Appreciation services will be held at the Sixth Street Baptist Church in honor of Mr. T. Edwards, who is a patient at the Greenwood Nursing Home in Chesapeake. The event will be at 6 p.m. today and will feature the Singing Larks, The Brother in Christ, The Dynamic Tones and the Pearly Gates. Miss Helena Joyner will be the mistress of ceremony. For more information, call 838-6699.

Vacation Bible School at Bethlehem Christian

Vacation Bible School takes place at Bethlehem Christian Church, 1549 Holland Road, Suffolk, beginning Sunday, July 31 through Aug. 4, 6 to 9 p.m. A light dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with opening exercises beginning at 6:45 p.m. Infants to Adults are welcome to participate. The theme is &uot;Kingdom of the Son: A Prayer Safari.&uot;

Women’s Day at Healing Chapel

The Healing Chapel Baptist Church will be observing its annual Women’s Day activities during the month of July. The theme for 2005 is &uot;What Every Christian Woman Should Know.&uot; A Women’s Day prayer breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 16 with Deaconess Shirley Whitfield of Healing Chapel Baptist as the speaker.

Women’s Day will be observed at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 17.

Evangelist Debra Joyner of Faith House of Refuse Ministries #1 of Suffolk will be the speaker. Kenneth Shields and the Tri-City Chorale and soloist Rosa Lynch will render the music. Brenda Newland is the program chairperson. LaVerne Edmonds is co-chairperson. For more information, call 925-4707 or 925-0260.

Pastor and First Lady’s anniversary at Little Bethel

Little Bethel Baptist Church, 6533 Everets Road, will celebrate the first anniversary of Pastor Bernard Thomas and First Lady Simone Thomas at 3 p.m. Sunday. Noble Street Baptist Church, Portsmouth is the guest church. Dinner will be served. Also, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 16, the women of Little Bethel will host a prayer breakfast and health fair. The speakers will present information on health issues that affect black women.

Women’s Day takes place at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 17. This year’s theme is &uot;Just Be the Woman God Chose You To Be.&uot; The colors are red and white. Evangelist Sylvia Edwards of Yahweh Christian Center, Smithfield is the guest speaker. Elderess Connie Wiggins of Newport News is the guest soloist. Call 539-6356 for more information.

Concert at New Calvary

The New Mighty Pearly Gates will perform in a musical concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 17 at the New Calvary Baptist Church, located at 220 N. Sixth St., Suffolk. Also, the church is celebrating its ushers’ anniversary at 3 p.m. July 24. The Rev. Lemuel Green and congregation of New First Baptist, Hosier Road, will conduct the service. The Rev. Robert Wilkins is the interim pastor of New Calvary Baptist. Rose Davis is the usher board president.

Oxford clothes closet available

As part of Oxford United Methodist’s church’s mission work in the city of Suffolk, the congregation is operating a clothes closet. The program has been running since June 30. Operation hours are from 9 a.m. to noon every Thursday. Hours will expand as the need grows and the closet becomes mores established.

Oxford is partnering with other local churches to meet the growing need in Suffolk. Residents are asked to assist in the following areas: prayer, volunteering, and donations (pick-up is available). To assist, call 434-1405.

Women’s Day at

New Mt. Joy Church

Women’s Day takes place Sunday at New Mt. Joy. The 8 a.m. speaker will be District Missionary Rosa Williams, of Gates of Heaven COGIC. At the 11 a.m. service, Evangelist Betty Milteer Knight of Faith Temple will be the speaker. The theme is &uot;Bridging the Gap.&uot; During the 6 p.m. service, a skit entitled, &uot;How Naomi and Ruth Bridged the Gap&uot; will be presented.

Women’s Day at Macedonia Baptist Church Sunday

Macedonia Baptist Church, of 8300 Crittenden Road in Hobson, will observe its annual Women’s Day at 11 a.m. Sunday. Miss LeBretia White of Seat Pleasant, Md., will be the guest speaker. The women of Macedonia will render the music under the direction of Pamela J. Watford. Also, Valeria Hill will be the speaker for Saturday’s prayer breakfast at the Golden Coral at Chesapeake Square Mall. Carolyn White is the program chairperson, and Deborah Jordan is the co-chair.

Pre-anniversary Choir Day

Missouri Baptist Church, In the Valley Ministries will host its pre-anniversary Choir Day at 6 p.m. today. The guest speaker will be Minister Cynthia Greene of Oak Grove Baptist Church. The St. Mark Gospel Choir will provide music for the service. The Rev. Ronnie r. Boone is the host pastor.

Solomon’s Temple

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 18-22, Solomon’s Temple, 12749 Courthouse Highway will hold Vacation Bible School. At 7 p.m. July 22, the Unity Service Youth Ministry will sponsor the service. At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 24, Family and Friends Day takes place.

Women’s Day at St.

Paul RZUA Church

Women’s Day will be observed at 11 a.m. Sunday at St. Paul RZUA, located on Spruce Street. The speaker will be Evangelist Katrina Thompson from New Community Church of god in Christ (COGIC). At 4 p.m., Evangelist Jamie Russell, of St. Paul Baptist Church is the keynote speaker. Dr. E. P. Foreman is the host pastor.

Men’s Day at New Jerusalem Holiness

New Jerusalem Holiness Church in Carrsville will host Men’s Day at 3 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. Nathaniel Scates, of Gethsemane Baptist Church, along with the male chorus are the special guests. Elder Darryl Artis is the pastor. Alton Hamlin is the program chairman.

Gospel Explosion 2005

The Tabernacle Baptist Outreach Center, 3621 Nansemond Parkway, will host a Gospel Explosion at 5 p.m. Sunday. The special guests include Frankie Davis, The Rev. Brenda Boone and Higher Praise Community Choir, Paul Boone and the Temple Aries, Voices of Portsmouth, Eternal Joy, Gospel Disciples, God’s Creation, Persistent of Norfolk, and several other groups. The proceeds will benefit the TBOC Building Fund.

Special programs, fish fry at Virginia-Carolina Temple

The Virginia-Carolina Temple Family Worship Center, 5500 Carolina Road, will sponsor a Fish Fry Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. The proceeds will benefit the building fund. Donations are $6 for eat-in, pick-ups and delivery.

Also, a Gospel Explosion takes place at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 16. Guests include the Fellowship Choir of Hertford, N.C., the Youth Gospel Choir of Solid Rock Apostolic Church in Suffolk, Powerhouse Christian Center of Ivor, Denita Baker of Suffolk and others. Dinners will be available.

At 11 a.m. Sunday, July 24, the Virginia-Carolina Temple will host Youth Day. The speaker will be Minister Nathaniel Ralph. On July 25-26, Elder Trevon Boone of New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries will be the speaker. Minister Roberta Branch, of New Gospel COGIC, will speak on Wednesday, July 27; on Thursday, July 28, Missionary Gail Harrison, of Friendship Cathedral will speak. Services will be held nightly at 7:30. Refreshments will be served each night. At noon Saturday, July 30, the church youth will go on a Picnic in the Park and a trip to Nauticus. Call District Missionary Elder Laura Timmons at 934-1103 for more information.

Hillcrest Baptist Church

rambling across the U.S.

Hillcrest Baptist Church, 1629 Holland Road, will ramble across the nation on an unparalleled road trip. Ramblers can gather for this Vacation Bible School road trip.

Children from grade six through 12 are invited to join the Vacation Bible School for Teens July 11-15 at the church each evening from 6-9 p.m. Built around an RV road trip across the USA, the week will be full of exciting Bible Study, crafts, RV camp-related refreshments and recreation for everyone.

Adults also will have the opportunity to participate in a Ramblin’ Road Trip Bible Study. This week of fun, food, and exciting learning opportunities is free of charge and open to everyone. Call 539-8801 for more information.

Services at New

Mt. Zion Holiness

New Mt. Zion Holiness Church, 2113 Georgia Ave., will hold Sunday School at 10 a.m. Worship service begins at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Elder Leroy Malette will be the speaker. The men’s department is sponsoring the service.

Bishop Everlena Riddick is the host pastor.

Women’s Day at Word for Living

Women’s Day will be observed at Word for Living Gospel Fellowship at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Minister Princess Dickinson will be the guest speaker. Minister Dickinson is the owner of Princess Palace Hair Salon and is currently attending Open Door Bible College. The church is located at 45 W. Windsor Boulevard in Windsor. Bishop Fred Scott is the presiding prelate.

Men’s Day at First Baptist

First Baptist Church, 112 Mahan St., will host men’s Day at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 17. The speaker will be the Rev. Fred Smith of Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, of Baton Rouge, La. Miquel Ramos is the program chairman.

Grace Lutheran Church

Worship service begins at 9 a.m. Sunday. The worship leader will be Janet McElfresh. Pastor Hal Harter will deliver the message. The church council will meet at 10:30 a.m.

Holy Convocation at Faith of Deliverance

Faith of Deliverance, 239 Holladay St., is holding its annual Holy Convocation now through Sunday. Sessions will begin daily at 1:30 p.m. Workshops begin at 5 p.m. and evening worship will follow at 7:30 p.m. Sunday morning worship begins at 11:30 a.m. Bishop C.J. Copeland Sr. is the pastor. For more information, call 539-9355.

Vacation Bible School at First Pentecostal

Vacation Bible School will begin July 27-30, 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday school will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All children 5-12 years old are welcome. Call 539-4848.

Watchful Eye Youth program at Tabernacle

The Tabernacle Christian Church is sponsoring the Watchful Eye Summer Youth Program beginning today through July 29. The program, open to children K-6th grade, will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the TCC Life Center.

The registration fee is $10; weekly tuition for TCC members is $30 for the first child; and $10 for each additional child. Weekly tuition for non-members is $50 for the first child, and $15 for each additional child. For more information, call 539-7257.

Summer Youth Camp at Love Center Church

Love Center Family Church International, located at 362 E. Washington St., will sponsor a Summer Youth Camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11-15 for ages 7-16. Call and register with Shilicia Woodhouse at 539-7079 by today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Widow’s/Widower’s Club anniversary at Lakeview

At 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10, The Rev. Dr. John E. Jones and the Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church will fellowship with Pastor Charles Leavell and Balm of Gilead Baptist Church, 3731 White Marsh Road, Suffolk for the widow’s/widower’s club anniversary. Call Pastor Leavell at 934-1700.

Vacation Bible School at Southside Baptist

Southside Baptist Church, 917 Carolina Road, Suffolk, will hold a &uot;Rambling Road Trip&uot; Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:45 p.m. July 17-22 for children ages four through the 5th grade level. There will be Bible Study, crafts, recreation, music and more. Call 539-6629 for more information.

Free food, clothing at Capernaum

Capernaum Seventh Day Adventist, 314 York St., as a Community Service Capernaum will prepare a free dinner every Wednesday night beginning from 4:30 to 6 p.m. On Friday’s, there will be fresh fruit, vegetables and canned goods. Clothes are available on Sundays. Call 934-9814 for more information.

Services at Solomon’s Temple

At 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Solomon’s Temple, 12749 Courthouse Hwy., Smithfield, will have altar prayer. At 7 p.m. Christian Instructions to Discipleship Sessions (C.I.D.S) take place.

COGIC District Conference at Gates of Heaven

The Greater Tidewater District Churches of God In Christ headquarters, Gates of Heave COGIC, 112 Beech St., Suffolk, will host its annual District conference during the month of July. Also, a Victory Celebration Banquet takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 9 at the Temple Beth El Conference Center in Suffolk. The cost for adults is $30, and 17 years and under $20. For more information, call 839-4883 or 539-3856. Elder Sylvester Silver Sr. is the district superintendent. Evangelist Dr. Rosa L. Williams is the district missionary.

Greater Beulah Summer Revival

The Greater Sweet Beulah Church will have its summer revival July 13-15. Evangelist Eula Payne-Williams, pastor of the El-Bethel Ministry in South Boston, will be the revivalist. Service begins each night at 7:30. Suffragen Bishop Madison Copeland is the host pastor. For more information, call 934-2826.

Time change at Ararat

For the months of July and August, Mount Ararat Christian Church will have Sunday School from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

July services at Pleasant Union

Pleasant Union Baptist Church, 215 Webb St., will observe First Lady’s and Community Service Month during July. Services will begin at 11:15 a.m. each Sunday. The First Lady, the Rev. N. P. Chambers will be recognized during the morning service by each ministry of the church for her excellent leadership and community participation. Call 538-0658 or 539-0367 for more information.

Anniversary at Shiloh Baptist Church

The Christian Support Ministry (formally the Pastor’s Aide) of Shiloh Baptist, 9000 Fire Tower Road, Windsor, will be celebrating their 11-year anniversary at 2:30 p.m. July 10, the second Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The guest church for this celebration will be Pastor Robert Gay and the St. Luke United Church of Christ of Sedley. Call 242-6420 for more information.

Trip to T.D. Jakes Mega Fest

Tabernacle Christian Church, 1401 E. Washington St., is sponsoring a trip to the T. D. Jakes Mega Fest, in Atlanta, Ga. The cost is $295 per person. To reserve a seat, contact the church office at 539-7257.

Services at Suffolk Presbyterian

Through Aug. 28, Suffolk Presbyterian Church, 410 N. Broad St., will hold Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. The pastor is the Rev. William W. Nickels III. The church Web site is www.suffolkpresbyterian.org

Young Women in Christ sponsor ball

Young Women in Christ Ministries is sponsoring a formal ball at 5:30 p.m. July 9 at the Planters Club. The evening’s entertainment will include dinner, a praise team, praise dancers and raffle drawings. There will be a $20 donation for this event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Genieve Shelter and the Boys and Girls Club. For more information, contact Belissa Thomas at 923-3443.

Family and Friends at St. Pauls PHC July 10

St. Paul’s PHC, 20663 Thomas Woods Trail, Zuni, will host Family and Friends Day at 3 p.m. July 10. The guest speaker for the event will be Evangelist Leona Gay from Philadelphia, Penn.