Faces of Faith

TUMC to host Spring Revival Trinity United Methodist Church of Kannapolis will sponsor a Spring Revival program Sunday, April 13, through Wednesday, April 16. The Rev. Terry Duckworth, Conference Evangelist in the Western N.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church, will be the guest preacher. The revival will kick off at 10:55 a.m. on Sunday. There will be additional services each evening at 7 p.m. beginning Sunday and continuing through Wednesday in the main sanctuary. The location of the Spring Revival is 416 First St., Kannapolis (across for A.L. Brown High School). For more information call the church office 704-933-1127 or visit www.trinity247.com. Port-a-Pit chicken fundraiser Saturday North Kannapolis United Methodist Church is hosting its annual fundraiser, “Get Your Bock Bock at the Rock,” on Saturday. The church will sell Port-a-Pit barbecued chicken from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $7 a plate. The meal includes half a chicken, baked beans, slaw and a roll. North Kannapolis United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center is at 1307 N. Main St., across from Brothers Tire in Kannapolis. New members Two new members have joined the congregation of Bethpage Presbyterian Church. Virginia L.H. “Ginny” Baker and Paula Myers were received by Session on Monday, March 16, and presented to the congregation on Sunday, March 23. Bethpage Presbyterian Church, 6020 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis, has services on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. For more information about the church, contact the church at 704-933-2209. Hotdog Saturday God’s Church of Faith will host a homemade hotdog and fry sale this Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. The church is located at 811 Elm St., Kannapolis. For more information, contact the church at 704-933-9433. Church news Fax church news or sermon topics to 704-933-3453, e-mail them to news@kannapoliscitizen .com or mail them to 221 West A St., Kannapolis, NC 28083. Deadline, noon Mondays.

Talks help people understand other religions

“Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. “Red and yellow, black and white, All are precious in His sight. “Jesus loves the little children of the world. ” — Lyrics by Clare H. Woolston By Joanne Gonnerman Kannapolis Citizen How many times as children have we sung this song? How many Sunday school lessons have discussed this theme? How do we as adults incorporate the lyric’s message into our understanding and acceptance of the changing religious demographics in Kannapolis and its surrounding communities and towns? “We do what we’re called to do,” answered Dr. Joseph “Joe” R. Crawford, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Kannapolis. “We are called to love, to serve and to care about others.” Crawford, who became pastor at First Presbyterian Church in 2000, introduced the first of three community symposiums on “Living as Christians in a World of Many Religions,” by reminding church members and guests of the responsibility and commandment to love one another. “The symposiums on living with other religions are related to the influx of new people coming to Kannapolis,” said Crawford. “We have a remarkable new beginning ahead of us.” Crawford introduced Dr. Gregory Snyder, from the department of religion at Davidson College, who provided a historical look at Christianity and Judaism. Snyder’s research suggests that in the beginning, the two religions were almost indistinguishable. “References to Christianity did not begin until the latter part of the first century,” began Snyder. “The common faith in Jerusalem was Judaism, although beliefs varied among the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Essenes. Jesus was Jewish. He worshiped at the Temple and even disrupted the process of taking money at the Temple. Apostle Paul was also Jewish.” Snyder described the early history of Jerusalem and Judaism practices. He showed slides of ossuaries, the storage containers for a dead person’s bones, and referred to crucifixions as the Roman authorities’ standard form of punishment. “The Romans were happy to leave you alone,” said Snyder, “unless you caused political unrest. It was not a good idea to rock the political boat.” He then invited the audience to think of the beginning work of Jesus as “the Jesus movement” whose message was to warn of the coming judgment and to turn away from idols and worship one true God. “Acts 4:12 clearly states that there is not salvation without Christ,” Snyder shared. “The Romans were definitely not pleased with what they viewed as a Jesus political movement.” More than 40 people attended the symposium, with about half of the audience members of First Presbyterian Church and half from the community. Paul Barnhardt, a 20-year Kannapolis resident, and his son, Jeff, attended the program to learn how to relate to the newcomers moving to Kannapolis. “I want to learn how they (different religions) worship,” said Barnhardt. “I want to relate to them a little better.” Presbyterian minister Steve Hannah, from Ridgecrest Presbyterian Church near Landis, also attended the symposium. “I saw the information about the symposium on the Presbyterian Web site,” said Hannah. “It sounded interesting.” Judy and Dwight Goodnight of Kannapolis also attended the symposium to learn about the different religions of people who are moving to the area. “The symposium was very good,” said Judy Goodnight. “Programs like this are so helpful.” “I hope these programs springboard us out of our stereotypical views,” said Crawford. “What we can discover is that even with different religious beliefs and backgrounds, we all are important to God. We are called to reach out to others and to befriend them. Nobody likes change, but change is inevitable. Acceptance is optional. Hopefully, these symposiums will help move us toward acceptance.” The free Wednesday night symposiums are hosted by First Presbyterian Church in Kannapolis and are presented by faculty from the department of religion at Davidson College. The next symposium will be tonight, with material presented by Dr. William Mahony. The topic, “An Introduction to Hinduism and Islam,” is a brief introduction to two world religions that are becoming more prevalent in the community. On April 16, Snyder returns to present the topic “What the Bible Says About Other Religions,” a session that looks at what Christian scriptures offer about how to relate to other religions. The free symposiums begin at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Programs for children and a nursery are provided. An optional supper is served in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 5:45 p.m. A donation of $5 for the dinner is suggested. For more information about the remaining symposiums on “Living as Christians in a World of Many Religions,” visit www. FirstPresb.org or call First Presbyterian Church at 704-938-4623. • Contact Joanne Gonnerman at 704-932-3336 or jgonnerman@kannapolis citizen.com.

K-town calendar

Saturday • The Kneeling Gardeners Garden Club will sponsor a plant sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday on the front lawn of Trinity United Methodist Church, 416 E. First St. Perennials, annuals, shrubs and other garden items will be available. Proceeds will benefit local mission agencies and other club projects. For more details, call 704-933-1127. This weekend • Pandini’s, 6185 Bayfield Parkway, Concord, across from the Super Target in Afton Ridge, is hosting Community Days this weekend, April 11-13. Pandini’s features pizza, pasta and salads. There will be activities for kids, chances to win Daytona 500 tickets, free food and other activities. One person will win free food for life. Pandini’s is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information on Pandini’s, visit www.pandinis.com. April 26 • The Astronomical Society of Rowan County will hold its monthly meeting Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Ralph and Alice Deal, 1920 Deal Road, Mooresville. The club plans to discuss the upcoming star party for the general public in association with National Astronomy Day May 10. Weather permitting, the club will view stars. Come and bring your telescope and binoculars and learn more about the universe. For more information, contact Ralph Deal at 704-855-1591 or Alice Deal at 704-8572788.

RCCC offers variety of classes, degree programs this month

Microsoft classes begin this month The Customized Training and Development Office of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is offering Microsoft Access and Microsoft PowerPoint classes for beginners and intermediate-level users as well as performance management and OSHA general industry classes. Classes begin in April, with all being completed by early June. Many are multi-week courses. All are offered at RCCC’s Cabarrus Business & Technology Center, in Concord. The class schedule includes: • MS PowerPoint-Basic — 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays, April 16-23. • MS PowerPoint-Intermediate — 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays, April 30-May 7. • MS Access-Basic — 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays, May 14-21. • MS Access-Intermediate — 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays, May 28-June 4. • OSHA General Industry (10-hour) — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 1-2. • OSHA General Industry (10-hour) — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 5-6. The classes are open to adult learners. Seating is limited and advanced registration is required. Class fees range from $50 to $55, plus a text/materials fee. Call 704-216-3598 for more details. The Cabarrus Business & Technology Center is at 660 Concord Parkway North, in Concord. RCCC’s Customized Training and Development Office, part of the college’s Continuing Education Department, provides on-site quality and process improvement training for large manufacturing operations and small business environments. Offerings include lean thinking, six sigma, statistical process control and more. The customized training is client driven. Course content, schedule, methodology and location are based on the client’s needs and preferences. Call DeAnn Basden, director of customized training and development, for more information at 704-216-3530. General industry course offered The Occupational Safety and Health Division of the North Carolina Department of Labor will offer its semi-annual General Industry Awareness Course May 19-22 at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The course is designed to help North Carolina employers understand the requirements and programs necessary to provide an acceptable safety and health program for the workplace. Students will receive an overview of the 29 CFR 1910 Safety and Health Standards for general industry. The N.C. Department of Labor will offer 30-hour and 10-hour courses concurrently beginning May 19 at RCCC’s Cabarrus Business and Technology Center, 660 Concord Parkway-N., Concord. Class will begin each day at 8 a.m. and end by 5 p.m. Upon completion, students will receive either a 10-hour or 30-hour General Industry Card. The 30-hour course also will satisfy the 30-hour core requirement for the MESH certificate. The class is offered free of charge; however, pre-registration is required. The course can accommodate only 65 students. For more information, see the Department of Labor Web site at www.nclabor.com/osha/etta. Prospective students also can call RCCC for more details at 704-216-3598. AHR associates degree program Aiming to meet a growing need for advanced-skill technicians, RCCC will offer a new, two-year associate degree program in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration (AHR). RCCC will begin offering courses in the associate in applied science (AAS) degree program in August. The construction and maintenance of multi-story buildings, new schools, high-tech college and research facilities, hotels and industrial complexes in Cabarrus and Rowan counties has led to a growing need for highly skilled AHR professionals to install, maintain and service commercial and industrial-level heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems. RCCC will continue to offer its diploma and certificate programs in AHR. Graduates of these programs interested in getting additional AHR training are encouraged to consider the AAS program. The new AAS program will prepare students for careers as maintenance technicians, building automation operators, commercial control technicians and expert HVAC/R service providers. “Building contractors, HVAC contractors and business owners in this region have new and ever-changing technician and training needs,” explained Joe Christie, the AHR program head at RCCC. “Our expanded AHR program, with the AAS degree track, will provide employers a deeper pool of well trained, entry-level technicians. Some employers currently go outside the region looking for technicians or outsource work to sub-contractors from other areas.” Christie and his AHR program faculty members will host a 6 p.m. meeting on April 14, at RCCC’s Cabarrus Business & Technology Center, room 9281, to provide information and answer questions about the new AAS program. The meeting is open to anyone interested in pursing an AAS in AHR, including HVAC/R technicians who have a diploma or certificate. “We realize a great number of prospective students will want or need to continue working full time,” Christie said. “We want to talk with these individuals to determine a workable schedule of classes that will allow students to complete the program in an efficient timeframe.” Anyone interested in attending the April 14 meeting should contact Alma White in RCCC’s AHR department, at 704-216-3690 or whitea@rowancabarrus.edu. The Cabarrus Business & Technology Center is located at 660 Concord Parkway North in Concord. Board of Trustees meet Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will submit an application to the North Carolina. Community College system to create an associate in applied science degree program in mechanical engineering technology. The college wants to expand its current program in mechanical drafting technology to better meet regional employer needs and to give students the ability to transfer easily to four-year mechanical engineering programs. RCCC Board of Trustees approved the proposed program application at its March meeting. The college now will submit the application to the N.C. Community College System for final approval. RCCC hopes to open the new AAS program in August 2008. In addition to serving as a college-transfer program, the two-year AAS program in mechanical engineering technology will train students for current entry-level jobs and those being created by new businesses and industries in Cabarrus and Rowan counties. The program will prepare students for careers as applications engineers, computer-aided designers, design engineers, engineering technicians, manufacturing engineers, plant maintenance supervisors, product and materials testing technologists, production supervisors and quality control engineers. In other business, RCCC trustees approved a recommendation for two new hires. The board approved the hiring of Lisa S. Shores as coordinator of library services-north campus and Karen A. Elmore as coordinator of professional development. Shores holds an associate degree from RCCC, a bachelor’s degree from Pfeiffer University and a master’s degree in library science from UNC-Greensboro. She is acquisitions/collection development librarian at Pfeiffer. Elmore earned bachelor’s and a master’s of business administration degrees at Kent State University. Currently, she is a faculty associate for academic affairs at UNC-Charlotte. The trustees also confirmed RCCC’s spring 2008 graduation ceremony will take place May 10 at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center.

News molecules: Big announcement coming today

By Emily Ford Kannapolis Citizen The N.C. Research Campus will announce a new partnership today that could bring employment opportunities to Kannapolis. Lynne Scott Safrit, president of Castle & Cooke North Carolina, called the development “very significant” and said it will mean “potentially good jobs for residents.” Dole Food Co. owner and billionaire financier David H. Murdock will make the announcement at his restaurant this morning during what has been billed as a “special event ... pertaining to the continued growth of the North Carolina Research Campus.” Murdock is building the Research Campus on the ruins of an old textile mill he once owned in downtown Kannapolis. When Pillowtex, formerly Cannon Mills, shut down in 2003, more than 4,300 local people lost their jobs. Atlanta-based Market Street Services did an analysis of the Research Campus in 2006 and predicted that if the biotechnology center is built out as envisioned, the region could see some 37,450 new jobs by 2032. Murdock already has partnered with Duke University, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and six universities in the University of North Carolina System, as well as several private businesses. Campus and city leaders have predicted a flurry of private activity at the biotech center this spring as more companies sign contracts and leases with the campus. The campus is focused on improving health and nutrition. Farmer’s market People who work in and near Cannon Village will have easy access to locally grown, fresh fruits and veggies this summer when the N.C. Research Campus opens a farmer’s market. The market is tentatively planned for Thursday evenings in a parking lot on West Avenue, starting in May. “We think that will also be a good way to educate folks about the value of eating healthy,” said Phyllis Beaver, marketing director for the Research Campus. The $1.5 billion biotech center, under construction in downtown Kannapolis, is focused on improving health and nutrition. The centerpiece Core Laboratory Building should open in June. In addition to fruits, vegetables and other locally grown products, the farmer’s market could even include entertainment, said Tara Vogelien, the director for business and research administration at the N.C. State Fruit & Vegetable Science Institute in Kannapolis. The market won’t operate on weekends to avoid competing with well-established area farmer’s markets, Vogelien said. Contact Emily Ford at eford@salisburypost.com.

Main Street to close Sunday

North Main Street between First Street and North Loop Road will close on Sunday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. in Kannapolis. Cabarrus County Task Force 21 will be training at the N.C. Research Campus. Because of the ongoing church services, there will be access to those who use the parking lot located on First Street. The entire part of the parking lot will not close, only a small portion which is in proximity to the training site and runs along the back side of the N.C. Research Campus power plant. Homeowners who live along North Ridge Avenue, which parallels the training site, will not be affected by the training but civilians may see both law enforcement officers and fire department personnel in the area. Law Enforcement Training signs will be posted within the area. This is a training scenario only. Task Force 21 is made up of personnel from the Kannapolis Police Department, Concord Police Department, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Department, the Kannapolis Fire Department, the Concord Fire Department, the Harrisburg Fire Department, Cabarrus EMS and the Cabarrus Rescue Squad. This training will familiarize first responders to some of the structures located within the area.

N.C. State offers agriculture seminars beginning Wednesday

By Emily Ford Kannapolis Citizen Following the resounding success of free nutrition classes last month, the N.C. Research Campus will offer more free seminars, this time focused on agriculture. The series, which begins today, will feature information on everything from edible landscaping to eating more meals at home. “It’s about how to integrate science into your everyday life,” said Tara Vogelien, the director for business and research administration at the N.C. State Fruit & Vegetable Science Institute in Kannapolis. “We’re focusing on the agricultural component.” Vogelien has dubbed the series “Discovering Nature’s Possibilities” and will take up to 200 participants for each class. Last month, the UNC Nutrition Research Institute in Kannapolis had to cut off registration for its free seminars, “Frontiers in Nutrition,” after overwhelming response. Other institutes at the Research Campus run by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Duke University will offer their own free classes this summer and fall. “Lifelong learning is here in Kannapolis on a scale I would never have thought possible a few years ago,” said Phyllis Beaver, marketing director for the N.C. Research Campus. Beaver collected evaluation sheets after last month’s classes and said she was touched by comments like, “Please keep educating us” and “We want to learn more.” “They made me want to weep,” said Beaver, who worked for Cannon Mills and watched Kannapolis suffer when the textile giant closed. “There are so many thirsty seekers out there.” The upcoming agricultural seminars should bring back students who attended the nutrition series, plus attract a whole new audience of people interested in growing their own food, Beaver said. “We think the price increases we’re seeing at the grocery store lately will make these seminars very well attended,” she said. “Also, the seminar on how to connect with local growers ... so you know where your food is coming from and how it’s grown, will be a very popular session.” All free seminars at the Research Campus aim to present high-tech information in an entertaining, accessible way. Each lecture ends with a question-and-answer session. Discovering Nature’s Possibilities begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the old Cabarrus Bank building in Cannon Village. Classes will run every other Wednesday evening through May 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required. To sign up, call 704-250-5409 or go to www.ncsu.edu/fvsi. Classes will include: • April 9, “Eating Smart at Home” by Pamela Outen, Cabarrus County extension agent in family and consumer science. Simple solutions for planning, shopping, fixing and eating more meals at home, where you typically eat more fruits and vegetables and less fat. • April 23, “Be Healthy — Grow What You Eat” by Amy-Lynn Albertson, Davidson County extension agent in horticulture. Veggies and fruits grown in your home garden are often superior in quality, freshness and taste. Gardening relieves stress, provides mental relaxation and satisfies the human instinct to nurture. • May 7, “The Importance of Locally Grown Products” by Brent Barbee of Barbee Farms. Buying products from local growers minimizes handling and transportation costs and lessens environmental impact. Small local farms maintain agricultural heritage, preserve land-use diversity and moderate development. • May 21, “Landscaping for Healthy Eating” by David J. Goforth, Cabarrus County extension agent in agriculture/horticulture. Sustainable and environmentally friendly landscape that feeds and shelters humans and wildlife. Concepts, plants and specific tips for being a better environmental steward. Contact Emily Ford at eford@salisburypost.com or 704-797-4264.

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