Church newsletters are a permanent fixture on my reading list. They are usually the last thing I grab from the reading table before I blow out the candle at night. I'm not suggesting that reading these newsletters will put you to sleep, but I have been known to wake up with glasses on my nose and a church newsletter across my face.

But all levity aside, these publications are excellent sources of what's happening in churches. And hardly a week passes that I don't find something that piques my interest, something I want to know more about, something that makes me laugh and even something that prompts me to say aloud, "No way!"

This week it was an announcement about the Anybody Choir at University United Methodist. I know about Chancel Choirs, Sanctuary Choirs, Junior Choirs, Senior Choirs, Jubilee Choirs, Men's Choirs, Women's Choirs, Mass Choirs and just plain old Church Choirs, but an Anybody Choir?

I shudder to think that Tim Baker, director of the ministry of music at University, really wants just Anybody, because I have encountered some Anybodys who Nobody would want in their choir.

Recently, for example, I was visiting a small church and stood in front of a Somebody who was singing louder than Everybody. Problem was, he couldn't sing. But his enthusiasm and joyful participation reminded me again that making a joyful noise in praise of God is a vital and exciting part of worship.

This is the second year that Baker has organized an Anybody Choir to sing for worship services during the month of July. Last summer he had about 20 members, he said, including some folks from the church's regular choir, which has about 40 voices.

"The choir is a sort of community," Baker said. "It ministers to its members as well as to the congregation, and if there are those who want to sing but have had no previous experience, I offer to work with them privately."

There are no auditions, no robes, no extra rehearsals and no experience necessary to belong to the Anybody Choir. Those interested simply turn up in the choir room at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, to learn an easy anthem for the 10 a.m. service. All ages invited.

Discussion focuses on religious critics

Theology on Deck, a series of theological discussions, will be held on Wednesdays through July 22 at 403 W. Weaver St. in Carrboro.

The topic for this year's series is "Conversations in Christian Self-Critique" during which the group will focus on the critics of religion and the benefits they have helped religion attain.

Each discussion will highlight an excerpted paragraph from a different critic, including Nietzsche, Freud, Marx, Voltaire, Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris.

Tea and light snacks will be provided. All are welcome to participate in these lively dialogues. For further information visit www.ouradvocate.org.

The discussion is sponsored by the Episcopal Church of the Advocate, the new Episcopal Church in Orange County. This church has billed itself as committed to reaching out to those who do not have a church home and who may not be drawn to a more traditional time or place or formality for worship. It welcomes to its community and worship life, people of every kind of household and every stage of life and faith and doubt.

Holy Eucharist is celebrated each Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Kehillah, 1200 Mason Road, followed by a fellowship hour. All are welcome.

VBS centers on theme of gardens

Vacation Bible School at United Church of Chapel Hill, 1321 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., will take place during the church school hour on four consecutive Sunday mornings: July 12,19,26 and Aug. 2.

The program title is "In the Garden." Children will learn about different gardens that are part of the Biblical narrative, how God's people take care of gardens and learn about the sacred nature of gardening. Several mid-week field trips are planned, including a visit to the Anathoth Community Garden at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church.

Running concurrent with VBS, is a study group for adults titled "Sinners: Jesus and His Earliest Followers." David Mateo, director of Spanish Language Ministries and a candidate in the Pastoral Leadership Development program, will lead the 4-week series.

It is based on a new book by Greg Carey, a professor of New Testament studies at Lancaster Theological Seminary and one of Mateo's teachers.

The class will be held at 10 a.m. between the two worship services.

Series focuses on economic justice

The Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian Universalist has announced the topic for the upcoming Straley Series: "Economic Justice in Hard Times."

Sessions will be held on Sundays from 8:30 to 10 a.m. from July 12 through Aug. 2. The schedule is as follows:

•July 12: Bankers, Brokers, Bubbles & Bailouts: The 2009 economic implosion. Presenter Gayle Ruedi.

•July 19: Agenda for a New and Just Economy: What has to change to make things right? Presenter Gayle Ruedi.

•July 26: The Economic Crisis Here at Home and What You Can Do. Panel discussion to include Chris Moran, director of the Inter-Faith Council.

•Aug. 2: Open Discussion: A chance to share your own thoughts.

All are welcome. A light breakfast of coffee, juice and bagels will be offered. Call 919-259-2894 for free child care.

This annual summer exploration of social justice issues honors Joe and Lucy Straley, founding members of the church and lifelong social activists.

The church is located at 106 Purefoy Road.

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.