Give a young child the lid to the old stew pot and a wooden spoon and soon you have a percussion section right there under the kitchen table. The tendency to drum and to set up patterns of rhythm may well be a common characteristic of those of us who call ourselves "God's creation."

In recent years, Christian churches have become more visceral in worship as they use rhythm and movement to express joy and praise. One such worship group is the Women's Sacred Drum Circle at Binkley Baptist Church.

The event is on tap this Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

"I started drumming about 5 years ago while visiting a friend in Michigan," said Stacy Shelp, who coordinates the event. "I was instantly drawn to the energy and peace created simultaneously within myself."

Back in Chapel Hill, she took her own drum and some instruments she borrowed to a Binkley Women's Retreat, where she gave a brief tutorial on how to drum. That group drummed into the night and felt a powerful connection among themselves.

That was the beginning of the Sacred Drum Circle, which is now held quarterly on the equinox and the solstice.

Drummers bring their own instruments, and Shelp has a number of instruments she brings to share.

"It has never been the exact same group of women twice," she said. "This makes for amazing and dynamic combinations and variances in the experience. Our circle is open to any woman over the age of 15 who wants to attend."

Prior experience in drumming is not required. During the first five minutes participants receive basic djembe drumming instruction.

"I try to reassure everyone that in the words of Ubaka Hill [a legendary drummer] 'We don't learn drumming, we come back to drumming," Shelp said. "The basic rhythm is that of the heartbeat, the first sound we experience as a human. There is no right or wrong. We all play together and somehow it just works."

Women drum for many reasons -- spiritual, physical and emotional as well as for sheer enjoyment and fun.

"Some talk about their sense of peace while others express a new found energy," she said. "Drumming has always been a way to celebrate the sacred and honor religious and healing rights in all religions. Today, research has shown that drumming has significant physical and mental health benefits."

Women from all religions and spiritual backgrounds or no religious background are welcome.

"Connection to yourself, your sacredness and that of those women around you is a universal desire," she said.

Working to ease hunger

Lloyd Schmeidler of Durham has been convening a group of Bread for the World members in this area since 2000. The group meets for an hour per month to write letters to our U.S. Senators and our U.S. Representative, David Price.

The Web site describes Bread for the World as "a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad."

The local group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3002 Hope Valley Road in Durham.

Seattle choir to peform

The Grammy-nominated Northwest Boychoir from Seattle will present one of three North Carolina public concerts at The Chapel of the Cross, 304 E. Franklin St., at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.

The 40-member choir will perform a program of classical choral works and traditional American folk songs.

A freewill donation of $15 for adults and $6 for children is suggested online at www.thechapelofthecross.org. Proceeds will benefit Table, serving meals to area children on weekends and when free public school meals are not available.

Talk will focus on healing

Mantak Chia from Thailand will give a public talk on "Healing from Within" today at 7 p.m. at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4907 Garrett Road, in Durham.

Mantak Chia's talk will include self-healing tools, sexual energies and the inner practices of the mystical tradition.

The session will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and is $25, cash at the door.

Please let us know what's going on in your church or faith group, so we can share your news with our readers. E-mail news and announcements to Flo Johnston at fjohnston3@nc.rr.com.