Gospel music to raise funds for scholarship

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008

Participants in the fund-raising concert will include Joyful Noise, a traditional southern gospel group with members from various Southern Maryland churches; as well as the New Generation Choir from Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church in Charlotte Hall; and the Voices for Christ children's choir from Mt. Zion. Various solos, duets and ensembles will be performed by members of Mt. Zion church.

Immediately following the concert, home-made desserts contributed by church members will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Auction prices typically range from $6 to $50.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church has been supporting a student at Africa University for three years, raising $5,400 a year for the scholarship fund. Rita Maria Curimenha, who received the scholarship for the past two years, graduated June 7 from Africa University with a bachelor of arts degree in humanities and social sciences. She has since returned to her native country of Angola to serve as a social worker in a nation that badly needs professionals in this field. A new student, Eulialio de Aleida Assis from Angola, was awarded the scholarship this fall. He is a second-year student in the management and administrative program.

Africa University is funded by United Methodist church members from throughout the world. Located outside Mutare, Zimbabwe's third largest city, the university offers bachelor's and master's degrees in various programs. For more information about the university and its mission, visit www.africau.edu.

The gospel concert is free, as is the reception following the event. A free-will offering will be taken during the evening and all of the donations will go directly to the scholarship fund.

For more information about the concert or dessert auction, call 301-884-4132. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church is located on Route 235 north in Laurel Grove near the Apple Basket Country Store.