Religion Calendar
This Week
Weekend Retiree/Empty Nester Retreat - Mary Sharon Moore will lead this retreat on “Fresh Invitations for Midlife and Beyond: Crossing the Threshold of Midlife with Grace” for men, women and married couples of Christian faith who are experiencing the “empty nest blues,” feeling restless or lost after retiring or grieving lost time or opportunities. To register, call (509) 448-1224 or visit www.ihrc.net. Friday-Sunday, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $192/person; $294/couple; $107/commuters.
Back to Church Sunday - With “Back to Church Sunday,” St. Matthew hopes to reach the “un-churched” and “de-churched” – people who once attended church, but don’t anymore – and invite them to return for a special Sunday. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/StMatthew Spokane or email StMatthew@StMatthew Spokane.org. Sunday, 10 a.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 6905 N. Country Homes Blvd. (509) 326-3766.
Fall Festival - Family fun for everyone, including games, prizes, cake walk, four-square, basketball, face painting, costumed photos, bingo, bounce castle and more. Refreshments, including hot dogs, brats, macaroni and cheese, chips, salad and ice cream will be served. Sunday, 4-7 p.m., St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry St. Free. (509) 448-2255.
Spokane Compassion Games “Let’s Keep It Going” Celebration - Act on your compassion and join us for a service project benefiting Spokane’s homeless. Suitable for all ages and abilities, no physical exertion required. Potluck following, bring a dish to share. Sunday, 4:30 p.m., West Central Episcopal Mission, 1832 W. Dean Ave. Free. (509) 536-2811.
Men’s Weekly Bible Study - The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall on Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m., with different men sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. Tuesday, 7 a.m., Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. (509) 924-2350.
High Holy Days - Congregation Emanu-El and Temple Beth Shalom will host several High Holy Days events. Tuesday: 6 p.m., Yom Kippur evening service/Kol Nidrel. Wednesday: 9:30 a.m., Yom Kippur morning service; 9:45 a.m. Youth services for all ages; 4:30 p.m., discussion with rabbi; 5 p.m., CEE Mincha and Yizkor service, discussion; 7:45 p.m., Havdalah, Shofar and break-the-fast meal (potluck). Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 E. 30th Ave. (509) 747-3304.
Upcoming
80th Annual Greek Dinner Festival - Lunch: gyro sandwiches, soups and salads. Grill: Greek shish-kebabs (souvlaki) grilled and “baptized” in a special lemon and herb marinade. Greek salads and vegetarian plates also available. The dinner menu features beef kapama and orzo tossed with browned butter and myzithra cheese. Pastry available daily from 11 a.m. Lunch menu served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Souvlaki at the grill nightly from 4:30 p.m. Dinner served 4:30-8 p.m., dine in or carry out. For more information, visit www.spokanegreekfest.org. Sept. 24-26, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1703 N. Washington St. In advance: $8/under the age of 12; $15/adults. At the door: $18/adults. (509) 328-9310.
Pops Concert - Dr. John Atwell, renowned theater organist from Melbourne, Australia, has performed for more than 40 years in concerts around the globe. He will play the historic Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Spokane First Church of the Nazarene, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd. Donations accepted for the Organ Fund. (509) 467-8986.
Introduction to Buddhism Classes - This six-week course is open to anyone interested in learning more about the basic teachings of Buddha. Activities include lectures, discussion, online readings and DVDs. There is no required text for this course. Contact Sensei Paul at paulv78w@yahoo.com with questions. Sept. 27, 12:30-1:45 p.m., Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. Free; donations welcome. (509) 534-7954.
Dinner Series on the Reformation - Two talks per evening on the topic of the Reformation with the Rev. Michael Maher over dinner, wine, dessert and coffee. Discussion and Q&A follow the talks. “The Reformation: Part I.” Sept. 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $30 each session. (509) 448-1224.
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. Sept. 29, 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2511 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. Free.
Days of Prayer 2015 - Day of Prayer on the New Evangelization with Sister Mary Eucharista. Includes the rosary, two conferences, reconciliation, Mass, lunch and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $37; $47 for a room for the day. (509) 448-1224.
Friday Family Dances - For all ages. Lines, circles, squares, folk, contra and dances with funny faces taught by caller/dance instructor Susan Dankovich. No experience or partner is required. Live music and a potluck at 6:30 p.m., with dancing from 7-8 p.m. Held the first Friday on the month (except January) through May. Oct. 2, St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. Free admission; donations accepted for the band. (509) 533-9955.
A Teresian Festivity - A one-day conference to celebrate 500 years of St. Teresa of Avila. Enjoy speakers, lunch, a play about Teresa’s life, music by Whitworth and Gonzaga, and a memorial Mass. Oct. 3, 10 a.m., Gonzaga University, 502 E. Boone Ave. Free. (509) 313-3572.
Consecration Sunday - One service in the sanctuary to consecrate the newly remodeled sanctuary. A light lunch follows the service. Oct. 4, 10 a.m., Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley. (509) 924-7262.
Hymn Festival - Third annual event honoring the late Janice Newell’s love of hymn singing. Several area churches will participate in the festival choir. For more information, call (509) 624-9233. Oct. 4, 2 p.m., Central Lutheran Church, 512 S. Bernard St.