Single people will be celebrating their status at a Nov. 20 singles conference that organizers are calling "spectacular."

Kingdom Force Singles Ministry of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit says the conference will focus on single people discovering their purposes "in a season of singleness."

Jeannie Pitts, a spokeswoman for the ministry, says that recent statistics indicate that a large percentage of adults in DeKalb and surrounding counties is comprised of single people — divorced, widowed, separated or never married.

"The Kingdom Force Ministry seeks to pool the talents and gifts of local singles in order to serve the needy, provide spiritual support and fellowship to singles, and to be a wellspring of know-ledge, growth, and enlightenment to the community as a whole," Pitts said.

Vendors are welcome. The conference will be held at the Atrium of the K-Center at the Cathedral, 4150 Flat Shoals Parkway.

For more information, call Jeannie Pitts or Pastor Barbara Benjamin at 404-243-5020, or visit www.kfsministry.com.

Coat drive

As the mercury dips this season, the Reconnection Ministry of the Ray of Hope Christian Church is sponsoring a Winter Coat Drive to provide new or gently-used coats and jackets for the homeless men who work with the ministry.

Coats in sizes Medium through 3XL can be placed in receptacles in the church's lobby through Dec. 12.

For more information, call the Ray of Hope Outreach Ministry at 770-696-5100, Ext. 201.

International family festival

Organizers at Victory Church are revving up for the 2004 International Family Fall Festival set for Nov. 20.

The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event is the successor to the church's highly successful Caribbean Fall Festival and Business Expo, which last year brought in over 100 vendors who provided goods and services like spa treatments, gift baskets, leather accessories, artwork, and Christian and black heritage collectibles.

There will also be an array of fun activities for children.

The festival will take place on the Victory campus at 1170 N. Hairston Road in Stone Mountain. For more information, call 678-476-6000.

Formal fashions in demand

Is there a great evening dress just sitting in your closet? Or a tuxedo that does not quite span your waistline anymore?

Maybe it's time to let go and donate them to someone who could make good use of them.

The "Christmas Gala Closet" at the Ray of Hope Christian Church would be happy to take them off your hands to help outfit some of its members who want to attend the church's first "Emerald Evening of Elegance" Christmas Gala on Dec. 17 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel.

Donations will be accepted through Dec. 12.

To donate a formal dress, tuxedo or accessories, call the Christmas Gala committee at 770-696-5100, Ext. 217.

Worship Centers convention

"It's Not About You" is the theme of the Worship Centers Inc.'s 36th national convention Nov. 16-19 at the Christian Family Worship Center in Atlanta.

Speakers will include Bishop Lee Anthony Norwood, Apostle Michael Bailey and Sheriff Jackie Barrett, all of Atlanta, as well as Pastor Kevin Gilkey of Gary, Ind. Services begin daily at 7:30 p.m. and are free to the public.

The church is at 1401 Hosea Williams Drive S.E. For more information, call 404-584-7429.

Relationship seminars

Throughout November, God's Vision Ministries will continue its series of free relationship-building seminars.

On Nov. 21, the topic will be "Learning How to Fulfill Each Other's Needs." "Discovering How Two Can Become One" will be discussed on Nov. 28.

The 11:30 a.m. seminars will be taught by Pastor Eugene and First Lady Cynthia Nixon.

The church is at 2520 Park Central Blvd., Suite D-2, in Decatur.

For more information, call 770-322-1209 or visit www.gvministries.org.