Faith Briefs

MUSIC

› Branham tribute: Ooltewah Church of God, 9320 S. Lee Highway, will honor local singer Ray Branham for his 50 years in gospel music, in two events timed to his 92nd birthday. The church will host a singing at 6 p.m. today, followed by a chili supper. On Sunday, members of Branham’s family will preach and sing during the 10:30 a.m. service.

› Jazz Vespers: Singer Kathy Tugman and the David Walters Trio will perform secular tunes that take on a different meaning in the context of a winter vespers service at 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 630 Mississippi Ave., Signal Mountain. Flutist Sue Ann Reinisch will join in on “Sentimentale” from Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano. A freewill offering will be accepted. 423-886-2281, ext. 307.

› Sunday Afternoon at Simpson: Six members of the Wilson family — among them music directors, minister of music, former accompanist for the Chattanooga Boys Choir, music teacher, associate professor of music and a former organist — will offer vocal and instrumental pieces, including classical, religious and musical theater selections on the theme “How Can I Keep From Singing?” at 3 p.m. Feb. 4 at Simpson United Methodist Church, 601 McFarland Ave. in Rossville.

PROGRAMS, EVENTS

› Rise Against Hunger: Fifty volunteers are needed to help package 12,096 meals between 10 a.m. and noon today at Fairview United Methodist Church, 3901 Hamill Road in Hixson. Five to seven people also are needed at 9 a.m. to help unload and set up supplies. The meals primarily support school feeding programs in developing countries. Volunteers may drop in and stay for whatever length of time they have available. www.fairviewumchixson.com.

› Prime Time January Series: Four-week series by First-Centenary United Methodist Church’s United Methodist Women at Oak Street Center, 403 Oak St., meets 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays on the theme “How Do We Respond to God’s Call for Social Justice?” This week, Jan. 31: “Climate Justice,” presented by Heather Bennett, director of Blessed Earth Tennessee. No charge. Information: 423-756-2021. Also, the Jan. 13 meeting, on “Criminalization of Communities of Color and Mass Incarceration,” has been rescheduled to Feb. 7 because of bad weather.

› Church Safety Summit:

Experts teach active-shooter training, weather emergency preparedness and practical steps to prevent child sexual abuse and proper reporting protocols to congregations and community at large, 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Feb. 10 at Trenton United Methodist Church, 12500 N. Main St., Trenton, Ga. Workbooks cost $10, but first 50 people to RSVP get theirs free. Email dade1st@ msn.com or call Martha Baker at 423-883-6938.

› Church security training:

Free seminar open to any faithbased civic and nonprofit organization looking to learn more about protecting those who attend gatherings is 6-8 p.m. Feb. 9 at Waterville Baptist Church, 4555 Dalton Pike in Cleveland, Tenn. The program will cover active-shooter preparedness, developing personalized security plans and civilian familiarization with weaponry. Space is limited, so organizers ask that a small group of decision makers

represent each organization. For information, call James Bradford at 423-728-7300 or email jbradford@bradleycountytn.gov.

› Night To Shine: Spring Creek Road Baptist Church is among 450 churches around the world hosting a Shine Prom for people with special needs, ages 14 and older, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, Ga. The evening includes a limo ride, red-carpet paparazzi, free photos, catered dinner, dance music and karaoke for promgoers, plus Respite Room for parents and caregivers. Sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation. www.scrbc.com.

› Rhythms Retreats: “Silence and Solitude — Creating Space for God,” the next in a series exploring spiritual practices to cultivate intimacy with Christ, nourish the soul and transform your life, is set for 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 10 at Chattanooga House of Prayer, 3912 Dayton Blvd., Suite 200, Red Bank. Led by Micki Ann Harris, ChattHOP’s spiritual formation director, the free sessions are offered second Saturdays of every month except April, August and December. To register, visit www.chatthop.org/ events-calendar.

› Forward grief recovery: First-Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave., will host an ecumenical group offering mutual support for those who have lost a spouse, no matter how recent or long ago. The first of four sessions starts Feb. 10, meeting 10-11:30 a.m. in the church parlor. Attendees will share experiences and find ways to step “Forward” into the future. There is no charge, but call Cindy Ruff at 423-756-2021 to register.

› Clubs for Kids: AWANA Clubs for children age 3 through sixth grade meet 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hickory Valley Baptist Church, 2320 Hickory Valley Road. 423-892-1916.

› Exercise class: Northside Presbyterian Church, 923 Mississippi Ave., offers an exercise class focusing on strength, energy and balance 10:30-11:30 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. Open to all ages and skill levels. $5 per class. 423-266-1766.

› Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program for anyone struggling with addictive issues, compulsive behaviors, loss and life challenges, meets each Thursday at Ooltewah United Methodist Church, 6131 Relocation Way. Dinner at 5:30 p.m., worship at 6:15 p.m., open share groups at 7:30 p.m. Child care provided. 423-238-9216, oumclive.org/recovery.

› Not Alone, a support group for family and friends of a loved one who is incarcerated, meets at 11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at LaFayette Presbyterian Church, 107 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga. Refreshments and child care are provided.

FUNDRAISERS

› Lyerly cookbook: Lyerly United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 152, Lyerly, GA 30730, has published its third cookbook, “Feeding the Flock.” To order, send $10, plus $3 shipping and handling. Call JoAnn Mitchell, 706-895-2636, for information on buying from a church member or a Chattooga County business.

› Payne’s Chapel cookbook: Payne’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Lookout Mountain, Ga., has a new cookbook, “Payne’s Chapel Cooks,” a collection of recipes from members. Proceeds will go into the church building fund. Cost is $12, plus $4 shipping/handling if mailed. To order, email debroskyp@gmail.com or leave a message at 706-820-2095.

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