Church digest

Bella Vista Baptist

The Wednesday evening meal is from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. at Bella Vista Baptist Church. A prayer meeting follows at 5:45 p.m. in the old sanctuary.

Also Wednesday, the children's choirs rehearse at 5:30 p.m., youth activities begin at 6 p.m. and AWANA meets at 6:15 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.

Women on a Mission meets at 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month in the fellowship hall.

Threads of Love gathers at 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in room 143B.

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.

Highland Christian (Disciples of Christ)

Choir rehearsal will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Highland Christian Church.

Disciples Women will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Pauline Trevino will speak on the "Widow and Two Coins."

Elders will gather at 8:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Church school starts at 9 a.m. and the worship service with open Communion is at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Paul Seal will speak on "Rescuing Ourselves from Materialism," based on Luke 9:23-27.

Golf will be played at 10:41 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at the Scotsdale Golf Course.

Also Monday, a board meeting will be held at 4 p.m.

Bible study will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17. The choir will rehearse at 4 p.m.

The church is located at 1500 Forest Hills Blvd. The office telephone number is 479-855-2780. For information, email [email protected] or go to www.highlandchristianchurchbv.org.

Unity Church

of the Ozarks

Unity World Day of Prayer is Thursday, Sept. 11, with the theme being, "We are the light of the world -- let your light shine." Prayer flags will be made at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, along with a prayer service for peace.

Standing in Peace will take place Sunday, Sept. 14, following the Rev. Edie Skalitzky's presentation, "What About Jesus." From 12:15 to 12:20 p.m., the membership will stand in a circle to experience the stillness of inner sanctuary and embody peace.

Sept. 14 is the annual Flower Power Sunday. People are encouraged to wear or carry something with flowers on it as the congregation creates a garden of beauty.

The annual talent show, desserts and art silent auction will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. Art pieces for the auction were donated by members.

A Wednesday night class and time of meditation, held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., are open to anyone who would like to explore life from different perspectives with the basis being the Unity metaphysical way of thinking.

Unity Church continues to search for a new home. The congregation currently meets at 902 S.W. Second St., Suite E, in Bentonville. Call 479-721-2752 or visit www.unityozarks.org for other information.

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 in the nurses' office 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 at 6:30 p.m. by Prayers to My King Bible study for all ages. A nursery is provided.

The caregivers' support group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the parlor.

Hope Happens Here cancer support group will convene at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in the parlor.

The Gospel Sing-along and Gospel Band will give their final performance at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, in the sanctuary. There will be a farewell reception for the band in McKay Hall immediately following the program.

Solos meet for lunch and cards from 12 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, in McKay Hall.

The Rev. Eric Sloter will preach at both the 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services Sunday, Sept. 14. His sermon topic will be "Seek Riches" from Luke 12:13-34. The chapel is open for prayer from 8 until 11:30 a.m. Children's Teaching Time for ages 4-12 is offered during the 10:15 a.m. service.

The women's fall Bible study will begin Thursday, Sept. 18. The seven-week study is the "Faithful Abundant True" series by Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer and Beth Moore. Cost of the book is $15. Call the church to sign up for the Thursday morning class at 9 a.m. or evening class at 6 p.m.

Prostate Cancer Support Group resumes meeting Tuesday, Sept. 23, and the Diabetes Support Group will resume meeting Friday, Sept. 26.

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.

St. Bernard

Catholic Church

Each fall, thousands of people throughout the world gather at community parishes to study and discuss the teachings of Jesus Christ. St. Bernard calls its sessions "The Journey of Faith." The first meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 in the parish hall and will provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come and see if this is something they would like to participate in. To learn more, call the parish office at 479-855-9069 or Howard Hunt at 479-855-7955.

Bingo will be played at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, in the parish hall. The jackpot is at $1,000. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Council 9514 will hold its annual Tootsie Roll Drive Friday, Oct. 3, Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5. Volunteers are needed. Contact Aubrey Plauche at 479-876-6666.

St. Bernard's volunteer organizations are hosting a volunteer fair. Organizations that use volunteers and need additional help will gather in the parish hall after Mass Sunday, Oct. 5, to talk about their organization's purpose and needs.

Crazy canasta will be played the first Monday of each month, Oct. 6 through May 4, at the church. A social time will be at 6 p.m. with snacks provided. Play begins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $1 per person each night. Everyone is welcome.

It's time for the choir to come back together and learn new psalms and anthems to sing. Rehearsals are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Anyone interested in joining should call Ann Kedrowski at 479-855-1087.

The annual Women's Club bazaar will be held Saturday, Nov. 1. Parishioners are needed to help. The group meets at 9 a.m. every Tuesday in the parish hall to design, arrange and get ready for the bazaar. Call Betty Klaeser at 479-876-1227 for details.

St. Bernard Church is located off of Lancashire Boulevard at 1 St. Bernard Lane. Call 479-855-9069 or go online to www.bvstbernard.org.

Forest Hills Church

Guests are welcome to drop in for a sack 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. The Rev. Mark Kirby will bring the message Sunday, Sept. 14. The Wrights, a family of Southern gospel singers, will present songs and music during part of the worship service. 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 a.m.

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 www.ForestHillsChurch.info for up-to-date information and a calendar of activities.

Presbyterian Church

A proposal regarding a memorial garden will be held Monday through Thursday, Sept. 8-11, at 3 p.m. each day in the fellowship hall at the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista. Members are encouraged to learn about the master plan and have their questions answered.

Presbyterian Men's Fellowship will meet for breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, in the fellowship hall. The program will be given by Bruce and Jan Burgess, who will present photos and a narration on their safari in East Africa. Sign up at the information center and bring $3 and a canned food item for the Helping Hands food pantry.

An Adult Study Group is assembling and will be led by the Rev. Liz Wagner. The first meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. All are welcome.

The church will be participating in the Alzheimer's Memory Walk set for Saturday, Sept. 20, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Sign up to walk or make a donation.

Presbyterian Women will be gathering for the Cluster 1 Fall Gathering Saturday, Oct. 4, at First Presbyterian Church in Springdale. Wagner will be the worship leader, and Susan Jackson-Dowd will be the overview leader for the Horizons Bible study. The registration form and a $10 check are due Wednesday, Sept. 24. There is a sign-up sheet in the connector hallway.

The Missions Committee is collecting personal care items for the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter to be given to the children as they leave the facility. A list of items needed for the packets and a donation box are available in the connector hallway. Monetary contributions would also be appreciated to help purchase supplies.

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.

Bella Vista Lutheran

The Friendly Stitchers meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Bella Vista Lutheran Church.

Shepherd's Food pantry is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ramen noodles and cereal are currently being requested. A shopping cart for donations is in the fellowship hall entry and a container is in the church narthex.

A traditional worship service is offered Sunday at 8:30 a.m. A blended service takes place at 10:45 a.m. Sunday school and adult Bible classes are at 9:45 a.m.

Bella Vista Lutheran Church is at 1990 Forest Hills Blvd. Visit www.bvlutheran.com or call 479-855-0272.

Village Baptist

The Rev. Bill Bowen will bring the message at the 10:15 a.m. service Sunday, Sept. 14, at Village Baptist Church. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9 a.m. A nursery is provided during the worship service.

The Sunday evening service is at 6.

Village Baptist, a Southern Baptist church, is located at 380 Glasgow Road. New office hours are from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and closed from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Call 479-855-7775 for other information.

Bella Vista Christian

Mothers of Preschoolers will begin a new season Sept. 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. The group meets three times a month, on the second, third and fourth weeks. All moms and their prekindergarten children are invited. For more information, contact the Bella Vista Christian Church office at 479-855-1616.

"Unleashed: Acts that Change the World" is the new message series during the 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday services. 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 Student Ministry has begun a new night for teen Life Groups on Sundays, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the church. All students in grades 6-12 are welcome.

Life Groups are now forming for the new season. These small groups are held in homes around Bella Vista and at the church. For more information, check the church website, www.bellavistachristian.com.

Ladies' Tuesday morning Bible study is held at 9 a.m. This season's topic is "The Life of the Holy Spirit" from Galatians chapter 5. All women are invited.

Men's Ministry hosts "33" volume 2 at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the church. Men of all ages are welcome.

The northwest Arkansas class of Bible Study Fellowship will offer satellite discussion groups at Bella Vista Christian starting Sept. 11. The study this year is "The Life of Moses" and will meet Thursday mornings from 9 to 10:35 a.m. Each group will have a trained BSF leader to facilitate discussion of weekly questions and then assemble together for lecture through either the audio mobile lecture or DVD. All satellite members may attend BSF seminars at the Lowell location. The preschool program will be offered only at the Lowell location.

A tailgate picnic will be held at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Riordan Pavilion. Everyone is welcome. RSVP on the church website.

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

Highlands Church

A new Bible study, "Walking By Faith: Lessons Learned in the Dark" by Jennifer Rothschild, began Sept. 9. This six-week study will be offered at two different times -- from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Dates for Walk to Emmaus weekends this fall are Sept. 26-28 for women and Oct. 3-5 for men. Anyone who would like more information should contact the church office.

A new eight-week Disciple Bible study, "The Book of Romans," will be offered Tuesdays, Sept. 23 through Nov. 11, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

A new Bible study, "Mere Christianity," by C.S. Lewis will take place at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 9 through Nov. 20.

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.

First United

Methodist

A prayer service is held at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday in the chapel at the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista. Junior and senior high students can participate in Youth Life at 7 p.m.

United Methodist Men will hold their monthly meeting and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in Becker Hall. Mayor Frank Anderson will present the program. The meal will be chicken fried steak, scalloped potatoes, corn and salad from Papa Mike's at Kingsdale. Reservations were due Sept. 7.

The Rev. Jaimie Alexander will continue the sermon series, "Christ's Ice Bucket Challenge," on Sunday, Sept. 14. The message is titled "The Challenge to Forgive" and comes from Matthew 5:43-48. Traditional services are held at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with a contemporary service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages are also held at 9:30. A nursery is provided.

The Rev. Albert Fisher leads an adult Bible study on "Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home," based on the book by Richard Foster, at 4 p.m. Tuesdays in the chapel. The cost is $20 for a copy of Foster's book.

Disciple III begins Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the chapel, and will continue for 32 weeks. Anyone interested should contact the office.

Alan Packard will begin a 30-week Bible study on "Jesus in the Gospels" Friday, Sept. 19, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Contact the office for further information.

The Bella Vista United Methodist churches' annual golf challenge will have a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Kingswood Golf Course. Members of First United Methodist and Highlands Church will meet for an afternoon of golf, fellowship and food. An awards dinner immediately follows the tournament, at approximately 5:30 p.m., at the Riordan Pavilion. Everyone is welcome, whether or not they play golf. Sign up in the church office.

Moving Forward, a fellowship group for single men, will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, in Becker Hall. The 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 details.

The Rev. Zach Underwood and his wife, Kerry, will begin a new class, "Discovering a Deeper Intimacy with God Through Your Marriage," at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. Anyone interested should call the church office.

United Methodist Women's holiday bazaar will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

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

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

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

Religion on 09/10/2014