• Spiritual retreat. The Hindu Cultural Center of North Alabama will hold a spiritual retreat Mother’s Day celebration today and Sunday, May 20, at 14800 Vishnu Way, Harvest. Today’s events: Raja Yoga, part I — 10:30 a.m.-noon; lunch — noon-1:30 p.m.; Harmony of Religion — 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Raja Yoga, Part II — 2:45-4:30 p.m. May 20 events: Jagannath Pooja — 9-1:30 a.m.; Mother’s Day celebration — 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Mother’s Day lunch honoring all mothers — 1-2:30 p.m.; Raja Yoga, Part II — 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free admission; $251 or $101 to sponsor. More information: Subir Paul, 256-766-8056.

• Honoring graduates. The Hindu Cultural Center of North Alabama will honor graduates in the community at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 20, at the center, 14800 Vishnu Way, Harvest. Parents are asked to submit the names of their high school or college students to Dr. Santanu Borah or Minnie Praharaj as soon as possible by emailing sborah@una.edu or spraharaj@aol.com.

• Seven Sacraments. St. Paul Catholic Church in Athens will host a three-session forum the last three Wednesdays in May about the Seven Sacraments and their importance to the Catholic faith. All sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Holy Family Parish Hall at St. Paul Church, 1900 U.S. 72 West, Athens. Speakers include Dr. David Anders, May 23; and John Martignoni, May 30. Everyone is invited to these free events. More information, Greg Beam, 256-777-4002 or waterwheel01@aol.com.

• Church anniversary. Peace Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate its church anniversary Sunday, May 27, at the church, 1214 Plainview Circle, Athens. The 11 a.m. service will feature Pastor Jimmy Bailey, with a 2:30 p.m. service featuring Pastor Michael Timberlake of Shiloh M.B. Church in Florence. More information: Mike Bailey, 256-874-0565.

• PBJ giveaway. Athens First Christian Church will sponsor a peanut butter and jelly giveaway from 8 a.m.–noon Saturday, June 2, at 400 W. Market St., in front of the church. Rain location is the fellowship hall.

• Vacation Bible school. St. Mark Primitive Baptist Church will host vacation Bible school 6:30–8:30 p.m. June 4–7 at the church, 740 Sanderfer Road, Athens. This year’s theme is “Glow for Jesus: Let your light shine.”

• Summer program. New Life Assembly in Athens is now enrolling children for its summer program, which will include field trips, games and water days for children in grades K-5. Program runs 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Mondays–Fridays, May 29–Aug. 4. Cost: $35 nonrefundable registration fee; $125 per week plus one time $75 activities fee for full time; $35 per day for part time or $45 on field-trip days. More information: 256-232-6119; 256-614-4823; athensnewlife.com.

• Summer program. David’s Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Tanner will host Operation Timothy II summer program for children ages 5-13 from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 4–July 27 for $260 per child. More information: Dorothy Shoulders, 256-232-8035.

• Bible study. Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church invites all to its second summer outreach Bible study ministry at 7 p.m. every Wednesday night through Aug. 29 at Pincham-Lincoln Center in Athens. Anyone needing transportation, call the Rev. Timothy Townsend at 256-777-8642 or Deacon Curtis Lane at 256-655-9551.

• After-school program. The after-school program from 3–5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at David’s Temple Church in Tanner accepts children ages 5–18. Homework assistants, tutoring and study hall are available. Van pickup is available to all Athens City Schools except Athens High. Children from Tanner High can ride the bus. Cost for the program is $10 per week per student. More information: Geraldine McDonald, 256-355-1343.

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 newscouriersoundoff@gmail.com or a fax to 256-233-7753.