Faces of Faith

Religion symposium First Presbyterian Church in Kannapolis will host a community symposium on “Living as Christians in a World of Many Religions” on Wednesday evenings, April 2-16. The presentations will be in the church’s sanctuary, each beginning at 6:30 p.m., and will be led by faculty from Davidson College. The series will address questions such as: What does the Bible say about relating to those of other religions? Does the Bible legitimize an open and accepting attitude toward other religions? What do those of other faiths really believe? All sessions are free and open to the public. Kannapolis is becoming more pluralistic. Although we are in the midst of the “Bible Belt,” Christianity is no longer the only religion in town. A Jewish congregation has formed in Cabarrus County. Muslim, and Buddhist faiths are among us. As the North Carolina Research Campus begins to operate, it will attract scientists from all over the world, further diversifying the religious demographic of our community. The weekly schedule of topics includes: • April 2 — “A Historical Look at Christianity and Judaism” by Dr. Gregory Snyder. Dr. Snyder will suggest that the two were almost indistinguishable in the beginning, and by understanding this we need to rethink our view of Judaism. • April 9 — “An Introduction to Hinduism and Islam” by Dr. William Mahony. This will be a brief introduction to two of the world religions becoming more prevalent in the community. • April 16 — “What the Bible Says About Other Religions” by Snyder. This session will look at what the Christian scriptures offer about how to relate to other religions. Snyder is an associate professor of religion at Davidson College, where he specializes in early Christianity and the religious milieu of the world of the early church. Mahony is professor of religion and chair of the department of religion at Davidson. He specializes in Eastern religions and Islam. The presentations are free of charge. Children’s programs and a nursery will be available at the same time. An optional fellowship supper is served in the Fellowship Hall at 5:45 p.m., with a suggested donation of $5. Please call 704-938-4623 or visit www.FirstPresb.org for additional information. Bock Bock North Kannapolis United Methodist Church is hosting its annual fundraiser “Get Your Bock Bock at the Rock,” on Saturday, April 12. The church will be selling 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 located at 1307 N. Main St., across from Brothers Tire in Kannapolis. Memorial concert On Sunday, April 6, at 3:30 p.m., the community is invited to the first annual Lorene Honeycutt Memorial Organ Concert to be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Kannapolis. Former piano and organ students of Honeycutt are encouraged to attend and be recognized. The guest organist for the free concert will be Adam Micah Ward who has served as the organist and choirmaster at First United Methodist Church of Salisbury for 10 years. Ward received bachelor and master of music degrees in organ performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He will complete the doctor of musical arts in organ performance at UNCG in May 2009. For more information about the concert you may call Jon Hutchinson at 704-933-0660.