Casey Laughary balances business with ministry as he works and interacts with people at The Book Parlor.

Faith and Environment Network suggests simpler ways to celebrate with alternative gifts, wrappings and crafts.

Kelly Schumann left the busy life of Washington, D.C., to spend six weeks at the Monastery of St. Gertrude’s.

Whitworth senior learned about human trafficking while volunteering for Cup of Cool Water, now educates other students.

Valley Meals on Wheels bid for and received the four-year contract to provide meals for Spokane County in 2011.

Whitman County Council on Aging finds ways to keep programs going in Colfax and Pullman, plus its six meal sites.

Rural Resources in Colville Senior Nutrition Recipients in remote areas monthly case of frozen meals.

Meals on Wheels in Spokane County will be cut about $25,000, from State of Washington in next year.

Marianne Torres, a retired social worker, writer and peace activist, will speak on “Human Rights in Palestine and Israel

Second Harvest - Inland Northwest’s client survey of 689 people reveals that clients are increasingly more educated.

Fewer services now mean more trauma and more need for services in the future for LCSNW, Salvation Army and others.

For the season of cold weather and warm hearts, yes, even some Scrooges seem to “get it.” 

Kindergarten behavior lessons, being kind, fair and responsible, offer response for national economic woes

Pam Vail's interest in fair trade began with craft items that a priest from Colville brought from Guatemala in 1986

Episcopal Diocese organizes for mission to join in ending hunger and poverty called "Recipes for Mission."

More than 100 people marching and rallying for peace and justice on Oct. 2 called for feeding the poor, not the war.

Baking led Mark Kadel into mission and now into resettling refugees as new director of World Relief in Spokane.

Routine schedule introduces new leader, Bishop Blase Cupich of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane.

Ken Stern promotes the academic study of hate as board member for GU's Institute for Hate Studies.

YWCA recognizes Yvonne Lopez-Morton for her commitment to human rights, diversity and justice

Language deserves our stewardship in a ‘culture of lies’ Bemoaning the coarsening of our culture and the rudeness. . . .

The Rev. John Sowers considers it “a holy joy” to work with people engaged in doing ministries they feel called to do.

Gonzaga’s Institute for Hate Studies will honor Raymond Reyes, GU's associate academic vice presidentwith 2010 award

Donna Flanagan shares ways UN tackles poverty as she continues her international career from her home office

The inauguration of Beck Taylor as the 18th president of Whitworth University will involve the community in a week-long series of events

Thayne McCulloh sees his role as ministry as he begins as Gonzaga University’s president on October 22.

Home gardeners shared their vegetables /fruit with low-income people through Our Place Community Ministries’

Working side-by-side to build a Habitat house in El Salvador has reaffirmed Alan Harbine’s view of life.

Feed Cheney offers a restaurant-style dinner for individuals and families in the West Plains area.

Faith community denounces recent frenzy of anti-Muslim bigotry. The Fig Tree Board felt called to make a statement.

Following money leads to political self-interests of billionaires

The Rev. Paul Jeffery, a United Methodist missionary/journalist will share a presentation of his photography and commentary within the region.

Improving the quality of life for children begins with knowing each child’s name, said Freda Gandy,

Moody Bible Institute Spokane’s record 260 incoming freshmen will learn to navigate cultural differences

Sandpoint pastor,Nancy Copeland-Payton, embarks on retreat, spiritual direction ministry

Toastmasters Club improves prisoners communication skills at Airway Heights Correctional Center.

Four new leaders in the faith and education communities begin service over the summer. . .

Growth of Unity in the Community, more than 14,000 people attended, is ongoing witness against intolerance

Amid divisive voices, the unity in our community is refreshing

Measure of a disaster is more than its death toll: it’s the toll on survivors

In her personal and professional life, Linda Unseth has welcomed refugees and immigrants, guiding them as they adjust

Organic farmer, Eden Brightspirit Hendrix, reaches out to train at-risk youth how to farm, succeed as farmers

Church summer camps introduce youth to mission mixed with fun. Read about Plans from 9 area church camps.

Edie Rice-Sauer has insights for working with her church’s youth group from her years of writing grants for Crosswalk

Gordon Jackson, journalism teacher at Whitworth University, finds that his South African roots still shape him.

Azra Grudic is educating the community to identify signs of human trafficking for labor or sexual exploitation

Gears for Change, a bicycle ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Coeur d’Alene, is sponsoring an August ride,

Each summer, the 40-acre Campbell Farm serves as a mission station and hospitality center for week-long camps.

Faiths help people overcome enemy images and dividing walls

People of faith can foster safe, civil and sacred spaces for discourse

The city of Brewster has returned to normal since facing an upheaval after Gebbers Farms, laid off workers.

Sacred Heart Parish in Brewster contacted Catholic Charities Spokane about needs arising from lay- offs.

Tibetan Buddhist monk calls for compassion speaking recently at Gonzaga University.

Pastor John Van Ens prays daily for people and places that graced his life during his active years of ministry. 

Cup of Cool Water helps teens survive downtown, change their lives under with the “betterment-to-development” model

Franciscan sister, Celeste Crine, incorporates a variety of healing arts in spiritual direction at St. Joseph's Center

Pastor Eugene Singleton received mentoring from his mother to continue his ministry despite challenges . . .

If adults understood dominos, they might understand interrelation of issues

Rev. John Bristow, Country Homes Christian Church, stirs thinking about church values, biblical interpretation

Hilary Bernstein, Anti-Defamation League leader, will speak at Yom Hashoah addressing Holocaust denial.

Emmanuel Family Life Center welcomes nonprofits and community services moving into offices.

Ferris High School media teacher Joan Conger asks students to learn about the Holocaust by filming survivors.

Spokane’s 40th Earth Day reaches out to new people as it ‘takes to the streets’on Main St. downtown

Chin refugees help each other as they adapt to new life in Spokane after escaping abuse as a minority in Burma

Furniture warehouse increases success of newly housed families when they move from a shelter to an affordable apartment

Hope in Fig Tree stories comes from people stepping out of their comfort zones, being present with people who suffer,

Benefit speakers share how The Fig Tree coverage has impact on them and their ministries

Faith obligations instill perseverance for Robb Lowy who heals the earth at Hanford as well as fulfilling religious work.

VOICES’ leader gave up job to volunteer to listen to people’s stories and help them advocate for themselves.

Advocates discuss ways to share ideas with elected officials at the Eastern Washington Legislative Conference.

Bishop offers Lutheran perspectives on advocacy at recent Eastern Washington Legislative Conference.

Award is catalyst for commitment to human rights in both her professional and personal life for Joan Menzies.

Farmer seeks to attract more young farmers sustainable agriculture project near Edwall, Wash.

Teenager organizes diaper drives to help low-income families and hopes to start a nonprofit organization.

Gonzaga University’s “Hate Studies in Business” class prepares students to identify and challenge hate in future work.

For WSU President Elson S. Floyd, education is key, to develop leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr.

Local congregations find a variety of ways to respond to needs in Haiti through donations and trips.

Calvary Baptist celebrates 120 years of serving African Americans and the wider community.

Trish Newton shares concern about Haiti through the Cathedral of St. John'is ties with a village school in Cazale, Haiti.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day speakers inspire several thousand participants with their own stories and words of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pat Kroetch brings her soup pot to Shalom Ministries and finds solace in faith, food and fellowship.

Volunteers with Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team (HEART) are “first responders” for animals.

Greg Cunningham urges reform of immigration laws in his role with Catholic Charities' of Spokane Refugee and Immigration Services.

Disasters epitomize the globalization of faith communities’ caring.

Karen refugees adapt to new culture, struggle to find jobs, learn English since first refugees moved to Spokane

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 2010 events include a concert on Saturday and Dr. Elson Floyd on Sunday . . .

Lutheran Residential Treatment Care Program helps teens transition from institution to community life

Church steps out of ‘comfort zone’ and into lives of homeless people at Glad Tidings Assembly of God

Designing her life around the belief that her faith requires caring for others, volunteer works at United Way, church

Gail Jennings reflects on changes, growth in  students’ openness and understanding of diverse people