Religion calendar

Eastern Washington

This Week

History of God Course - A course based on Karen Armstrong’s book “History of God.” The book covers 6,000 years of Western religious beliefs, stressing the revealed religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. (509) 327-7852. Through Jan. 31, Spokane Friends Church, 1612 W. Dalke Ave. (509) 326-3575.

How Do I Become a Saint? The Basics. - This retreat is led by The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church. Sanctity seems elusive, but it is at the heart of what animates us daily: the walk of faith in a person, Jesus Christ. This retreat centers on how we can live an adventure of sanctity within the reality of what we do daily, with clear, solid, biblical actions and intentions that bring Christ’s resurrected light into our day. Topics to be discussed: baptism, grace, beatitudes, sacraments, prayer (various types), joy vs. addictions, etc. all in a unity that keeps things simple. Register at (509) 448-1224 or at www.ihrc.net. Saturday-Sunday, 6 p.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $196/singles, $302/couples, $110/commuters.

Walk for Life Northwest - The event begins at 9 a.m. with a mass with Bishop Daly and other bishops. At 11 a.m., there will be a rally at Riverfront Park. Dress warm and bring family and friends. No graphic posters. Saturday, Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 W. Riverside Ave. (509) 358-4290.

A Shrek of a Trek - A special evening with David Weiss, the “Wild Path to Success and Sanity of a Hollywood Screenwriter,” with hits such as “Shrek 2” and other global blockbusters. The hilarious and inspiring adventures of a nice Jewish boy who spent years as a charismatic church youth worker before returning to his Jewish roots via a blockbuster writing career. Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Chabad of Spokane, 4116 E. 37th Ave. $18. (509) 443-0770.

Origin Adult Spirit Study Group - If you ever wanted to really know what the Bible is about but felt it was too big, now is the time to understand what God is doing through this ancient text. Bring your colored pencils because the text we will be using will invite us to engage the story through pictures and large concepts presented by Daniel Erlander in his book “Manna and Mercy.” Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Origin Church, 5115 S. Freya Ave. Free. (509) 448-1311.

55th Anniversary of Harold Balazs’s Creation of Christian Symbols - All are welcome to join Messiah Lutheran in commemorating the 55th anniversary of the creation of local artist Harold Balazs’s Christian symbols (reredos). History about the artwork shared during the 10 a.m. worship services in January. On Jan. 31, a free lunch for members and guests will be held at 11:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a live narrated digital photography program honoring Harold Balazs. Sunday, 10 a.m., 4202 North Belt St. Free. (509) 327-4446.

Seek Week - An annual week of worship and prayer, where each evening there is a different theme of prayer for families, children, schools, communities, government, missions and more. Sunday-Jan. 23, 7-8 p.m., Lakeside Church, 23129 E Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Free. (509) 210-9779.

Men’s Weekly Bible Study - The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall on Tuesday mornings, 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.

Volunteer Information Session - Please join us for a Volunteer Information Session and learn about the many volunteer opportunities available and how to help others in need. Please RSVP for the session to Kassi Kain at (509) 358-4270 or kkain@ccspokane.org. Tuesday, 10-11 a.m., Catholic Charities Family Services Center, 12 E. Fifth Ave. (509) 358-4250.

Coffee and Contemplation - A spirited discussion and prayer time over a roll and hot beverage. People of all faiths welcome. “Healing the Hearts of Our Children” with Thea Loughery and Sarah Compton. Wednesday, 9-11 a.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $10. (509) 448-1224.

The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Group - A 12-week program offering assistance with navigating the spiritual and emotional challenges of divorce. Contact Donna at (509) 468-8429 or divorceministry.donna@gmail.com for more information. Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Ministry Institute, 405 E. Sinto Ave. $35 for workbooks and materials (scholarships available). (509) 313-5763.

The Art & Practice with Dr. Gary - Learn to live with nothing and no one against you. Thursday, 2 p.m., Unity Spiritual Center, 2900 S. Bernard St. $25. (509) 838-6518.

Forgiveness Retreat - Charles Finck will lead this retreat on “Forgiving for Life - Journey to Freedom.” Finck has written a book on forgiveness called “As We Forgive Those.” To register, call (509) 448-1224 or visit www.ihrc.net. Friday-Jan. 24, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $192/person; $294/couple; $107/commuters.

BFF: Bacon, Faith and Fellowship - The group will begin a study of The Lord’s Prayer in Today’s Man’s Life. Each week will focus on a line from the Lord’s Prayer. For more information, call (509) 466-4991 or email stjoseph@cet.com. Friday, 5:30 a.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church - Colbert, 3720 E. Colbert Road, Colbert.

Upcoming

Shalom Ministries Annual St. Lucy’s Breakfast - Shalom Ministries is a local 501c (3) charity that distributes meals, clothing and sundries to the homeless at the United Methodist Church in downtown Spokane daily. Shalom will be holding its annual Saint Lucy’s breakfast fundraiser. There is no charge for the meal with donations to support Shalom Ministries. Jan. 23, 9 a.m., St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. Free. (509) 777-3797.

DivorceCare Recovery Support Group - Cost is $25 for workbook. DivorceCare for Kids, for ages 5-12, meets at the same time and place but is free. Call Sandee at (509) 892-5255 for more information. Participants are welcome to join the group at any time. Jan. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. $25.

Living like Pope Francis: The Four Pillars of Catholic Social Teaching - Mark Shea will lead this dinner conference. Building a just society and living in holiness amidst moral challenges encourage us to look to the four pillars of Catholic Social Teaching: Dignity of the Human Person, the Common Good, Subsidiarity and Solidarity. These pillars inform us how to abide by what Pope Francis shares with us in his own life and words. Jan. 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $38 per person. (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. Jan. 26, 6 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2511 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. Free.

Days and Eve of Prayer - Day of Prayer begins with a Rosary at 9 a.m., and includes two conferences, lunch, the sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass, and closes with Adoration. “Incarnation and Evangelization: Christ’s Mysteries in Our Lives,” with Mark Shea. Register in advance by calling (509) 448-1224 or online at www.ihrc.net. Jan. 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. $38 per person/$48 includes use of a private room.

Eastern Washington Legislative Conference - Faith and nonprofit leaders will address “Our Responsibility for the Common Good” in presentations on interfaith advocacy, the environment, the impact of wealth inequality, education, criminal justice issues and the Parliament of World Religions implications for the city, the Columbia River, interfaith reconciliation and and legislative issues. Jan. 30, 9 a.m., St. Marks Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. $20 by Wednesday or $25 at the door. Light lunch included. (509) 535-1813.

Taize Evening Prayer Service - All are welcome to attend this hour of contemplative prayer and song. For more information, call (509) 448-9736. Jan. 31, 7-8 p.m., Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road. (509) 448-1224.

Friday Family Dances - For all ages. Lines, circles, squares, folk, contra and novelty dances. 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 through May. Feb. 5, St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave. Free admission; donations accepted for the band. (509) 533-9955.

Idaho

This Week

Early Riser Groups - The church has two different early riser prayer/study groups that meet each Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. and Thursday at 8 a.m. The coffee pot is on and anyone is welcome. For more information, call (208) 765-8800 or visit www.cdaumc.org. Tuesday, 6:30 a.m. and Thursday, 8 a.m., Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 765-8800.

Brown Bag Studies - Held each Wednesday in the church library. All men and women welcome to participate in a wide variety of Bible and book/video studies. For more information, visit www.cdaumc.org. Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 765-8800.

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. For more information, visit www.cdaumc.org. Wednesday, 6-7:45 p.m., Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 765-8800.

Upcoming

Men’s Saturday Breakfast - Community United Methodist Church welcomes men of all ages for fellowship and no-host breakfast on the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information, visit www.cdaumc.org. Jan. 23, 7:30 a.m., Elmer’s Restaurant, 290 W. Appleway Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

United Methodist Women - The church welcomes all women to join UMW (Women changing the world through education and mission), on the first Tuesday of every month at 12:30 p.m. Dessert is served along with fellowship and an uplifting program. Feb. 2, 12:30 p.m., Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 765-8800.