• Pastor’s first Sunday. The public is invited to hear the new senior pastor at First Baptist Church, Athens’ native Dr. Joel Carwile begin his ministry at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. The church is at 201 E. Hobbs St.

• Singing. Owens Crossroads Baptist Church, 21619 Alabama 99 in Athens, will host a gospel singing featuring Heritage Southern Gospel Quartet at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. More information: 256-874-0196.

• Family and Friends Day. Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church, at 14065 Lucas Ferry Road, Athens, will hold its Family and Friends Day at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. Guest speaker is the Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of the Persimmon Grove Church.

• Concert. 11th Hour will be in concert Sunday, Aug. 2, at Nebo Community Church, 17772 Nuclear Plant Road in Athens. A love offering will be taken. Singing begins at 6 p.m. with Redeemed by Grace.

• Singing: Mount Carmel Church of Christ, at 7805 U.S. 72 West, will host a singing at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, with Tom Holland as master of ceremonies. The public is invited.

Church briefs must be submitted in writing, either on a form available at The News Courier office at 410 W. Green St., Athens, or by sending an email to ed@athensnews-courier.com or a fax to 256-233-7753.