Religion

Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Whitehouse, 10519 Farm-to-Market Road 344 East, will have a "40 Days of Community" study series beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday and lasting six weeks. The study is a continuation of the "40 Days of Purpose" campaign originated in California by Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church.

"Video lessons" by Warren and study of his book "Better Together" will be featured, according to information from Mount Carmel.

"The 40 Days of Community moves people from focusing 'What on earth am I here for' to focusing on 'What on earth are we here for,'" said the Rev. Bennie Portwood, Mount Carmel pastor.

A large group session will start at 9:45 a.m. Sundays and break into small groups to continue the study. A worship service will begin at 10:55 a.m. each Sunday. The event is free.

Call 903-839-9401 or the church office at 903-839-2606 for information.

The free event is endorsed by Ken Canfield of the National Center for Fathering, and Dr. H. Norman Wright, author of marriage and counseling books and videos. Others include former San Francisco Giants pitcher Dave Dravecky and author Steve Farrar.

The event is "helping fathers to learn to leave a legacy by saying the things they've always wanted to say but just didn't know how. 'I love you,' 'You're the treasure of my life' and 'I'll always be there for you' are things every child wants and needs to hear from their dad."

Sessions will continue Oct. 6, 27 and Nov. 17.

Call the Rev. Marty Dunbar at 903-592-7396 for information or send an e-mail to mdunbar@marvinumc.com.

"New Life Community is moving to a single service for the unity it will bring, and to stimulate growth and ministry opportunities to better serve our community," Robertson said.

Call 903-535-9272 for information.