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October 2024 Newsbriefs

 

Harvest Festival of Sharing runs from Oct. 4 to Dec. 3

The Fig Tree fall fundraiser, renamed the "Harvest Festival of Sharing"—to connect with the idea of harvesting the fruit of the fig tree—is an opportunity for renewing and new sponsors to support and sustain the ongoing work of publishing The Fig Tree newspaper and annual Resource Directory, and organizing educational events. The campaign runs from Oct. 4 to Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3, by mail, email and online.

The Fig Tree Board and major donors are again offering challenge gifts to invite people to match. Currently board members are offering $3,000, but they are still pledging their gifts.

"In 2024, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of The Fig Tree and looking to the future," said editor/founder Mary Stamp. "Looking to the past, we are compiling and scanning all the past issues to send to provide online through the Washington Digital Newspapers Archives."

The Fig Tree is also looking ahead with several new initiatives—a listserve to communicate among faith and nonprofit communities, a podcast as a different format for covering stories, ongoing upgrades to the website and an opportunity for people to contribute to a long-term Sustainability Fund.

Supporters suggest some reasons to give, saying The Fig Tree: 1) tells of commonalties people share; 2) shows us God has many people working to improve the world; 3) builds community and humanity; 4) lets people know they are not alone; 5) highlights stories of diverse people all year; 6) is non-judgmental and inclusive and 7) uses solutions and peace journalism to help readers gain an in-depth picture.

The goal for this fundraiser is to raise $19,000 through sponsorships and donations. Donations may be made by mail or online thefigtree.org/donate.html or at give lively. For information, email development@thefigtree.org.

Planning underway for Legislative Conference

In partnership with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, Faith Action Network, Earth Ministries/Washington Interfaith Power and Light, and NAACP Spokane, The Fig Tree is coordinating plans for the 2025 Eastern Washington Legislative Conference.

Planning meetings are at 1 p.m., second Tuesdays (Oct. 8) on Zoom.

"Shaping Public Policy: What Does It Mean to Be Prophetic?" is the theme for the 2025 hybrid event, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond, and on Zoom.

The planning team is recruiting participants and developing the program to include a keynote speaker, a panel of youth advocates, briefings by legislative advocates and two sessions of workshops.

The workshops will be on such issue areas as environment, housing, hunger, racial equity, police accountability, health care, education, taxes, and refugees and immigrants. Workshop leaders are being recruited from partner groups.

To participate in planning or for more information, call 535-4112 or email kaye@thefigtree.org.

Holy Names Sisters support The Fig Tree

For 2024, The Fig Tree was among the programs to receive a Ministry Grant from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary U.S. - Ontario (SNJM).

In September, it received a check for $5,000, as one of 31 entities whose missions reflect the SNJM charism and values.

The Fig Tree has received SNJM grants for 16 years since 2009, continuing the legacy of years of in-kind support through the role of co-founder and co-editor Sister Bernadine Casey.

The grants are applied for by a Holy Names Sister who works with a ministry. Sister Catherine Ferguson serves in that role, also supplementing the grant with her services as a member of The Fig Tree Board, an editor and writer, and assisting in many advisory capacities.

"We appreciate that the SNJM affirms our ministry as carrying on the charism of their founder Mother Marie Rose in today's world," said Mary Stamp, editor, "and continues their support in funds and people over the years."

For information, call 535-4112 or visit thefigtree.org.

Columbia River Treaty symposium set

The 2024 Columbia River Transboundary Water Governance and Ethics Symposium will be held from Wednesday to Friday, Nov. 13 to 15, at Gonzaga University to discuss the Columbia River Treaty, emerging initiatives and public governance in the Transboundary Columbia River Basin.

North American Youth Parliament for Water (NAYPW) Diplomacy and Advocacy Training Pre-Symposium will be on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The gathering will engage residents of the Columbia River Basin in education and dialogue on transboundary issues and river governance.

The 2024 conference is hosted by the University of British Columbia Okanagan, the Universities Consortium on Columbia River Governance, the One River Ethics Matter Project, the North American Youth Parliament for Water and the Climate Institute at Gonzaga University.

It will give opportunity for public comment on The Agreement in Principle to Modernize Columbia River Treaty Regime along with addressing water quality in the headwaters and transboundary mainstem, climate change, salmon reintroduction and habitat restoration.

The guiding principle of the conference is ethics, defined as justice—righting historic wrongs and shared benefits in the context of water development—autonomy—a voice for the ecosystem—stewardship and intergenerational equity.

Ethics will be the lens through which the conference considers governance now and in the future in terms of formal government and informal efforts for collective action.

The event will look at public engagement, transboundary sharing and university research to address emerging issues.

The Youth Diplomacy and Advocacy Training seeks to empower youth—ages 18 to 35—attendees with skills to engage in discussions and advocacy.

For information, visit columbiabasingovernance.org.

World Relief addresses myths about refugees

"It's a Small World and We're All Connected" is the theme Terry McGonigal, former dean of spiritual life at Whitworth, and Matthew Soerens, World Relief's vice president of advocacy and policy, will address at events Oct. 10 and 11.

Other speakers are Souzan Zavdo, former refugee from Iran, and Nathan Thiry, associate pastor of Faith Bible Church.

They will discuss myths and facts on immigration at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, at Sun City Church, 10820 E. Sprague Ave., and 9:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 11, at St. Luke Lutheran, 9704 N. Division St.

They call for changing the message of "othering" to spreading the message of "belonging," recognizing refugees are human beings created in God's image, people who have fled persecution and seek to rebuild their lives in Spokane.

World Relief, which resettled around 700 refugees in 2024, offers these events to explore the theme of migration in Scripture, and the need for a safe haven for persecuted Christians.

World Relief, a global Christian humanitarian organization, engages churches in the refugee crises. It was founded after World War II to respond to humanitarian needs in Europe.

For 80 years in 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with churches and communities to build a world where families thrive.

For information, call 484-9829 or visit worldrelief.org/spokane/get-involved/events/its-a-small-world.

GU programs will discuss spiritual films

Gonzaga University's Faith and Reason Institute's Faith, Film and Philosophy 2024 Seminar on the theme "Spiritual Film Themes in a Secular Age," includes discussion with 12 to 15 film scholars and fans. It will be held from Monday, Oct. 7, to Saturday, Oct. 12, at different locations on campus.

"Highlights include three interactive conversations with questions, discussion and feedback, said David Calhoun, director of the Gonzaga Faith and Reason Institute.

Five events that are part of the program include:

• Brian Clayton, philosophy emeritus, Gonzaga, "I See Dead People: Spiritual Quests in the Films of M. Night Shyamalan" speaks at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7 in Jepson 114.

• Film Screening and Panel Discussion is at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Hemmingson 004.

• "Spiritual Film Themes in a Secular Age," is a student panel discussion at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Jepson 114.

• "A Secular Stage: Religion through the Lens of Hollywood" features Michael Foley, a professor of patristics from Baylor University who writes and speaks on Catholic history and culture, sharing at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, at Jepson 114.

• "The Displacement of the Sacred in Modern Film: Film Nihilism from Nietzsche and Heidegger to Barbie and Deadpool" features Duane Armitage, associate professor of philosophy at the University of Scranton, and a scholar of continental philosophy specializing in theological dimensions of Nietzsche and Heidegger's thought. He will speak at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11, in Jepson 114.

For information, call 313-6743 or email faithandreason@gonzaga.edu.

YWCA Spokane events held through Domestic Violence Month

YWCA Spokane will uplift October as Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM) to increase awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in the community, inspire action to create lasting change and encourage community-wide participation. 

Individuals and businesses are invited to take action throughout the month of October. 

"October is a critical time to unite in solidarity with survivors and advocate for change," states Jeanette Hauck, CEO of YWCA Spokane. "We encourage everyone to participate in our events, utilize our resources, and spread awareness to help create a safer and more inclusive community."

An original sculpture, "Unquenchable Hope" by The Tattooed Potter Cori Schuman will be on display at YWCA Spokane, 930 N Monroe St., through October.

The piece embodies the journey of survival and empowerment as a personal reflection of Cori's experience with domestic violence, trauma and the transformative power of hope.

With purple the recognized color for domestic violence awareness, it represents to survivors peace, courage, survival and a commitment to ending violence. The YWCA invites people to join a visual campaign by wearing purple, illuminating their homes and business with purple lights, and showcasing DVAM materials.

YWCA Spokane offers an online action kit with materials and resources to print or share online at ywcaspokane.org/2024dvam.

"Courageous Conversations: YWCA Spokane's Pathways Forward" is a virtual conversation at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 23, on Zoom, with community leaders discussing reporting domestic violence to law enforcement. Registration is at ywcaspokane.org/dvampathways.

To build understanding of the complexities of intimate partner domestic violence, YWCA Spokane offers virtual training.

• Domestic Violence 101, "Recognize, Respond, Refer," on the dynamics if violence is held from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8 and 2 to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17.

• Domestic Violence 201, "Learning In Action," applies lessons from DV 101 by looking at complexities and seeing scenarios through a trauma-informed lens from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29.

To assure resources are available for more than 14,000 women, men, children and families the YWCA Spokane serves, it invites donations and partnering with its awareness campaign, said Erica Schreiber, community engagement director.

For information, call 789-8275, email ericas@ywcaspokane.org or visit ywcaspokane.org/dvam.

Spokane Alliance prepares for fall listening season

The Spokane Alliance will begin listening sessions for members to build relationships, share stories and discern common issues, said Laurel Fish, senior organizer.

"Every time I do a relational meeting, I'm struck by the collective wisdom, energy and ability of everyday people," said Laurel. "It's our work to discover and develop leaders to make good on the power of our coalition."

The alliance is launching a city-wide listening season in November after the elections to set priorities and build energy for the future. The issues the Spokane Alliance works on come from the lived experience within the alliance's member institutions.

Its Delegate Assembly program with house meeting training is from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Spokane Education Association, 230 E. Montgomery Ave.

The event is for institutional leaders, core team members and anyone interested in leading house meetings in their institution. There will be limited business for official delegates—two per institution—but the assembly will focus on preparing leaders for a listening season.

For information, call 532-1688 or email laurel@spokanealliance.org.

Shalom Ministries Dining with Dignity marks 20 years

Susan McFadden, a Washington State University nurse educator, will discuss how Shalom Ministries provides solutions as it cares for vulnerable neighbors through its Dining with Dignity Gala Event, from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave.

Since 1994, Shalom's Dining with Dignity has provided more than 65,000 meals annually for homeless and low-income people in downtown Spokane.

A team of 58 volunteers and outreach partners work with Shalom Ministries to renew broken lives, help fight food insecurity, reduce homelessness and prevent fentanyl deaths.

The event includes a beef stroganoff dinner, a live and silent auction and an inspirational video on Shalom's impact.

For information, call or text 881-8710, visit shalommeal.org.

JUUstice advocates ecosystem health

The Columbia River Treaty signed in January 1961 by the U.S. and Canada to dam the Columbia River for flood control and power generation, included a clause to review it after 60 years, meaning it is being renegotiated.

Recommendations for modernizing the treaty began in 2011, including consideration of river ecosystem health, climate change, best science and expanding the role of Tribes, Nations and First Nations in renegotiations that began in 2018.

In March 2023, the board of JUUstice Washington, the Unitarian Universalist state action agency, signed on an NGO letter calling President Joe Biden to expand the U.S. negotiators to include a representative for the "health of the river's ecosystem."

JUUstice felt the Bonneville Power Administration and Army Corp of Engineers did not meet needs of salmon and Columbia River health in focusing on hydroelectric production and flood management.

In May 2023, Deb Cruz, JUUsticeWA president, spoke at a listening session of the Department of State, with the Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She called for including the rights of the river's ecosystem and including Tribes and First Nations. 

In July 2024, the U.S. and Canada reached an Agreement In Principle (AIP) with flood control and power generation as priorities, and language on the river's ecosystems and tribal participation fell short of what's needed.

The board of JUUstice Washington will sign onto another NGO letter to the U.S. State Department and U.S. Senators, in the Northwest, reiterating the need to prioritize the health of the river ecosystem and strengthen the voice of the tribes.

For information, email deb@juustwa.org or visit juustwa.org/program-areas/issues/climate-justice/columbia-river-treaty/ or state.gov/columbia-river-treaty.

Interfaith event addresses impacts of boarding schools

The Interfaith Network for Indigenous Communities is offering a presentation on "Understanding the Impacts of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools" at 12 to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11, on Zoom.

Presenters include Jewell James, Lummi Nation master carver, activist, elder and boarding school survivor; Theresa Sheldon, Tulalip Tribes, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and Tulalip Tribal Council, and Edward Washines, Yakama Nation, Washington State Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee with the Washington Attorney General's Office.

Beginning in 1801, the United States implemented a colonized school system mandating Native children, from three to 16 years old, attend boarding schools. In 1819, the U.S. federal government began funding religious organizations to run these schools. They operated for almost 200 years.

The event is co-sponsored by Faith Action Network, Interfaith Works, JUUSTICE Washington and Learning Right Relations.

Northwest boarding schools include Chehalis Boarding and Day School in Oakville, Colville Mission School in Kettle Falls, Cushman Indian School in Tacoma, Fort Simcoe Indian Boarding School in White Swan, Fort Spokane Boarding School in Davenport, Neah Bay Boarding and Day School in Neah Bay, Puyallup Indian School in Squaxin Island, Quinaielt Boarding and Day School in Taholah, S'Kokomish Boarding and Day School in Olympia, St. George Indian Residential School in Federal Way, St. Joseph's Boarding School in Federal Way, Paschal Sherman Indian School in Omak, Tonasket Boarding School in Tonasket, Tulalip Indian Industrial School in Tulalip Bay and Tulalip Mission School in Priest's Point.

For information, visit https://forms.gle/T1MWMRhn9eYx2M7o9 or visit fanwa.org/our-network/inic.

Benedictine oblate exhibits art in Moscow

Through mid-November, the artwork of Karla Neumann-Smiley, who is a member of the Oblates of the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood, Idaho, will be featured in an exhibition titled, "Seismic Shifts," at the 1912 Center, 412 E. 3rd St. in Moscow.

Karla, an ordained deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a campus minister at the University of Idano and Washington State University. 

In August, she led workshops and finished projects at the Center for Benedictine Life, finishing some pieces.

For information, visit stgertrudes.org/become-an-oblate.

Organizations offer Issues workshops to explore current topics

Asians for Collective Liberation in Spokane and Reimagine Spokane are offering five weeks of workshops on various topics Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

• Housing and Homelessness is 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, at SNAP, 3102 W. Whistalks Way.

• Refugees and Immigrants is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Spokane City Hall Briefing Center, Chase Gallery, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

• Health Equity is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Saranac Building, 3 F Learning Studio, 25 W. Main.

• Intersectional Communities is 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23 at SCC, The Bistro in the Lair, Building 6, 1810 N. Greene.

• Environmental Justice is 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Gonzaga's Hemmingson Room 220, 702 E. Desmet.

For information, email tmoua@aclspokane.org or visit bit.ly/reimagineworkshops.

WLIHA meeting elicits housing proposals

Participants in the Sept. 12 meeting of the Washington State Low-Income Housing Alliance (WILHA) at Spokane Community College, discussed ideas to solve the state's housing crisis.

These issues are expected to come before the 2025 Washington State Legislature, said Michelle Thomas, director of policy and advocacy at WLIHA.

The proposals include:

1) Reintroduce the 5 percent rent stabilization bill to lower rents and prevent rent evictions. In 2024, this bill passed in the state House, but not the Senate.

2) Provide $500 million in the state Housing Trust Fund for affordable homes, given that 650,000 homes are needed over the next 20 years.

3) Provide operation and services funding for affordable housing, as well as homeless funding and protection rights.

For information, visit wilha.org.

Empire Health Foundation has announced a 10-year program to create paths to healthy, thriving lives.

They are dedicating $5 million over the next five years, with—$1 million for annual general operating funds and grants of up to $75,000 a year. Grantees selected in 2024 will receive a five-year commitment, for2025 to 2029 with the first installment paid in February 2025

Grants will prioritize BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and rural communities—the most at risk, said Jeri Rathbun, program officer.

For information, email jeri@empirehealthfoundation.org.

Groups plan seven-mile Spokane River Roll

Spokane Riverkeeper and 350 Spokane plan an easy, educational, seven-mile Spokane River Roll on the Centennial Trail beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Riverwalk Overflow Parking Lot. Participants bring a bike, roller skates, scooter or other human-powered wheels to roll along the river west through Kendall Yards to the Hangman Creek Overlook and return to No-Li by 3:30 p.m. Enroute they will hear about the river's past, present, and future.

Guides will be 350 Spokane's Jered Sweeney-Demezas and Spokane Riverkeeper's Jule Schultz and Katelyn Scott, who will point out climate change's growing impacts on the river, its habitats and its people.

For information, email info@350spokane.org or visit forms.gle/TJ3H6QsxtZ7Y5v6c9.

'People Who Care' luncheon is Oct. 15

"People Who Care" (PWC) is the annual fundraiser luncheon to raise support and awareness for the work of Transitions to end homelessness and poverty for women and children in Spokane. It will be held from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Davenport Grand, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

The event will gather donors and supporters to highlight the ongoing work, progress and needs faced in the community. The luncheon includes updates from each of the six Transitions programs, stories from Transitions alumnae, an award honoring a community supporter and a keynote address on the theme, "Respect for Human Dignity," one of Transitions' four key values.

For information, call 328-5702 or email info@help4women.org.

St. Mark's Lutheran holds Prayer for the Nation

St. Mark's Lutheran Church will offer a Prayer for the Nation, State, City and Neighborhoods, for those who are in authority, those who seek public office and for the wellbeing of all at a worship service at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, at 316 E 24th.

 "One of God's greatest gifts is our ability to pray for all things in all circumstances. Those who came before us have passed along a tradition of praying for the nation, our leaders and the needs of our shared civic life," said Edwin Weber, the pastor.

"As the national election approaches, we see within our community different responses. Some are enthusiastic about parties and campaigns, and others seek refuge from continuous debate," he continued. "Regardless of personal political persuasions, we are all still called to pray for the welfare of our nation and to do so with humility and compassion, something often quite foreign to the world's way."

For information, email eweber@stmarks-spokane.org.

Vanessa Behan announces Pumpkin Ball

Vanessa Behan's 21st annual Pumpkin Ball from 5:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Davenport Grand Hotel features a dinner, auction, games, live music, dancing and an opportunity to help keep children safe and strengthen their families.  Since its inception, this black-tie gala has raised more than $3 million, after expenses, to benefit vulnerable children and their families.

"Vanessa Behan provides a haven of unconditional love and attention from adults who hope is to create lifetime memories of security," said Amy Vega, executive director.  "For parents who are overwhelmed and lack support, the center helps eliminate burdens, keeps kids safe and strengthens families."

The center at 2230 E. Sprague provides 24-hour childcare for infants and children under the age of seven. It also offers parent education, crisis counseling and referrals.

For information, call 598-7490 or visit vanessabehan.org.

Empire Health grants available

Empire Health Foundation has announced a 10-year program to create paths to healthy, thriving lives. They are dedicating $5 million over the next five years, with $1 million for annual general operating funds and grants of up to $75,000 a year. Grantees selected in 2024 will receive a five-year commitment, for 2025 to 2029 with the first installment paid in February.

Grants will prioritize BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and rural communities—the most at risk, said Jeri Rathbun, program officer.

For information, email jeri@empirehealthfoundation.org.

District hosts Dancing Our Prayers youth team

The Inland District of the Pacific Northwest United Methodist Church (UMC) is hosting a presentation by Dancing Our Prayers, a team of Native American students from the Yakama Nation who travel locally, regionally and nationally sharing spirituality and ways of life as followers of the Jesus way and members of the Yakama Nation.

They will present a cultural program for area churches and the community at 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, at Covenant UMC, 15515 N. Gleneden.

The group will share music, dance and stories during worship at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 3, at Coeur d'Alene Community UMC, 1470 W. Hanley.

Students drum, dance share testimonies and perform dramas. As part of Mending Wings, they share about conciliation, justice and healing between the Church and Native America.

The Inland District sponsors this event to work toward eliminating racism, said Sheila Miranda, associate for connectional ministries, Inland and Seven Rivers Districts.

For information, email smiranda@pnwumc.org.

Lectures highlight Handel's Messiah

The Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene will host "Lunch & Learn" lectures on Handel's Messiah at noon, Friday, Oct. 25 and Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Conservatory at 627 N. Government Way.

These lectures, "G.F. Handel: The Man, His Music and Messiah," discuss the music in anticipation of the third annual performances of Handel's Messiah at a concert performance at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, and a sing-along at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, iin Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College.

Kent Kimball, artistic director, will lecture on the historical and musical context to increase appreciation of the oratorio. Music excerpts will be played during the talk. This talk is funded partly by the Idaho Humanities Council.

The Music Conservatory of is a nonprofit furthering musical excellence through private and group instruction, partnerships and performances. Faculty are professional musicians who mentor students through their musical education.

For information, call 208-551-3933, email registrar@cdaconservatory.org or visit www.cdaconservatory.org.

Unitarian Universalist leader to speak

Heather Vickery, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's coordinator for congregational activism, will speak about the Pink Haven Coalition from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague.

Noting that Washington is the leading relocation destination for trans and gender-diverse people leaving 26 states with hostile laws and violence, Heather will also tell how faith communities are working with trans-led groups to support individuals and families who need to relocate to safe state.

"There is an increase in attacks against two-spirit, trans and gender expansive folks who fit the United Nations' criteria as internally displaced people," she said.

Heather will suggest ways to help people stay safe where they are or move where they have equal rights to access healthcare and housing.

For information, email socialjustice@inuuc.org.

Programs highlight South Asian culture, music

The South Asia Cultural Association (SACA) of Spokane is presenting two fall programs to educate people on the heritage, traditions and cultures of South Asia, particularly India.

"Jugalbandhi: A Night of North Indian Classical Music and Odissi Dance," will be performed from 6:15 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Spokane Community College (SCC) Lair Student Center, 1810 N. Greene, following an Indian Vegetarian Dinner at 5 p.m.

Artists will also conduct a workshop demonstrating their artistry, 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, at Shadle Park Library, 2111 W. Wellesley.

A dance and drama program, "Devi: Goddess within Me," will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the SCC Lair.

It features a Bharatanatyam style dance drama, combined with Chau dancing that illuminates the paradox of femininity through the blurred boundaries between the revered figure of the goddess and the lived experiences of present-day women.

SACA promotes cultural programs to enhance the quality of life in Spokane, expand international awareness, break stereotypes and build global understanding, said Sreedharani Nandagopal, president of SACA.

For information, call 467-5558 or email sacaspokane@gmail.com

CdA Chorale concert features American hymns

Chorale Coeur d'Alene will feature many well-known American hymns in its concert, "The Servanthood of Song," at 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. 5th St., in Coeur d'Alene.

The concert is in honor of the release of former chorale director Stan McDaniel's book, The Servanthood of Song: Music, Ministry and the Church in the United States, and includes selections of American church music from the colonial era to the present.

In the book he discusses the evolution of American hymns.

Stan and the chorale's artistic director, Joshua Chism, chose the repertoire of hymns and Stan will direct several of the hymns.

The program includes such classics as "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "When Jesus Wept" and "Steal Away," accompanied by the chorale's collaborative pianist David Brewster, Coeur d'Alene Symphony's cellist Anna Seppa and Spokane's Edward Hurd on the organ.

The concerts are opportunities to learn about American church music history.

For information, call 208-446-2333 or visit choralecda.com.

Food bank has high demand

The Salvation Army's Food Bank in Spokane reports that as food costs have risen, there has been an increased number of households seeking food boxes.

In a recent comparison, The Salvation Army noted that households seeking food boxes had risen from 2,703 families with 5,310 individuals for the year ending July 2023 and 3,482 families with 8,149 individuals for the year ending July 2024.

There has also been an increase in requests for Grab & Go bags for homeless individuals from 429 bags to 511 in that same period.

To meet the increasing demand for food, The Salvation Army seeks donations of shelf-stable food—peanut butter, tuna or other canned meat, canned soup, canned fruit, canned vegetables, pasta sauce, spaghetti, oatmeal, cereal, mac & cheese and shelf-stable milk.

Its Family Resource Center at 204 E. Indiana Ave., receives donations from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Donors are asked to ring both bells on the back loading doors.

Financial gifts can be sent to The Salvation Army, 222 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane, WA 99207.

For information, call 325-6821.

Spark Central benefit theme is 'Rooted in Creativity'

Spark Central's eighth annual Salon fundraiser, on the theme, "Rooted in Creativity," features a conversation with author Jess Walter, one of its founders, at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, at Hamilton Studio, 1427 W. Dean.

The event includes locally sourced food catered from Greenbluff Fresh Catering Co. and entertainment from Level Up, a neighborhood youth program.

Participants from Spark programs will share music, art and poetry. The evening will close with a small, live auction to launch Spark's online auction fundraiser that runs Oct. 19 to 26, on Spark Central's website and in its social media.

Spark Central is a nonprofit that "ignites creativity, innovation and imagination," as it breaks down barriers to creativity like cost, confidence and access. Its programs provide access to technology for youth, teens and adults.

Located in Kendall Yards, Spark Central Station focuses on serving the historically underserved West Central neighborhood.

For information, visit spark-central.org.

Whitworth hosts Election Year Speaker Series to build discourse

Whitworth University will hold an Election Year Speaker Series to help the campus and community engage in civil discourse ahead of the 2024 elections.

• Faculty Patricia Bruininks and Megan Hershey host "Hope and Democracy" at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Dixon Hall 206.

• On "Polarization and the (Im) Possibility of Christian Hospitality," Matthew Kaemingk, political ethicist and theologian at Fuller Seminary, speaks at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Seeley Mudd Chapel.

• David French, author, opinion columnist and former constitutional law attorney, and Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin will lead a conversation on "Politics, Christianity and Moral Formation: Finding a Path to Restoration" at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15, online. They will engage people of opposing views.

• "Exploring the 2024 Presidential Election" features Aaron Hitefield, assistant professor of political science, at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Weyerhaeuser Hall 111.

• "Social Architecture: Creating a Scaffold of Social Life for the Common Good" is the topic of Anne Snyder, editor-in-chief of Comment Magazine, at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Bing Crosby Theater. For tickets, visit spokane7tickets.com/e/nwp-anne-snyder/tickets.

• For "The Soul of Civility: Toward Meaningful Engagement and Change," Erica Salkin, professor and interim dean of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, interviews Alexandra Hudson, author of The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves, at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30, online.

For information, visit whitworth.edu/election-year.

 

 

 

 
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, October 2024
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