Prayer is always the first step for the liturgical dancers.

"We always ask God to be with us and to know that we know what we do is to praise him, and to enable people who are watching to have their worship enhanced through what we do and for all of us," said Mary Maitland Kimball, instructor of the Sundancers Liturgical dance group.

Eight members of the group will perform at the prelude of the 10 a.m. service April 22 at The Church of the Cross on Calhoun Street in Bluffton.

"We are not dancing to gain applause for ourselves," Kimball said. "It is a gift we have graciously received and are giving back."

Entering the center aisle of the church in twos, the dancers' movements are related to the spirit of the music, she said. The dancers will perform to "Let There Be Peace on Earth" next weekend.

Liturgical dance, which has its roots in the Old Testament, sometimes centers on verses about praising the Lord through dance.

Kimball, who choreographed the performances, began dancing with an ecumenical group in Indiana, which included teenagers.

"I was in my early 50s and I was the oldest," she said.

This group's members are between the age of 60 and 70.

With a hiatus planned for the summer for the liturgical dancers, Kimball hopes to start a new group in the fall with people of all ages.

"We'll see what happens."

THE CROSS

A service begins at 6:30 p.m. today at the foot of The Cross, 168 Martin Luther King Drive, St. Helena Island. Seven local ministers will speak. They are: the Rev. Freddie Dixon and the Rev. Johnnie Rivers, both of Ridgeland; Carrie Major of Bethesda Christian Fellowship; Earl Scott of Beaufort; the Rev. Marilyn Wade of Beaufort; Beatrice Washington of St. Helena Island; and Charles Smith of Charleston. This is the eighth year of the service, which is sponsored by Bennie Dudley of Mount Pleasant Comunity Church of New York. Details: 843-838-3909

PLANT THE SEED MINISTRY

Free meals and friendly conversations are 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at the Atlantic Inn parking lot, 2249 Boundary St., Beaufort. Details: 843-575-2200, joykircher028@gmail.com

WALK BY FAITH MINISTRY

Walk, play and experience fellowship with writer Lara Love and rescue dogs at 10 a.m. Saturdays in April and May at Folly Field Beach on Hilton Head Island. Details: 843-338-2219, www. walkbyfaithministry.com

FRIENDSHIP HOLINESS CHURCH

The church will honor its pastor, Dr. Willie Webb, and Fredricka Webb during the conclusion of the anniversary celebration at 2 p.m. Sunday. Pastor Henry Chisolm of Jehovah Church of Jesus Christ, St. Helena Island, will speak. The church is at 6 Cuyler Lane, Seabrook. Details: 843-263-9002

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. HELENA

The Winthrop University Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Katherine S. Kinsey, will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday. An organ concert featuring Bruce Neswick is at 7 p.m. Friday. This free performance is part of the spring concert series arranged by the church as part of its Tricentennial Celebration. The church is at 505 Church St., Beaufort. Details: 843-522-1712

FAITH MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH

The 57th anniversary church celebration concludes with services at 12:30 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. Lawrence Miller and Grace Chapel AME Chapel. At 2:30 p.m. the church will commemorate the "The Life and Legacy" of the late pastor Dr. Horace Williams Jr. with the Rev. Abraham Murray and Brick Baptist Church as guests. The church is at 28 Lands End Road, St. Helena Island. Details: 843-271-6473

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF BEAUFORT

A multigenerational service at 10 a.m. Sunday will be led by the children of the fellowship. The message references the book, "Hearts Love," by Ninti and Kijani Bynum. Original illustrations by Olga Stamatiou will be displayed at the service.

The fellowship meets at 178 Sams Point Road, Lady's Island. Details: 843-838-1399

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY OF BEAUFORT

The church joins with the Hilton Head Island and Savannah Christian Science churches to sponsor a weekly radio broadcast on WLOW 107.9 FM at 8:30 a.m. Sundays. Topics include how people overcome illness, relationship difficulties, financial hardships and other trials through prayer. "Doctrine of Atonement" is the topic of the sermon at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. A testimony meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The society meets at 401 Scott St., Beaufort. Details: 843-441-2262

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The women will begin the Noon Inspirational Moments with lunch at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Wesley Education Building, Duke and West streets, Beaufort. Marianne Chenault of First African Baptist Church of Beaufort will speak. Details: 843-524-5918

GRACE CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The church will celebrate its 143rd anniversary Wednesday through April 22.

Churches and pastors joining in the celebration at 7:30 p.m. are: the Rev. Sam Spain of Lady's Island Baptist Church on Wednesday; the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Doe and Bethesda Christian Fellowship on Thursday; and Faith Memorial Baptist Church on Friday Services will conclude at 5 p.m. April 22 with the Rev. Donald Goodwine and St. Paul Baptist Church. Details: 843-524-6091.

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY BRUNCH

The Beaufort class of Community Bible Study will hold an informational Adult Women Visitor's Day Brunch 9:15-11:30 a.m Thursday at St. Helena's Episcopal Parish Hall, 507 Newcastle St., Beaufort. This event is open to all area women interested in joining Community Bible Study for the 2012-2013 class study of the book of Acts beginning in September. Community Bible Study is a nondenominational class presenting an in-depth study. The Beaufort class meets from September to May on Thursday mornings and is open to women and their children, infants to age 12. Childcare will be provided for visitors with reservations. Details: 843-838-0212; 843-522-6825; www.beaufortcbs.org

TEMPLE OSEH SHALOM

Temple Oseh Shalom's Holocaust Memorial Service begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Low Country Presbyterian Church in Bluffton. The service falls on the exact anniversary, 67 years later, of the Bergen-Belsen Camp liberation. Many communities and schools recount the atrocities of the Holocaust, with the thought of "never again" allowing history to repeat itself. Most Jewish communities hold a solemn ceremony on this day, lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish -- the prayer for the departed -- for the millions who lost their lives. This year, Temple Oseh Shalom, following the lead of the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., will feature a program paying tribute to those 12 million Jews and gentiles who perished. The program will emphasize the role that "Rescuers," individuals who held the conviction that what one person did could make a difference, played during the Holocaust. The church is at U.S. 278 and Simmonsville Road, Bluffton.

SHELL POINT BAPTIST CHURCH

RESURRECTION CHURCH

"Praise in the Park" is at noon April 21 in the Life Care Center at the church, 296 Spanish Wells Road, Hilton Head Island. Details: 843-689-3625, www. resurrectionccc.org

DISTRICT THREE OF THE OLD ASHLEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

The association meets at 9 a.m. April 21 at Union Baptist Church, where the Rev. Dr. Edward Johnson will be the host pastor. The church is at 1708 Old Shell Road, Port Royal. Details: 843-252-7855, 843-812-1513

CENTRAL OAK GROVE BAPTIST

Two fundraisers are planned April 21. A yard sale is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinners -- barbecue ribs, fried chicken or fish -- are $10. For delivery, call 843-681-5784, 843-683-8522, 843-338-9024, 843-422-1225. Proceeds will benefit American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The church is at 161 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island.

CONGREGATION BETH YAM

An Emmy award-winning film producer will be a featured speaker at Congregation Beth Yam's Holocaust remembrance service at 2 p.m. April 22.

Professor Herbert Hochhauser, who has produced films about the Holocaust, will share his personal experiences as an immigrant to the United States following World War II. Rabbi Brad Bloom will conduct the commemorative service that will include readings and music. Survivors and children of survivors will be among those taking part in the service. As part of the remembrance weekend, Hochhauser will present a 1984 documentary film that he co-produced, "Robert Clary A5714: A Memoir of Liberation," at 7 p.m. April 21. Hochhauser will screen the film, and then facilitate a discussion about it and the events surrounding it. Congregation Beth Yam is at 4501 Meeting St., Hilton Head Island. Details: 843-689-2178

HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

A health fair is 1-4 p.m. April 22 at Jarvis Creek Park, Hilton Head Island. The event will include free health screenings, including blood pressure, adult and pediatric rehab and in balance screening. Activities include mini-massages, healthy food tastings and group fitness classes. Details: 843-298-1219

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. HELENA

The Parish Church of St. Helena will celebrate its annual Old Sheldon Sunday at 12:30 p.m. April 22 at the Sheldon church ruins in Yemassee. The Rev. Canon Jim Lewis will be the guest preacher. Lewis is the Canon to the Ordinary with the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. A picnic lunch on the grounds of the ruins will follow the service. Details: 843-522-1712

UNITY IN ACTION FELLOWSHIP OF CHURCHES

(Church of the Harvest Apostolic, Highest Praise Ministries and Revelatory Ministries) A fellowship revival is planned at two of the Unity in Action churches. Services are at 7:30 p.m. April 25-26 at the Church of the Harvest Apostolic, 39 Fripp Point Road, St. Helena Island.. Services continue at 7:30 p.m. April 27 and closing services at 11 a.m. April 29 at Highest Praise Ministries, 66 Middle Road, Lady's Island. A free lunch and free clothing will be offered at an Outreach Ministry noon-4 p.m. April 28, at The Green, Martin Luther King Boulevard and U.S. 21, St. Helena Island. Details: 843-838-2119

CARTERET STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The Carteret Closet Sale of nearly new clothing for men, women and children is noon-7 p.m. April 27 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 28 in the church fellowship hall, 408 Carteret St., Beaufort. Details: 843-524-3841

UNITED WAY OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

Volunteers with carpentry and home repair skills are needed to help with the Catholic HEART Work camp project. About 350 high school kids from all over the country will spend one week in June in the Lowcountry helping local residents with simple home repairs. Volunteers are needed to help before and during the week of the camp. Details: 843-837-2000, bethanym@uwlowcountry.org