Religious events

Christian Symphonic ‘Portraits of America’
The Christian Symphonic band will present a summer patriotic concert, “Portraits of America,” at 7 p.m. July 9 and 10 at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. The program will feature a music celebration of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Two new numbers, “A Lincoln Celebration,” a piece with three of the president’s favorite songs, and “Healing Our Nation,” with a reading of the Gettysburg Address by Cory Nation dressed as Lincoln, will be performed.
Other numbers include a trip back to the 1920’s with Scott Joplin and Irving Berlin’s Symphonic Portraits. The military will be remembered by special songs honoring all the military branches and this a year a new song, “Purple Heart,” has been written in honor of the 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, 3/25 Marines from Lima, Ohio. There will also be a special recognition of women in the military.
Soloist for the concert is Jenny Finch from Mobile and the narrator is Becky Ann Mills.
Celebrate America at the free concerts. A contribution will be taken during the concert.

American Gospel Concerts
American Gospel Ministries presents Forgiven Trio at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 at First Baptist Church, 622 Bayshore Drive in Niceville. A love offering will be taken.
 
BackPack 2 School
Destiny Worship Center’s BackPack 2 School program helped more than 1,000 children in the community last year.
Every family can sponsor a child for $50. Many friends and businesses in the community are giving $100 sponsorships. This provides each child with a backpack full of their specific supplies, a new pair of sneakers and a haircut.
BP2S distribution date is Aug. 8 at both the Destin and Freeport Campus.
For more information or to contribute to this community outreach, call (850) 650-6800.
 
Fall Flair Craft Show
Destin United Methodist Women will sponsor their inaugural fall arts and crafts show at the new Destin Life Center Sept. 11 and 12. Vendors are needed. Call (850) 650-5658 or e-mail flymommy55@aol.com

Upper Room Morning Worship
Gather in the “upper room” upstairs at Marlin Grill in The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at 9 a.m. each Sunday for an interdenominational morning service of teaching, praise and worship. Dress casual. Call 351-1990.

Women of Grace
Women of Grace meets at 6 p.m. every second and fourth Sunday at Immanuel Anglican Church, 250 Indian Bayou Trail in Destin.
Women of Grace is a time of fellowship, worship and sharing. Ladies from all churches are invited. A nursery is provided.