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April 2025 Newsbriefs

Proceeds higher than ever

The Spring Benefit Lunch on March 8 in the Hemmingson Ballroom at Gonzaga University was the largest event The Fig Tree has sponsored, with more than 310 guests filling 43 tables.

As of March 26, including the Breakfast-time Benefit online on March 12 and gifts that have come in since then, The Fig Tree has raised $44,418 of its goal of $50,000, with gifts and pledges still coming in. That is in contrast with $35,159 raised as of March 26 in 2024 and $30,0334 in 2023.

"We are thrilled to have so many express through their giving the importance of The Fig Tree and Resource Directory in these times," said Marijke Fakasiieiki, development and editorial associate. "Many of the 127 new guests who came gave $50 to $100 and more, which speaks of the power of the speakers and the need for our media approach."

The speeches of Cameron Conner, Pingala Dhital, Kassahun Kebede and Kristine Hoover are on The Fig Tree website along with the mission video created by Hamilton Studio. Links are also on index.htm of this issue, with comments of board members David Gortner, emcee, and Raymond Reyes, who gave the appeal for donations. Links to the actual videos of their speeches are at: https://www.thefigtree.org/benefit2025videos.html

Full comments speakers for the mission video created by Hamilton Studio are also online: Liv Larson Andrews of the Northwest Intermountain Synod, Linda Braune of Dorothy Day Labor Forum, Mennonite pastor Gary Jewell, moderator of The Fig Tree board, retired physician Bruce Dentler, Ali Norris of Mission Community Outreach Center, April Eberhardt of The Black Lens, high school student Nikita Haberman, EWU student Tevita Fakasiieiki, and Nick CastroLang of the Spokane Regional Health District.

"With their stories and affirmations, we feel renewed for our work," said Mary Stamp, editor. "We hope those viewing and reading the speeches will be inspired to add to the donations."

To see the videos, visit thefigtree.org/benefit2025videos.html

Research underway to update directory

Research on updates for the 2025-2026 Resource Directory is underway with emails going out asking those listed in the directory to send in any changes to names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, Facebook pages and information on services provided.

Directory editor Malcolm Haworth also checks on websites, makes phone calls and welcomes agency and congregation leaders to send in updates, even if they do not receive an email.

In addition, other staff members—Mary Stamp, editor, Marijke Fakasiieiki, development and editorial associate, and Kaye Hult, administrative coordinator—have emailed and are phoning directory advertisers and community partners to invite their renewals.

They will begin making phone calls for those who have not renewed by March 31 and to new advertisers and partners.

"We continue to receive calls from people in the area in need of assistance for housing, food, rental assistance and other forms of support," said Malcolm, "and we continue to hear from our constituents about their use of the directory to meet urgent needs."

The staff will also be recruiting people to assist with deliveries in the summer and fall, after the Resource Directory is published in July.

For information, call 535-4112 or email resourcedirectory@thefigtree.org

Yakima Interfaith Network releases statement on welcoming strangers

To coordinate the faith community's response to changes in immigration policy, the Yakima Immigration Response Network (YIRN) wrote an interfaith statement that illustrates how people of diverse faiths are united in concern and compassion for the stranger, the immigrant, the refugee, the asylum seeker and the migrant, said Christie Love, senior pastor at Englewood Christian Church in Yakima.

"We are sharing the letter with elected officials and news outlets to challenge the national conversation around immigration," she said. "We remind leaders, clergy, lay leaders and people of faith that no matter our religious belief or expression, we are all called to care for the least of these and show kindness and hospitality to those in our land."

In early January, 100 people attended a YIRN meeting in Wapato to discuss how the community could organize to respond to changes.

Ten working groups formed to provide rapid response, a state hotline, know-your-rights training, support for students, advocacy, faith response, medical response and more.

"The medical group became aware that many would not seek medical care, so they formed the Yakima Free Clinic to do home visits," Christie said.

The interfaith group formed because they know that sacred texts of faith groups support care for the stranger, immigrants and refugees.

Members of that group plan a prayer service on Sunday, May 4, at the Millennial Plaza in downtown Yakima.

The faiths also plan to survey congregations in April to learn how they plan to respond in case of raids and develop a database so people can connect quickly.

"This is a marathon because people will be vulnerable for a long time. We need to listen to needs and adapt as appropriate," added Christie, who began at Englewood Christian in May 2024.

Ninety-six individuals and faith communities signed the statement as of March 21, with an invitation for others in the Yakima Valley to sign on. The faith communities that have signed the statement are Catholic, Christian (Disciples of Christ), Episcopal, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist and United Methodist.

The website also lists letters of support for immigrants from nine denominations and interfaith coalitions.

The following is the statement:

"The call to care for those in need and to welcome strangers is consistent in all faith traditions. These commands are sacred actions, rooted in the dignity and value of every human being, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, language or citizenship status. As Yakima Valley faith leaders, faith communities and people of all faiths, we affirm the importance of honoring individuals without bias due to an individual's citizenship status.

"We enthusiastically affirm the innumerable contributions that migrants, asylum seekers, immigrants and refugees have historically made and continue to make in our nation, state and local community. These neighbors contribute to the success of our economy, work in our healthcare systems, help build and repair our neighborhoods, volunteer with local nonprofit organizations and share their cultures to help make our communities better places for all.

"We denounce the practice of mass deportations without criminal convictions. We oppose all policies and practices that seek to criminalize, detain, incarcerate or subject individuals to unsafe and unhealthy circumstances as a result of a lack of legal status.

"We raise strong objections to any actions that seek to create unnecessary trauma for families by separating them from one another, and we believe that under no circumstances should minor children ever be separated from their primary caregivers.

"We stand in strong opposition to actions taken against displaced individuals who have followed all legal channels and met all previous program requirements to be in this country.

"As people of faith, we come together to stress the moral imperative that our values, ethics and teachings place on ensuring that all people have the support needed to live in safety and security and their fullest potential. We urge our elected officials to uphold the sacred values of welcoming strangers and caring for one another when considering policies that target migrants, asylum seekers, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable community members."

For information, email yakimaresponsenetwork@gmail.com or visit yakimaresponsenetwork.org/advocacy/faith-communities

Presbytery shares 'stewarding property' ideas

The Presbytery of the Inland Northwest will gather faith, city and county leaders to share ideas for "Stewarding Faith Property for Community Good" from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, April 30, at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 645 S. Richard Allen Ct.

"We seek to bring together these leaders to address community needs," said Drew Peterson, who is the land stewardship guide for the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest and also pastor at Knox Presbyterian.

City leaders will outline community needs and resources. Faith leaders will explore how to steward their land and buildings to meet neighborhood needs.

The keynote speaker, Mark Elsdon, is co-founder of RootedGood, which supports faith leaders working on property development, finances and mission alignment and social enterprise. He is also author of "We Ain't Broke" on hidden resources for mission and ministry, and editor of Gone for Good about negotiating the coming wave of church property transition.

Consultants for the Ezra 3 Project of RootedGood will lead conversations on that project.

"We hope to help pastors and church leaders discover the sacrificial spirit of the early church," said Drew, "and to remind them of the words of Martin Luther King Jr., writing from the Birmingham jail and saying, "unless the church can rediscover the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions and be disregarded as an irrelevant social club with no meaning."

"I believe in the revival of the church through a rediscovery of the sacrificial Spirit of God, who compels us to steward all that we have and offer it to God to serve our neighbors," said Drew.

Organizers remind participants that as congregations with property and buildings, "we are not owners but stewards," he said.

Inspiration also comes from the Presbyterian Church USA guidelines that call for congregations to consider their land and buildings as tools to accomplish God's mission in the world.

"We want to spark imaginations about how congregations with parking lots, vacant land and buildings can accomplish God's mission. We are stewards of what belongs to God to spread God's goodness in the community," Drew continued.

Organizers plan to share examples of local congregations that are developing and have developed affordable housing, like Bethany Presbyterian, or that opened part of their buildings as homeless or respite shelters, like Morningstar Baptist and Westminster United Church of Christ. Another example is that when two local Church of Christ churches merged to form City Light Church, they decided to use their second building to house nonprofit services.

For information, call 924-4148 or email drew@presbyinw.org

Sravasti Abbey sets classes on Buddhism

Sravasti Abbey will hold weekly "Beginning Buddhism" classes in Spokane from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St.

"Beginning Buddhism provides a foundation in understanding the Buddhist worldview from the Tibetan perspective," said Thubten Kunga, of Sravasti Abbey, a Buddhist monastery founded in 2003 near Newport.

A rotating pair of nuns from Sravasti Abbey will lead the class using the book "Open Heart, Clear Mind" by Venerable Thubten Chodron, Buddhist teacher, founder and abbess of the abbey.

Venerables Thubten Jigme and Thubten Dekyi will focus on working effectively with emotions.

Classes include discussion and guided meditations.

In addition, Sravasti Abbey hosts Standing Up for Compassion Retreat, led by senior Buddhist nuns Venerable Thubten Semkye and Venerable Thubten Jigme from Friday to Sunday, April 4 to 6, at 692 Country Lane in Newport.

The retreat will focus on developing internal tools like wisdom, compassion and ethics that enable engagement with the world when the moral compasses of families, communities and countries are going haywire. Teachings will identify harmful emotions and why compassion and ethics are allies.

For information, call 447-5549, email office.sravasti@gmail.com, or visit sravastiabbey.org

MiA serves immigrants experiencing abuse

Working with first- and second-generation immigrants, Mujeres in Action serves those facing domestic violence and sexual abuse and provides mental health services for survivors.

"Mental health care is taboo in many cultures, because it is associated with not being strong enough to face life's adversities," said Monica Rey Serantes, MIA mental health counselor.

She counsels people who face domestic violence while they are redefining themselves and adapting to a new country, culture, financial and work contexts.

Monica said counseling requires time, patience and support in a safe, neutral space.

"We all deserve to live with health and well-being, which includes access to psychological support to process the challenges we encounter daily, to explore alternatives for our lives and to make our own decisions," she said. "We all deserve to be heard, validated and cared for in a judgement-free space, where we can work towards fulfillment."

For information, call 599-5527 or visit miaspokane.org

Latinos En Spokane listens to, serves and empowers immigrants

Latinos En Spokane (LES) is offering services to help local immigrants become successful in seeking to be part of the community in the Inland Northwest.

The nonprofit has worked for eight years to support citizen participation, culturally led development and empowerment of the Latino and immigrant populations in Spokane County.

They go to the community, listen to needs, build trust and provide technical support and wrap-around services directly to families navigating the complexities of immigration, education, healthcare, housing and city resources in Spanish and English.

Latinos En Spokane offers legal services, social services, small business support, Climate Action and Resiliency and El Mercadito—a market for food, small businesses and services.

They are starting a "Ser y Crecer" program for youth, to address issues of cultural connection, drug use and homelessness experienced by Latino youth.

Local media have covered stories of raids, with at least 30 people being detained in Spokane County in the past two months.

Videotaping by neighbors or family or friends has highlighted the need for the immigrant community to know their rights and know that ICE is changing to early morning raids.

Latinos En Spokane offers know-your-rights trainings, so people know what to do in case ICE visits them, especially if they don't have a warrant. It is important that people are educated and empowered to recognize danger and to know they do not have to give information.

A May Day gathering will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 1 at the Riverfront Park Clocktower.

If a friend or relative is detained, they suggest calling Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network hotline at 844-724-3737 or LES on Facebook or Instagram at Latinos En Spokane.

YWCA sponsors 'Equity for All 2025'

YWCA Spokane is sponsoring Equity for All 2025, an event to advance equity and justice. It will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 17, at Hamilton Studio, 1427 W. Dean Ave.

This year's theme, "Restorative Practices in Community," explores how restorative approaches and circle work build stronger, more connected communities. Attendees will experience these practices through discussions, performances and a restorative circle.

"Restorative practices have the power to heal, strengthen relationships and build trust within communities," said Jeanette Hauck, CEO of YWCA Spokane. "Attendees will experience the transformative impact of Circle Practice."

The immersive experience will stir conversations and advance YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. It will feature a panel discussion led by local leaders in restorative practices and circle work.

Local artists will explore themes of community, equity and restorative justice through performances.

Participants will engage in a Circle Practice to deepen understanding and connection. They will also have the opportunity to network with others committed to equity and social change.

This year's Equity for All is presented in collaboration with the Spokane NAACP's Building Restorative Communities Initiative, an effort to promote restorative justice.

Providence is a sponsor and Hamilton Studio is providing the space and recording the session for later viewing.

Ongoing engagement opportunities and information can be found at ywcaspokane.org/blog and by following YWCA Spokane on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

For information, visit ywcaspokane.org or register at ywcaspokane.org/equity4all.

FāVS News presents community gathering on bridging the divides

FāVS News presents "Uniting the Inland Northwest," a community gathering on bridging the divides, from 3:30 to 7 p.m., Sunday, April 27, at the Montvale Event Center, 1019 W. 1st Ave. in downtown Spokane.

Itohan Idumwonyi, who is on the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau and a Gonzaga University religious studies professor, will speak on "Ubuntu" philosophy that emphasizes community building as a way to re-approach relationships to break barriers and care for one another.

"Ubuntu directly helps us navigate beyond superficial solutions to rethink and foster human connectedness," Itohan said.

Tracy Simmons, who started FāVS in 2012 and is the editor, said they held coffee talks and forums in coffee shops until COVID.

"After Trump's election in 2016, we noted polarization, so we held a Good Neighbor Conference at Gonzaga to help people who voted in different ways be good neighbors. "Uniting the Inland Northwest" also hopes to help people be better neighbors," she said.

"Our goal is to use journalism to bridge diverse communities and educate people on religious and ethical issues," Tracy commented. "Beyond formal sessions, we hope people will talk in the hallways and form relationships."

Three of six breakout sessions are at 5 p.m. and three at 6 p.m.

The following are the 5 p.m. panels:

• "Walking in Their Shoes: Understanding Homelessness in Our Community," with FāVS board member Rebecca Cooney, John Chatburn of Spokane Housing Authority and Angela Chapman of Transitions Ministry.

• "How Food and Faith Unite Communities," with Adriana Janovich, Kathy Davis of Dinner Table at West Central Abbey, Maisa Abudayha and Ross Carper of Feast World Kitchen and Michelle Triant of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

• "The Next Generation's Vision for Unity," with FāVS associate editor Cassy Benefield, Ian Sullivan of Odyssey Youth Movement, Kate Burke of River City Youth Ops, Himani Agrawal of Spokane Hindu Temple and Community Center and Kevin Illidge of Youth for Christ.

The 6 p.m. panels are:

• "Understanding LGBTQ+ Faith Experiences," with FāVS reporter Mia Gallegos, Traci Gillig of Washington State LGBTQ Survey, Heather VanDeventer of St. John's Cathedral and Mark Cuilla, diversity, equity and inclusion specialist and member of Salem Lutheran.

• "Interfaith Dialogue in Polarized Times," with Naghmana Sherazi of the Office of Equity in the Office of the Governor, the Rev. Gen Heywood of Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience, Andrea Hainsworth of Spokane Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Ven. Thubten Chonyi of Sravasti Abbey.

• "Building Bridges with Refugee and Immigrant Neighbors," with Carla LaFayette of Life Center, Luis Castillo of Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane, Keri Bambock of World Relief and a representative of Thrive International.

There is no charge for this FāVS fundraiser, but guests are asked to register.

For information, email bobstout@favs.news or visit eventbrite.com/e/uniting-the-inland-northwest-tickets-1254890644699?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Libraries will collect non-perishable food

During April, Spokane County Library District is expanding its annual spring food drive "Bites and Books—Turning the Page on Hunger" to include all county libraries plus Spokane Public Library and Liberty Lake Municipal Library. They are partnering with Second Harvest and KHQ.

Libraries will collect non-perishable food to be distributed by Second Harvest and other food banks in the county.

The project is designed to address food insecurity, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as "limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate, safe foods and limited or uncertain ability to acquire foods in socially acceptable ways."

Feeding America, the national organization with which Second Harvest operates, said one in seven people in the U.S. is food insecure. In Spokane County, 13 percent of the population and 19 percent of children are food insecure.

Partners Inland Northwest, the largest food bank in Spokane Valley, sees food insecurity increasing. In January 2025, it served 8,510 households with 16,375 individuals, a 74 percent increase from 2024. Of these households, 2,684, or 32 percent, were new food bank clients. Other food banks in Spokane County are experiencing this same trend.

In the past, greater Spokane area residents have responded to food drives, showing they want to help end food insecurity.

People may donate non-perishable food at drop-off locations at libraries during April.

For information, visit scld.org/your-food-donations-to-bites-books-helps-turn-the-page-on-hunger/

Group posts prayers for Earth Month

People of faith believe that caring about the environment begins with prayer and connecting with the divine, with each other and with all of creation, said John Wallingford who has organized Hope for Creation conferences for two years with the Episcopal Cathedral of St John the Evangelist.

Prayers for the earth, environment, nature and creation will be accepted from April 1 to May 3, and read on the cathedral's Facebook page through the second week in May.

Interested persons will read prayers as an offering from sacred communities as part of the observation of Earth Day. The prayers will be posted on St. John's Facebook page during Earth Month.

Believing that prayer sustains people and calls them to engage on issues of concern, the Hope for Creation Team developed "Catching our Breath: Prayers for Creation" to invite Inland Northwest people of all faith communities to offer prayers about the environment and all of creation—prayers of joy and celebration, prayers of lamentation or forgiveness, and prayers asking for help and healing.

John invites prayers—of less than one minute—stemming from such questions as the following: "What are our hopes and dreams for the healing of the environment? What are our concerns or fears for the world of Nature? What are the yearnings of our hearts for the future of the Earth?"

Prayers will be anonymous, but names of the faith group will be included to show the breadth of involvement. Submission assumes consent. The source of copyrighted prayers must be acknowledged.

For information, email HFC@StJohns-Cathedral.org

Nonprofit fills the gap for people in need

Spokane Valley Community Advocates (SCVA), whose volunteer, secular and virtual operation fills gaps in aid in the community, seeks a monthly donor of $290 to cover the cost for their storage unit.

The storage unit houses home essentials and donations such as clothing, hygiene products, baby supplies and medical necessities, for their REACT Neighbor2Neighbor contribution program.

SVCA also seeks sponsors to provide $30 per individual or family each year for their REACT Rapid Engagement Program, providing assistance like gas vouchers, haircuts for interviews, prescription co-pays and laundry support. The program, a lifeline for many, is on hold because of funding limitations.

An IT volunteer is also needed to help with SVCA's website.

For information, call 312-7869 or email info@s-v-c-a.org

ESL school needs tutors

Country Homes English Language School seeks volunteers to help as tutors for their students.

Each tutor is paired with one or two students and asked to commit to a school year for each day they wish to volunteer. Minimum age for students is 18.

The school runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays.

For information, call 466-3414 or email office@chchristian.org

Riverkeeper hosts Earth Day River Cleanup

Spokane Riverkeeper is hosting an Earth Day River Cleanup event for people to make a positive impact beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 19, at High Bridge Park.

This event is part of Riverkeeper's ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the Spokane River.

Volunteers of all ages may come to remove litter and debris from the riverbanks and enhance the natural beauty of the river.

"We are excited to celebrate Earth Day by giving back to our community and the environment," said Jule Schultz, waterkeeper for Spokane Riverkeeper.

"This event is an opportunity for people to come together, make a positive impact and show their commitment to protecting our river," he added.

Supplies will be provided, and volunteers should dress appropriately for outdoor work.

After the cleanup, participants are invited to sip on a cup of coffee from PNW Espress-go while learning from community partners who will have information tables to share about their efforts to protect the local environment.

For information, visit spokaneriverkeeper.org/volunteer

Growing Neighbors sets weekly conversations

During Lent, Growing Neighbors is holding community conversations on "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer at 11:30 a.m., Thursdays.

The book, which includes many of Growing Neighbors' core values and practices, is written in an approachable way for people of all backgrounds and invites conversations on how to live out one's faith in one's neighborhood.

For information, call 541-286-5059.

Thrive and Public Library plan art festival

Thrive International, Chrysalis Gallery and the Spokane Public Library are holding an International Art and Cultural Festival from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, at the Spokane Public Library, 906 W. Main.

The festival will showcase various artists selling their work, celebrating diverse cultures and offering a chance to learn about them.

For information, visit spokanelibrary.org and thriveinternational.org

PJALS schedules spring membership meeting

Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane (PJALS) hosts its Spring Membership Meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 24, at a location TBD.

This is an opportunity to learn more about PJALS work, including issue priorities, to strengthen relationships and to enjoy conversation and food.

PJALS will provide program and financial updates and member-driven issue priorities for 2025-26.

For information, contact slichty@pjals.org

Methodists offer website on immigration

The Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church has set up a page on its website responding to the current immigration crisis in the U.S.

It includes resources from across the denomination, offering guidance on immigration response resources and resources for immigrant families.

For information, visit pnwumc.org/immigration-justice

GetLit Festival seeks to inspire creativity

The 27th Annual GetLit! festival, organized by Eastern Washington University College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, celebrates the power of the written word, gathers authors of the Pacific Northwest and highlights local literary talents from April 10 to 12 in local venues.

There are two days of readings, craft classes, open mics, panels and literary happy hours.

"Our goals are to inspire creativity and to encourage conversations on topics like the climate crisis and spirituality, so people can learn and grow," said Kate Peterson, director of GetLit

The closing panel, "Mothering the Future: New Nonfiction on Parenting and Environmental Change," will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 13, on YouTube. For it, Martha Park, author of World Without End: Essays on the Apocalypse and After, will explore faith, motherhood and the climate crisis.

Sharing on the panel with Martha on eco-parenting and ecofeminism will be Christina Rivera, author of My Oceans: Essays of Water, Whales and Women; Chelsea Steinauer, author of Mother, Creature, Kin; Jessica Johnson, author of "Mettlework," and Jennifer Chas, author of We Are Animals: On the Nature and Politics of Motherhood.

The link for the closing panel is youtube.com/watch?v=v5zYlatZ48o.

Headliners include authors Maggie Smith and Danez Smith, and Li-Young Lee, author of six books of poetry.

More than 65 other authors will participate in events at getlitfestival.org.

"Our virtual lineup includes diverse topics and authors. We pair writers at different stages of their careers—from debut novelists to poets with dozens of bestselling and prize-winning collections," said Kate.

She added that the virtual lineup allows people outside Spokane to "taste what we're doing here at the festival."

For information, visit inside.ewu.edu/getlit

 

 

 
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, April 2025
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