for children from infants through fifth grade, and Radiate Students for grades 6-12 meets at 10:45 a.m.

The church will be having lake baptisms on Sunday, July 27, at Lake Avalon in Bella Vista. Anyone interested in obtaining more information may call the church office. There will also be music by Ozark Wildfire Bluegrass Youth Band and ice cream sundaes provided by the Cambodia Mission Trip Team.

Registration is under way for vacation Bible school, "International Spy Academy." VBS will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, July 28 through Aug. 1. All children in grades 1-5 are welcome. Register on the church website.

Bless the Backpack Sunday will be held Aug. 3 during both services. Children of all ages are encouraged to bring their school backpack that day for prayer.

There are still openings for fall enrollment at BVCC's Little Sprouts Learning Center Preschool. Call the church office at 479-855-1616 to schedule a tour of the facility.

Bella Vista Christian is a nondenominational church located at 103 Riordan Road. Call 479-855-1616 or visit www.bellavistachristian.com.

St. Bernard

Catholic Church

Bingo will be played Thursdays, July 17 and Aug. 7, at St. Bernard Catholic Church of Bella Vista. Doors and a snack bar open at 5:45 p.m. and play starts at 6:30. The jackpot is always set at $1,000, and all proceeds go to local charities. The community is welcome.

The Book Club will meet in the library from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 22.

The Solos Ministry has planned some get-togethers and outings. Contact Bev Osinski at 479-876-6812 for details.

Crafters meet in the hall at 8 a.m. every Tuesday. Help is needed for a short time or longer. The group is busy making articles to be sold at the annual craft bazaar.

The church's food pantry is open weekdays for those in need during regular office hours.

St. Bernard Church is located off of Lancashire Boulevard at 1 Bernard Lane in Bella Vista. Call 479-855-9069.

Bella Vista Baptist

Wednesday Night Meals will be served at 5:30 p.m. throughout July and August at Bella Vista Baptist Church.

Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting is held at 5:45 p.m. in the old sanctuary. The Children's Summer Program, "The Great Race," and youth activities are offered at 6 p.m.

Men's Prayer Breakfast is held at 6:30 a.m. every Tuesday in the fellowship hall. The group is studying the Book of Joshua.

Senior Adult Ministries hosts an ice cream and movie night at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month. All adults are welcome.

Prayer Warriors are available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week by calling 479-855-6644.

Bella Vista Baptist is a multigenerational church with weekly activities for children and adults. More information is available by calling 479-855-3748 or by visiting the website at www.bvbaptist.com.

Village Bible

Evangelical Free

Oasis Food Pantry will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at Village Bible Evangelical Free Church.

The Missions Committee will have a Missions Event Planning Meeting at 1:15 p.m. today.

All Wednesday evening activities will be held at the church property at 1591 Forest Hills Blvd. This will include the annual picnic with a pig roast, a groundbreaking ceremony and a special congregational meeting.

Ron Morris will lead the Bible study on 1 Peter at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at the church. This study is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Men's Breakfast Fellowship will be held at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 19. The Church Board will meet at 8:30 a.m.

Sunday school classes will be available for all ages at 9 a.m. July 20. Retired Pastor Don Moor will bring the message at the 10 a.m. worship service. An infant nursery and children's church will be available during the service.

Intercessory Prayer for the Building Program will be held at the church at 9 a.m. Monday, July 21.

Morris will lead the men's Bible study on Romans at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. The ladies' KniTTogether ministry and White Cross EFCA Women's Mission ministry will also meet at 7.

The church is located at 210 Town Center S.E. Call 479-876-5764 or visit www.villagebibleefc.org.

Religion on 07/16/2014