Religion calendar

Eastern Washington

Lourdes Novena for Healing - Evening services last 45 minutes and include sermons on the Blessed Mother, prayers for healing, Marian anthems sung by the Cathedral Choir and the anointing of the sick. The intention for this novena is for healing of any kind – physical, spiritual, emotional or relational. All are welcome. For a complete schedule of novena service times, visit www.SpokaneCathedral.com or call (509) 358-4290. Today-Wednesday, Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 W. Riverside Ave.

Welcome to Lent - The season of Lent has many stereotypes: six weeks of sad, giving up privileges, contemplating suffering. In fact, Lent was created for baptismal preparation. Whether you’re curious about the season or you’ve been practicing Lent for some time, there is something here for you in our exploration of this springtime season. Hear poetry and prose from Kathryn Smith and Cara Strickland, and make two simple Lenten crafts to take home. Families welcome. Presented by Salem Lutheran Church and The Book Parlor. Today, 4 p.m., Salem Lutheran Church, 1425 W. Broadway Ave. Free. (509) 328-6527.

St. John Vianney Spaghetti Dinner - The meal will include spaghetti, meatballs, salad, rolls and dessert. Sunday, 11:30 a.m., St. John Vianney Church Hall, 503 N. Walnut Road, Spokane Valley. $8/adult; $6/senior and ages 6-12; free/age 6 and younger. (509) 926-5428.

Feed Medical Lake - A free meal the second Monday of every month, 5-6 p.m. Monday, St. John Lutheran Church, 223 S. Hallett St., Medical Lake. (509) 714-1150.

Spokane Inter-Faith Council - Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. , Center for Spiritual Living, 2825 E. 33rd Ave. (509) 534-1011.

Bible Conference - Josh Carter, pastor of Bellingham Baptist Church, will speak at this five-day conference Feb. 14-18. On Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, services are at 7 p.m. On Sunday, services will start at 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. There will also be “pot-blessing” meals 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:15 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call Arthur Houk at (509) 684-3983. Arden Faith Baptist Church, 673 Arden Hill Road, Colville. (509) 684-3983.

Upcoming

The Brotherhood Tour - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and the Booth Brothers are coming together for an evening of gospel music. To purchase tickets, call (800) 965-9324 or visit www.imcconcerts.com. 6 p.m. Feb. 15, Turning Point Open Bible Church, 11911 N. Division St., Fairwood. $25/general admission, $30/artist circle. (509) 467-5122.

Fat Tuesday - Featuring the Rev. David Kappus and a jazz Mass from Dan Keberle, jazz musicians and the St. Mark’s Chancel Choir. A dessert reception follows. Child care will be provided. 7 p.m. Feb. 17, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. (509) 535-1813.

Finding Christ in the Ashes of Life - This day of prayer on Ash Wednesday features the Rev. Joachim Hien. The day begins with a rosary at 9 a.m. and includes two conferences, the sacrament of reconciliation, Mass and lunch and will close with adoration at 3 p.m. To register, call (509) 448-1224 or www.ihrc.net. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 18, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $35 per person, $45 with use of a private room. (509) 448-1224.

Ash Wednesday Services - All are welcome. Call (509) 624-1366 for more information. 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18, Westminster Congregational Church of Christ, 411 S. Washington St. (509) 624-7992.

Pre-Lent Party - Dancing and dessert potluck for the whole church community. Root beer floats and music provided. Bring the dessert of your choice. 7 p.m. Feb. 20, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1703 N. Washington St. (509) 328-9310.

Christian Singles Fellowship - The topic of this month’s gathering is “The Game of Hearts: Who is Your One and Only.” CSF is a nondenominational, areawide group. Everyone welcome. For more information, call (509) 927-0304 or visit www.csfspokane.com. 7 p.m. Feb. 21, North Addison Baptist Church, 6120 N. Addison St. (509) 487-6757.

Evidence for God from Physics - Bishop Emeritus William Skylstad will lead a dinner series on the subject using the Rev. Robert Spitzer’s videos on arguments from reason on God’s existence. There will be a Q&A over dessert and coffee followed by a discussion. The topic for this session is “In the Beginning II: Is there Evidence of Fine-tuning, Design and Intelligence in the Universe? Physics, Evolution and the Bible.” 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 24, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $30 per person. (509) 448-1224.

Sravasti Abbey Buddhist Monastery Benefit - Sravasti Abbey operates on the prayers, dedications, volunteerism and donations of not only the local but the international community. The Unitarian Universal Church of Spokane will host a gathering to invite generosity to benefit the medical needs of the monastics. The night will begin with a Thai dinner, followed by a free showing of “Blessings,” a documentary about the nuns of Nangchen Nunnery in Tibet. For tickets, email either Susan Virnig, susan@newstories.com, or jampamorgan@gmail.com, or call (208) 277-8437. 6 p.m. Feb. 28, Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W. Fort George Wright Drive. $15. (208) 277-8437.

Idaho

Friendship Kitchen - Community meal on Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, St. George’s Parish Center, 2010 N. Lucas St., Post Falls. Free. (208) 773-4715.