Cultural Calendar

CULTURAL CALENDAR

Gifts of Hope

With the holidays just around the corner, some congregations are asking members to resist the call of consumerism this year and consider alternative giving – donating to a charity in a loved one’s name or buying fair-trade goods that improve the lives of artisans and marginalized workers, especially in the developing world. Some churches also have sponsored events to encourage this practice. Here are two events happening this week:

The eighth annual

International Fair Trade

Craft Sale

What: Arts and crafts from more than 30 countries

When: Today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Community Congregational Church, 525 NE Campus Drive in Pullman

The 19th annual Jubilee International Marketplace

What: Fair trade crafts from all over the world as well as alternative gift-giving opportunities to Heifer International and Transitions, a local program helping women and children.

When: Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and next Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: First Presbyterian Church, corner of Fourth Ave. and Cedar in Spokane

Freedom from Religion

After spending years as a Protestant missionary and evangelist, Dan Barker says he outgrew his religious beliefs. “If I had limited myself to Christian authors, I’d still be a Christian today,” said Barker, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. “I just lost faith in faith.” Sponsored by the Humanist Focus Group of the Inland Northwest and the Inland Northwest Freethought Society, Barker will be in town to talk about the need to uphold separation between church and state while singing and playing the piano.

The Humanist

Focus Banquet

What: Dinner and entertainment by Dan Barker – speaker, author, musician and atheist

When: Nov. 11, 4 p.m. although reservations must be made by Wednesday

Where: Northern Quest Casino

More info: Cost is $30. Call (509) 464-3635.

A Life of Public Service

He overcame poverty, segregation and other obstacles to become a legendary political figure. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown rose above the discrimination he endured as a youth in rural East Texas to become a successful attorney and a California politician who influenced and inspired many nationwide. A fiery speaker with a flamboyant style, Brown is now a political analyst for CNN and continues to be an advocate for urban America.

“The Vision – Moving from Good to Great”

What: A speech by Willie Brown, the keynote speaker for the 27th annual Freedom Fund Banquet of the NAACP’s Spokane branch

When: Next Saturday, 5 p.m.

Where: Northern Quest Casino, 100 N. Hayford Road in Airway Heights

For more info: Call (509) 483-8644

Compiled by Virginia de Leon,

(509) 459-5312 or virginiad@spokesman.com