Religion notebook

Spokane News of note

 Musicians Timothy Westerhaus and John Bodinger have been appointed to the Music Department at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 E. 12th Ave.

 Westerhaus will serve as music director and Bodinger will serve as organist and rehearsal accompanist and will conduct St. John’s Handbell Choir. The duo join the department following the retirement of Janet Satre Ahrend.

 Westerhaus has conducted collegiate and professional ensembles and also performs as a tenor and pianist. He will continue to serve as the director of choral activities at Gonzaga University.

 Bodinger has most recently been the director of music at Manito Presbyterian Church and has adjunct professor positions at both Gonzaga and Whitworth universities. He is an active member of the Spokane chapter of the American Guild of Organists and has performed at St. John’s with the Northwest Bach Ensemble.

 The cathedral is at 127 E. 12th Ave. For information about services or music programs, call (509) 838-4277 or visit www.stjohns-cathedral.org.

This week

ABC’s of Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu Class – Seven-week series from 6:30-8 p.m. begins today at Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. Facilitated by the Rev. Christine Marr. Donations for Dharma are appreciated. RSVP to christinemarr@gmail.com.

“Losing Our Religious Liberties” Conference – Today, 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at Red Lion River Inn, 700 N. Division St. Featured speaker is Joseph Backholm of the Family Policy Institute of Washington. $17. RSVP to Ponderosa Republican Women, Gretchen (509) 624-2562.

Japanese Moon-viewing Otsukimi Festival – Friday, 7-9 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center, 4001 W. Randolph Road. Includes dango, haiku, origami and calligraphy. Free, donations welcome. (509) 328-2971 or www.jcc@mfwi.edu.

Fall Festival and 5K Fun Run – Registration Saturday, 8:30 a.m., race begins at 9 a.m. followed by the festival until 2 p.m. at Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Ave. (509) 448-7102.

Apple Festival Craft and Bake Sale – Saturday-Sunday and Oct. 18-19 at Green Bluff United Methodist Church, 9908 E. Green Bluff Road. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Free admission. (509) 238-9100 or email ddavisp@aol.com.

Aki Matsuri Japanese Food Festival and Temple Open House – Eat in or take out Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. Pricing varies from $4-$12. Pre-orders are recommended, (509) 534-7954 or visit www.SpokaneBuddhist Temple.org.

“Companioning” Adult Formation Series – Holy Eucharist will be offered Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., prior to speaker sessions at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday’s speaker is Linda Hunt. St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. (509) 838-4277.

Healing Service – Tuesday, 7 p.m. at St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. (509) 838-4277.

Passage Meditation Classes by Sri Eknath Easwaran – Tuesdays through Nov. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. at Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. Free class will be video instruction and discussion followed by meditation. www.easwaran.org.

“Better Me, Better Moms” Women’s Parenting Conference – Tuesday, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Family of Faith Community Church, 1504 W. Grace Ave. Featuring keynote speaker Judge Debra Hayes, a resource fair, lunch, workshops on stress, career choices, health and parenting. Limited child care available. (509) 838-6092, ext. 322.

“Our Unconditionally Loving God” Coffee and Contemplation – Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $10/includes beverages and rolls. Advanced reservations requested, (509) 448-1224, ext. 102.