AMERICUS
Big Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
The 88th Ushers Anniversary is celebrated at 2 p.m. Feb. 24. The Rev. Ezekiel Holley and Zion Hope Baptist Church of DeSoto will be in charge of the service.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
The church celebrates the 30th Pastoral Appreciation as they observe the life, service and achievements of their pastor, Bishop Melvin McCluster, over the past three decades. The pre-celebration services are Feb. 17 & 22 and culminate Feb. 24. The schedule is as follows: 2 p.m. Feb. 17, the Rev. George F. Monts and Zion Hope Baptist Church family in charge of services; 6 p.m. Feb. 22, Family and Friends Night features praise dancing, singing, a skit by Sister Pat Harris, food and fun for everyone; and 10 a.m. Feb. 24, Bishop Henry Moore and Piney Grove Baptist Church of Dawson are guests; colors are black, white, and red. The celebration culminates at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Hosie Waters and Lebanon Baptist Church, Magnolia Baptist Church, and Green Grove Baptist Church families; dinner follows in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited.

New Ebenezer Baptist Church
Black history is celebrated at 3 p.m. Feb.17 when Shipp Chapel Baptist Church oversees the service. Deacon Tommie Jackson speaks on black history.

DESOTO
Jackson Grove Baptist Church
A Candle Light Service starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 17 with Raines Baptist Church of Dawson and Pastor Raymond Andrews in charge. Everyone is welcome.

LESLIE
New Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church
The annual Black History program will be observed during the 11 a.m. worship service on Feb. 24. Jacqueline Ball has produced a play. Sunday school starts at 10 a.m.

Perry Grove Missionary Baptist Church
The Annual Men & Women Night Out is at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 and 27. On Tuesday, Pastor Krystal Heath of Believe Covenant Deliverance Ministries is speaker for women and colors are red and black. On Wednesday, Pastor Willie Green and Forest Chapel Baptist Church of Byromville is speaker for the men. March 3 concludes the Men & Women Day Program.

St. John Baptist Church
The Ever Ready Spiritual Aires Gospel Singers of Leslie/Americus celebrate their 47th anniversary at 4 p.m. March 3.

PLAINS
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Black History Month is celebrated at 10:45 a.m. Feb. 17 with Deaconess Delores Jackson of Lebanon Baptist Church as featured speaker. If you would like to you can wear African attire or dress old fashioned. Pastor O. Quintodd Bryant delivers the sermon. Everyone is invited.

SMITHVILLE
New Hope A.M.E. Church
Family, Friends and Guest Day is observed at 11 a.m. March 17 during morning worship when Minister Albert Hayslip of Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Lee County brings the message. Sunday school starts at 10 a.m.

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
A Benevolent Program in honor of Deacon James Gordon starts at 3 p.m. Feb. 16.

Don’t forget the deadline!
The Americus Times-Recorder welcomes local and area religious news for this page published every Saturday. Please remember the deadline is noon Wednesday. You can e-mail information to beth.alston@americustimesrecorder.com, mail it to P.O. Box 1247, Americus GA 31709, or drop it off at the Times-Recorder’s offices at 101 Ga. Highway 27 East.