Benefit

The Cherokee County Detention Center will sponsor a benefit for cancer patient Sgt. Vera Holly on Saturday, June 27, in front of the detention center. A yard sale begins at 7 a.m. and a hot dog sale will be from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Community events

Shalom Christian Fellowship, 1012 Beech St., will sponsor a family awareness day Saturday, June 27, beginning at 10 a.m. There will be sessions covering abuse, sex education, dating, drugs and alcohol, gangs, HIV, the importance of education and medical health along with blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Registration begins at 9:45 a.m.

The American Red Cross Cherokee County Service Center will conduct a CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider course Tuesday, June 30, from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The course fee of $46 must be paid in advance. To register call, 864-489-6066.

Blood drives

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is sponsoring a blood drive Monday, June 29, in honor of two county employees recently diagnosed with cancer. The Piedmont Blood Center will set up its mobile blood unit in the back parking lot of the Sheriff's Office from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and will remain open during lunch to accommodate donors.

News 13's Operation Blood Drive for the Piedmont Blood Center will be held June 26 from 1-7 p.m. at Upstate Carolina Medical Center and June 27, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Wal-Mart and from 3-7 p.m at Goucher-White Plains VFW.

Church news

Annual Youth Day will be observed Sunday, June 28, during the 9:30 a.m. worship services at Island Creek Baptist Church, 2112 Battleground Road, Cowpens. Speaker will be Randy Anderson, public relations coordinator for Waffle House.

The Harambee Dance Ministry of Mikes Creek Baptist Church will host its first program Saturday, June 27, at 5 p.m. featuring various groups.

The Youth Ministry of Island Creek Baptist Church, 2112 Battleground Road, Cowpens, will sponsor a youth revival Saturday, June 27, at 6 p.m. Speaker will be Dr. Michael Bridges, pastor of Concord Baptist church. Youth groups, praise dancers and choirs are welcome to attend.

The Vinnie Byers Missionary Circle of Bethel Baptist Church will celebrate its anniversary Sunday, June 28, at the 10:30 a.m. worship services. Speaker will be the Rev. Richard Shaw, associate minister of Bethel Baptist Church.

The Youth Ministry of Bethel Baptist Church will sponsor its second annual Youth Achievement Banquet on Friday, June 26, at 6 p.m. with the program being held in the church sanctuary. The banquet will be in the dining hall at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Mount Zion Baptist Church and the Rev. A.L. Brackett invite the public to their annual Men's Day program on Sunday, June 28. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Danny Burnside, pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church.

Morning worship services will not be held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church on Sunday, June 28. Pastor Clarence Davis and the Mt. Olive Church family will be in fellowship with Jerusalem Baptist Church in Pacolet in celebration of Pastor Dewayne Cooper's pastoral anniversary during 11 a.m. worship service. Services will resume next week.

Allen Temple C.M.E. Church will celebrate the third pastoral anniversary of Rev. Rosaleen Francis on Sunday, June 28, at 4 p.m. Speaker will be the Rev. Tony Thompson, pastor of the Tribes of Judea Church, Kings Mountain, N.C.

The Inspirational Choir of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate its 14th anniversary Sunday, July 28, at 4 p.m.

The fourth annual Women's Conference at Limestone Missionary Baptist Church is set for Saturday, June 27, at 9 a.m. The theme is "Transitioning From Emotion to Devotion." Speakers will be Minister Juanita Dewberry, Bethel Baptist Church; Minister Julia Golden, Long Branch, Greenville; and First Lady and Minister Audrey Hailstock, New Day Baptist Church, Spartanburg. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

Shady Grove Baptist Church Sunday School will have a Life Explosion and Fun Day on Saturday, June 27. Registration will start at 9:30 a.m. with "Living for Life" classes beginning at 10 a.m.

Gospel concerts

"Masters of Praise" will be in concert Sunday, June 28, at 6 p.m. at Cherokee Falls Baptist Church, 109 School St., Cherokee Falls.

Timber Ridge, a bluegrass gospel group from Forest City, N.C., will be in concert Saturday, June 27, at Chesnee Gospel Music Center, 672 Green Lake Road, Chesnee, The concert starts at 7 p.m. with concessions available beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 828-223-1514.

Bible school

Allen Temple C.M.E. Church will have its annual Vacation Bible School Monday, June 29, through Thursday, July 2, from 6-8 p.m. This year's theme is "The Jesus Chronicles: A Life Changing Encounter!" Classes will be available for children and adults. To register or for more information, contact Rachel Edwards at 864-489-6348 or the church office at 487- 7837.