Interim Pastor Begins Duties At Unity

The Rev. Nicholas Griffin is the new interim pastor of Unity Church of Truth, 2900 S. Bernard.

Griffin, an American citizen born in London, was ordained in 1967.

For 12 years, Griffin, with his wife and two children, was assigned to a church in Florida.

He has decided to accept interim pastor appointments because he wanted more variety and travel and to devote time to academic pursuits. Now, Griffin jokes, when he and his wife wake up some mornings, they sometimes have trouble remembering what state they are in.

Griffin, 55, has a master’s degree in logic and moral philosophy from Glasgow University in Scotland. He also studied politics and ecclesiastical history at the University of Oxford in England.

He specializes in 18th-century church history and has published several non-fiction articles and essays and three novels dealing with various philosophical themes.

Griffin decided to dedicate himself to service to God at age 17, when he says he experienced a healing. Griffin had had extensive spinal surgery to correct a problem due to a prenatal condition, and more surgery was planned.

He then discovered the Unity faith, and his spine healed, with no recurrence of the problems.

“I do believe that it was a spiritual healing,” Griffin said.

Griffin plans to be in the Spokane area only a few months while the church looks for a permanent pastor.

There will be a reception at the church for the Griffin family and a talent show featuring musicians, singers, dancers, and comedians Friday at 7 p.m.

All are invited to attend the event. For more information, call the church office at 838-6518.

St. Mark’s sanctuary remodeled

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church will begin its 50th year by worshiping in its remodeled sanctuary.

Bishop Robert Keller will preach at both the 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services Sunday at the church, 24th and Grand Boulevard.

The $900,000 building project includes expanding and remodeling of the sanctuary, enlarging the narthex, remodeling the nursery and preschool and adding several rooms for Sunday school instruction.

A new pipe organ will be installed in April.

Spokane artist Harold Balazs designed the new cross, pulpit, altar and other chancel furnishings.

Line dancing scheduled

All country music dancers are invited to First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar, Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m., for line dancing.

The event is open to those 18 or older, and lessons will be available for beginners.

Cost is $3 per person. For more information, call the church office at 747-1058.

Super Bowl party planned

Football fans of all ages, as well as non-football fans, are invited to Manito United Methodist Church for a Super Bowl party.

While football fans watch the game, there will also be organized games for children, and board games for others. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, located at 3220 S. Grand Blvd.

Soup, chili, caramel corn and other snacks will be served. A freewill offering will be collected to cover the cost of the snacks.

For more information, call the church office at 747-4755.