Local Church Briefs

Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee is participating in a nationwide Call to Prayer from noon to 6 p.m. today.
The public is invited to stop by Wesley, 302 E. Independence, to pray for the city, state and nation, as well as children and teachers as they return to school.
A Call to Prayer also is being held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., today.
“Prayer is in many ways much like voting; it is a right, a privilege and an obligation,” said Wesley Prayer Ministry team co-chairwoman Sue Thomas. “It is a right we should not take lightly or ignore. I hope you will join us today for a few minutes or a few hours of prayer in the Draper Chapel at Wesley.”
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Open Door Church of God, 1200 N. Tucker, is receiving a major facelift inside and outside. A rededication service is planned for Sept. 21 featuring guest speaker Dr. O. Wayne Brewer with the Oklahoma State Administrative.
On July 20, Open Door Church of God celebrated with five generations of the Allen family as they gathered to witness the dedication of Micah Shaw, son of David and Katrina (Allen) Shaw.
This summer, youth pastor James Douglas led a three-day spiritual awareness camp. One of their projects was to gather food for Shawnee Rescue Mission. The youth collected about 900 cans.
Dale Money is pastor of Open Door Church of God.
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New Hope Baptist Church will celebrate its 114th anniversary Sunday.
Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by a joint worship service at 11 a.m. A potluck dinner will follow. At 6 p.m. the southern gospel quartet Delivered 24/7 will perform.
New Hope normally holds two Sunday morning services, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday evening services are at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday activities at  7 p.m. include visitation/outreach teams, prayer teams, adult and children choirs.
The church is at 37496 New Hope Road. For more information, call the church office at 598-6430.
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An area-wide gospel singing begins at 7 p.m. today at North Rock Creek Indian Assembly of God in Shawnee. Several musical groups are scheduled to perform. The event is free.
Master of ceremonies is David Little of Wewoka. Also speaking will be pastor Buddy Harjo and missionary associate the Rev. Don Ramsey of Seminole.
Food will be sold as a fundraiser for the church, and the menu includes beef and buffalo burgers and chili.
North Rock Creek Indian Assembly is at Garrett’s Lake Road and Butler Drive, one mile northeast of Shawnee off SH 18 at the entrance of the Falls Acres neighborhood.
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The 38th annual Seminole Gospel Sing will be 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20-23 at the Seminole Music Park, one mile south of Seminole on U.S. 377.
Admission is $17.50 for adults each night; advance tickets are $16.50. A three-night pass is available for $43. Children age 6-12 will be admitted for $3 each evening.
A talent contest will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, in the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Center on the campus of Seminole State College. Amateur and semi-professional soloists or gospel groups are eligible to compete. Entry fee is $40 for soloists and $50 for groups.
For tickets or other information, call (405) 382-8351 or (918) 445-2400.
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DivorceCare, a weekly support group and seminar for persons who are separated or divorced, will be offered in Shawnee beginning Wednesday. 
A DivorceCare group will meet from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 20 through Nov. 12 at Northridge Church of Christ, 1001 E. MacArthur. Child care is provided. A $10 contribution for the workbook is requested.
Participants become part of a group of people who are experiencing the same feelings and questions that they are going through. Support is led by people who listen, understand and encourage. Help, hope and healing is discovered through video presentations that prompt group discussions.
Hosts for this session are Larry and Polly Stillwell. Register by calling ahead or by attending the first meeting.  For more information or to receive a list of topics, call 275-4180 weekdays or visit www.divorcecare.org.