Religion calendar

Eastern Washington This week

Stone Soup Cafe - The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church are offering “Stone Soup Cafe,” a Vacation Bible School for children 3-14. Two free meals will be served to children 18 and under: breakfast from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, contact Tracey Waring at tlwaring728@msn.com or (509) 481-1167 or St. Andrew’s at (509) 325-5252. Through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2404 N. Howard St.

Inland Northwest MobilePack Packing Event - Feed My Starving Children is a nonprofit hunger relief organization that has helped feed children around the world for 25 years. The group will lead a packing event with 500 community volunteers working in two-hour shifts to prepare 100,000 meal packs. They are also collecting food for Second Harvest at the event. For more information, call Charles Brondos at (509) 994-3016. Today, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schafer Road, Spokane Valley. Donations accepted. (509) 926-6363.

Catholic Singles Mingle - Barbecue potluck in the park. RSVP on website at www.meetup.com/ Catholic-Singles-Mingle. Bring your own meat to grill and dish to share. No dues. Today, 2 p.m., Sullivan Park, 1901 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 226-1380.

Holden Evening Prayer Around the World - Using the beloved vespers liturgy, we will stand in solidarity with people around the world remembering that Holden is more than a place that stands apart in the wilderness. It is a ministry that has shined and will continue to shine in the world. Today, 5:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. (509) 747-6677.

Summer VBS Enrichment - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Greenbluff Community United Methodist Church, 9908 E. Green Bluff Road, Green Bluff. (509) 238-9100.

Barbecue with Bishop Emeritus Skylstad - Connect with Bishop Skylstad over a summer barbecue, coffee and dessert while he speaks about “The Family in the Modern World: The Challenges and the Opportunities.” The event begins at 5 p.m. with Mass. Register in advance by calling (509) 448-1224 or visiting www.ihrc.net. Tuesday, 5-8 p.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $20.

Community Dinner - Free family-friendly dinner for anyone who would like to have a meal in fellowship with others. Reservations are helpful, but not required. Call the office at (509) 926-7966. Tuesday, 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2511 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. Free.

“The Art and Practice of Living with Nothing and No One Against You” - Create the life you desire. Wednesdays through Sept. 2. Call (509) 838-6518 to register. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Unity Spiritual Center, 2900 S. Bernard St. $25. (509) 389-7290.

Upcoming

Spokane Compassion Games Opening Ceremony - The Compassion Games, held Sept. 11-21, begin with the Opening Ceremony, a lively and inspiring event featuring compelling stories of compassion, live music, interfaith prayers and group participation. Featured speakers include Kris Christensen from West Central Episcopal Mission and Omy K, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide who is now working to support Rwandan orphans and street kids. Music by Pamela Benton. Resource fair with volunteer opportunities following the ceremony. Sept. 11, 7 p.m., All Saints Lutheran Church, 314 S. Spruce St. Free, food donations accepted for NW Harvest. (509) 536-2811.

Community Barbecue - Fun, food and fellowship featuring face painting, piñatas, music and more. All are welcome. Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Christ Central Church, 19 W. Shannon Ave. Free. (509) 327-9322.

Idaho This week

Summer Youth Groups - Groups meet each Wednesday. Jr. Youth Group for kids entering first through fifth grades is 6-7:45 p.m. Dinner is served and the family is welcome to eat with the group. There will be a themed activity each week. Movie night and barbecue is Tuesday. Youth Group for kids entering sixth through 12th grades will meet at 2 p.m. with specially planned activities each week. For more information, call (208) 765-8800. Wednesday, Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

Youth Group - Dinner followed by activities for youth groups (grades 3-5 and 6-12) are held each Wednesday. Join the fun and bring a friend. Wednesday, 6-7:45 p.m., Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 765-8800.

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.

Upcoming

Sunday Brunch - Community United Methodist Church welcomes all for fellowship and no-host brunch on the first Sunday of each month. For more information, call (208) 765-8800 or visit www.cumccda.org. Sept. 6, 10:30 a.m., JB’s Restaurant, 704 W. Appleway Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

Community Luau - Hosted by Knights of Columbus councils from Catholic churches in North Idaho. Lineup includes traditional Hawaiian music and Polynesian dancing. Beer, wine and mixed drinks available. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 4:30 p.m. and entertainment at 6 p.m. Benefit St. Vincent de Paul of Kootenai County’s capital campaign. For more information, call Bob Santos (208) 818-9840. Sept. 12, 3:30 p.m., Q’emiln Park, 12201 W. Parkway Drive, Post Falls. $20/person. (208) 818-9840.