MIRG

Memphis Inter-Religious Group

http://MemphisIRG.org


LINKS:  Home Page    About Us    Events page   Book List   Some History


page created 09/05/2017      There is an even older history page at  http://MemphisIRG.org/OldHistory.html (roughly 2010-mid 2012)

OLDER HISTORY PAGE 2- some notes on past events  (roughly Aug 2012 - December  2015)      

some are placed here so people have the contact info-
(Yes, I've noticed they aren't in the right order - I just move things in batches from the "events" page.
I'll try to fix this someday.  Does anyone actually read this page? Maybe it needs to be replaced by a blog, or discussion, for example.)

Items more recent than those below are on the events page or on the History Page)


-----
2015
Opera Memphis will provide professional singers for events: Dates are available from
November 30 - December 23.  Prices vary based on length of engagement.
 Contact Morgan Beckford: mbeckford@operamemphis.org    or 901-634-5625.




December 1, 2015  6 - 8 PM, The Commons on Merton. Several local charities.
LIVING TUESDAY: A special festive Open House highlighting the great work being done by all the great partners at The Commons on Merton on #GivingTuesday! Music by Andrew Cohen.

258 North Merton Avenue  Memphis, TN 38112 (Binghampton)


December 1, 6:30 PM. First Tuesday potluck supper, Catholic Ministry to Gays Lesbians, etc., at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Marian Hall, directly under the sanctuary, convenient to parking in the rear lot). Feel free to come even without bringing food to share, there is plenty.  Speaker is Pastor Virzola Law of Lindenwood Christian Church.  She recently became Pastor of Lindenwood and if you have not yet had the honor of hearing her speak, you are in for a real treat!  Followed by  ringing in the Christmas season with carols.

December 2,  5 PM, St. John's Episcopal. 45 minute family concert.
Free Family Concert Tuesday Dec. 2, 5pm
Concerts International is hosting a concert at Saint John's for families with the Eric Ruske, Jennifer Frautschi & Gloria Chien Trio of piano, violin, and French horn. The performance is 45 minutes in length, family friendly and free.

December 2: 6:30 PM  Healing our World: A Deeper Look at Food./ The World Peace Diet. Unity Church of Practical Christianity,
9228 Walnut Grove, Cordova. Lecture-Presentation.  Maybe music? Free, donations accepted.http://www.unitychurchofpracticalchristianity.org/whats-happening/dr-will-tuttle-presents-healing-our-world-a-deeper-look-at-food

December 3-4. Facing History 

Educator Workshop: A New Approach to Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird
This workshop introduces Facing History's new resource, Teaching Mockingbird, which incorporates civic education, ethical reflection, and historical context into a literary exploration of Harper Lee's beloved novel.
 Click here to
Register

December 5, St. Jude Marathon (5K, half and full marathon)

December 6, 2 PM. Kallen Esperian concert, Germantown Presbyterian Church. Kallen will treat the audience to several solo selections, as well as singing John Rutter's Magnificat, accompanied by the Chancel Choir and Orchestra. Free.


December 6-7 Holiday Gift Market at Jewish Community Center.   9:30AM  - 5 PM  Sunday (opening party 10-11:30 AM), Monday 9 AM -6:30 PM.

December 6  3:30 -5PM Chanukah party, sponsored by Chabad, at Home Depot (800 Truse Parkway).
Latkes, doughnuts, giant menorah, build your own menorah (menorah - the candleholder for the eight candles of Chanukah.)
Fun for all ages. Free.

December 7, 6 PM, Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads. Last Karthika Somvar of 2015
Rudra Abhishekam.  (Mondays during this Hindu month are often opbserved as fast days, especially in South Induia, with prayers to Shiva.)


Memphis Inter-Religious Group Party:  Let's get together on
Sunday  December 13, 2-5 PM.

Light refreshments provided, bring something to share if you'd like.
At the Ordman's home, http://ordman.net/MapToOrdmans.html.
RSVP appreciated:  edward@ordman.net or 327-9735

December 6 (evening) Start of Chanukah. [Ends December 16]  This is a minor Jewish holiday that gains importance by its proximity to Christmas. It celebrates a Jewish revolt against  a Selucid king (a successor of Alexander the Great) which is written up in the Books of the Maccabees (Apochrypha - that is, they did not get into the Jewish or Protestant Bibles.) You can find a lot more detail at http://ordman.net/Edward/Chanukah.html    I very much like to give a talk, whenever I'm invited, on "The Intertestamental Period": What happened between the Old and New Testaments? Between Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar? Why were the Roman soldiers in Jerusalem and why were the Temple priests in cahoots with them?
Many synagogue programs, gift sales, etc.

December 8, 6:30 PM. Pax Christi, the Roman Catholic Peace Group, Pot Luck supper at the Friends' Meeting House. (Feast of the Immaculate Conception.) 
Walnut Grove at Prescott. 3387 Walnut Grove. Msgr. Albert Kirk will lead a discussion on the topic of Mercy. The Pope recently announced a special year devoted to Mercy starting Dec 8th. I gather that among other things there will be special arrangements to forgive some things (e.g. divorce.)

 
December 8, 7:30 PM - Chanukah Party at Chabad.  $20. Sushi, Salad, Desserts, open bar, trivia context, menorah lighting, etc.

December 10, Thursday, Noon. 

Tom Carlson and Randall Mullins are planning an Interfaith Prayer Service for Truth  at Noon at Adams and B.B. King Blvd.   (BB King Blvd - = 3rd Avenue.  In the case of bad weather, inside Calvary Episcopal Church.)

December 11, 6 PM.  Celebration of Arts, Student Art Auction. Pleasant View School, 1888 Bartlett Rd, Memphis, TN 38134. A chance to visit the Muslim "parochial" school.
 


December 12, 6:30 PM. Masjid Ar-Rahman [7906 Lowrance Rd, Memphis, TN 38125] $10, $5 online
   Education program: "Tomorrow Never Came, the redemption of Ka'b ibn Malik"

To Register Online:
Click here
For more information, please email  901ummah@gmail.com or 
contact Sameer Mansour at 901-238-5017 / Ali Elahi at 901-517-3951.

December 13, 2 PM, Jewish Historical Society Lecture at the Jewish Community Center.

Dr. Stephen Stein, Associate Professor of History, University of Memphis:  “David’s Sling: The Development of the Israeli Defense Industry”

December 13, 5:30 PM. at Clark Opera Center. Fundraising Dinner, $20. American Muslim Advisory Council Fundraiser, Sponsored by Memphis Islamic Center. "Protecting our rights from the radical right." 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amac-2015-memphis-fundraising-dinner-tickets-19595582916


December 13,  2 PM Sunday  (corrected!)

Memphis Inter-Religious Group Party:  Let's get together on December 13, 2 - 5 PM.
Light refreshments provided, bring something to share if you'd like.
At the Ordman's home, http://ordman.net/MapToOrdmans.html.
RSVP appreciated:  edward@ordman.net or 327-9735


December 13, 6 PM. Workers Interfaith Network.
At First Congregational Church.
A meeting to strategize about several cases of stolen wages.

December 13, 4 and 7 PM - Lessons and Carols, Choirs, at St John's Episcopal Church.

Nov 29, first Sunday of Advent - the start of Advent
, as churches prepare for Christmas. There are far too many programs to consider listing here.  Many churches start with a "hanging of the greens", decorating the church.  Many churches and other charities collect clothing or other gifts for the poor or homeless, toys of poor children, and so on. Many special services.
Examples:
       December 5, Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 9-11:15 AM. Contemplative prayer,  praying with scripture, walking the labyrinth.
More typical is Calvary Episcopal, downtown, starting with
       Sunday, December 6: A Service of Advent Lessons and Carols 
       Join us at 4 p.m. for the Anglican tradition of Lessons and Carols, celebrating the coming of Jesus through a series of Bible readings interspersed with carols and hymns of the season sung by the Calvary Choir and Boys and Girls Choir.
 St Mary's (Episcopal) Cathedral:
 Sunday, Nov 29 - 9-10:45 am Advent wreath-making. Hot cider, hot cocoa, carols, friends
Wednesday, Dec 2 - 6 pm  Blue Christmas. Liturgy, supper, conversation
Sunday, Dec 6 - 4 pm  Rhodes College's 29th Annual Christmas at St. Mary's Concert  
Tuesday, Dec 8 - 7 pm  Houston High School concert
Wednesday, Dec 16 - 6 pm  Supper, wassail, Caroling at Union Mission
Friday, Dec 18 - 7 pm  Memphis Camerata concert
Balmoral Presbyterian:
  
Service of Lessons and carols,  Sunday Dec 20, 11 am (usual Sunday worship hour)
   Christmas eve Candlelight service, Dec 24, 5 PM



December 14 - 19. Fill the Toy Truck for underprivileged children, Porter-Leath.
http://www.porterleath.org/toy-truck-home

December 16,Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads : Subramanya Shashti
    services 9 am, 6 pm
     December 16 to January 14:  "The month of Dhanurmasa is considered a very special month for religious services. Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita: "I manifest the most in the month of Margashira (also known as Dhanurmasa) among the months of a year". For this reason, sages have set apart this month to be completely focused on devotional activities. According to tradition, the Gods wake up early in the morning during the month of Dhanurmasa. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu during the auspicious period of Brahma Muhurta. It is said that worshipping Lord Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period is equal to worshiping Lord Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years.
     During Dhanurmasa, tributes are paid to Sri Bhudevi (Andal) through the study and recitation of Tiruppavai, a composition in Tamil. According to traditional legends, Sri Andal (Bhudevi) spent her youth pursuing her goal of realizing oneness with Sri Maha Vishnu. She successfully achieved her union with Sri Maha Vishnu through Bhakti or devotion. Tiruppavai is a poem of 30 verses composed by Sri Andal, in which she imagines herself to be Narayana's bride, yearning to serve him in this life and forever. She also describes the religious vow (pavai) that she will take in order to achieve this purpose.
      During the month of Dhanurmasa, daily Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam (morning hymns to wake up Sri Venkateswara) is complemented with Tirupalli Yeluchi, a Tamil composition of 10 verses from Alwar's Divyaprabandham, followed by the recitation of Tiruppavai. Devotees offer sweet Pongal, Kara Pongal, and Pulihora as Naivedya and distribute the same as prasadam to others during Dhanurmasam."
     services daily at 6 am, 6:30 am, 7:30 am.

December 17,  7 PM. Temple Israel. Live from the 92nd St. Y Video simulcast of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, retired Chief Rabbi of Great Britain. "Not in God's Name: Confronting Religious Violence"
http://timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Live from NY 17 Dec 2015.jpg

December 19, 9 AM - online event. "Bethlehem Prayer Service", National Cathedral, Washington, DC and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem - simultaneous service streamed online,
http://www.cathedral.org and http://youtube.com/wncathedral

December 24 - Christmas Lights at Shelby Farms. This has a much longer run - but traditionally, Temple Israel recruits Jewish volunteers to run this on Christmas eve so that the usual volunteers can be with their families.
http://timemphis.org/sites/default/files/starry%20nights%202015.jpg





Temple Israel Museum has an exhibit "Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American", until November 22.
http://www.timemphis.org/about-temple/museum



November 29, Sunday, 9:15 AM.  Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins. Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel will be guest speaker at the Rector's Forum.

November 29 - Calvary Episcopal Church.
Build an Advent Wreath after services (about 11:15.)  $10 for supplies.  Calvary has an inexpensive breakfast at 8:45 am, between the 8 am and 10 am services.


October 15 - November 18. Jewish Literary and Cultural Arts Festival, Jewish Community Center
Details at 
http://www.jccmemphis.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=jewishliterary&category=Culture&utm_campaign=Digest+Emails&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=22880255&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--UsYZBw1XAlNT0aQcweaNYuulgZOYH7RsxQ-t5NjK11N0RKpO4Oeeh6FRD_dMGRJniquZSlDSkgVQTN6AysgmCWt9Xsg&_hsmi=22880256
Remaining events Oct 21, Oct 29, Nov 10, Nov 12, Nov 18   Charges for most events.  I have not listed most of these below, so check the website.


November 11-14.  Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) National Conference is coming to Memphis. Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) National Conference is coming to Memphis on November 11-14, 2015.

November 12, The Debt of Tamar. 7:30 PM, Jewish Community Center. $15 admission. Dr Stephen Tabachnick of U of Memphis will discuss the novel with author Nicole Dweck.  "Join us as we learn about the stunning true story of Dona Gracia Nasi, who inspired Dweck’s novel The Debt of Tamar. Born into one of the world’s wealthiest families during the time of the Inquisition, secret Jewess Dona Gracia Nasi was destined to become one of the most sought after heiresses in all of Catholic Europe—that is, until she became one of the most hunted. Having secretly funded an underground movement that rescued Jews from the flames of the Inquisition, she eventually had to embark on the harrowing journey that would take her and her family from the hells of persecution to an unlikely sanctuary in the Middle East: the Ottoman Empire."  Tickets at  https://online.jccmemphis.org/OnlineEdge/showlist.html
    (Personal note: I had a university student some years ago - a Jew who had grown up in Turkey in a Jewish village that had moved there from Spain in 1492, where the language on the street was still Ladino, derived from 15th-century Spanish.) 

November 13.  Friday. About 1 PM Friday is the main weekly service in mosques, the service with the sermon.  At Masjid Ar-Rahman the service starts at 1 PM, at Masjid As-Salaam  at 1:15 PM, and lasts just under an hour.   This Friday I gather that all mosques in the city will be having a special collection to benefit earthquake victims in Pakistan. (over 10000 homes destroyed.)  Tax-exempt contributions may also be mailed to Pakistan Association of Memphis, 533 Greywood Lane, Cordova, TN 38018. Memo: Earthquake relief fund.
Note: by all means visit a mosque if you have not. If you are not comfortable sitting or kneeling on the floor, they will bring you a chair.

November 13 6-7:30 PM   U of Memphis - Cordoba Society. American Muslims: Native Born and Immigrants    University Center, Bluff Room (304)     (free)
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-muslims-native-born-and-immigrants-tickets-19433552278?ref=enivtefor001&invite=ODcyMjUyOC9lZHdhcmRAb3JkbWFuLm5ldC8w&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&ref=enivtefor001&utm_term=attend

November 13, 7 PM, through Nov 22 .  Women's Theatre Festival of Memphis. One production this year is the locally-written play A Box of Yellow Stars.  A Christian man (uncle of the author) married and divorced a succession of Jewish women to get them away from the Nazis in World War Two.  The discussion panel following the Sunday Matinee performance Nov 15 (2 PM at TheatreWorks) will include Floridia Jackson and Edward Ordman.
http://www.womenstheatrefestivalofmemphis.org/
 
November 13, Friday, 7:30 PM Organ Recital at Calvary Episcopal Church, downtown. The organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Simon Johnson, Followed by a reception.
Calvary,  incidentally, has a remarkably good newsletter - see http://calvarymemphis.org/chroniclenewsletter

November 14, 11AM - 3PM. Chili Cookoff
to benefit Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee (helps people with disabilities.)  Tiger Lane at the Liberty Bowl. Temple Israel enters a team, who else does?  http://ww.efwtn.org

November 15, 9 - 1. Special Chanukah gift sale at the Temple Israel Judaica shop.
http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Chanukah%20Marketplace.jpg

BLOODMOBILE at Temple Israel 8:30-1, Nov 15. 
If you wish you can reserve at time at https://ww2.clublifeblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/56400

November 15 1 PM. Jewish Historical Society. “Yitzhak Rabin – Personal Reflections on Israel’s Man of War and Peace”   Jewish Community Center. Speaker Dr. Ralph Nurnberger has taught at Georgetown University since 1975.

November 15 - see Nov 13-22 Above.  Discussion after the production of "A Box of Yellow Stars."

 November 17, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM. Web Seminar by Teaching Tolerance: Learning about Rosa Parks.
This is excellent resource material for teachers in public schools, Sunday schools, etc.
https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&referrer=&eventid=1083434&sessionid=1&key=49F386DCC4C06F0A085CF216965619DA&regTag=&sourcepage=register
But you need not be there at this hour for the excellent materials about Civil Rights from Teaching Tolerance or the Library of Congress: see  http://www.tolerance.org/ttm

Nov 17 Third Tuesdays, 6:30 PM. Writers Group at Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion.  Writers of all genres, and listeners, are welcome.Notify cmodisett@holycommunion.org if would like to read (5 minutes) or come to listen.
Topics:  October 20 - Bridges.  Nov 17 - Grits   Dec 15 - Tis the Season    Jan 19 - Beginning Again
             Feb 16 - A Fine Romance   March 15 - Lift Every Voice   April 19 - Health and Healing   
                 May 17 - Something Borrowed  June 21 - Walking in Memphis (Found texts)   July 19 - Roots and Branches


November 17, 3:30-6:30 PM.  Love the Stranger: The Call to Rescue in Moments of Crisis.  A Facing History Seminar intended primarily for teachers; the web site has information links that may be of interest even if you are not attending the seminar. (happens at St. Mary's School)
https://www.facinghistory.org/events/wq2015mem5-love-stranger-call-rescue-moments-crisis

November 17, Lecture, "Egyptology in Nazi Germany: Ideology and Careers in a Humanistic Discipline."
Reception 6:15, Lecture 7 PM. Fountain View Room, University Center, U of Memphis.
Info at http://www.memphis.edu/egypt/events/index.php

November 19, 6 PM. Annual Joint Thanksgiving Dinner, Heartsong Church and Memphis Islamic Center. A particularly special event, as the friendship between these two houses of worship  has had national publicity - favorable publ.icity for both interfaith activity and for Memphis! 
 http://www.heartsongchurch.net/#/im-new-here/where-we-are
http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org/

November 19, Benjamin Hooks Institute Lecture: Douglas Blackmon, Slavery by Another Name. 
(treatment of US Blacks, Civil War to WW II) Rose Theater, University of Memphis.
5:30 reception, 6 PM lecture. 

November 19 Marcus Orr Lecture Series , University of Memphis.
Emanulle Oliveira-Monte, Vanderbilt     Reception at 5:40 PM, lecture at 6 PM
Obama is Brazilian: (Re)Signifying Race Relations in Modern Brazil
For more information about these events this semester, please see the website: http://www.memphis.edu/moch/, like it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umMOCH, or follow it on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mochatmemphis

November 22nd Sunday, 3:30 to 6:00 PM Indian Cultural Center and Temple
A Carnatic Music Vocal Concert By Yuva Kala Bharathi Rithvik Raja
accompanied by Artists on Violin & Mridangam. Some more info at http://rithvikraja.in/

November 22, 7:30 PM. 7:30 PM. ASBEE Synagogue. Cantorial Concert (Free).
Cantorial, Opera, Yiddish, Broadway, & More. Aryeh Samberg and two New York Cantors.
More info at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tie60CVE0521Bwrh86V2Poqye4IZY9pvp3maQAz1CqQ/edit


November 24, Tuesday, 7 PM. Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Church of the Holy Spirit, 2300 Hickory Crest Drive, Memphis

The Reverend Hester Mathes will be offering the Christian perspective alongside Jewish and Muslim reflections on "What does it mean to be a refugee within our respective faith traditions?" in this inspiring, annual ecumenical service.
Temple Israel, Balmoral Presbyterian, which others?

November 28 - Community dinner and discussion, Masjid Al-Noor  http://www.masjid-alnoor.org/


Oct 25- Nov 5.(except Oct 30-31) Garden bulb sale by Temple Israel Sisterhood. In the pool house behind the Jewish Community Center. They have plenty of bulbs to sell even if you did not pre-order.

November 3 - Balmoral Presbyterian Church.  Memorial Service for Carol Francisco. Visit family, 1 PM. Service at 3; reception.
Mrs. Francisco was very active in League of Women Voters, American Assn. of University Women, etc.

November 3-10: Memphis Independent Film Festival. I can't think of an interfaith reason to mention this, but since I have a granddaughter who wants to be a zookeeper I have to mention that opening night is about the zookeepers of Memphis.
http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=5d44ba9da43ec1444e54b0eb9&id=895699f26d&e=131abc9660
Full schedule at  https://indiememphis2015.eventive.org/schedule?mc_cid=7ccdd7da9f&mc_eid=131abc9660

November 4-5 - Memphis Reads: What is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng by Dave Eggers
Talk at Rhodes College Nov 4, reception 5:30, talk at 6;  Book talk and book signing Nov 5, 7 PM.
Poster at  http://memphisirg.org/ RhodesCC_2015-6.pdf

November 5, 2 PM, Calvary Episcopal, downtown. Memorial Service for Jo Potter (this would have been her 80th birthday.)
She was active in organizing the Lenten Preaching Series, among many other forms of community service.

November 5, 12:30-2 Brown Bag Lunch, Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Medieval Mediterranean. Hannah Barker of Rhodes College, at U of Memphis Shelby Room, Rm 342 University Center. From the abstract: "Christian and Muslim slave owners actively exchanged slaves and idea about slavery..."   http://www.memphis.edu/moch/  (way off to lower right)

November 5, Thursday
  Marcus Orr Lecture Series, University of Memphis.
Eric Cline     Reception at 5:40 PM, lecture at 6 PM
1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed
For more information about these events this semester, please see the website: http://www.memphis.edu/moch/, like it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umMOCH, or follow it on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mochatmemphis
 
November 5 - 8 - Fundraiser,. "Arcade at St. George's", Antiques and much else.  Admission charge, fundraising events.
Schedule and details  at http://stgchurch.org/index.php/arcade
Fundraiser Thursday evening
Benefits MIFA, Church Health Center, Emmanuel Center, Door of Hope.
2425 South Germantown Rd.

November 6, 11 AM- 2 PM, Kosher Barbeque.  The Kosher deli at the Memphis Jewish Home, 36 Bazeberry Rd, Cordova, now has a program of special events. There will be a Chinese dinner on Nov 11at 6:30 PM. there are also special meals available each Friday evening (eat in or take out, but arrange in advance). The special dinners are fairly expensive (e.g. $18 to $28).  http://thenoshmemphis.com/

November 6-8, 2015, Donald Davis Storytelling at Balmoral Presbyterian Church.
Nov 6 and 7 at 7 PM, Nov 8 (part of the Sunday Service ) 11 AM.  One of the great storytellers, highly recommended.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=05b007cb-e0f5-4983-a74a-effc041a0f32&c=1eac9ce0-f08d-11e2-8fae-d4ae529ce48a&ch=1eafd130-f08d-11e2-8fae-d4ae529ce48a
Donald Davis TED talk at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgeh4xhSA2Q

Nov 6- 8. A Roman Catholic conference, "Call to Action", 
in Milwaukee, will have some talks live-streamed.
http://cta-usa.org/live-stream/    

November 7, 11 am - 1 pm. Turkish Cooking Class (Ladies). Make Baklava. and Kisir.
Free. details at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/november-turkish-cooking-class-tickets-18704983108

November 7 9:30-4:30 and Nov 8, 9 - 2 PM, The Episcopal Bookstore
(at St. Mary's Cathedral, 700 Poplar) has an open house with a special selection of gifts. Local artists and gifts from all over - Ireland, Germany, Vietnam...

November 8, Sunday, Church of the Holy Communion (Walnut Grove between Perkins) - the 10:30 AM service will have Gabriel Faure's late-19th-century masterpiece, a Requiem mass.

November 9, 7 PM. Concert, 
Church of the Holy Communion (Walnut Grove between Perkins).
Violinist Benedict Goodfriend and pianist Cara Ellen Modisett
We welcome back to Memphis Benedict Goodfriend of the Kandinsky Trio for an evening of music by Dvorak, Massanet, Sibelius, Bloch and others!

November 10, 7:30 PM, Jewish Community Center. Ambassador Dennis Ross
will speak with Rachel Shankman, formerly of Facing History and Ourselves, about his new book, Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama.  $15 admission.

Nov 11. SOUL Supper at St. John's Episcopal Church.
Food 5:45, speaker 6:15.






October 15 - November 18. Jewish Literary and Cultural Arts Festival, Jewish Community Center
Details at 
http://www.jccmemphis.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=jewishliterary&category=Culture&utm_campaign=Digest+Emails&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=22880255&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--UsYZBw1XAlNT0aQcweaNYuulgZOYH7RsxQ-t5NjK11N0RKpO4Oeeh6FRD_dMGRJniquZSlDSkgVQTN6AysgmCWt9Xsg&_hsmi=22880256
Remaining events Oct 21, Oct 29, Nov 10, Nov 12, Nov 18   Charges for most events.  I have not listed most of these below, so check the website.




Oct 20 Third Tuesdays, 6:30 PM. Writers Group at Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion.  Writers of all genres, and listeners, are welcome.Notify cmodisett@holycommunion.org if would like to read (5 minutes) or come to listen.
Topics:  October 20 - Bridges.  Nov 17 - Grits   Dec 15 - Tis the Season    Jan 19 - Beginning Again
             Feb 16 - A Fine Romance   March 15 - Lift Every Voice   April 19 - Health and Healing   
                 May 17 - Something Borrowed  June 21 - Walking in Memphis (Found texts)   July 19 - Roots and Branches


Oct 25- Nov 5.(except Oct 30-31) Garden bulb sale by Temple Israel Sisterhood. In the pool house behind the Jewish Community Center. They have plenty of bulbs to sell even if you did not pre-order.





October 13-22, Brahmotsavam and Navaratri Celebrations, Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads.
 http://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/Navaratri2015



 October 15-18. 60th anniversary Celebration of Beth Sholom Congregation. Lunch and Learn (bring a kosher lunch) with a visiting artist October 15., art opening 6 PM with talk at 7, dinner evening of October 16, and so on. Information 289-9800, reservations 683-3591 


October 17-18  Universal Fest. Sandeep Pednekar invites people to
"The UNIVERSAL FEST that promises to be the exciting event, an exhilarating occasion for all and a celebration filled with fun, food, frolic and friendship."
https://www.facebook.com/events/402684833118614/ 
  at      Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church (Winchester)
8800 Winchester Rd, Memphis, Tennessee 38125,

October 17, and October 24, 8 PM. Ras-Garba at Indian Cultural Center and Temple. A colorful dance festival, for an article about it see
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/27/garba-dance-navratri_n_5885188.html

October 18, 3-5 PM. Art Workshop, Jewish Historical Society.

The MJCC will offer a special workshop for Jewish Historical Society with Israeli Artist in Residence, Shirel Horovitz, on Sunday October, 18 from 3-5 pm in the MJCC Art House (located near the front entrance). Below is a description of the workshop and the information to RSVP.

Workshop Description:

Using various techniques of collage, two dimensional sculpting and paper work, participants will explore the relationship between their own Jewish identity and the layout and history of Memphis. The works and objects created in the workshop will remain in the artist’s studio to either inspire or be part of the larger installation that will open in the gallery on November 11. No prior art experience necessary. Maximum 15 participants per workshop.

Sign up for this workshop by contacting Heather Kufert, MJCC Director of Jewish Innovation and Engagement, at hkufert@jccmemphis.org or (901) 259-9227. Limited spaces available for workshops. Priority will be given to each workshop group, but everyone is welcome to sign up!


October 18, World Kosher Barbeque Championship, ASBEE synagogue, http://www.asbeekosherbbq.com/
120 East Yates Road North  ( a few blocks north of Walnut Grove, just inside the expressway.)  Morning through mid-afternoon, I think.
Not a big as the Memphis (pork) Barbeque competition, but plenty of barbequed beef and chicken, chances to taste for free and for sale. This has developed enough of a national reputation that copycat competitions have started in other cities. Do I really have the nerve to show up wearing the T-shirt my grandson sent me which announces that the barbeque in Kansas City is better? (I'm probably at least moderately safe, since the shirt is printed in Hebrew.)

October 18, Sunday at 3:00pm: 10th Anniversary Celebration of Catholic Ministry with Gays and Lesbians with honored guest and ministry founder: Bishop J. Terry Steib.  "We are celebrating 10 Years of CMGLP ministry on October 18 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception at 3:00 and Bishop Steib will be present as our founder and special guest of honor.  We want everyone to come and let our Bishop know what this ministry has meant to each of us through the years.  We also want to give him a booklet of "Thanks" with our personal stories of thanks in our own words.  Please consider taking time to write him a private letter of thanks and let him know what this ministry has meant to you."
Contact: btrouy@yahoo.com

October 20, Tuesday, 6PM  "Family Values in Abrahamic Traditions."  A MAJOR INTERFAITH EVENT. AT MIFA
Speakers: Rabbi Ilan Glazer, Beth Sholom Synagogue
                  Pastor R. Meade Walker, Castalia Baptist Church
                  Imam Anwar Arafat, Masjid Ar - Rahman
    Sponsored by the Atlantic Institute.  These are speakers not to be missed.  
memphis@turkishhouse.org   www.theatlanticinstitute.org 
Reception Dinner at 6 PM (Turkish and vegetarian foods.)
RSVP at
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/table-of-abraham-dinner-organized-by-atlantic-institute-mifa-family-values-in-abrahamic-traditions-tickets-18879056767


October 21, 5:45 PM.  Calvary Episcopal. Lives Worth Saving and Friends of Thistle Farms
Have you been curious about Calvary’s ministries for vulnerable women? Meet Eyleen Farmer and Madge Deacon in the Matthew Room on Wednesday, October 21 at 5:45 p.m. to learn what is happening with Lives Worth Saving and Friends of Thistle Farms. You will hear about the evolution of these ministries and how you can get involved. Even if you don’t want to volunteer, simply show up and learn what’s going on. If you cannot attend either event, please contact Eyleen by phone or email: 901-210-1615 or efarmer@calvarymemphis.org.

October 22,  Marcus Orr Lecture Series - the Shaheen Lecture, University of Memphis.
Nicholas Watson, Harvard University      Reception at 5:40 PM, lecture at 6 PM
The Word of God in the Mother Tongue, or Why Most of What We Assume About the History of Bible Translation is Wrong
A remarkably good lecture series, a remarkable scholar, and a remarkably apropos subject!
For more information about these events this semester, please see the website: http://www.memphis.edu/moch/, like it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umMOCH, or follow it on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mochatmemphis

October 24, Saturday. 2-4 PM  Trunk or Treat. Kids 12 or under invited to come in costume and "trick-or=treat"  from decorated car trunks, parking lot of St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. 

October 24, 6-9 PM. Fundraising Dinner for Syrian Refugees. assorted sponsors including the Syrian American Medical Society.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/syrian-refugees-crisis-fundraising-tickets-19051888712  Cost is $22.09 online, #20 if you buy a ticket at a local mosque.
Or donate without coming to dinner, at https://www.crowdrise.com/supportsyrianrefugee3/fundraiser/memphisislamiccenter

October 24.  Calvary Episcopal, downtown - Lobsterpalooza. A fundraising dinner for Room at the Inn. - Lobster for $25 each or Barbecue for $10 each. 5:30 and 7 PM seatings.

October 25, 1-3 PM. Workshop on the Power of Forgiveness. $35 charge. Unity Church of Practical Christianity
http://www.unitychurchofpracticalchristianity.org/whats-happening

October 25, 2 PM, Daniel Pearl "Harmony for Humanity" Concert, U of M University Center Theater.  Free. Musical performances by local performers and an awards ceremony  to a local community person who has used his/her talents and skills to foster tolerance, build bridges and promote friendship and understanding, reflecting the legacy of Daniel Pearl. For more information, contact Morris S. Fogelman Jewish Student Center
at Hillel of Memphis at 901.452.2453 or e-mail at  hillelofmemphis@bellsouth.net
https://www.memjfed.org/jcp-news/hillel-of-memphis-to-host-the-6th-annual-harmony-for-humanity-concert
This year Pearl BBG has chosen to honor Otis Sanford with the 2015 Daniel Pearl Legacy Award. "Professor Sanford's career as an outstanding journalist, teacher, TV commentator and columnist more than qualifies him for this award,"


October 26, Monday, 5 PM University of Memphis. The Muslim Student Association is hosting "Uncensored" on October 26th in the UC Bluff Room (University Center)  5PM-8PM. In this event, they will discuss avoided topics and spread awareness of tragedies happening around the world.

October 28 - 7 PM first of six Wednesday evenings. "Journey of  the Soul". $99 including textbook. Chabad Lubavitch, 2570 Kirby Parkway. Where does the soul go after it departs the world? Info 901-754-040   Jewish Learning Institute, http://www.myjli.com/

October 29. Church Health Center Workshop. "The 14th annual Conference for Clergy and Congregations, presented by St. John's United Methodist Church, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and the Church Health Center is Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. This year's conference is focused on the church's response to violence and will feature keynote speaker Dr. Scott Stoner, director of the Samaritan Foundation for Church and Family Wellness. Admission is free, but space is limited to the first 300 registrants. Deadline to register is October 21, 2015. To register, please call 901-261-8833 or log on to churchhealthcenter.org/faithhealthseries."

October 30, Friday, 7:30 PM - Vanderhaar Symposium. One of the major interfaith events of the year.
Sister Simone Campbell (recently here with "Nuns on the Bus") speaking on "Mend the Gap, Heal the Divides"
First Congregational Church, 1000 South Cooper, Memphis 38104.
"
Sister Simone Campbell has served as Executive Director of NETWORK since 2004. She is a religious leader, attorney and poet with extensive experience in public policy and advocacy for systemic change. In Washington, she lobbies on issues of peace-building, immigration reform, healthcare and economic justice. Around the country, she is a noted speaker and educator on these public policy issues.
During the 2010 congressional debate about healthcare reform, she wrote the famous "nuns' letter" supporting the reform bill and got 59 leaders of Catholic Sisters, including LCWR, to sign on. This action was cited by many as critically important in passing the Affordable Care Act. She was thanked by President Obama and invited to the ceremony celebrating its being signed into law...."
https://www.facebook.com/events/399681920221541/            http://www.gvanderhaar.org/     Poster at Sister_Simone_Heal_the_Gaps_Poster.pdf

October 31, Workshop on connecting with newcomers to the church.  Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 9 am - 3 pm. Free but rsvp to
Elizabeth Coldiron, minister of hospitality, 767-6987 ext 23. Main speaker is Mary Palmer, http://www.maryparmer.com/

October 31, 7 PM. Halloween Concert (Organ concert: Phantom Phavorites) at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Boellmann's Toccata Gothique, and more. Selections from Webber's Phantom will be sung by St. Mary's choir members

November 1 is All Saints Day on church calendars (Hallowe'en is the eve of All Saints Day, historically.)  Some churches have special events -
Calvary has a 10 am concert, below.
St. John's Episcopal has Choral Evensong with Memphis BoyChoir, GirlChoir, and Chamber Choir at 4 PM.
Church of the Holy Communion, Episcopal (Walnut Grove between Perkins) has a choral evensong at 5:30 followed by a shrimp dinner at 6:30 (fundraiser, $25).  Reserve early for the shrimp dinner! 

Nov 1, 10 AM  Concert at Calvary Episcopal Church, downtown. Part of a series by the Friends of Music at Calvary, a new program. http://www.calvarymemphis.org/friends-of-music

November 1 , Mitzvah Day at Temple Israel.  "It takes a village to heal a broken world". "Mitzvah" very roughly translates as "good deed", and the goal of Mitzvah day is to get as many member of the congregation as possible out doing something good for the community. People go out and work with a large number of different charities and projects throughout the city.

November 2, Facing History and Ourselves annual fund-raising dinner. $250.  This disser is one of the premier interfaith events in the city - always a packed ballroom and an outstanding and compelling speaker, well worth it if you can afford it. The speaker this year is Byan Stevenson. His memoir is "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption."  Human interest lawyer, social justice activist. He's an interesting wnouigh person to justify an internet search on him. See e.g. https://www.ted.com/speakers/bryan_stevenson    901-452-1776    


September, date(s) to be announced: Facing History will have free streaming of a video "Facing Fear"
Worlds collide when a former neo-Nazi skinhead and the gay victim of his hate crime attack meet by chance 25 years after the incident that dramatically shaped both of their lives..... Facing Fear is an Oscar-nominated 23-minute documentary that explores their journey of forgiveness.
facinghistory.org.

Watch the Trailer
Download the Discussion Guide

Sept 27 at sunset is the start of the Jewish festival of Sukkot. This is an eight-day holiday, commemorating the forty years in the wilderness between leaving Egypt and arriving in The Promised Land. The traditional celebration includes eating meals outdoors in a temporary "booth" or "sukkah".
It ends with "Shemini Atzeres", for which the Bible says "On the Eight Day you shall have a solemn assembly" but neglects to say why. The practical solution has been to introduce a matching non-biblical holiday, "Simchas Torah", "The rejoicing of the Law", or the "Celebration of Torah."  The annual cycle of the what churches would call "the first lesson" in the synagogue involves reading through the entire first five books of the Bible every year - typically six chapters each Saturday morning. On Simchas Torah one reads the last few lines of Deuteronomy, rewinds the scroll, and reads the first few lines of Genesis.  It is a colorful ceremony well worth visiting even if you are not Jewish. Frequently there is dancing, in which people dance while holding scrolls of the Torah or do line dances led by someone holding the Torah. There will be parties and programs at most or all of the synagogues; I'll get more up within a day or two. (I was slow on this!)
Sunday Sept 27,  5:30 PM  - Temple Israel Sukkot Party - picnic on the lawn. Food trucks available or bring your own (bring blankets and/or chairs). Free Ice Cream. RSVP   https://timemphis.wufoo.com/forms/sukkot-service-and-food-truck-fest-2015/
Sunday October 4, Temple Israel - Simchas Torah - reception with very light refreshments 5:30 PM, service at 6 PM, good service for kids, lots of music. Morning Service / memorial service, Oct 5 at 98 AM.  As the Jewish "denominations" differ by one day on the length of some holidays, more traditional synagogues  will celebrate this Monday night and Tuesday - e,g.
6:45 PM Monday October 5 at Or Chadash, 6629 Massey Lane
6:20 PM Oct 5 at Chabad (2570 Kirby Parkway (long party, I expect) and again 10 Am Tues Oct 6
and somewhat similar at ASBEE, Baron Hirsch, Beth Sholom, etc.  Hours vary so check if you want to be there at the beginning.

October 2, 7:30 - 9 AM. Barrister's Breakfast at Calvary Episcopal, downtown. Local Lawyers serve breakfast (to anyone), for $10 going to Memphis affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the fight against breast cancer.  In their newsletter at
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5472ab64f8f0fa71714dbebcb&id=53f243fa80&e=2f75c3ec8d

October 3.  Church Fair, Berclair Baptist Church, Summer and Perkins.  There are far too many church fairs to mention all of them, but I couldn't help noticing one with the signs advertising food, games, petting zoo, and so on all bilingual English-Spanish. The church was in the news five years ago when it declined to sell its property for a CVS pharmacy (Walgreens is diagonally across the street, and at about that time a couple of historic Memphis Churches were sold to Walgreens and CVS.)  History: http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2010/sep/16/church-says-no-to-cvs/

October 3, all day. "Ghost River". Canoe-Kayak tour of a stretch of the Wolf River, organized by Church of the Holy Communion.
Charge. Reserve in advance. https://www.facebook.com/events/742576332514165/

October 3, Saturday, 11 AM - 1 PM.  Turkish cooking class. (Ladies)
Lahmacun, also known as 'Turkish pizza', is a spicy Turkish/Middle Eastern dish consisting of a ground meat/vegetable mixture, spread on a very thin bread/cracker-like like crust. This first session is free; later ones will be $10 each.
RSVP and info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turkish-cooking-class-in-october-tickets-18704998153

October 3, 4 PM - Calvary Episcopal has its "blessing of the animals" at Overton Bark.

October 4 is World Communion Sunday in the Presbyterian and some other denominations. Balmoral Presbyterian Church, 6413 Quince, near the Kirby exit on I-385 (Morris Parkway), has an interesting 11 AM service this day, joint with an African-American and a Korean-speaking congregation.  http://www.balmoralpc.com/

October 4, 4 PM. St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, 700 Poplar.  Blessing of the Animals, in commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. For all creatures great and small. Bring your pets for this special time of blessing. We will begin with a brief worship service in Sisters' Chapel, followed by the blessing in the courtyard. Come early to enjoy the petting zoo and treats for both pets and people.  Holy Communion Episcopal (Walnut Grave between Perkins) does the same thing, same time. but is also having a 1 POM visit to the horse stables at Shelby Farms to bless the horses (no, don't bring your pets to the Shelby Farms stables at 1 PM!)

October 4, 4-6 PM Scarborough Fair, the fun-food event sponsored by Friends of Thistle Farms, is THIS SUNDAY, October 4, from 4 - 6 p.m., at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, 5530 Shady Grove Road.  Friends of Thistle Farms (FOTF) is a local enterprise, one of the many sister communities to Nashville-based Thistle Farms, a national community of support for women who have survived human trafficking, addiction, and extreme poverty.

Oct  6   First Tuesdays, 6:30 PM. Catholic Ministry to Gays and Lesbians (open to all people) pot luck supper, Marian Hall under the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.  1695 Central Ave. http://iccathedral.org/.     
October 6: Potluck presentation: Personal faith stories
October 18: 10th Anniversary Celebration of CMGLP with honored guest Bishop Steib.  3:00pm at IC"


October 6, Movie, "The Hunting Ground." 1 PM repeated at 7 PM. A movie about campus violence. University of Memphis, Rose Theater.

October  7,14,21  7 PM "Moving On Support Group", Grief support group at Temple Israel. Info from Nadine at 763-0940.

October 8, Rhodes College lecture, "Planet of Slums."  Reception 5:30, lecture at 6.
Poster at http://memphisirg.org/ RhodesCC_2015-6.pdf

October 8, 6 - 10 PM. Feed the Soul, Fundraiser for MIFA  http://www.mifa.org/feedthesoul

October 10, 11:30-4:15,  Preparing for the 2016 Election, from at Catholic Perspective, 
(free but RSVP. Lunch is provided). Parish Ministry Office of Catholic Charities. One main presenter is Peter Gathje of the Memphis Theological Seminary, Co-Director of Manna House.  Info at http://memphisirg.org/10-10-15.pdf.

October 9-10. Memphis Islamic Center, Workshop: The Good Life, Purification of the Heart.  Charge.
For more information, please contact hareem@qalaminstitute.com or Br Safi Khan at 901.825.8276 or  safikhan126@gmail.com

October 11, 2 PM. Jewish Community Center, Jewish Historical Society Lecture, "The Dothan Story", about the Jewsih community of Dothan, Alabama.



Elections in 2015:  September 17th Arlington & Lakeland Municipal
       October 8th Memphis Municipal and if necessary November 3rd a Memphis Runoff
INFORMATION from the University of Memphis (edited here): 

"In order to vote in this election  (October 8) you must be registered to vote no later than September 8, 2015. If you are from another city in Tennessee please go to www.sos.tn.gov/elections to find your county election commission and to find out about elections and voter registration deadlines in your hometown. If you are from another state please check your state’s election commission web site for information on registering to vote and your local and state elections.

U of M has established a web site at http://www.memphis.edu/studentlife/voterinformation.php

that has information about registering to vote. This web site includes links to voter registration applications for Tennessee residents and a link to non-Tennessee residents’ state election commission web site....
In Tennessee, voter registration applications may be emailed or mailed via the U.S. Postal Service. Applications must be received in the Election Commission Office via email or be posted marked by the U.S. Postal Service no later than September 8, 2015 in order to vote in the Memphis Municipal Election on October 8, 2015. "   I believe that If you register by mail or e-mail, you must vote in person the first time, not by absentee ballot. -----

early voting is going on now. Some remaining Mayoral race debates are
    9/22 Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.: Millennials for Memphis debate, Michael D. Rose Theatre, University of Memphis
    9/23 Wednesday, 4-6 p.m.: WDIA/WREC “Conversation with Candidates,” hosted by Bev Johnson and Ben Ferguson
       Sunday, 9/27 4 p.m.: NAACP forum for mayoral candidates, First Baptist-Broad.

October 13, Pax Christi, the Roman Catholic Peace group, meets at the Friends Meeting House, Walnut Grove at Prescott. One item of discussion will be the Iran deal and opposition to nuclear weapons.

October 14, Wednesday, Temple Israel Lunch and Learn.  Rabbi Feivel Strauss, a new staff member this year at Temple Israel, will discuss "Must a Jew Believe Anything?" Please bring your brown bag lunch; cookies and drinks will be provided. RSVP online (no charge) by Oct. 9, or call Sylvia Appleton, 761.3130.

October 142nd Wednesday, 6-7:30 PM. Monthly general meeting of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, 3573 Southern Ave.  http://www.midsouthpeace.org/    

October 15, 4:30 PM reception, 5 PM Panel. The Benjamin Hooks Institute.

The Hot Summer of 2015: The Nation Faces Old and Retooled Forms of Racial Discrimination: The Intractable Issue of Race in America
University of Memphis, Rose Theater.
 
October 15. 6 PM. Allison Glass invites people to the "Healthy and Free Tennessee Road Tour"
at the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, 892 S. Cooper St.  https://www.facebook.com/MGLCC
event info https://www.facebook.com/events/908533999183773/


October 15, 7 PM.  Movie "Time Out of Mind," starring Richard Gere," is a critically-acclaimed and poignantly accurate portrayal of homelessness today. Malco Theaters has generously offered to donate the proceeds of its Octob..."
Studio on the Square, https://www.facebook.com/Malco-Studio-On-The-Square-150711995130049/timeline/
Proceeds of this showing go to benefit Hospitality Hub of Memphis.
https://www.facebook.com/Hospitality-Hub-of-Memphis-404640723028727/timeline/


October 16, Friday. Memorial for Phyllis Tickle. (nationally known author who lived near here).
On Friday, October 16th, visitation will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral at 1:00 pm, followed by a Requiem Eucharist at 3:00.   700 Poplar.

October 16, 5:30-7:30 PM, Art Opening Reception, Ross Gallery, main library at Christian Brothers University.
Annabelle Meacham: Tacos or Sushi?  I don't list all the Ross Gallery events on this page, see the full list at http://www.cbu.edu/2015-2016-schedule

October 16, 8 to 9:30 PM. The Community of St Therese of Lisieux    http://www.lisieuxcommunity.org/
INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER; Helping Formerly Incarcerated Women Move Back Into Society
Kroc Center  800 East Parkway South $25.00 donation per person    

(901) 800-8840   All proceeds go to the Community of St. Therese of Lisieux.  

October 17, 2015 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm  Fundraiser Gala for Caritas Village. http://www.caritasvillage.org/
Parish Hall at Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN 38117

October 17, 7:30 PM  Concert, Roy Zimmerman, Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church  $15.  "What can one person do about climate change, torture, racism, gun violence, fracking, Congressional ineptitude, ignorance, war and greed?  Write funny songs, says Roy Zimmerman.  "The Faucet's on Fire!" is ninety minutes of Zimmerman's hilarious, rhyme-intensive original songs.  His songs have been heard on HBO and Showtime.  He's shared stages with Bill Maher, Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, John Oliver, Kate Clinton and George Carlin.  He's been profiled on NPR's "All Things Considered," and he's a featured blogger for the Huffington Post.   $15 donation, Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church, 7350 Raleigh-Lagrange Road, Cordova, www.neshobauu.org  266-2626.    October 17, 7:30 pm. Childcare will be available, please call ahead 901-266-2626. ----

Sept 1. Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Planning Meeting for Campaign for NonViolence, activities to take place Sept 20-27.
  Meet at Caritas    2509 Harvard Ave, Memphis, TN 38112  (Binghampton)   See Sept 20 ff below for more details.
(This is a wonderful informal restaurant with lots of people interested in peace, justice, faith, etc., if you haven't been there  -
http://www.caritasvillage.org/ )

Sept 1, Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Catholic Ministry to Gays and Lesbians (open to all people) pot luck supper, Marian Hall under the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.  1695 Central Ave. http://iccathedral.org/.     
" Fr. Ernie DeBlasio from Incarnation Catholic Church in Collierville will be presenting Catholic Traditions.... everything you always wanted to know about why we do what we do but were afraid to ask!  "
"Looking ahead:  Sept 26: Memphis Pride Day: CMGLP present with a booth
October 6: Potluck presentation: Personal faith stories
October 18: 10th Anniversary Celebration of CMGLP with honored guest Bishop Steib.  3:00pm at IC"

Sept 2. Beginning of Mothers Day Out (MW 9:15-2:15 at Masjid Ar-Rahman.  $150 / child/month.
Click here to download brochure/registration form

Sept 7. Labor Day Picnic, Workers Interfaith Network. Always a very nice party. Usually there are American Indian dancers and and a speech by Congressman Cohen, among other activities.  Several local groups we are friends with have information tables, e.g. Pax Christi, the Roman Catholic Peace group. Lots of interesting people to meet and visit with!  $12.
at Trinity United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 1738 Galloway Ave.   http://www.workersinterfaithnetwork.org/

Sept 7. Start of a five-day meeting of the National Baptist Convention , a major African-American denomination, As many as 50,000 attendees may come to Memphis for this meeting. "The Memphis gathering kicks off on Labor Day with a musical production featuring TriState Convention Choir and special guest Stellar Award-winning artist Tamela Mann. The concert will be held at the Memphis Cook Convention Center at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.memphis2015.com or by calling 901-452-7265. The late night worship services will run Monday, Sept. 7 to Thursday, September 10. All services will be held at the Memphis Cook Convention Center, Halls A & B, beginning at 10 p.m."

Sept 7 and every Sunday 2:30-4, Memphis Islamic Center, ages 13 and up. "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Muslim Teenagers."  I don't normally post house-of-worship youth group meetings, but I liked the title. Further info
Br Malik at 734.644.1966
The Memphis Islamic Center provides a set of links
https://www.youtube.com/user/MemphisIslamicCenter
https://www.facebook.com/MICmemphis
https://twitter.com/micproject
Which I think well exemplifies good use of social media - it has a lot of sermons and other talks, but I didn't immediately see youth-group related material there.

Sept 8 6 PM (followed by a 6:30 meeting, below) Planning session for Campaign for Nonviolence Week of Action,
September 20th-27th.
Quaker Meetinghouse, 3387 Walnut Grove.  http://cnvmemphis.org/

Sept 8, 6:30 PM, Pax Christi, the Roman Catholic Peace Group.  6:30 PM,
Quaker Meetinghouse, 3387 Walnut Grove.
Discussion topic: personal practices for inner peace.  Discuss our individual spiritual practices.
Their very interesting newsletter is online at 
http://www.paxchristimemphis.org/ 

Sept 8, Tuesday, and each following Tuesday - Intensive Workshop on Muslim Prayer, Memphis Islamic Center, Yasir Qadhi.
After Maghreb prayer, which is a brief prayer service held ten minutes after sunset.  (Fee charged)

For more information please email info@memphisislamiccenter.org or call 901-231-9340. 

Sept 9-13. St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. Feast of Constance and Her Companions. 
(Constance and her Companions who served our city during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878.)
Poster found here.  All events at
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
Sept 9, 12:10 PM -  Interfaith Service with Temple Israel.
Sept 11, 7 PM - "Letters and Concert"
Sept 12  9:30 am-1pm  Daughters of the King Fall Assembly
Sept 13, Sunday - 8 am to after lunch. Service, lecture, picnic (see poster)


Sept 10. Unity: World Day of Prayer - Unity Church of Practical Christianity.
9228 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018  •  office: 901-753-1463  More Info at  http://www.unity.org/wdop

Sept 10 -11. The City of Memphis is holding a College Fair at the Mid-South Fairgrounds (Pipkin Building.)
Information at http://cityofmemphisyouth.org/index.php/en/events/college-fair
This should be of interest to you if you, your kids or grandkids, will be finishing high school in the next year or three.

Sept 12, 9 AM. Annual Orange Mound Paradehttp://tsdmemphis.com/news/2015/sep/04/orange-mound-parade-15-year-expression-community-p/

Sept 12-13. Bike MS: FedEx Rock-n-Roll Ride to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 
   I know that the Temple Israel Brotherhood is getting together a team. Who else?
August 28, 9 AM and 6 PM, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. "Vara Lakshmi Vratam is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before full moon day - Poornima in the month of Śravaṇā. Worshiping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshiping Ashtalaksmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength."

Sept 13, 5:30 PM,  JACKSON : Service of Racial Reconciliation followed by panel discussion at St. Andrews Chapel of First Methodist Church in Jackson on Denmark Road 


Sept 14. "Memphis City Council Candidates Environmental Forum- Districts 4, 5, and 7" - September 14th -University of Memphis, University Center, Bluff Room starting at 5:45pm.

September 14, Monday, 7PM.  NUNS ON THE BUS. "Pope Francis’s radical call is to change our politics, not just our policies." An important event by the Catholic Social Justice people. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Marian Hall – Lower Level, 1695 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
Poster at  http://memphisirg.org/NunsBus2015.pdf



Sept 17-20 "SOULWorks weekend".  A Thursday evening through Sunday morning program at St John's Episcopal Church.  I know of several churches that have weekend-long family camps or retreats at church campsites or retreat sites, but this is one held at the church itself.https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eawvgi3448229f4b&oseq=&c=&ch=

Sept 17. Candidates Forum.  There is a city council district 7 forum scheduled for Thursday, September 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the MLK Jr. College Prep HS (formerly known as Frayser HS) located at 1530 Dellwood.

Sept 17 6 PM. Lecture at Rhodes College,
Sven Beckert, about The Empire of Cotton, slavery, capitalism, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.
poster   http://memphisirg.org/Beckert.png
https://www.facebook.com/communities.in.conversation


Sept 18, 7-8 PM. Organ Recital, Second Presbyterian Church (Goodlett and Poplar). 
http://www.2pc.org/event/715799-2015-09-18-fall-organ-concert/

September 19, 9:00 a.m.  5th Annual Book It 5K Race
Benefiting Shelby County Books from Birth and Emmanuel Center – run/walk, volunteer, be a sponsor!
http://Bookit5k.racesonline.com   
For further info please contact Julie Fike at 767-6987, ext. 22.\

 
Sept 21. "Memphis Mayoral Candidates Environmental Forum" - September 21st - Benjamin Hooks Main Library, 3030 Poplar Ave, Memphis TN. starting at 5:30pm.

Sept 7. Start of a five-day meeting of the National Baptist Convention , a major African-American denomination, As many as 50,000 attendees may come to Memphis for this meeting. "The Memphis gathering kicks off on Labor Day with a musical production featuring TriState Convention Choir and special guest Stellar Award-winning artist Tamela Mann. The concert will be held at the Memphis Cook Convention Center at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.memphis2015.com or by calling 901-452-7265. The late night worship services will run Monday, Sept. 7 to Thursday, September 10. All services will be held at the Memphis Cook Convention Center, Halls A & B, beginning at 10 p.m."



September 13 -sunset is the start of Rosh Hashanah, The Jewish New Year. The following two days are a holiday (Reform Jews, and Jews in Israel, typically observe only one day. The Two-day aspect of many Jewish holidays dates to the time when Jews became widespread enough geographically that they could no longer fix one day by actual observation of the moon in Jerusalem.) Rosh Hashanah begins the "Ten days of Repentance", very similar in many ways to the last ten days of Ramadan in Islam. The final day, starting at sunset Sept 22 through sunset Sept 23, is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.  Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast day for observant Jews, and many synagogues hold service or discussion groups all day (some, even, all night.)
      There are elaborate service in synagogues, and many synagogues are so overcrowded on these days that they admit people only by ticket. If you would like to visit a service and are not a synagogue member, you are welcome at Temple Israel (reform) http://timemphis.org or at
 Or Chadash (Conservative) http://ocncs.org/.  Or Chadesh  (The words I think mean "New Light") is relatively new and does not seem to update its website well as yet but has some material of interest there.
The Detailed Yom Kipper Schedule for Temple Israel (services are available online) is at
http://timemphis.org/worship-services/high-holy-days

     Temple Israel's services are at 6:15 PM Sept 13, repeated at 8:45 PM due to size of crowd; and 10 AM Sept 14. On Sept 22 there are services at 6:15 and 8:45 PM, then on Sept 23rd services or discussions continuously from 10 AM (a  service for age 5 and under  at 9 AM) until the final service starting at 6:30 PM. See http://timemphis.org  for details.

      Chabad has a very elaborate and very Orthodox dinner on the evening of September 13. $25 individual, family rate available,
reserve by Sept 9 (or until full if earlier) at 
https://jewishmemphiscom.clhosting.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/759039/jewish/Rosh-Hashana-Dinner-5776/lang/en
        Of course if you want a strictly kosher and traditional Jewish Rosh Hashanah dinner at home and don't want to cook, the kosher restaurant at the Jewish Home in Cordova provides bulk take-out if you order by September 7.
http://thenoshmemphis.com/   order form at http://files.ctctcdn.com/1a0631bb001/6e275b8b-7c26-434d-bd4e-9b7e4063be47.pdf

Evening of Sept 23 to September 24  is Eid el-Adha, the Feast of the Binding. 
This major Muslim holiday celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son (Ishmael)  http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/eid-al-adha
  It is the end of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) season.  It creates an interesting coincidence this year: In Judaism people are told they get "double credit" for good deeds in the ten days leading to Yom Kippur ,and in Islam they are told they get double credit or good deeds in the ten days leading to Eid el-Adha. This year, these ten-day periods coincide.  
See also http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/eid-al-adha
"Eid Prayer will be held at the Agricenter International
Time: Thursday, Sep 24th @ 9:30AM
Location: Agricenter [7777 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120]
Khateeb: Dr. Yasir Qadhi
 
Islamic Association of Greater Memphis (Masjid Al-Noor & Masjid Ar-Rahman) wishes you, your family, & the entire Ummah Eid Mubarak and reminds everyone of the great opportunity to perform many righteous deeds during the blessed first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
 
The Prophet (PBUH) said in an authentic hadith:
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." [Bukhari]


Sept 20 - 27: Campaign NonViolence:  See full program at http://memphisirg.org/CNV_2015.pd
Further info Contact  Mjuma@uthsc.edu   (408) 802-8376   Here are the main events, details at that link.
Sept 20. 3-5 PM Inter-Faith Prayer Vigil  at the National Civil Rights Museum courtyard.
The
Reverend Earle Fisher, pastor of Abyssinian MB Church, will be the keynote speaker with members from
different faith traditions and other community groups offering their vision of what a nonviolent
Memphis/Shelby County would look like.
Monday 9/21: Start the day by fasting from violence and end with a Peace Potluck at Caritas Village,
2509 Harvard Ave, 6:30PM . (International Day of Peace) 
Tuesday 9/22: documentary viewing- "Changing the Conversation: America's Gun Violence Epidemic"
at Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church, 7350 Raleigh Lagrange Rd. Cordova at 6:45PM.
Wednesday 9/23: Just Lunch Series discussion Racial Reconciliation: Exploring the Possibility hosted by
Memphis School of Servant Leadership, 12-1:15PM, Caritas Village.
Thursday 9/24: Serve and tour with MIFA’s Meals on Wheels program. 9:30AM- 12PM. Advance
registration is required for this event- see CNVMemphis website for details.
also Thursday: Just Lunch Series discussion continues- Prison Reform in Memphis. Caritas Village
also Thursday: Eucharist Gathering- Join us for a Community Communion Service.  The Commons, 258 N. Merton, 12:00PM.
Friday 9/25: Program by SisterReach: Addressing Violence Against Women and Their Bodies 1PM   
   Experiential Learning Center 713 Lockett Place 38104
Friday 9/25-Sunday 9/27- Frayser Block Party for Peace- an annual community event that is specifically
geared towards peace, community empowerment, education, and living a healthy lifestyle .Ed Rice
Community Center, 2907 Watkins. CNVMemphis will host an information table at his event. 10am-6PM.
Saturday 9/26- PRIDE Festival- 10AM-5PM Robert Church Park. Parade begins at 5PM.
Also Saturday: A Nonviolent Worship Experience Binghampton UMC, 258 Merton, 4:30PM.
Sunday 9/27- The Blessing of the Sons Service and Ceremony, Freedom Chapel Christian Church, 961 Getwell 3:00PM.


Sept 22 - US Supreme Court Justice Scalia speaking at Rhodes College. 5:30 reception, 6 PM speech.
The start of this years "Communities in Conversation" at Rhodes    http://memphisirg.org/ RhodesCC_2015-6.pdf
poster http://memphisirg.org/Scalia.png

Sept 24 -
6-8 p.m. Facing History, Community Teach-in. Memphis, Music, and Social Change.
St Mary's Episcopal School     The Buckman Performing Arts Center    60 Perkins Extended    Memphis
How can music and history help us respond to injustice? How do we counter stereotypes?
Join us for a multi-generational, cross-community conversation about lessons from songs of Stax Records.
Register


Sept  25-Oct 27. Exhibit of art by homeless residents of Memphis.. This  is being organized by the "Circuitous Succession Gallery"
http://www.circuitoussuccession.com/.   500 S. 2nd St., Memphis, TN 38103. I understand that during the summer they will announce free sessions for homeless people and provide art supplies and even instructors if wanted.

Sept 26. Mid-South Pride Festival 10 AM - 5 PM, Parade at 5 PM. 
An LGBTQ+ event. Quite a few religious-based or interfaith-based groups will have tables or displays and need volunteers to staff them.   Robert Church Park, 4th and Beale.  http://midsouthpride.org/

Among the after-festival parties at 7 PM is a fundraiser for women's health (including abortion access) by the group "Lady Parts Justice",
admission $10, https://ladypartsjustice.com/state/tennessee/   at   The Brass Door, 152 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103     
"You’ll have a chance to interact with area nonprofits focused on equality and reproductive justice and learn about issues and activism opportunities that interest them. Politics don’t have to be boring, so we’re serving ours with a generous helping of music, comedy, and liquor."

Sept 26. Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Ganesh Nimajjan 2015 Festival. Food Stall, Bazaar, parade floats, cultural programs and dances.  A major event well worth visiting. The poster is here.
An introductory video is at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M-mPc5FPXs&feature=youtu.be
Parking map: https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/sites/default/files/2015/Nimajjan/ICCT_Nimajjan15_Directions.jpg
Schedule:  http://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/nimajjan2015

Sept 26. Eid Festival, Memphis Islamic Center. 11 AM - 5 PM. "Games, Moon Bouncing, Cookout."
  All proceeds go to Syrian Refugees. 

Sept 26 3 PM   Luna Nova Concert This Saturday.  Free, reception following

Music of Britten, Previn, Martinu and others
Saturday, September 26, 3:00 p.m.
Beethoven Club, 263 S. McLean


Sept 27. The Father McCarthy Nonviolence Study Group 3-5 PM.  Meeting in a home. Information: Yvonne at 212-3030.


Sept 27. Henning, TN. United Methodist Church sponsoring racial reconciliation conference at Alex Haley museum and Interpretive center in Henning TN on last Sunday of September starting at 3 pm.  http://www.memphis-umc.net/
About one hour north of Memphis, north of Covington.

Sept 27, Sunday, St John's Episcopal Church. SERVANT MINISTRY SAVE THE DATE
Aspire Hanley School Faculty and Staff and Memphis Teacher Residency Faculty
Will Be Joining Us for Our Annual Jazz Brunch
When: Sunday, September 27th     Time: After 10:30am Service     Where: Parish Life Center \



Sept 29 Tuesday  7 PM Free Chamber Concert, St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral + 700 Poplar Ave. + Memphis TN 38105
901.527.3361 + www.stmarysmemphis.org
Music at St. Mary's presents  3 Sonatas of J. S. Bach  for Harpsichord and Viola da Gamba  featuring Joanne Kong and Lisa Terry

Sept 30 - Habitat for Humanity Build. I know that Temple Israel has invited people to participate. Who else?

Sept 30 (Wednesday)
Islamic Association of Greater Memphis - Masjid Al-Noor & St. Luke United Methodist Church cordially invite you for their 5th Annual Joint Dinner on Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 @ 5:30PM. 
Click here to RSVP. Please RSVP by Sunday September 27th
Location: St. Luke Cafeteria (480 South Highland St Memphis, TN 38111)
* Parking is available at St. Luke Church
* Babysitting provided
For more information, please email: info@masjid-alnoor.org or call 901-432-0761

Sept 30, 7 PM. Temple Israel. Video Live from New York, 
Rabbi Harold Kushner, the author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People and 13 other landmark books, including a new title, Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life, is joined by Rabbi Rachel Cowan, author of Wise Aging, for an inspiring discussion, moderated by Rabbi Peter Rubinstein, about what it means to live a good life. Join these great thinkers as they discuss faith, wise aging, and other significant issues about which we should all be thinking.



Friday, August 28. The Benjamin Hooks Institute at U of Memphis
has the first events of the Hooks African American Male Initiative (HAAMI) program, a workshop to help university faculty and staff mentor Black males. The schedule of events is at
2015-2016-HAAMI.docx. I gather this is for prior-arranged participants but I would urge those interested to contact the Hooks Institute
(Tim Rose at 901.678.4654 , trose2@memphis.edu

August 29, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Numerous rituals associated with
"Upakarma is a Vedic ritual practiced by Hindus of the Brahmin caste. Upakarma is conducted once a year during the Dhanistha Nakshatra of the Hindu calendrical month Sravana, when Brahmins ritually change their upanayana thread accompanied by relevant Shrauta rituals, making sraddha offerings to the rishis, whom Hindus believe composed the Vedic hymns."


August 30, Sunday, 1 PM. Unity Church of Practical Christianity.Workshop: The Power of The 12 Powers - Applied.  $25
(following a potluck lunch)
9228 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018  •  office: 901-753-1463

August 30, about 11:45 AM. Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins,  Rector Sandy Webb will hold a lunch-and-learn about the recent Episcopal General Convention. https://www.facebook.com/events/922271227812059/

August 31 and Sept 7, Monday, 6 PM.  Shravan Somvar, Shiva Abhishekam

"Shravan month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The whole month is considered auspicious to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. Shiva Abhishekam is being performed with a variety of objects like flowers, curd, sugarcane juice, milk, coconut water, honey, belpatra, etc. This kind of Abhishekam gives prosperity, achievement of all desires, eliminates negative forces, getting rid away from negative karma and will give you the joy and success in life."

August 21, 2-4 PM. U of Memphis - the new Community Health Building: Ribbon Cutting, reception, refreshments.
The new home of the Loewenberg School of Nursing, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Autism Center, and Memphis Speech and Hearing Center!  Enter South Campus at the new Park and Goodlett Entrance.

August 22, 1-2 PM, Panel discussion: Climate Change and Our Health – What Memphians Need to Know, is being sponsored by Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, Mom’s Clean Air Force, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and the University of Memphis School of Public Health.
Location: University Center at the University of Memphis, on the third floor in the Fountain View Suite, UC-300.
NOTE Parking passes (bring your ticket inside with you) will be provided for convenient parking in the Zach Curlin Covered Parking Garage.

August 22, Community Dinner, Masjid As-Salaam (foot of Covington Pike.)  Dinner and program on Jordan. Jordanian Cuisine at 7 PM, then a talk about Jordan by Fayez Oqlah, long a mainstay of interfaith activities in Memphis. Discussion, questions and answers.

August 23, Sunday, 8:30 AM - 1 PM. Bloodmobile at Temple Israel.

August 23.  Episcopal Bishop Don Johnson will be at both morning services at Church of The Holy Communion (Episcopal, Walnut Grove between Perkins) 8 AM and 10:30; reception following the 10:30 AM service. Start of the new year! On August 30 at 10 AM there will be a  Ministries Open House,,  surveying ministry opportunities within the church.

August 24, Monday, 9:30 AM. Presbytery of the Mid-South, the regional Presbyterian (PC-USA) governong body, meets at Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church, a largely African-American church in Memphis.  Dr Heath Rada. Moderator of the 221st General Assembly (the national meeting of PC-USA) will be present.

August 25-27, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Pavithrotsavam Celebrations. 9:30 AM, 6:00 PM, some other times.
"Pavitrotsavam is an annual ritual to Lord Venkateshwara. Pavitrotsava is derived from the combination of two words Pavitra (holy) and utsava (festival).  The  main objective is to get rid of the evil that might have been caused due to omissions and commissions in the performance of various rituals throughout the year.The festival is also known as Dosha Nivaarana, Sarva Yajna Phalapradha (The One ritual that equals the holiness of rites all year long), Sarva Doshopasamana (Removal of all errors)."

August 26, 7 PM Wednesday. Jewish Community Center. Program sponsored by Facing History, Anti-Defamation League, local Jewish Histrorical Society, others.  Film "From Silence to Recognition".  The film concerns, for example, Jewish students being flunked out of major universities in the 1948-1961 period.  [When I entered graduate school at Princeton University, in 1964, I was strongly advised by university officials to keep my religious affiliation inconspicuous. I am assured that things have changed since.]
J-Ed Series with Dr. Perry Brickman

Join us at the Memphis Jewish Community Center on August 26, at 7 p.m. for a discussion with Dr. Perry Brickman about antisemitism on college campuses. This event is $5 for non JCC members; registration is required. Contact Amy Israel at aisrael@jccmemphis.org or 901-761-0801 for more information.


August 26 - 27. St John's Episcopal Church. "Learn about our ongoing community work"
 Three opportunities to participate.
    Wednesday Aug. 26 5:30-7pm w/ dinner, nursery, and childcare
    Thursday Aug. 27 12noon-1pm w/ lunch
    Thursday Aug. 27 5:30-6:30pm w/ hors d'oeuvres
Each offering meets in the Parish Hall at Saint John's. Guests are welcome--please RSVP for all attendees.
3245 CENTRAL AVENUE  |  MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38111   PHONE (901) 323-8597


July 2015:     
       Linda Marks of MIFA posted a photo from the Food Pantry at
Masjid Al-Mu'minun. I hope this link works:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207151319971052&set=a.1926897541829.2111469.1523897602&type=1
       The Episcopal Service Corps recruits young volunteers to work in nonprofit organizations, and they have some volunteers arriving.  They need some furniture donated to set up living space for them! The list is at
http://www.holycommunion.org/news/furniture-needed-for-episcopal-service-corps-house/
       Summer is a great time to visit the Art Museum of The University of Memphis (Communication and Fine Arts Building). 9 - 5 Monday to Saturday. Parking across Central Ave.  Parking meters available, or free in the non-metered spaces on Saturday. Closed July 3 and 4.  The exhibit "What I Kept", memorabilia of immigrant families, is on until July 15.



June 12  6 PM Fridays - music and prayer: Award-winning musician Rev. John Kilzer hosts The Way, a service of recovery, at 6 p.m. every Friday at St. John's United Methodist Church, 1207 Peabody Ave. The Way focuses on recovery, encouragement, and hope. Music is a key component of the service with many local musicians stopping by to perform. The service, which is a joint ministry of Methodist Healthcare, St. John's, and the Church Health Center, is free and open to the public. For more information, call 901-726-4104 or visit http://www.stjohnsmidtown.org.
 
June 18. First Day of Ramadan.  Among the special prayers,  Service will start at 10:00 pm at the Memphis Islamic Center and lasts for one hour fifteen minutes on week days and one hour thirty minutes on Fridays and Saturdays.
As observant Muslims fast (no eating or drinking) sunrise to sunset for the month of Ramadan. most or all of the mosques in the city have a brief service at sunset followed by refreshments - ranging from a snack to a full dinner. Guests are welcome, it is a nice chance to chat with the local Muslims if you'd like to meet them.

July 4. Fundraiser for the construction fund, the new part of the Memphis Islamic Center. 7:45-10 pm!
Woodland Hills Club   10000 Woodland Hills Drive Cordova, TN 38018.   Art Auction.
For more information contact info@memphisislamiccenter.org or (901) 231-9340.

July 4, 6 PM. Special prayers at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple (Ganesha Abhishekam and Pooja))

July 5-12-19 etc. Summer Music Series At Mullins United Methodist Church (Walnut Grove at Mendenhall.)
See the Concert Listing page.

July 7, 6:30 PM Pot luck supper, Catholic Gays and Lesbians (and people who'd enjoy meeting them or joining their discussions.)   Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central.   Join us for a discussion on the recent blockbuster "The Imitation Game."  Plot Summary. "Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch). The film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.​ Turing and team finally succeed and become heroes, but in 1952, the quiet genius encounters disgrace when authorities reveal he is gay and send him to prison." Be sure to watch the movie on Amazon, Netflicks or at Redbox ahead of time so you can give your input and perspective on this true story of a great hero. 

July 7 - The Church Health Center offers Commit to Quit smoking cessation groups each month. Four-week group sessions start the first Tuesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. Commit to Quit is free for Church Health Center Wellness members and $40 for the community. Call 901-701-2222 to enroll. 


July 8 and second Wednesdays until May, 10- 10:45.  MIFA (Metropolitan Interfaith Association): Personal Finance
I'm impressed by the variety of topics to be covered in this. Look at http://www.mifa.org/assets/2161/cadence_classes.pdf
"Beginning June 10, Cadence Bank will offer a series of FREE informative classes on a range of important financial topics here at MIFA. Classes will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and light refreshments will be provided.
Click http://www.mifa.org/assets/2161/cadence_classes.pdf for more information and a full listing of dates and topics.
"

July 11 - Saturday 9:30-11:30. Zumbathon. Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins - in the Gym.
$5 minimum donation at the door; $20 for vendors to set up a table; all proceeds go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in honor of Adam's Army. Be sure to wear orange! Adam Cruthirds was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July 2014 and requires chemo treatments until January 2017. Adam has made a goal of raising $100,000 for the place that saved his life, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Join Adam's Army for this fitness event!

July 12. Unity Church of Practical Christianity welcomes new pair of interim ministers, the Revs. Drs. Jim and Stormie Steele. The couple's website is http://stormiesteele.com/our-people/


July 12 and August 16 - Picnic.  Sunday after 10:30 AM Service- Holy Communion Church, Walnut Grove between Perkins, has food trucks come and invites people to bring blankets or lawn chairs and picnic on the grass.  The schedule of interesting summer events at Holy Communion (Episcopal) is at
http://www.holycommunion.org/sites/259/uploaded/files/Summertime_at_Holy_Communion.pdf

July 12-17,   Icon Workshop, Holy Communion Church (Walnut Grove between Perkins)
 led by Balpha Noojin.  This year’s icon: “Our Lady of Tenderness.” RSVP: 901-767-6987
   When last heard from, this still had openings, but it is apparently intended for pretty serious artists - the cost is $475.

July 13 - Liturgical Dance Workshop. The Church Health Center Wellness will host a Liturgical Dance Workshop from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 13 at 1115 Union Ave. This workshop-style class focuses on dance as worship and is designed for ages 12 to adult. No dance experience is required. Cost is $5 for the community and free for Church Health Center Wellness members. Please contact Kristina Hall at hallkr@churchhealthcenter.org or 901-701-2241 to reserve your spot. 

July 13, 9:50 PM (after dark due to Ramadan!) Annual Fund-Raiser for Masjid As-Salaam. Video at
http://memphismuslims.org/msm-lailat-ul-qadr-annual-fundraiser/
There will be another program and Community updae at Masjid Ar_Rahman, same tiem.
 During the last 10 nights of Ramadan there are special prayers starting at 2:45 AM at Masjid Ar-Rahman, probably also at the other mosques?

July 14 - RSVP date for Christ United Methodist Church Senior Field Trip on July 20.
Senior Adult Field Trip to Clarksdale, MS   Monday, July 20
Join us for a Delta Day Trip. Bus leaves CUMC at 8:45 a.m. and returns by 3:30 p.m. RSVP to Ashley Parks, 261-2153, by July 14.

July 14. 6PM Prayers at Indian Cultural Center and Temple - Masa Siva Ratri - Shiva Abhishekam

July 14. Pax Christi (Roman Catholic peace group) meets at the Friends' Meeting House, Walnut Grove and Prescott.
Discussion of the Pope's resent encyclical on the environment.  They will use the 12-page summary found at
http://www.news.va/en/news/overview-of-the-encyclical-laudato-si
but if you really are interested in the whole document  (192 pp) it is at
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
(which has multiple languages and pointers to other encyclicals and papal documents - an interesting web site!)
The poster for this meeting is at 7_4_2015.png

July 15, 6:30 pm.  Bingo and Ice Cream (kids program) Calvary Episcopal Church, downtown. $5 adults, $3 kids.
In the newsletter at http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=5472ab64f8f0fa71714dbebcb&id=8a20206251&e=2f75c3ec8d

July 21. (Third Tuesdays) 6:30 PM -  Writer's Group at Holy Communion Episcopal Church.  I really enjoy attending this and recommend it highly. Anyone is invited; if you wish bring a bit of writing to read (maximum six minutes). The monthly topic changes. I'll try to get a list to put here.   I gather there is also a poetry group, first Tuesdays at 11 am.  http://www.holycommunion.org/events    The topic for June 15: Walking in Memphis - Found texts.
July 21: Being Southern  August 18: Summertime.  contact cmodisett@holycommunion.org


July 23 (Tentative) 6-8 PM, Hooks Library - Candidates Forum to discuss environmental issues
. Sierra Club.

July 30  Kosher Chinese Dinner at the  Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab  36 Bazeberry Road Cordova, TN 38018. $25.
("Nosh-er-i Deli" TheNoshMemphis.com, which they don't updaret often enough)

August 8  monthly Restoration of felony rights legal clinic, 10am -12 noon, EVERY second Saturday of EVERY month at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar. <map>    Please bring any and all paperwork you have available.

Sponsored by the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, JustCity, Memphis Area Legal Services, and the Memphis Bar Foundation.



On August 16th at 3:30 pm Viswayogi Foundation and Unity Church of Practical Christianity (UCPC) are hosting an Interfaith program "Save Mother Earth and Save the Child!" and our community service project will be with Project Night Night, a not for profit organization helping homeless children have sweeter dreams.    If you've not met Sri Viswamjee, or even iof you have, it is an interesting experience, and these events get an unusually broad interfaith turnout.  ... "Now for our last invitation; we are asking you and your community to participate in Project Night Night if possible by bringing to the event new or gently used stuffed animals, children's books and/or security blankets. We will be providing new Project Night Night canvas tote bags for the items to be placed in and donated to the Memphis Salvation Army Women and Children Homeless Shelter. Our goal is to fill 100 bags and with your support we can."   Poster at Aug16_2015.JPG

August 19 - fundraising dinner and SPEAKER to help Haiti.  (Episcopal Diocese) 
Diocesan Haiti Mission Fundraising Dinner
The West Tennessee Haiti Partnership announces an upcoming Diocesan-wide event on Wednesday, August 19 at Church of the Holy Communion Cheney Hall. They will host Father Leon Sadoni with St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, who will share wonderful stories and photos of the school and children they serve.  This fundraising dinner will begin with a wine reception and include plenty of Haiti souvenirs and information for getting involved in this important ministry.  All ages welcome. More info soon, plus recent trips and details about the WTHP at http://wtnhaitipartnership.org. The WTHP works to support and strengthen St. Vincent's School in Haiti through direct medical mission work. Learn more about the companion Diocese of West Tennesse and Haiti online.

June 8 -13, Prizm Chamber Music Festival
at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, http://prizmensemble.com
Tickets $10 - $5. Five Concerts. Performers from around the world; five concerts;  workshop classes, experiences, performances by and for local children 12 and older with a minimum of two years experience on their instrument. See the web site for details.
June 8, at 7:00pm at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church.Concert  featuring Terrence Wilson (piano), Anna Pennington (oboe), Alice K. Dade (flute), Weston Sprott (trombone), Paul Roby (violin), Gareth Lubbe (viola), Iren Zombor (cello), Carina Washington (clarinet) and Lecolion Washington (bassoon).
Pieces include Andre Previn's Trio for Obe, Bassoon and Piano, Raymond Premru's Concertino, and Robert Schumann's Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major, op. 47
followed by:
Only the Wind Thursday, June 11, 7:00pm
The More the Merrier  Friday, June 12, 7:00pm
Music for Dummies Saturday, June 13, 1:00pm
Want to Tango? Saturday, June 14, 7:00pm

June 9, Pax Christi (Roman Catholic Peace Group) meets at 6:30 PM
at the Quaker Meeting House, 3387 Walnut Grove.
'Please join us at our next Pax Christi meeting this Tuesday, 6/9, 6:30 social time, 7pm start. Our special guest will be Erica Thomas with a presentation titled "Revenue Shortfalls and the Unspoken Consequences of Tennessee's Fiscal Decisions". We hope to see you there! '

June 10 Wed,  6:45pm.  Temple Israel-  Video discussion of Israeli Politics. Following Israel’s recent elections, Live from NY's 92nd Street Y brings together leading thinkers representing a spectrum of views. Ari Shavit, Israeli columnist and author of the highly acclaimed New York Times bestseller My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel, and Peter Beinart, Abraham H. Foxman, and Dan Senor will discuss the challenges facing the Jewish and wider world today regarding Israel and its future.  http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/92nd Y_10 June 2015_Shavit.pdf

June 10. 17, 24, July 1 - Wednesdays, 6:30 PM. Film and discussion at the Unity Church of Practical Christianity.
Picnic tables for bring-your-own supper 5 - 6:15 PM (optional.)   9228 Walnut Grove, Cordova.
  http://www.unitychurchofpracticalchristianity.org/whats-happening/unity-midweek-film-festival
Wednesday, June 10th "What on Earth? Inside the crop circle mystery"
Wednesday, June 17th "Thomas Berry - The Great Story"
Wednesday, June 24th "The Shaman's Apprentice"
    The search for knowledge in the Amazon Rain Forest.
Wednesday, July 1st "The Primacy of Consciousness"
     Lecture by Physicist Peter Russell

June 10 and second Wednesdays until May, 10- 10:45.  MIFA (Metropolitan Interfaith Association): Personal Finance
I'm impressed by the variety of topics to be covered in this. Look at http://www.mifa.org/assets/2161/cadence_classes.pdf
"Beginning June 10, Cadence Bank will offer a series of FREE informative classes on a range of important financial topics here at MIFA. Classes will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and light refreshments will be provided.
Click http://www.mifa.org/assets/2161/cadence_classes.pdf for more information and a full listing of dates and topics."

June 13 Saturday 9 PM - Temple Israel. Meet two new senior staff members.  Enjoy desserts and Havdalah with Temple's own Abbie and Rabbi Feivel Strauss. http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Havdalah and Dessert.jpg


June 15. (Third Tuesdays) 6:30 PM -  Writer's Group at Holy Communion Episcopal Church.  I really enjoy attending this and recommend it highly. Anyone is invited; if you wish bring a bit of writing to read (maximum six minutes). The monthly topic changes. I'll try to get a list to put here.   I gather there is also a poetry group, first Tuesdays at 11 am.  http://www.holycommunion.org/events    The topic for June 15: Walking in Memphis - Found texts.
July 21: Being Southern  August 18: Summertime.  contact cmodisett@holycommunion.org

June 16, July 19. Theology by the River. Discussion Group at Paulette's Restaurant, Father Sandy Webb of Holy Communion Church. Cost is $36, including everything except wine. Space is limited, so call the church to make a reservation, 901-767-6987.

June 16 - Dinner and lecture sponsored by the Turkish community ("Atlantic Institute")  "Understanding Ramadan and Fasting". talk by
Imam Anwar Arafat of  Masjid Ar Rahman (Memphis)   Diner and reception 6:30 PM, talk and Q&A at 7:15 PM
At Homewood Suites By Hilton, (Next to Marriott Hotel East), 5811 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119
Free but please RSVP so they can plan - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dinner-lecture-understanding-ramadan-and-fasting-tickets-17264324058
The Atlantic Institute | 901-2138242| memphis@turkishhouse.org | Website

June 17, Wednesday, 7 PM. Jewish Community Partners - Joint meeting of Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation (major Jewish charitable groups in Memphis) at the Memphis Jewish Community Center. "Leading our Jewish Future."  More details.


June 19, Friday. 4-8 PM Celebrate Juneteenth
Workers Interfaith Network is having a Barbeque
When: Friday, June 19 at from 4-8 pm
Where: East Parkway Pavillion in Overton Park, 389 E. Parkway N.
They provide barbeque, bring a side dish to share.
"Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1865, two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, when news that all slaves were free reached the western-most U.S. territories. We will honor this day to further cultivate our efforts towards justice, liberation and democracy."

June 20. Volunteer to help build a playground. Operation Crosstown, an initiative of the Church Health Center, invites volunteers to activate the Crosstown Fitness Park at N. Cleveland & Overton Park Ave. by constructing and installing games and fitness equipment as well as to help our muralist paint the mural at Midtown Crossing Grille (394 N. Watkins). This community event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. All ages welcomed. Please contact Dylan Sandifer at 901-701-2150 with any questions. Followed on June27: Crosstown Block Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday,
June 27
at the corner of N. Cleveland St. and Overton Park Ave. The Midtown Crossing Grill Mural will be dedicated and the Crosstown Fitness Park activated. Come out for food, games, music, art, and fitness! Please contact Dylan Sandifer at 901-701-2150 with any questions.

June 20  12:30 PM - Honorary Street Naming.  HAve you ever been a puzzled as I have by the "honorary street names" here and there around town? Here's a rare chance to watch it happen. All are invited to gather at   St Mary's Cathedral (Episcopal), 700 Poplar (which has a nice parking lot) as part of Poplar is named to honor  Georgia King, "Mother" King.  https://www.facebook.com/events/474135172746277/
1:00PM CEREMONY NEAR ORLEANS AND POPLAR BY MORRIS PARK (Across from church)

June 20, 2 pm ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING of the Indian Cultural Center and Temple.

June 21, Summer Solstice Party at Unity Church of Practical Christianity. 8 PM.

http://www.unitychurchofpracticalchristianity.org/whats-happening

Sunday June 21st, 2015 at 6 PM  the 9th Annual Interfaith Iftar dinner. one of the city's premier interfaith events.

The speakers this year will be Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi, Dr. G. Scott Morris and Rabbi Ilan Glazer.

Please register online at Registration

If you have any questions please call (901) 878-2047 and leave a voicemail with your name and contact information.

As in previous years, The Memphis Interfaith Dinner continues to be a free event but all attendees must have their tickets for attendance. Once all required information is received, tickets, if available, will be emailed to you and your guests.

This year's theme is based on health and is titled "Purifying the Body and Soul".  We will continue to focus our efforts to benefit The Mid-South Food Bank and the Metropolitan InterFaith Association (MIFA). Please consider bringing in donations for these charities in the form of canned goods or financial contributions. There will be envelopes from each of these organizations at each table.  Please bring your check books.

For more information on this event and other announcements, please visit www.memphisinterfaith.org. We look forward to seeing you and your guests this year.




The Annual visit of The Israeli Scouts (Boy and Girl Scouts) will be this week - usually theer are multiple events. They will perform at the Memphis Jewish Community Center on June24.

June 23-25. Facing History Seminar for Teachers: Teaching "To Kill a Mockingbird."
  Info and registration at
https://www.facinghistory.org/events/s2015mem1-new-approach-teaching-kill-mockingbird
This is one of several such events for teachers this summer.  I urge teachers to get on Facing History's e-mail list.
http://info.facinghistory.org/mem-meet-the-winners-and-learn-with-us-this-summer
Other events this summer are listed at
https://www.facinghistory.org/get-to-know-us/calendar?field_event_region_value=Tennessee

June 24 and Wednesdays to October 28 - Farmers Market at the Memphis Botanic Garden.  2-6 PM

June 27, Saturday. 3rd Annual Healthy Memphis 5K run, 1 mile walk.  8 AM Health fair, kid's stuff, etc.
http://healthyshelby5k.racesonline.com/

June 28. Potluck Cookout after the Sunday service,
Unity Church of Practical Christianity,
http://www.unitychurchofpracticalchristianity.org/whats-happening

May 27 to 31. Celebrations of the anniversary of the Memphis Temple of the Indian Cultural Center and Temple.
Ceremonies May 29, 9 am and 6 pm; May 30 7 am, 8 am, noon; May 31 7 am and 11 am.

June 1
6:30 PM Indian Cultural Center and Temple    Sri Chakra Navavarna Archana
 
May 28 - June 1 Five-day retreat, celebrating Buddha's Birthday, at the  Quan Am Monastery, 3500 S. Goodlett Street, Memphis, TN.  Led by visiting monk Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche,  a Tibetan Buddhist Master, Poet, Artist and Author. Full day program Saturday.
Suggested donation $20 other days, $40 Saturday. Scholarships available.
 Thursday, May 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Chenrezig (Compassion) Empowerment
Friday, May 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Chenrezig (Compassion) Teaching and Meditation
Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Day Retreat” featuring Medicine Buddha Empowerment with Medicine Buddha
Teaching and Meditation (Heal Body & Mind. Awaken your inner healing wisdom.)
Sunday, May 31 from 10 to 11 a.m.
The Nature of Mind (Learn about the continuity of “Consciousness.”)
Sunday, May 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony in the Temple. All are invited to participate.
Everyone is welcome.
Sunday, May 31 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Veggie Lunch and Food Fair Fundraiser to benefit Monastery. Kid friendly. Bring Family.
Sunday, May 31 from 2 to 3 p.m.
“Taking Refuge” Ceremony to “Become Buddhist,” for those who desire to do so.
Monday, June 1 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Four Noble Truths (Basics of Buddhism)




May 30, noon - 5 PM.  Graduation Picnic at the Memphis Islamic Center.
Food bazaar, tour of building construction, kid's games including Pinewood Derby. Info 
info@memphisislamiccenter.org or call (901) 231-9340. (Postponed due to weather, will be re-announced)
(was held on June 6)


Tuesday June 2, 7 PM. Choice of three movies at Temple Israel. 
http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Movie Cineplex June 2015.pdf

June 2, 6:30 PM  Pot luck supper, Catholic Gays and Lesbians (and people who'd enjoy meeting them or joining their discussions.)
 Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central. "We are honored to have as our guest speaker, Rev. Lisa Anderson, pastor of Colonial Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Memphis and leader of the General Assembly of Cumberland Presbyterian Church which has over 75,000 members.  She will be speaking about Room in the Inn, an ecumenical program of outreach to the homeless in our community for which she serves as acting director in Memphis.   Room in the Inn offers hospitality and shelter to those who have no other options from November thru March.  The church hosting offers two meals (dinner and breakfast) fellowship and a safe warm place to sleep on the night they host.  Several churches in Memphis have been participating in this ministry and IC is evaluating the possibility of becoming a host location this fall.  Our ministry hopes to learn how we can assist in this venture and show our hospitality in welcoming those in need to IC.  ​This is an ideal opportunity to come together and give a friendly smile and kindness to the homeless."


June 3.
Wednesday 7 PM.  Concert:  The acclaimed and beloved ragtime pianist Bob Milne will return to Neshoba . Childcare will be provided for children 7 and younger; older children will probably enjoy the concert.  ...Neshoba Church  (Unitarian-Universalist) 7350 Raleigh-Lagrange Rd. / Cordova, TN 38018 / P: 901-266-2626


June 5, Concert, 7:30 PM  St. John's Episcopal Church, 
- Masterworks Recital: A spectacular evening of Handel, Mendelssohn, and classic Jazz tunes3245 Central Ave.  The Memphis BoyChoir, GirlChoir, and Chamber Choir will perform their annual spring recital with members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

June 7, Israel festival. 

8th Annual Memphis Israel Festival
Date: Sunday, June 7th @ 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Audubon Park
Enjoy a FREE fun-filled, family friendly day at Memphis Friends of Israel's Annual Israel Festival. More details.





May 2. Saturday  2-5 PM.  Memphis Inter-Religious Group Party / Open House at the Ordmans


May 9,  Saturday, 8 am. Bluff City 10K. A run through Overton Square and a kids' dash/run to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.
http://bluffcity10K.racesonline.com  or Shanda Wicker at 901-322-5504 for information.

May 9, 5:30 - 8:30 PM, Crawfish Frenzy at St. John's Episcopal Church. 
3245 CENTRAL AVENUE  
PHONE (901) 323-8597

May 9, Lecture at Masjid As_Salaam, Caring for your Heart. 
Dr Alim Khandakar, physician )and long-time interfaith activist). A short prayer of about 10 minutes, guests welcome or may stay out of the prayer room if they choose, then about an hour of medical talk and questions, snacks will be served.  If others are sitting on the floor, feel free to ask for a folding chair if you prefer.  Mosque is at Stratford Road, just south of McCrory (the foot of Covinton Pike.)  A great chance to see the mosque and meet local Muslims while talking a subject of no theological problems to anyone.

May 10, MOTHERS DAY.
Among other events, there will be a Community Art Gallery opening reception at 11:30 AM at the Unity Church of Practical Christianity, 9228 Walnut Grove Rd  Cordova, Tennessee 38018  901-753-1463  

May 12, 11:30-1:30  Common Table Health Alliance. Annual Meeting. $75.
Chris Owens    Common Table Health Alliance      901-684-6011 ext. 211     chris.owens@commontablehealth.org
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=4e29c28e-5d20-436e-a887-d6fbecdd4265&c=b783dfb0-1f4e-11e3-9f9a-d4ae52a6892e&ch=b7d90490-1f4e-11e3-9fe9-d4ae52a6892e

May 12, 6:30 PM. Pax Christi, the Roman Catholic Peace Group. 
Next gathering – May 12 at 6:30 PM, 3387 Walnut Grove, Friends Meeting House
http://www.paxchristimemphis.org/


May 13. Want a trip to "The Holy Land?" 
I know that quite a few synagogues and churches organize tours from time to time.  Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal) announces "Jerusalem in 2016
The Reverend Sandy Webb will lead an information session on Holy Communion's trip to the Holy Land in 2016. Anyone interested in the trip is welcome to attend, with no obligation to commit. Meeting May 13.
901-767-6987
http://www.holycommunion.org


Friday, May 15. Monthly program at Masjid As-Salaam.  Brief prayers about 8 PM, then a lecture on "The History of the Conquest of Spain." 
Refreshments - often these monthly meetings amount to a nice dinner. These lectures are doing histories of the countries in which our Muslim immigrants in the United States have their roots.  A chance for a Muslim point of view when we've seen the history from another way. Note that I have available for loan a Muslim-produced movie, "Cities of Light", about Muslim Spain.

May 16.  5 PM. Siva Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam, Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads.

May 16, 6 PM  "Good News Missionary Open House", Gateway Baptist Church, 4070 Macon Rd. Probably a "revival" type even, intended to convert?, which I don't usually list, but the presence of young people (missionaries to the US) from Soth Korea and Thailand, performances by them, and exotic food, make this tempting!

May 17.  "Jerusalem Day" Picnic and Concert at Anshei Sphard - Beth El Emeth Congregation (ASBEE, East Yates north of Walnut Grove. 4:30 PM - a talk on "Israel's Unique Contribution to the National Security and Economy."  Since the event celebrates the 48th anniversary of the Israeli conquest of East Jerusalem, some of this may not be to everyone's taste. But you can hear that point of view if you like, or come at 5 PM for the picnic. Bring you own (kosher) picnic or purchase a kosher dinner on the site ($10 or less).  Children's games. Outdoors if weather allows, otherwise indoors. What excites me is the CONCERT AT 6 PM - The Four Cantors, piano and other music featuring Steve Katz, children's choirs, etc. These concerts organized by Steve Katz (retired music professor at State Tech) are always remarkable. 

May 17 -  10 AM Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Picnic at the Ornamental Metal Museum (held at Calvary Church downtown in the event of rain - check the church Facebook page Sunday morning.)
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5472ab64f8f0fa71714dbebcb&id=59eb3a3709&e=2f75c3ec8d


Tuesday May 19 6:30 PM (Third Tuesdays) -  Writer's Group at Holy Communion Episcopal Church. Two months ago I really enjoyed attending this and recommend it highly. Anyone is invited; if you wish bring a bit of writing to read (maximum six minutes). The monthly topic changes - see the church newsletter, I'll try to get a list to put here.   I gather there is also a poetry group, first Tuesdays at 11 am.  http://www.holycommunion.org/events/words3-spirit-and-soul/  

May 23 - Immigrants Rights Project Workshop - for this and several other events of interest, see the Mid-South Peace and Justive Newsletter at http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=a7cd8088-e24b-49a5-bdb4-465c219e9e73&c=173feb40-28c9-11e4-a118-d4ae528eaba9&ch=193cf3c0-28c9-11e4-a16e-d4ae528eaba9

May 24 - Pentecost, the "fifty days" after Easter, in the (Western) Christian calendar. Shavuot,
the "Feast of Weeks", seven weeks after Passover in the Jewish Calendar, is from Sunset May 23 to sunset May 25 - in other words, this is one of the years they coincide.  Special services at most churches and all synagogues. In the Jewish Calendar, it celebrates the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai.  In the Christian tradition, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples of Jesus when they gathered for this Jewish holiday.

May 28 Thursday 5-6:30 PM.  Princeton Prize in Race Relations. Ceremony at Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, 1900 Union Avenue. Awards to four local high school students for contributions to race relations.
RSVP to Angela Richards at The Community Foundation at angela.richards@cfgm.org or 722-0019 by May 26, 2015

May 30, 10:30 AM.  Ordination of several deacons at St. Mary's Cathedral (Episcopal), 700 Poplar.
Among them is Andrew Moore of Calvary Episcopal Church.


May 30, 7 PM. Community dinner at Masjid As-Salaam (foot of Covington Pike). Free dinner and lecture about Bangla Desh.

May 30, Saturday, 1:30 - 10 PM. Casting call
for performers and crew for a Muslim Comedy Video. "A comedy Web Series".
Masjid Ar-Rahman, 7906 Lowrance Rd.  Info 801-839-5117. Variety of ages, sexes, ethnicities are needed.

May 30 - June . Estate Sale
prmoted by the Unity Church of Practical Christianity.  detail at
https://www.facebook.com/UnityChurchofPracticalChristianity/photos/pcb.963975103635032/963973886968487/?type=1&theater

May 31, Sunday, 2 PM. Lecture, Kreplach and Dim Sum: The Jews of China. Annual meeting of the Jewish Historical Society of the Mid-South, at the Jewish Community Center. Free, open to all.   While I think this will be a broad survey of ancient and modern Jews in China, I have a special interest in two periods: The Jews of Kaifeng, from the 900's to the 1900's,  a topic I have written about at      http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0522/p22s02-hfes.html,
and the Shanghai ghetto of the Second World War, possibly the last place that would admit Jews fleeing Europe, where several of my close friends spent the war.





April 18-26. Faith in Action Memphis Cleanup.  Volunteer  - or better, get your group to volunteer!
http://www.faithinactionmemphis.com/
 
April 22, 7 PM. Israeli Independence Day celebration, at ASBEE (Anshei Sfard- Beth El Emeth Synagogue).

April 23 Thursday, 7 PM. Rhodes College, Lecture.  John Guillory (NYU): "Monuments and Documents: On the Object of Study in the Humanities"
( Blount, ask directions at the entry gate to campus, University Avenue.)

April 25, 7 PM, Prizm Ensemble Concert, "Quilt Magic" at St. George's Episcopal Church, 2425 S. Germantown Rd, 38138, Free admission, donations accepted. Concert in connection with the Memphis Cotton Patchers Quilt Guild. http://prizmensemble.com

April 26, 6:45 PM. Dinner & lecture "Compassion in the Muslim Society" by Sh. Mohammed Elkadi and Imam Anwar Arafat  at Masjid Al-Noor, (3529 Mynders Ave, Memphis TN 38111). Free, open to all.   If you have not visited the mosque adjacent to the U of M campus, this is a good chance to do so. This mosque uses the parkin g lot oif the adjacent St. Lukes Methodist Church and has joint events with them (e.g. Thanksgiving dinners.)
 
April 27. Naturalization ceremonies at the Cannon Center. ""Once again, the United States District Court and in cooperation with the Memphis Bar Association will conduct the Law Week Naturalization Ceremony on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.  Several hundred people are expected to become naturalized at this event.  Local school students will be among the audience.  Also the program includes the Memphis Police Department Color Guard,  Memphis Peacemakers and Elected Officials.   
...we look forward to seeing you and the members of the League of Women Voters.  As usual, a table will be reserved in the foyer for registration. " 


April 29. - Moved to April 30 (Thursday)  I note this with some hesitation, as it is definitely not an "interfaith" event. But some readers will want to know about it, and others might want to attend just to see what some people are saying and thinking. AIPAC (The American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee, a strongly  pro-Israeli government lobbying group that supports US military aid to Israel,) will have a program at 7 PM at Baron Hirsch Congregation, 400 South Yates Rd. Free (there is an expensive fundraiser earlier in the day) but registration required at
www.aipac.org/BaronHirsch2015.

April 29 to May 3, Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads. Satarudreeya  Maha Yagham

"There will be Vedic chants by 130 priests starting at 7am daily followed by the fire ceremony. Then a discourse in English and vegetarian lunch daily. It's repeated in the afternoon from 4 to 7pm followed by discourse and dinner. There will be a classical dance ballet on Wednesday 7 pm. "

May 1, Friday. 5:30-7:30. Workers Interfaith Network, May Day Party
(International Labor Day), Reopening of the Worker Center at 1000 S. Cooper. Food and drink on the north deck. Bring a side or dessert to share.  Facebook "winmemphis"

May 2. Saturday  2-5 PM.  Memphis Inter-Religious Group Party / Open House at the Ordmans.

Come meet other readers of this website / newsletter, members of other religions, other interesting people.
The occasion, by the way, is Eunice Ordman's 91st birthday.   RSVP appreciated at  edward@ordman.net to give us a rough notion of numbers.
Directions at http://ordman.net/MapToOrdmans.html

May 3-5, Festival of the Sacred Arts, Church of the Holy Communion,
4645 Walnut Grove (Between Perkins).  Strands on Visual Arts, Writing, Music. Guest Artists Suan Palo Cherwien, Bill Roberts, Mel Ahlborn. 
First info at http://www.holycommunion.org/news/alleluia-be-our-measure-sacred-arts-festival-planned-for-may-2015/
A flier with details, schedule, registration, is now available from the church. 767-6987.

April 1 - 5:
The week before Easter is "Holy Week" on many Christian calendars.
To give one example, St. John's Episcopal Church, 3245 Central, will have services
Weds April 1, and Thurs April 2, at 7 PM; Friday at 8:30 am and 12:10 PM,  and
Sunday (Easter)    
    5:30am Easter Vigil Sunrise Service
    7:00am Light Breakfast
    8:30am Festival Eucharist Rite II, with music, childcare available
    9:30am Easter Egg Hunt
    10:30am Festival Eucharist Rite II, with music, childcare available
    5:30pm Holy Eucharist Rite II
Calvary Episcopal downtown:  Labyrinth open 8:30-4:30, Monday to Friday.
    March 27, 10AM: procession to City Hall with pipes and drums.
     Weds 7 PM Stations of the Cross; Thurs 7 pm; Friday 12 and 7 PM;
      Saturday 7 PM with Paschal Party; Sunday 7:30, 9, 11 AM
Holy Communion Episcopal (Walnut Grove) Easter Egg hunt will be April 3 10:15 am
       - bring a basket and a dozen candy or prize-filled eggs, The rest of their schedule is at
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=4f266468-5a98-41e2-9290-21a842decd9a&c=f9c0c330-deb6-11e2-8ecf-d4ae5292c973&ch=f9c35b40-deb6-11e2-8ecf-d4ae5292c973

April 1-2-3-4 at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple:
    
Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam (For Stapana Vigraha) daily at 9 am,
      
Teppotsavam (Sri Venkateswara Swamy Nauka Viharam) at 6 PM April 3.
      On April 4: 10:30 a.m. - Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam,  11:00 a.m. - Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam    
       The  Temple opens late (10:30 AM) on April 4 due to the lunar eclipse.


April 3rd (Friday)  is the start of the Jewish holiday of Passover as well as Good Friday for Christians.
There will be multiple celebrations of both (and of Easter on Sunday) and I can only list a small sample.  I can't resist noting that I like to speak on the Intertestamental Period (what happened between the end of teh Old and the start of the New Testament?  Between Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar?   Why were Roman Soldiers in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus and why were the Temple Priests in cahoots with them?)

April 3, Friday, Noon. Good Friday "
Some of the members of Pax Christi Memphis will participate in the Way of the Cross in downtown Memphis with St. Patrick Church. We will visit the site of Dr. King's  assassination and the statue of the other king, Elvis, as well as march down Beale Street, stopping at a historical marker for Ida B. Wells (who crusaded against lynching). The time is April 3 at noon. (Fr. Bruce Nieli, Paulist, will accompany us with his guitar.)

April 3, Friday, Noon, The Seven Last Words on Social Justice
.  Seven outstanding local ministers at a program sponsored by our good friends at the Memphis School of Servant Leadership. Freedom's Chapel, 961 Getwell Rd.  Poster at http://memphisirg.org/4_3_2015SevenLastWords.jpg

www.servantleadership-memphis.org

April 3, 2 PM. University of Memphis, The Martin Luther King Civil Rights Award, University Center Room 300 (The River Room)

April 3, Friday, First Passover Seder.
A very traditional (orthodox)seder at 7 PM at Chabad. RSVP by March 27, only 100 seats, $40 adult, $18 child.
https://jewishmemphiscom.clhosting.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1478930/jewish/Seder-RSVP/lang/en


April 3, 8:45 PM,  Jehovah's Witnesses program.  I don't normally list "revivals" or events designed to convert or save people, but we see so few invitations from the Jehovah's Witnesses  that I'll mention this Good Friday service,  Berclair Congregation, Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 400 North Cleveland St, Memphis, TN 38104. 
http://JW.org

April 4th, 11:30 AM. Workers Interfaith Network.  (tentative) protest re unpaid wages.
"We are meeting at La Shish Café (4205 Hacks Cross Rd. Memphis, TN 38125) on Saturday, April 4th at 11:30 AM. If we receive payment from the owner before Saturday, we will cancel the event and notify everyone. While there, we will peacefully ask for the payment of the wages owed, and gather to highlight this unacceptable theft in our community. Wear a red t-shirt!https://www.facebook.com/winmemphis

April 5 (Easter Sunday).
In addition to some of the events mentioned above -
    The Unity Church of Practical Christianity 
will have a potluck supper and Easter Egg hunt at 11:30 AM, following their 10:30 AM service. At 6:30 PM they will show the R-rated movie, The Last Temptation of Christ,
1988 film adaptation of the 1953 novel by Nikops Kazantzakis.  9228 Walnut Grove Rd. Cordova
http://www.unitychurchofpracticalchristianity.org/whats-happening/2015-holy-week-activities


April 7, Tuesday, 6:30 PM. The Roman Catholic "Gay, Lesbian, etc." group has a monthly pot luck supper in Marian Hall, downstairs from the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central. "Campus Outreach- Updates from our local colleges in town regarding LGBT organizations".  All are welcome. If you  can't easily bring a dish to share, please come anyway, there is plenty of food.

April 7, Lecture, 7 PM
“The Industrial Giants of Modern Healthcare Whose Time is Past”, Christian Brothers University, University Theater. Dr. Jim Bailey is a local physician who teaches at the UT Med School and has recently written a novel "The End of Healing" viewed as critical of the US medical industry. A book review can be found at
http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/jim-bailey-signs-the-end-of-healing/Content?oid=3749264
and event info for CBU can be found at https://newsletter.cbu.edu/blog/2015/02/upcoming-events-40/


April 7 - volunteers needed for MIFA + 1.
On Tuesday, April 7, Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW), MIFA, and Channel 3 are putting on an all-day telethon to encourage people to donate to Plus-1, our program which provides utility assistance for individuals and families in financial crises. Details: http://www.mifa.org/telethon


Join Hands for Change Gala: Empowering ● Supporting ● Celebrating ● African American Men 

April 9, 2015, The Columns, One Commerce Square, Memphis, TN   .   Fundraiser

The Hooks Institute will honor inspiring and empowered African American men between the ages of 18 and 40 who have made significant contributions to communities in the Memphis and Mid-South area at our annual Gala.  The evening will unfold with reflections from honorees, entertainment, food, and dancing.
Please contact Tim Rose, Hooks programs manager, at 678-4654, for information on purchasing sponsorship packages or tables.
http://www.memphis.edu/benhooks/

April 8, and generally Wednesdays at 7:30 PM.  Yasir Qadhi lectures at the Memphis Islamic Center on the lives of the Companions of the Prophet.  
As always lectures will be broadcast LIVE online at http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org
For more information please call 901-231-9340 or email info@memphisislamiccenter.org

April 9-12. 
Together with the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, the Church Health Center will host the Westberg Symposium from April 9-12 at the Peabody Memphis Hotel, 149 Union Ave. Participants will build on current knowledge of Faith Community Nursing practice through opportunities to interact in panel discussions and information-sharing forums and by learning from many experts in pre-conferences, workshops, and poster sessions. To register, log on to http://churchhealthcenter.org/westberg2015.
Note:  We are very excited about the Parish Nurse Program. The idea is that a house of worship or other organization has available a nurse (this may be a retired nurse, for example) available to answer questions from members, or sometimes to visit them in their homes.  It is remarkably helpful to health to have a nurse available to listen to symptoms and say "wait a day" or "go to the emergency room now" or "call your doctor and say he needs to see you tomorrow because...". A few countries, and a few insurance companies, provide this service, but it is much less common in the US than it should be. If your organization is even potentially interested,   contact the Church Health Center!

April 10-11 The Annual Gandhi-King Conference. A Major Memphis annual Event!  http://www.gandhikingconference.org/
     You can indicate intention to come at https://www.facebook.com/events/1544602395806373/
    Speakers  on peace, civil rights, community service, interfaith, etc.  "
An annual two-day conference bringing together modern visionaries of nonviolence and social change with community leaders, activists, academics and organizers to train, learn, plan and organize to create a culture of liberation and justice for all. Our goal is to create a stimulating environment where scholars, activists, educators, practitioners, artists and students can build community and explore interconnections...."
   This meets this year at LeMoyne-Owen College.
    An e-mail with many more details is online at
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=ddfdb18a-27b4-4c56-9aa5-e15db09a8b16&c=173feb40-28c9-11e4-a118-d4ae528eaba9&ch=193cf3c0-28c9-11e4-a16e-d4ae528eaba9
Janice Vanderhaar writes

"I am particularly encouraging everyone to come hear an outstanding speaker Mary King at 5:30 on Friday evening."

April 10-May 10 
opening reception Friday April 10th: The Dual Show Experience featuring drawings and paintings by Carl Moore.  http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d4cb6f0b5e40e0a0ecdab7980&id=ed9ab66457&e=6d07ef5921

Masonic Temple, 825 Union Avenue.  http://masoniccontemporary.org/

April 11.
Walking as One, the Church Health Center’s annual community event celebrating wellness in action in Memphis! Walking as One will be held at 9 a.m. on April 11 at Church Health Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. Registration is free, but fundraising opportunities are available by calling 901-272-7170 or visiting WalkingasOne.org .  I understand that a donor has pledged $25 for each person walking. This is not a race.

Sunday, April 12th from 12:00-5:00pm at Hilton Memphis.  The 2nd Annual Multicultural Career Expo
Free.
A jobs fair that has made a major effort to reach out to various minorities. "Over 40 companies seeking out multicultural talent"

April 12, Sunday, 2:30 PM,  Jehovah's Witnesses program.  I don't normally list "revivals" or events designed to convert or save people, but we see so few invitations from the Jehovah's Witnesses  that I'll mention this lecture also.  "A Promise of Perfect Family Happiness."   Berclair Congregation, Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 4431 Tutweiler Ave., Memphis, TN 38122.   http://JW.org

April 12, 4:30 PM. A Grand Carnatic Music Concert, Indian Cultural Center and Temple,
Eads.
Dr. Subhashini Parthasarathy.
accompanied by Vidwan Prasad Mantraratnam on Violin & Memphis M. Lakshman on Mrudangam.  An outstanding chance to visit Memphis's beautiful Hindu Temple complex and hear some outstanding Indian music.  https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/concert_apr15
 
April 13, 2015. 7:30 PM Prizm Ensemble Concert. At Playhouse on the Square
, in connection with Opera Memphis' Spring Opera Festival. $20 / $10. Half price for alumni of the Prizm educational programs for young people and their families.  http://prizmensemble.com.

April 13, National Civil Rights Museum. Film and discussion. Free.  "Love and Solidarity", an excellent film about Rev James Lawson, who was a major figure in the garbage workers strike in Memphis (death of M L King, Jr) and later active in the labor movement in Los Angeles.
"Through interviews with Rev. James Lawson and his colleagues, “Love and Solidarity” sets the stage for the current fight against prejudice and violence, and championing for human rights, peace and economic justice."   The filmmaker did an outstanding presentation on this 38 minute film at the Gandhi-King Conference on April 11.  The film  is not yet readily available, but if you have a group that might enjoy seeing it we can put you in touch with the filmmaker.
National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry St. downtown.

April 14, Tuesday, Better Together Day.  The Interfaith Youth Core is asking everyone to make a special effort to interact with someone of another faith or background (they mention "atheists" as among the possibilities) on this day. Details at
http://view.email.ifyc.org/?j=fec315717c6d037c&m=fe9912727d66057d76&ls=fe5011747c6d0d7f751d&l=ff69107174&s=fe5e15787164047b701d&jb=ffcb10&ju=fe661570716605747215&r=0

April 14. Tamil New Year. Services at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple, 10 AM and 6 PM.

April 14. Pax Christi, the Roman Catholic Peace group.
"Our next meeting will be Tuesday, April 14 at the Memphis Friends Meeting, 3387 Walnut Grove. 6:30 social time, 7PM start. Please join us as we take time for prayerful discernment of the gifts of our members and where those talents can be used in the service of Pax Christi Memphis. We will also discuss the new mission statement for PC USA (Vision Statement at  http://paxchristiusa.org/about/our-vision/)."

April 15, Wednesday, 9 AM.  Protest by the Workers Interfaith Network.
  They are seeking higher pay for low-paid workers, asking for $15 an hour. The rally and march will be outside the University Center, U of Memphis. They are also organizing a trip to Ferguson, Missouri. http://april15.org/
https://www.facebook.com/winmemphis

April 15, 10-noon. PreCertification workshop for small business wanting City of Memphis contracts. Poster at
http://us9.campaign-archive2.com/?u=bfff04f1ac39df238dbaefae8&id=8f4187e815&e=fbe7bf3555

April 16, 7 PM, Vanderhaar Symposium.  Sister Simone Campbell, sss, will speak. University Theatre, Christian Brothers University. Executive Director of NETWORK, a Catholic Social Justice lobby in Washington.  Concern with peace-building, immigration reforem, healthcare, economic justice.  One of the major events of the year for the interfaith community. Lots more at  http://www.gvanderhaar.org
Poster at http://memphisirg.org/2015 VanderhaarH.jpg

April 16.  5:30-7:30 PM. $50 Fundraiser for the Hospitality Hub (resource center for the homeless) .
Wine Tasting at Jack Robinson Gallery, 44 Huling Ave. at South Front.


April 18 (corrected!)  Saturday, 7:30 PM  Balmoral Chamber Orchestra.  Goodbye Concert. Zachary McCoy, the organizer and conductor of this group, is graduating U of Memphis, hoping to go to Medical School elsewhere. Unless someone else of his energy appears, that will likely be the end of this concert series. Please come to congratulate and thank him!  Balmoral Presbyterian Church. An excellent all-volunteer orchestra, free. A basket available for contributions to a local charity.  This will be an exceptionally fine concert.

April 18, Saturday.  The first-ever Family Fun Day at Church Health Center Wellness,
1115 Union Ave., will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 18. Activities include family art, dance, nutrition, photo booth, food trucks, games, giveaways, live DJ & more! This event is free and open to the community. For more information, call 901-701-2239.

April 18,  7 PM - Community Dinner at Masjid As-Salaam, foot of Covington Pike.  Brief prayers about 7 PM, then a talk about the founding of the Memphis Muslim community organization, and then a dinner with international cuisine. Free. A wonderful chance to meet Muslim neighbors.

April 18-26. Faith in Action Memphis Cleanup.  Volunteer  - or better, get your group to volunteer!
http://www.faithinactionmemphis.com/

April 18, 4:30-7:00 PM.  The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) A program of the Muslim Student Association of the University of Memphis (Bluff Room, University Center.)  If you've never been to a Muslim event, this introduction on "neutral ground" is a wonderful p[lace to start. If you have more experience, meeting Muslim students  and seeing their point of view is also worthwhile!
Poster at http://memphisirg.org/2015_4_MSU_UofM.pdf


April 19, Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival (Benefits Porter-Leath) Fundraiser. Over 15,000 pounds of crawfish will invade Wagner Place and Riverside Drive between Union and Beale from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. along with the hottest live Zydeco and local bands!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1536845136590788/  

April 19, Sunday, Art Sale/Fundraiser, Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab. 2-5 PM.
"Home is where the art is"
36 Bazeberry Road, Cordova, TN 38018. Event is free.  Info jashner@memphisjewishhome.org   Wearable art and jewelry, international and local art foir sale and for donation.


February 15, Sunday, 2:30 PM.  Start of a 14-week program, "Essential Islam for Young Adults, 13 and over". Memphis Islamic Center.
For more information contact Br Malik Shaw: 731-644-1966 or email malikvshaw@yahoo.com

February 18, Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, the "forty days" leading up to Easter.
Traditionally a time of fasting or abstinence for Christians. Many churches will have special programs on Feb 18, and many have at least weekly speakers or other events during this period.  In Memphis, the most significant feature is the excellent speaker series at Calvary Episcopal Church downtown, speaker (free) between 12 at 12:45 PM, breakfast or lunch (charge) downstairs in the Waffle Shop, often with excellent informal discussions.


February 19 To March 27 - The Calvary Lenten Lecture Series. Tuesday through Friday, 12:05-12:40 pm  
The Waffle Shop is open 11 am - 1:30 pm
full list of speakers http://www.calvarymemphis.org/lentenpreaching
Its the last week of this. If you haven't managed yet this year, go now!
Micah Greenstein (Rabbi of Temple Israel) on March 24 and 25, and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM
Dr. Mitzi Minor (of Memphis Theological Seminary) March 26 and 27.
Both are outstanding and popular speakers!

March 1 and following: "My Episcopal Life"
is a class at Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove,
intended mainly for adults and teens seeking confirmation in the Episcopal Church but would be happy to have others come (an interest in comparing church polity, anyone?). Sunday, March 1; Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25, 6:30-7:45 p.m. in Cheney Parish Hall

Starting March 5 -
In collaboration and hosted by the Church Health Center (1115 Union Ave.), the Seafood Nutrition Partnership presents Eating Heart Healthy all March long on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. These seafood cooking classes are free and open to the public. Chefs include Ben Smith of Tsunami and Ayanna Johnson of Chef Du Jour, as well as Carolyn Nichols from the Church Health Center. For more information, call 901-259-4673.

Starting March 10, Tuesday evenings at Masjid Ar-Rahman, Imam Anwar Arafat is teaching a course "Quran word by word".  Imam Arafat is new to Memphis and a very clear and interesting teacher.  Open to ages 14 and up, either sex. Between Maghrib and Isha prayers, presently 7:15 and 8:45 PM.
7906 Lowrance Rd Memphis 38125.   For class material & for more information, please email: info@masjid-arrahman.org   http://masjid-arrahman.org/
Many Masjid Ar-Rahman events are now on YouTube.  Video recordings of Friday khutbahs (sermons), other main programs & events at Masjid Ar-Rahman are now posted and will be uploaded to Masjid Ar-Rahman YouTube channel on regular basis inshallah (God willing). To view/Subscribe, Click here

Wednesdays. 8 PM. The evening lectures on Muslim History  by Yasir Qadhi at the Memphis Islamic Center continue.
As always lectures will be broadcast LIVE online at http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org
For more information please call 901-231-9340 or email info@memphisislamiccenter.org
 
March 13-July 22.Museum Exhibit: What I kept. Art Museum of the University of Memphis.
International women from Memphis and Jackson, TN share stories of the objects they brought from countries of origin. Also, a film documentary. Communucation and Fine Arts building, 9 AM - 5 PM Mon-Saturday. Park at meters in the Central lot and visitors lot at Central; and Patterson or pay to park in the Garage on Deloach.

March 23, 7:30 PM. (Date Corrected!) Concert, Baron Hirsch Congregation. The Artists Ascending Series. The University of Memphis Orchestra. Conductor Pu-Qi Jiang. Cello soloist Weipeng Lin. Concert honoring Honey and Rudi Scheidt and Dr. Pu-Qi Jiang. Free.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015. 5:00 - 7:00 pm 
panel discussion "Brown, Garner and Martin: Police and Social Justice"
University of Memphis University Center Theatre (UC 145). Reception to immediately follow panel discussion

March 24, Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Interfaith Seder, Hillel of University of Memphis
. One of the major interfaith events for college students and their fans. This is a "demonstration" seder, as the real holiday starts April 3rd.  Students of all faiths are invited. Free but reserve by March 19.  The leaders this year will be the two rabbis of Beth Shalom Congregation, Mr. and Mrs. Ilan.  RSVP to 452-2453 or hillelofmemphis@bellsouth.net

March 24, 7PM, pre-Passover event at Chabad, 2570 Kirby Parkway. Free. Beyond the Matzoh: Passover Perspectives. Rabbi Berel Wein, widely known Orthodox Jewish Educator and historian. (We have several of the historical DVDs he has produced available to loan.  Would you enjoy Leonard Nimoy playing Rabbi Moses ben Maimon?)

March 25, Musical program for senior adults, $5, Memphis Jewish Community Center. Reserve by March 22, 761-0810.  Vocalist Deborah Swiney accompanied by Jon Felix.

March 26, Thursday Marcus Orr series lecture, Danielle McGuire (Wayne State University,"To Gain Title to Our Bodies: Black Women and the Long Civil Rights Movement" 5:30pm reception, 6:00pm talk. University Center Theater

March 26, Lecture, 7:00 PM Lecture "Faith and our food system", Christian Brothers University.
  Details at http://www.cbu.edu/cbu-news/posts/dr-jennifer-ayres

 March 28,  Saturday, 9-3:30   Annual Day of Reflection,  "Hope Changes Everything"
A day of retreat, invitation from the Catholic Gay & Lesbian group, all are invited. The day includes quiet time, spiritual reflection, Mass, lunch, speakers and group discussion, all taking place at the beautiful Queen of Peace Retreat Center, located in Dancyville about 30 minutes from the Wolfchase area.  
$25 or pay-what-you-can.  For more information or to make your reservation contact: Beth Trouy,  btrouy@yahoo.com

March 28. Porter-Leath Healthcare Eggstravaganza (early notice of date.) seems to have gone away? No details found./
 
March 28, 2-6 PM. Memphis Arts Festival,
Gaisman Park (Berclair - on Macon Rd between Graham and Perkins)
Free.  Prizes. Kids stuff, bouncers, food trucks, etc. Celebrating the diversity and culture of Memphis. Presented by the Muslim Intercultural Network.

March 28. Youth United Yard Sale.
7 AM- Noon. Donate or shop to help Youth United raise funds for their 2015 build at Habitat for Humanity.
Details should appear at http://memphishabitat.com/  or at https://www.facebook.com/memphisyouthunitedyardsale  but seem to be slow.
I am quite sure is 7 am - noon at the parking lot of the Habitat store,
http://www.memphisrestore.com/  7130 Winchester Road  Memphis, TN 38125   901.RESTORE (737.8673)
Some of the churches involved in Habitat builds recently: Germantown Presbyterian, Idlewild Presbyterian, St. Luke Lutheran, with other help from Christ the King Lutheran, Faith Christian, Lindenwood Christian.  THANKS!

March 28, Saturday, On-Line event. The General Women's Conference of the Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church) in Salt Lake City will be broadcast live by BYUtv (Brigham Young University Television) for the BYUtv apps for tablets and cell phones and, I presume, also on line on the internet.
http://www.byutv.org/
This network has a remarkable variety of educational and arts programs - see the piece about Handel's Messiah April 5 -
http://www.byutv.org/show/7e7b26be-527b-4113-af3c-04402eddae90/handels-messiah

March 28 - 29 at the Hindu Temple (Indian Cultural Center and Temple): Sri Rama Navami Celebrations.
Services at 9:30 am and 6:30 PM on Saturday, 10 AM Sunday. Substantial refreshments will be served after the Saturday evening and Sunday morning services, an excellent opportunity to meet the people and learn more about our Indian community.

March 29, Sunday (corrected!). 4:45-6:45 PM  Lecture, Dealing with Radical Islam. Memphis' own internationally renowned Muslim Scholar   Yasir Qadhi will lecture at the Great Hall, Germantown Performing Arts Center (this is the  entry at the southwest corner of the building)  Doors open at 4 PM, come and socialize. I'd put this on the "must - do list; how often do people say "do the Muslims denounce Muslim radicals? The answer of course is "yes, but the press never covers that."  Come and see for yourself.
The event is FREE but you must preregister:  http://www.muslimsinmemphis.org   Poster at  http://memphisirg.org/3_29_2015_QadhiH.jpg

March 30, 8 AM - 3 PM. FACING HISTORY PROGRAM. Stax Music and Memphis History.

"What is the role music can play in shaping the way we see ourselves and others? What can we learn about the past by focusing on music? This workshop explores these questions and others, as well as the relationship between music and social change through five classic soul songs during their recording at Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, during the civil rights movement. The stories of the artists, the music, and the lyrics provide a window into the ways that music can inspire social change. "    This is a program intended primarily for 6-12th grade music, English language arts, and social studies educators  but it may also be of great interest to religious school educators and church musicians. 
https://www.facinghistory.org/events/wq2015mem1-using-music-explore-history-stax-records-story?utm_content=003i000000ZRmd6AAD&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Celebrate%20Black%20History%20Month%20with%20Facing%20Historycontent
(if you would enjoy a much smaller sample of Facing History materials, the page at
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/1439135/7520da6de4/545373579/b16e3fa1cf/
under "Congressman John Lewis"  also has a link to a two-minute video about the Freedom Rides.)

March 31, Tuesday.  Turkish Dinner and Lecture.  "Beyond Tibet: Buddhism in Modern Siberia nd Mongolia".  6:30 PM dinner, 7:10 PM lecture. Free, put on mby the Memphis Turkish community. They have had outstanding lecturers in the past - highly recommended. Talk by Dr Lubov Abaeva. Professor of Philosophy at the Institute of Mongolian, Buddhist, and Tibetan Studies (Russia). Takjes place at Homewood Suites (Hilton), 5811 Poplar Ave, Memphis 38119.


March 13, Streamed event. Facing History will be having a major program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which will be available on the internet. "Thought, Judgement, Action: Choosing to Participate"  https://www.facinghistory.org/

March 13, 2015. The Shen Yun dancers.  An extraordinary dance troupe, doing Chinese-style dances  infused with an unusual form of Chinese Christianity (Falun Gong) - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shen_Yun_Performing_Arts.
They will be performing at the Cannon Center this year. Tickets are already on sale
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B004D25E965491A/?wt.mc_id=EML_NTF380276_4[1354996/e/1B004D25E965491A

(day and address corrected:)
FRIDAY March 13, at 7 pm.
Otter Creek Duo will perform traditional folk music along with original award winning  music promoting Social Justice.“Superb musicianship underpinned by stunning technique”. Suggested Donation $10   Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church, 7350 Raleigh Lagrange Rd. Cordova, 266-2626 or http://www.neshobachurch.org.    Event: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=811475208947303
(the address on Facebook appears wrong - it is seventy-three fifty Raleigh Lagrange Rd. near the NE corner of Shelby Farms.

March 13 (not public, included for information): Tennessee Council for the Social Studies, Conference. Social Studies teachers grades 9-12.
Bluma Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein will present a workshop, "Teaching the Arab-Israeli Conflict."

March 13 and 14, William Henry, "The Light Body Effect, The Divine Human"  Unity Church of Practical Christianity, Poster
is at http://MemphisIRG.org/HenryMarch2015.jpg

March 13-15. Workshop: Training for Social Action Trainers.
http://www.trainingforchange.org/workshop/training-social-action-trainers-tsat

March 14, Saturday, 6 PM.  Dinner and lecture at Masjid As-Salaam,
Stratford and McCrory. The subject is "The History of Islam inYemen" - probably history and travelogue, by an immigrant from Yemen, rather than a talk on current politics, but we'll see when it happens. These are very welcoming people and it is an excellent chance to visit a mosque and meet them on their own ground.
Probable schedule - prayers 6-6:10, lecture 6:10-7:10, prayers 7:10-7:20, then the Yemenite supper.  (Free). Men and women are in separate rooms for the prayers and while the members stay separate-sex for meals, they are not at all offended if visitors eat with the men (e.g. visiting couples can stay together.)  If you don't like sitting on the floor for prayers / lecture, they happily provide a chair.

March 15, Sunday Morning, Anshei Sfard-Beth El Emeth Synagogue.  Speaker: Dr Dan Bahat, former chief archeologist of Jerusalem, "King David, Jerusalem, and the Jewish People."  Morning service at 8 AM, complimentary breakfast, talk at 9:30 AM.

March 16 Monday2:30-7 p - Islamic Heritage Night with the Grizzlies - an interfaith event.
Pregane events 2:30-4, tyhen game against the Denver Nuggets. Tickets $10 - $50 or inquire
http://muslimsinmemphis.org/events/islamic-heritage-night-with-grizzlies/   ORDER BY MARCH 2

March 17, Tuesday, 5:39-7:30 PM Lecture at Holy Communion Church

The Reverend Gary D. Jones, rector, St. Stephen's in Richmond, Va.; former rector, Church of the Holy Communion.


March 19-21, The Beale Street Symposium. Rhodes College Campus and Beale Street.  Book launch, panel on the history of Beale Street; music; walking tour.   (general events list:)  http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2015/
March 19 at 6:00 PM will be a major lecture at Rhodes College to start this. This event:   http://www.rhodes.edu/news/28919.asp

March 21, 6:30-8:40 pm. The Kosher and Halal Comedy Show. University of Memphis, Room 255 University Center. A  Jewish and a Muslim comedian working together.
 http://muslimsinmemphis.org/events/kosher-halal-comedy-show/
Charge (about $10?) Advance ticketing required.
 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kosher-and-halal-comedy-night-tickets-15493297871

March 5, Thursday. 6 PM Rhodes College Communities in Conversation.  Lecture, Brian Greene, The Cosmos: From the Big Bang to the End of Time.   McCallum Ballroom, Brian Campus Life Center  (you can get directions from the gate agent at the campus entrance on University Ave.)   http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2015/
Johnathan Judaken will interview the speaker on his radio program, Thursday Feb 26, 7:30 PM. WKNO-FM  91.1 FM (or online, http://wknofm.org/)

March 5, 2015 Purimspiel at Temple Israel.
7:30 PM but arrive early for good seats. Free. A remarkable Musical Comedy presentation of the story of the Book of Esther. One of Memphis's major theatrical and musical traditions.  Not a typical "church drama", this recognizes that Esther is something of a sexy superspy and some parts may bewilder children, but are usually child-safe rather than offensive (Ian Fleming said that James Bond was based on Esther, although in the Bible the racing around before the final massacre of the bad guys has to be done on horseback rather than in sports cars, and M's full name is given.)

March 5, "Purim in New York City" at Chabad Memphis, 2570 Kirby Parkway.  $22 adult, $12 child 3-12.
Reading of the Book of Esther (in Hebrew, I assume) 5 PM, New York Deli and Full Buffet Dinner 5:30, Klezmer Band, street entertainment, face painting, Caricature street art, much more, RSVP by March 5.
 http://www.JewishMemphis.com/PurimNY  or call 901-754-0404

March 5, Purim celebrations at Baron Hirsch Congregation. Children's Games, food, carnival. Special Women' service at 11 AM, reading of the Book of Esther.

March 5, 7 PM.  Violin Concert, Benedict Goodfried, Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove.

March 5 
7:00pm  Lenten Choral Evensong: Memphis ChamberChoir
"Join the Memphis ChamberChoir on Thursday, March 5 for an evening of prayer and song at Saint John's as we mark the season of Lent. "   http://www.stjohnsmemphis.org/

March 7, 6 to 9 PM,  Muslims in Memphis, A Major Annual Interfaith Event. Germantown Performing Arts Center. Free.  http://muslimsinmemphis.org/
An Open Invitation  We live in a time where many of the images we see about Islam are ugly: terrorism, poverty, intolerance, fear, war. These are all common practices we see linked to a faith of Islam and to the Muslims. Very rarely we see Islam connected with something beautiful or being recognized as a beautiful faith itself.  
Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-open-invitation-to-understand-islam-and-muslims-part-of-13th-annual-muslims-in-memphis-tickets-5690269750?ref=enivtefor001&invite=NzUyODgwOS9lZHdhcmRAb3JkbWFuLm5ldC8w&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=invitenew&utm_term=eventimage&ref=enivtefor001
 Strongly Recommended!!!
  An important outreach by our local Muslims to connect with the larger community. Come, socialize with Muslims, ask questions.  RSVP will help in planning -
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-open-invitation-to-understand-islam-and-muslims-part-of-13th-annual-muslims-in-memphis-tickets-5690269750?ref=enivtefor001&invite=NzUyODgwOS9lZHdhcmRAb3JkbWFuLm5ldC8w&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&ref=enivtefor001&utm_term=attend

March 7,
8 P  Memphis Repertory Orchestra,   Free Concert
Buckman Performing Arts Center  60 Perkins Extd., Memphis, TN 38117  
Evening of Prokofiev  :   Violin Concerto No. 2 in g minor
(Visit this link to see Luna Nova's study guide.)
Guest Artist – Luna Nova Music
violinist Gregory Maytan
Peter and the Wolf
Narrator – WKNO’s Kacky Walton

 
March 8, Sunday, 4-6 PM.  Free concert, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, "Symphony Soul Project." 
Metropolitan Baptist Church,   767 Walker Avenue.
http://www.memphissymphony.org/default.aspx?p=42167&evtid=253511:3/8/2015
"Maestro Makino conducts this free community concert in Soulsville. Opera Memphis, Stax, and Lemoyne-Owen's joint Artist-in-Residence, Lenora Green, will also be featured. "

March 8. 9:30 - 11 AM. Memphis Jewish Community Center. "The opposite of spoiled". 
RSVP requested. What's the toughest question your child has asked you about money? Are you a parent or grandparent of a child age 3-16? Bring your questions and stories of your own efforts to raise grounded young kids who know how to save, splurge and give in the most meaningful ways to hear Ron Lieber, "Your Money" columnist for the New York Times and author of the recently published book, "The Opposite of Spoiled."  Some more detail in the last entry on
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=8635321a-828f-4265-91ca-bce31fd55141&c=449fb2e0-d2e4-11e3-acd1-d4ae5292c3f3&ch=452fe4f0-d2e4-11e3-ad4f-d4ae5292c3f3

March 8, 2-3:30 PM. Concert, "Katz and Friends"
, to benefit Alzheimer's Day Services of Memphis (generous donation requested). Performers include Diane Cohen (asst principal first violin, Memphis Symphony Orchestra) and the Three Cantors (Julian, Kampf, Samberg). Always a large variety of musical styles and performers at these concerts. at Amro Music,
2918 Poplar Ave.

March 10, Tuesday, 12:30 PM. Concert at Memphis Jewish Community Center,
for children and seniors. Music of Lea Jackson (mandolin, guitar, fiddle).  Admission: minimum two canned goods for the Food Bank.  All seniors invited. Old tunes. sing-along.

March 10, Tuesday, 7 PM.  program on
"The Church and the Environment".  Rita Harris, a senior organizing representative of the Sierra Club, will be a speaker.  Sponsored by the Catholic peace group Pax Christi, and taking place at the Quaker Friendship House, 3387 Walnut Grove.  Interesting people, interesting place, interesting program...
The flier is at http://memphisirg.org/3_19_2015_pax%20christi_environment_web.jpg

March 11,   Wed,  6:00pm – 7:30pm  Regular Monthly meeting, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.
3573 Southern Ave, Memphis, TN 38111 (across the tracks from U of Memphis).
"Join us for a potluck at our office on the second Wednesday of every month at 6pm."

March 12, 11:30 (program at noon). YWCA Greater Memphis Fundraising Luncheon, $100. 
Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd.  Dewan Smith-Williams, former NFL wife, speaking from her personal experience on domestic violence.
We have a personal interest in this program - Eunice Ordman worked for several years as a volunteer in the local YWCA hideout for abused women. RSVP 901-320-6002.

March 3, Tuesday, 6:30 PM. The Roman Catholic "Gay, Lesbian, etc." group has a monthly pot luck supper in Marian Hall, downstairs from the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central, followed by a "Stations of the Cross."  If you are not familiar with this liturgical practice, it is a friendly group to observe it with. All are welcome. If you  can't easily bring a dish to share, please come anyway, there is plenty of food.    Donations  are requested for Manna House, especially NEW mens' underwear in all sizes. 

Ma
rch 4,  Purim celebration - Temple Israel. Reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther) (as skits?)  and dinner.  Free for members if reserved early, otherwise $8 adult, $4 child.
https://timemphis.wufoo.com/forms/purim-family-dinner-march-4-2015/

February 14, Saturday, 8-9 PM, Art Exhibit Opening, Scottish Rite Temple, 825 Union.
"Investigations", Jeff Mickey and Jean Flint.   Exhibit open Feb 14- March 10.  RSVP not required, but info is at
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/investigations-featuring-sculpture-works-by-jeff-mickey-and-jean-flint-tickets-15684063456
Upcoming April 10:  Dual Show: "Only Black and White and Desperately Seeking Attention", Carl Moore

Hey, how often does one get invited into this remarkable building on Union?

Ash Wednesday services (small sample) Balmoral Presbyterian, 7 - 7:30 PM, Feb 18.
  
Church of the Holy Communion (Walnut Grove between Perkins:  Feb 18

               7 a.m. Ashes and Eucharist in Quilling Chapel.

              12:15 p.m. Ashes and Eucharist, with hymns, in nave.

              5:30 p.m. Light dinner of soup and salad.

              6:30 p.m. Ashes and Eucharist, with choir, in nave.


February 18 - March 1. Fogelman International Jewish Film Festival. 
Typical admission $7 per film, $5 members.
Program and trailers at http://www.jccmemphis.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=film_festival&category=Culture
The Green Prince Feb 18 7:15 PM at Malco Ridgeway 4; others at Memphis Jewish Community Center. 
Run Boy Run Feb 19, 7:30 PM  and Feb 22, 3 PM
Hunting Elephants, Feb 21 7:30 PM
Above and Beyond,  Feb 22 at 11 AM, Feb 25 at 7:30 PM
Short Films, Feb 26 at 7:30 PM
For a Woman, Feb 28, 7:30 PM
Double feature March 1, 2PM,  Havana Curveball, (20 min intermission), I Shall Not Be Silent.



February 23, Monday,   5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m / Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, 1900 Union Avenue.
            A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT
You are invited to join a conversation with women leaders and the Memphis Sexual Assault Kit Task Force. This is a special opportunity to hear about our community’s effort to find and inform victims of sexual assault and to investigate and prosecute rapists. We will update the task force efforts on behalf of the community and ways you can help communicate about the impact of rape. Be among the first to hear about upcoming new projects to reset our community’s attitudes and help prevent violence against women – and how you and your organization can strengthen these efforts
              Parking is adjacent at rear of building.
Seating is limited. Please confirm your attendance at rsvp@memphistn.gov by Feb. 20.
If you have questions, please contact Deborah Clubb at dclubb@memphiswomen.org.

February 24,  5:30 - 7:30 PM Hooks Institute Program.  The Hooks Institute will host a special release event for its Mapping Civil Rights History and Tent City websites. The Mapping Civil Rights History website will allow users to explore pivotal civil rights locations in the Mid-South through photos and history on the interactive map. The Tent City website chronicles the struggles as well as the victories of Civil Rights Era activists in Fayette County, Tennessee.
The website release event will be held at the University of Memphis, University Center River Room (UC 300). This event is free and open to the public.
http://www.memphis.edu/benhooks/

February 24, 6 PM. Special prayers at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple in Eads.
Shashti Abhishekam - Subramanya Abhishekam
 
Feb 26, Thursday (Jackson, TN).  Art Exhibit "What I kept", artifacts kept by immigrants to the US, U of Memphis Lambuth Campus, Jones-Varnell Hall. Opening reception, Feb 26 5 - 7 PM. Exhibit Feb 26-May 8. Flier at http://www.memphis.edu/amum/lambuthwebversion.jpg

February 26, 7 PM.  Civil Rights Photographer speaks at the Brooks Museum.  Matt Herron, Civil Rights photographer and exhibition curator of This Light of Ours, will lecture this Thursday, February 26 at 7 o’clock in Hohenberg Auditorium. "The photographs that he took during that time, and those of eight of his colleagues, make up This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement. Join us for a fascinating talk about the exhibition from one of the key photographers in the movement."


Feb 26, 7:30 PM - interview with a Rhodes College speaker, WKNO-FM, see March 5 for more info.

Feb 28 6-8 PM Saturday  - Lecture on the Crimea, sponsored by the Memphis Turkish community
(Rainbow House).
A wonderful opportunity to meet these people if you havenot already done so, an interesting topic if you have. Free Turkish dinner 6 PM, Lecture 6:45, Q&A 7:25.
"Crimea Annexation: Secession, Nationalism, and Muslim Minority" by Dr. Andrei Znamenski.
Professor of History, The University of Memphis. 

Hampton Inn & Suites
962 S Shady Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120
RSVP requested 
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/dinner-lecture-crimea-annexation-secession-nationalism-and-muslim-minority-tickets-15739187333

March 1, Sunday, 1-5 PM.  Pack meals for the hungry (international, interfaith)http://www.memphisinterfaith.org/    http://muslimsinmemphis.org/  "A Volunteering event for the whole family."
"Memphis Interfaith" is a major interfaith activity started with Muslim sponsorship and well deserving of attention. Last year's food packing event was very successful and allowed a great many people of different religions to work together and interact, and was very much enjoyed by all.  It is a highlight of the interfaith year. It will take place again at Pleasant View School, the Muslim day school, providing a chance to visit that and meet many of the older students - last year there were also groups from church-related secondary schools in Memphis participating.  Sign-up is at
 http://www.memphisinterfaith.org/event/stop-hunger-now-meal-packaging-event/
There is also a Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/events/1516201265314972/

March 1, Kid's Purim events at Temple Israel. Show at 11 AM (free), picnic and games 11:30-2 (charges for food and some games).  "March Madness Purim Carnival at ASBEE synagogue, 11 AM-3PM. Lunch available, children's games, Lifeblood Blood Donor van on site.


March 1,  3 pm. St John's Episcopal Church. An Afternoon of Jazz with the Memphis BoyChoir & Memphis GirlChoir
.   http://www.stjohnsmemphis.org/
This recital will feature the Tony Thomas Trio and the Memphis BoyChoir and GirlChoir. The repertoire will include broadway show tunes and jazz standards. The Recital will be about one hour in length.



February 14-19, Maha Siva Ratri Celebrations  at Indian Cultural Center and Temple.
Schedule at https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/event_mahasivaratri2015
If you are not Hindu, dress conservatively (no blue jeans) and feel free to visit to see this remarkable temple and to socialize or ask  questions. Note especially refreshments served Saturday noon, Tuesday evening.


Thursday Feb 19, Marcus Orr Lecture, U of Memphis University Center (Bluff Room). U of M Professor will talk on his high-wire literary thriller Descent. Rexeption %;30, talk and book signing at 6.  Generally an excellent lecture series. Open to public, free. Parking (charge) Zach Curlin street parking garage,

Thursday, Feb 19, 5:30-7 PM. Church of the Holy Communion,(At lunch today, Rev Mathews said this would be mainly a social time rather than a lecture.).
  The Reverend Dr. Dan Matthews, rector emeritus, Trinity Wall Street; former associate rector, Church of the Holy Communion.
Often the evening lectures by Calvary's noon speakers allow a longer experience and discussion than is possible in the short noon-time talks at Calvary. Dan Matthews is a long-time favorite.
Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins.

February 21 - 2nd Anniversary Celebration, The Kroc Center (Salvation Army Center at the Mid-South Fairgrounds)  9 AM - 2 PM. Free.  Live Band, Kid's games, sports competition, $2 Cafe' specials, Membership $22 instead of $50.  http://www.krocmemphis.org/calendar/share-the-love/

February 21 - People's Conference on Juvenile Justice
- LeMoyne-Owen College. Midsouth Peace and Justice Center advance notice.

February 21, Saturday , 6PM.  Dinner and Lecture at Masjid As-Salaam (Stratford Rd., Foot of Covington Pike.)  Our good friend and interfaith activist Dr. Mohammad Moinuddin will speak on "India, Land of Diversity and Fascination", talk 6 to 7 PM followed by an Indian cuisine dinner. Free. A wonderful chance to meet our Muslim neighbors.


February 18, Wednesday, (6 PM)  Rhodes College Communities in Conversation. Lecture, Neil Painter, "The History of White People".    http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2015/
McCullum Ballroom, Bryan Campus Life Center,  (Get directions at the campus entry kiosk on University Ave north of North Parkway.)

February 18 - many churches have Ash Wednesday programs
, but some have been cancelled due to the weather. Call or check on the web to be sure, especially if you are going any great distance.

February 18 - The Workers Interfaith Network 
is calling for a Fast From Fast Food (in support of a living wage and benefits for workers) in Lent (Feb 18-Easter). They also have a number of other events, including a 6 PM Meeting on Feb 18 at First Congregational Church on issues about the operation of school buses.  https://www.facebook.com/winmemphis

February 19, 3-4 PM.  Web seminar on teaching civil rights, by Teaching Tolerance and the Library of Congress.
https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&eventid=934435&sessionid=1&key=A825A31069D8494978C01503E28206C4&sourcepage=register



TEACHING HISTORY AND OURSELVES:  In addition to some programs and courses listed below, this organization often has free teaching materials available. For example:
 
Download Teaching Mockingbird for free! 
 
Our new study guide, Teaching Mockingbird, is now available as a free PDF. Grounded in historical context of Southern life in the Depression Era and informed by Facing History's pedagogical approach, the guide offers educators thoughtful strategies for teaching Harper Lee's classic novel in a new way.
 
More
 


Yasir Qadhi has completed his lecture series  on "The Life of the Prophet".  Many of his talks may be found online through
http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org/

posted Feb 9, 2015:

Rabbi Joel Finkelstein of Memphis synagogue Anshei Sfard-Beth El Emeth has an unusual collection of videos on Youtube, at
https://www.youtube.com/user/ASBEEMemphis/videos

Prof. Shaul Bar is the author of a recently published book, "Daily Life of the Patriarchs, The Way It Was."

Travel possibility:  Professors Stephen Haynes and Jonathan Judaken of Rhodes College and Prof Daniel Unofsky of the University of Memphis will lead a Holocaust Travel Seminar  May 17-30, open both to college students and to lifelong learners. Cost estimate $4400. Numerous places in Germany and Poland, at least.  This will be an exceptional inter-generational experience with remarkable interfaith  leadership.  Register, or at least indicate interest, as soon as possible (target is Feb 15 for initial information).  Contact Prof Haynes at 901-843-3583 or email haynes@rhodes.edu.

The Movie SELMA is an important piece of American History and deserves to be seen. If you need further background, or especially if you are a teacher wanting material about the period, there is quite a bit of useful material on the website of the nationally noted "Teaching Tolerance" program, at http://www.tolerance.org/voting-rights-web-package
This website has a number of important teaching packages (including videos) which are free for teachers, and are also often extremely valuable for Sunday School and Adult Education programs. (MIRG has an example or two on hand if you'd like to look.)

Obviously, the trauma facing the Jewish Community in France following the events related to the "Charlie Hebdo" attack are in many ways mild compared toi the traumas of Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and so on. But I thought people might be interested in some of the ways responses in France are being organized. There is an interesting report circulated through the Memphis Jewish Community Center, on line at https://files.ctctcdn.com/7c3c2e9b001/871c0511-e5df-4fa1-990e-054b5e973e99.pdf

There is a particularly good essay on making the Jewish community inclusive of people with disabilities, that will also be of interest to other faiths and other organizations, at 

http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/a-primer-on-making-the-jewish-community-inclusive/\


posted earlier:

Lichterman Nature Center is normally closed Sundays. It is inviting churches in need of a place to meet on Sundays to arrange to use its facilities, Indoor spaces available in sizes 50 to 200, outdoor spaces also. Parking, kitchen, etc. 
"
For more information, call 901.636.2213 or visit our website: www.memphismuseums.org"

A midtown Jewish group is starting a variety of activities - e.g. a children's Hebrew School in the Central Gardens area Monday afternoons, a monthly family program on first Sunday afternoons, possibly a youth group and other activities.  If interested contact Sarah at newstok@mac.com


There is much too much to be said about "Charlie Hebdo" to say it here. So I've put it at
http://MemphisIRG.org/Charlie.html





Rhodes College has announced its Spring 2015 schedule for the "Communities in Conversation" series.  I'll insert these below.
The list of events is at 
http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2015/   with some additional discussion of events at  https://www.facebook.com/communities.in.conversation  

Loyalty rebate programs, anyone. How common are deals between houses of worship or other nonprofits and local businesses, to give contributions to the charity based on purchases?  I know such deals are common on Amazon, where you can pick a charity at http://smile.amazon.com.   Temple Israel seems to be multiplying its arrangements, but I don't know how common they are. http://www.timemphis.org/about-temple/loyalty-rebate-programs



The Memphis School of Servant Leadership ( http://www.servantleadership-memphis.org/)
is beginning its Spring 2015 Activities.  The schedule book is at
http://www.servantleadership-memphis.org/brochure_WS2015.pdf
and there are a great many things of interest to those seeking ways of having a good impact on the community.


There is still a "World Zionist Congress"  every five years.  People interested in learning about what is being argued about are welcome to look in on some of the arguments, party platforms, and the like.  Go to https://www.myvoteourisrael.com/    for links to the party platforms. One can get some idea of the range by comparing the "Hatikvah" (very liberal) platform with that of the Zionist Organization of America (the last one listed) which is, shall we say, anti-Palestinian.  


"Washington, DC | www.adc.org | January 3, 2015 – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formally announced that the Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, has approved a request made by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) to extend and redesignate Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals currently in the United States.   ....
Secretary Johnson is extending the designation of the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Syrian Nationals for 18 months, from April 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016. The redesignation of Syria allows additional individuals who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since January 5, 2015 to obtain TPS.     The DHS announcement will be published in the Federal Register on Monday January 5, 2015. The redesignation allows current TPS beneficiaries to re-register for TPS during the 60-day re-registration period. It also allows Syrian nationals who have been in the United States on or before January 5, 2015 to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)."


The movie Jerusalem 3D is still running at the Pink Palace in January.

If you bring your Christmas Tree to be recycled at "The Yard", 1735 Thomas Rd (off Covington Pike and Pleasant View Road) and mention the Memphis Botanic Garden, you get rid of the tree free and the Botanic Garden gets $2.




A great deal of new information is online about the "Memphis Friendship Foundation", including plans for a world-class park between Heartsong Church and the Memphis Islamic Center. See http://fazizq.wix.com/friendshippark

Germantown Presbyterian Church is getting ready  to start a new Grief Recovery Support Group.  This is a support activity for those who have recently lost a family member or close friend; you may bring a friend to it (if you or the friend are hesitant to come alone.) It meets for six weeks, they start a new session about every three months.  The only on-line description I have found is on page 11 of
http://www.germantownpres.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Ministries-Directory-2014-electronic-version1.pdf
They have exceptionally excellent printed materials for this program which may be of interest to individuals or other groups.
The church office is at
901-754-5195

February 2015
January 27-Feb 11. Rhodes College, Tournees French Film Festival.  (Subtitles in English). Jan 27: In the House. Jan 28: The Gatekeepers. Feb 4: Grigris. Feb 4: Augustine. Feb 10: The Missing Picture. Feb 11: The Lovely Month of May.  Films at 7 PM. On Jan 27 and Feb 11, receptions at 6:30 PM. Blount Auditorium, Buckman Hall.  (you can get directions from the gate agent at the campus entrance on University Ave.)
 http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2015/

February 10, 9:40-10:40 AM, program on campus sexual violence, University Center, U of Memphis, room 347 (Shelby Room)..
http://www.memphis.edu/acss/pdfs/sexualviolence_feb2015.pdf


February 10, Tuesday 6:30 PM. Pax Christi, the Roman Catholic Peace organization, meets at 3387 Walnut Grove, Friends Meeting House
http://www.paxchristimemphis.org   (Regular  meeting, second Tuesday of the month)
Our guest speaker will be Paul Garner, Organizing Coordinator  for the MSPJC. His talk will be on:
     -A  brief history of how the Memphis United Coalition formed and how their work has shifted to addressing systemic and institutional racism within our  criminal justice system. 
    -Their work to reform the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board to provide  greater transparency and oversight of MPD's complaint process.
There will be time for Q & A so come and learn about the important work the MSPJC is doing in our community.
 
February 11, 6 PM.
Film and Panel Discussion, "Tough Guise 2: Violence, Manhood, and American Culture"
Wednesday, February 11 at 6:00pm
National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee
"Join the Women's Action Coalition of the Mid-south (WAC) in conjunction with Memphis United as we take a look at masculinity in American culture. "Tough Guise 2 stands to empower a new generation of..."

February 11, 7:30 PM. Lecture, ASBEE (Anshei Sfard - Beth El Emeth synagogue). First annual memorial lecture for  Rabbi Efraim Greenblatt  z"l. His son Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt, of St. Louis, will lecture on "Lessons Learned from Exodus, The Sequel."

February 12, 12-1:30 PM,
Hooks Institute Lecture. Daniel Matlin, Lecturer, History, at King's College London, and co-winner of the Hooks Institute National Book Award will speak on his winning book On the Corner: African American Intellectuals and the Urban Crisis (Harvard Univ. Press)   The lunch and lecture will be held at the University of Memphis, University Center Bluff Room (UC 308).  Lunch, courtesy of the Hooks Institute, will begin at 12 pm.  This event is free and open to the public.
http://www.memphis.edu/benhooks/

February 12-14,  Planned Parenthood.  Events at Circuit Playhouse
, 51 S. Cooper. Thurs and Friday doors open at 6, show at 7:30.
Saturday matinee  - doors open 12:30, show at 2 PM.  "A NEW V-Day Production: “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer”... Do you want to celebrate the diverse stories told by women of Memphis?  Do you want to see an end to violence against women?"  $20, less for students, seniors, groups.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-memphis-tennessee
 
February 12, Thursday, 6:30 PM (dinner at 7).  Memphis Theological Seminary, Fund-Raising Dinner, $100.  The Annual Dr. Henry Logan Starks Scholarship Dinner.  Contact Ms. Raegan Cook, 901-331-5801

February 12: Facing History, start of on-line courses:These are educational courses intended for teachers; charge.
Online Course: Holocaust and Human Behavior
 
February 12-April 8, 2015
 
More
 
 
Online Course: Choices in Little Rock
 
February 12-April 8, 2015
 
More
 
 
  Find more events in your area and online at facinghistory.org/events.


February 12, 10 - 12 noon, Small Business Workshop. Free.
 
City of Memphis Pre-Certification Workshop for Small Women-owned, Minority, and Disadvantaged Small Business Enterprises. Upcoming procurement  opportunities. Memphis Urban League. 413 N. Cleveland Ave.  RSVP 636-6210.

February 13. 12-2 PM. Porter-Leath Brunch for Mothers-To-Be,
"Parents as Teachers".  Free food and gifts for expectant mothers.
https://www.facebook.com/events/591489140996937/
Ed Rice Community Center   2907 N Watkins St, Memphis, Tennessee 38127

February 13, 2:30 - 3:45 PM.  Lecture on Asian-American Filmmaking, U of Memphis.  Dr. Kent Ono, Univ of Utah.
314 Arts and Communications Building (formerly the Law School Building, on Central just west of the Theatre building.)
"In Eric Byler's 2002 film, Charlotte Sometimes, time crucially affects narrative storytelling. Asian American
independent filmmakers have recently considered and worked to create an aesthetic definitive of Asian
American filmmaking...."

February 14 - Get Covered!   February is a major deadline for health insurance coverage.  On February 14 at 10 AM,  the organization Get Covered Tennessee https://www.facebook.com/GetCoveredTN    will have a program at

Hickory Hill Community Center in Memphis, Tennessee


In-person assistance available to help you get covered and stay covered with affordable healthcare. Walk-ins welcome, but save time and beat the lines by booking your appointment online at http://www.getcoveredtenn.org/


February 14, Saturday, 9-11 AM.  Beth Shalom.  Tu B'Shevat program for young children

Tu B'Shevat Family Celebration with PJ Library
Date: Saturday, February 14th @ 9:00-11:00 am
Location: Beth Sholom

PJ Library of Memphis and Beth Sholom Synagogue are teaming up for a Tu B'Shevat Family Celebration on Shabbat morning. The program, which is open to the community, will feature a Tu B'Shevat sedar, special PJ Library story and activity. To RSVP or for more information please contact  swagerman@memjfed.org or call (901) 767-7100.


Sunday February 15, 2 PM.  Jewish Historical Society Lecture, "The History of the Third Temple," Dr. Dan Bahat, former chief archeologist of Jerusalem,  Jewish Community Center. Free. http://jhsmem.org/

Feb 17, 5:30 PM Pre-Lenten Celebration (pancake dinner with kids games), Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins. $5.  [Cancelled due to icy conditions on roads.]



January 2015
2015

January 1.  10 AM to 8 PM.  New Years Celebration, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. 
A variety of prayers and ceremonies, interesting refreshments, and a wonderful day for visitors to find people who will wxplain to them what is going  on, what things mean.  Highly recommended.

January 3, Saturday, Church of the Holy Communion (Walnut Grove and Perkins). Ordination of Hester Mathes. 

January 4. Rabbi Micah Greenstein will be a guest at Sunday School at Calvary Episcopal Church downtown. 
Text is chapters 12-16 of 1 Kings. After the 10 am service, about 11:15. http://calvarymemphis.org/adults#Formation

January 6, Tuesday, 6:30 PM. The Roman Catholic "Gay, Lesbian, etc." group has a monthly pot luck supper in Marian Hall, downstairs from the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central. Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel will speak on  the History of Jewish People’s Reception to the LGBT Community.  All are welcome, it is a chance to meet an interesting group of people and an outstanding speaker. If you  can't easily bring a dish to share, please come anyway, there is plenty of food

Ongoing: art exhibit, Temple Israel Museum. Exhibit Jan 5 - Feb 6.  Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis 2014 Legends Award Art Exhibit. http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Voice_January_2015%201.pdf
     Art exhibits, Ross Gallery, Christian Brothers University (Lower level of Plough Library).  Jan 9 - Feb 2, (1) A tribute to Jan Singer (pottery). (2) Exhibit from The Metal Museum: Forge, Cast, Fabricate.   http://www.cbu.edu/gallery

January 7, 13,20 (Weds-Tues-Tues), 7-8:30 PM Jewish Mysticism. Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel, offers an introduction to Kabbalah. RSVP requested early: https://timemphis.wufoo.com/forms/jewish-mysticism  (have you noticed he's scheduled a busy week?)

January 13, Tuesday, 8:30-11:30 AM. Common Table Health Alliance: 4th Annual Summit: Health Activity and Nutrition Goals.  Talks by major community experts. Linked as "Change Summit" at http://commontablehealth.org/

January 15, Thursday, 6 PM Rhodes College Communities in Conversation.
Lecture, Scott Samuelson, "Suffering and Soul-Making: On the Deep Value of the Liberal Arts",
Evergreen Presbyterian Church, University Ave, just north of North Parkway. (His book is called"The Deepest Human Life")    http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2015/

January 17-19, Martin Luther King. Jr., Weekend. Various projects at MIFA.  http://bethedreammemphis.com/
The Youth Empowerment Symposium will be held Saturday, January 17 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Cook Convention Center in Downtown Memphis. Click here to register a youth participant.

January 18 and following. Masjid Al-Noor, 3529 Mynders (near the U of M campus) is trying a somewhat unusual series of "Sunday School" topoics, if that is the right word. Jan 18 and 27, 3:15-5:15, Basic Auto Maintenance ($10 fee).  Coming in February: four sessions on phone app development.
For more information, please email: info@masjid-alnoor.org

January 18 and 25. Sunday, 11 AM.  Civil Rights Sermons. While we don't normally list speakers at rehgular weekly religious services here, it seems worthwhile to break the rule occasionally. On Martin Luther King Sunday, January 18, and the following Sunday, January 25, Rev Beth at Neshoba Church in Cordova will be doing a two-part sermon series on the civil rights movement of the 1960s. These sermons grew out of her 2006 experience on the southern civil rights tour led by Gordon and Judy Gibson – a life-affecting experience for her.  
 Neshoba Church, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation. 7350 Raleigh-Lagrange Rd. / Cordova, TN 38018 / P: 901-266-2626  or 901-270-4244
http://neshobachurch.org/

 January 18, Sunday, 3 - 5:30 PM. World Religion Day.  First Congregational Church, celebrating guest artist Vinodini Jayaraman and her wonderful world religious paintings. Guest musicians: Julie Christen and Chris Cuminotti
Opening Speaker: John M. Gilmore, Minister/Spiritual Director, Open Heart Spiritual Center and Co-Founder (World Religion Day Memphis). 
Organized initially by members of the Baha'i faith, this is a widespread (international) idea and a good chance to meet people from some of the big variety of  religious groups in Memphis.  An excellent program, please come!   https://www.facebook.com/events/1744683592424208/
Contact: 201 759 8617 or wrdmemphis@yahoo.com, please contact promptly if your group wants a table or other visibility. 

January 19, Monday, 9-10:30 AM. Martin Luther King Jr commemoration.  Mason Temple (930 Mason Street), where MIFA will be honored with the 2015 Community Leadership Award; this event is open to the public. Other events include the Be the Dream MLK Legacy Awards, a youth empowerment symposium, and various service projects across the city, including delivering MIFA Meals on Wheels.
MIFA looks forward to participating in this citywide event and hope you will join us! To learn more, visit the Be the Dream site.

January 19, 2 PM.  Caritas Village,
An expression of grief will take place on Monday, January 19, 2 PM, at Caritas Village, Merton and Harvard in Binghampton with the reading of names of those killed by violence during 2014. 

January 20, 6-7:30 PM. School of Servant Leadership.  Go and B: Luke's Beatitudes. Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove
Start of a class discussing being poor, hungry, mourning, and hated. Work with MIFA, H.O.P.E., prison ministry, etc.
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5542c0dfe2962d87bc439cedf&id=dd41780d67&e=0e23e2b694

January 20,  Tuesday, 7 PM. Lecture, Rhodes College. Gavin Wright (Stanford University) "Sharing the Prize: The Economics of the Civil Rights Revolution in the American South" ( Hardie auditorium, ask directions at the campus gate from University Avenue.)

January 20, 2015 
7:30 PM Prizm Ensemble Concert, "Summer Music." At First Congregational  Church $10 - $5  http://prizmensemble.com  Music to help you forget the cold.

January 21, 10-11:30 AM. School of Servant Leadership, Writing Circle,
at the Commons, 259 N. Merton.
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5542c0dfe2962d87bc439cedf&id=dd41780d67&e=0e23e2b694

January 23, School of Servant Leadership, Listening for God. 
A group with readings from a long variety of important figures (Martin Luther, ML King Jr., Bonhoeffer, Harry Emerson Fosdick, Sojourner Truth,...)
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5542c0dfe2962d87bc439cedf&id=dd41780d67&e=0e23e2b694

January 25, Tour of National Civil Rights Museum,
with the Jewish Historical Society. 2:40 PM gather for a 3 PM Tour.

January 26, "Sun Procession", Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads,
Prayers and Procession, 10:30 AM.
 
"Ratha Sapthami or Magha Saptami is a festival that falls on the seventh day (Saptami) in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month Maagha. It marks the seventh day following the Sun’s northerly movement (Uttarayana) of vernal equinox starting from Capricorn (Makara). It is symbolically represented in the form of the Sun God Surya turning his Ratha (Chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing seven colours) towards the northern hemisphere, in a north-easterly direction. It also marks the birth of Surya and hence celebrated as Surya Jayanti (the Sun-god’s birthday). Ratha Saptami is symbolic of the change of season to spring and the start of the harvesting season ."

January 27, 5:30-7:00 PM. Training for the annual "Point in Time" Count of the Homeless,
the count will be January 28-30.  Info at http://www.midsouthpeace.org/node/755

January 27, Tuesday. Facing History and Ourselves. Workshop,
mainly for 6th-12 grade history teachers: Reconstruction Era and the Fragility of Democracy.  https://www.facinghistory.org/events/wq2015mem3-reconstruction-era-and-fragility-democracy

January 27-Feb 11. Rhodes College, Tournees French Film Festival.  (Subtitles in English). Jan 27: In the House. Jan 28: The Gatekeepers. Feb 4: Grigris. Feb 4: Augustine. Feb 10: The Missing Picture. Feb 11: The Lovely Month of May.  Films at 7 PM. On Jan 27 and Feb 11, receptions at 6:30 PM. Blount Auditorium, Buckman Hall.  (you can get directions from the gate agent at the campus entrance on University Ave.)
 http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2015/

January 28, 6 PM, on-line event. Program on "Suffragettes and Civics" at the Newseum (a museum in Washington, DC.)
Introducing educational material at
http://www.newseumdigitalclassroom.org/digital-classroom/modules/womens-suffrage/default.aspx
Online event is at  https://plus.google.com/events/cs7djc5i9m78h91p4hdl9v0s95g

January 28, 6 PM, Forum to discuss future of the Mid-South Fairgrounds
(The city has proposed tearing down the Colosseum)
Meeting at Circuit Playhouse, 51 S. Cooper. https://www.facebook.com/events/346349262218759/


January 29, Thursday, 6:30 PM School of Servant Leadership, Faith and Film group.
at MGLCC, 892 S. Cooper.
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5542c0dfe2962d87bc439cedf&id=dd41780d67&e=0e23e2b694

January 29 - Privilege and Oppression Awareness workshop - Midsouth Peace and Justice Center. -
https://www.facebook.com/events/622103627911803/

January 30 - 2 to 7 PM. Winter clothing for Syrian Refugees (as well as blankets, toys, medical supplies, etc.)
is being collected at the Memphis Islamic Center and at Masjid Ar-Rahman. Further info: please contact Sr. Emanne Knefati at 901-857-7296 or email emakne@gmail.org.

January 31, 9:30 Am and 10:30 AM. Prizm Ensemble, "Animal Jamz" at GPAC. 
$8 admission
includes 1 child and up to two adults. Animal-inspired music for children. (Prizm Ensemble frequently performs  at Shady Grove Presbyterian Churchhttp://prizmensemble.com

January 31, Saturday, 6:30 PM.  "Holy Communion Variety Show" and Chili cook-off,

Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins.

February 1, blood drive at Calvary Episcopal, downtown. 8:45 am to 12:30 PM.
Walk in or reserve a  time at 901-312-5205.

February 1, 10 AM to 1 PM, "Health for Humanity", "Sun Salutation Day". Yogathon at Indian Cultural Center and Temple.
Lunch will be served after the Yoga. Bring your Yoga mat!
phone 647-9469 or  rsvp memphishss@gmail.com, walk-ins are welcome.

February 1, 5:30 PM, Choral Evensong, Motet Choir, reception follows.

Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins.

February 1, Sunday, "Gong Workshop and Sonic Massage".

Unity Church of Practical Christianity,  9228 Walnut Grove, Cordova. 753-1463. Suggested donation $20.
http://www.unitychurchofpracticalchristianity.org/special-events/february-1st-faye-henry-gong-workshop-returns-to-unity


February 3, Tuesday, 11 AM - 1 PM.  Legal Introduction for Religious leaders and laypersons
Tennessee Faith and Justice Alliance, at Christ United Methodist Church.
"Often, people in need seek help from their religious leaders. Sometimes, their problems are legal in nature. As a religious leader, are you able to identify legal issues, and do you know what resources are available to help those who come to you? If not, this gathering is for you. In two hours, experts will inform, prepare and empower you to aid those with legal needs who are seeking your help."  Information at http://memphisirg.org/LegalIntro.pdf

February 3
, Tuesday, 6:30 PM. The Roman Catholic "Gay, Lesbian, etc." group has a monthly pot luck supper in Marian Hall, downstairs from the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central.   All are welcome. If you  can't easily bring a dish to share, please come anyway, there is plenty of food. A VERY SPECIAL MEETING. The Pope is holding a Bishop's meeting this Fall on Marriage and Family issues. The local Bishop in Memphis has asked for comments on questions including
1.       How can we respond better to people of same-sex attraction and their families?
2.       How can we help all people see that no-one is beyond God’s mercy?
3.       How can we respond compassionately to people in irregular unions while remaining faithful to the teaching of Christ and the Church?
4.       Do we need to shape a new language in the area of marriage and the family? If so, how?
5.       What needs to be done to equip ordained ministers and others to work effectively in the area of marriage and the family?
6.       What is being done to help families cope in the midst of great social changes? What more could be done, especially in helping them to understand those changes?
7.       What is being done to help families in trouble? How might troubles be prevented? How effectively is pastoral care being offered to families “on the periphery”?
It should be a fascinating discussion. There will be ways of submitting individual comments.
For a link to access all 30 questions, please email Beth at: btrouy@yahoo.com.  Personal stories and answers should also be sent to the same email address


February 3 is "Tu b'Shevat",
the "New Year for Trees", in the Jewish calendar.

February 4, Wednesday, 7 PM.  Author Maggie Anton speaks at Temple Israel about her recent books
.
$10 for WRJ Sisterhood or Haddassah members, $18 others. Refreshments.
Details at http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Author%20Maggie%20Anton%202015.pdf


February 5, Thursday evening, fundraising dinner at Calvary Episcopal Church
to support the Lenten Lecture Series.
Mardi Gras theme. $50, RSVP now to Lynda Gayle Deacon, ldeacon@calvarymemphis.org or 901-312-5208.

February 5.  Circuit Playhouse is presently showing a comedy,, "Bad Jews". The performance of February 5 will be a fundraiser for the Memphis Jewish Community Center.  $25.  http://www.jccmemphis.org/badjews  or 761-0810

February 6, Friday, 7 PM:  Acoustic Eidolon, World Music for the Soul. (donations accepted).  Balmoral Presbyterian Church.
"Acoustic Eidolon, featuring Joe Scott on double neck guitar and Hannah Alkire on cello are from Colorado and have graced stages throughout the US, Europe, Australia and Canada.  With eleven CDs and a DVD to their credit...  blending Celtic, Folk, World and Latin music influences..."

February 6 and 7 - Anshei Sfard-Beth El Emeth synagogue has Rabbi Menachem Nissel as visiting scholar. speaking at a 5:15 Friday evening service and several talks on Saturday. Dinner following the Friday service ($30 adults). Info and reservations 682-1611.

Feb 8, 8:30 - 1 PM. Blood drive at Temple Israel.
E-mail Julie Klein, call 901.335.9981, or go online to schedule a time.

------

old- Query - is this still going?  No word recently... Second Tuesday, 11:15 AM- Noon at the Memphis Theological Seminary.  Brown bag lunch (that is. you may bring something to eat during it if you wish: some do, some don't) and speaker , 168 East Parkway South, Room F-201 (Founders Hall,)  A chance to see the Seminary, if you haven't visited it. Or if you can't go, look at the live feed on the Seminary website, http://www.memphisseminary.edu/
Look online at
http://www.memphisseminary.edu/Brown-Bag-Lecture-Series/


(old)  Rhodes College, Communities in Conversation,
http://www.rhodes.edu/news/26846.asp
already has its schedule up for Spring 2014 as well as Fall 2013


Jerusalem 3D - From April 19 through December of 2014, the Pink Palace will be showing “Jerusalem 3D” in its IMAX theater. This is a travelogue about the Old City of Jerusalem, prepared by the National Geographic, with references to the ancient history of the city from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim viewpoints and using narrators of all three faiths.  It has been very well received by local religious leaders of all three faiths. It does not consider modern problems or controversies, but does allow you to see the insides of holy places not normally available to tourists because of the modern problems.  I found the 3D effects attractive even though I have very poor vision in one eye.
There is a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jerusalemthemovie
Further information on the Pink Palace including movies and exhibits is at       
http://www.memphismuseums.org/
and the movie schedule is at
http://www.memphismuseums.org/cti_3d-show_schedule/

We are nearing the end of the run of "Jerusalem 3D" at the Pink Palace IMAX.  Leaders of all the Abrahamic faiths have expressed enthusiasm about this historical/travelogue film. 


9/2014 Masjid Ar-Rahman has a website at http://masjid-arrahman.org/  with things like the prayer schedule.
The week of 9/8-9/15 they have an imam candidate visiting. The flier describing the several talks he will give, at quite a few locations (including St Lukes Methodist!)  is at
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102207134857-316/Imam+Nicholas+Pelletier+Flyer+Sep.pdf

9/2014 Those who wonder what moderate Muslims are saying about Muslim extremism may enjoy this essay by Imam Feisal Raul, who lectured in Memphis in the Calvary Lenten Lecture Series a couple of years ago:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/imam-feisal-abdul-rauf/rebranding-the-islamic-state_b_5772562.html

People might also enjoy a Washington Post article about Muslims working for the allied cause (and particularly against the maltreatment of Jews) in World War II: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/09/08/meet-the-muslims-who-sacrificed-themselves-to-save-jews-and-fight-nazis-in-world-war-ii/


Balmoral Presbyterian Church: Interfaith activity in Memphis has another piece of national publicity, albeit denominational in nature - the Presbyterian nationalwomen's magazine "Horizons" has an article about the arrangement at Balmoral Presbyterian Church, sharing the building between Balmoral, the Circle of Faith (African-American), and the  Grace (Korean-American) Church.   The church's delegation has also returned from water-system work in Central America.
The Balmoral fall Family Camp will be at Nacome, September 24-26. If you've never been to a church camp as a family, give it a try!

People sometimes ask about the unusual travel Eunice and Edward Ordman have done. An example of a trip now available (we won't go on it, alas) is
 a trip being organized by American Jewish World Service to meet with leaders of  charitable groups getting started in India. The trip is Nov 2 to 9 and the description is at
http://ajws.org/what_we_do/service_and_travel_opportunities/study_tours/india_study_tour.html?autologin=true&utm_source=engagement&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20140812-E-IndiaST_Tablet
(American Jewish World Service does not have financial resources as large as, for example, Church World Service. It often works with smaller charities or with groups just starting out in developing countries, helping them get the program started and the their program plans and financial systems in order so that they can then apply to organizations that can make larger financial grants.  By bringing supporters along on a "tour", the expenses of the AJWS staff are paid as "tour leaders" - and you get to meet the people of the country and learn of their problems in a way completely impossible on a commercial tour. We've traveled with them in Cambodia and Thailand and had remarkable experiences. No, you don't have to be Jewish to join the tour.)
------
December 2014


Kwanzaa is Dec 26 through Jan 1.


December 27, Saturday, 6 PM. Indian Cultural Center and Temple. "Sri Ayyappa Special Pooja" (special prayers)


Many houses of worship at this time of year collect "gift" items, ranging from gently  used coats for the homeless to mittens, scarves, toys, and so on. I won't try to list individual churches here but I will mention the relevant page at MIFA, the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association, which has a variety of requests (including, e.g., meals-on-wheels drivers to substitute for regulars who are away at this time of year.) http://www.mifa.org/holidaysatmifa
This is of course not just a Christian thing: The Youth Group at the Memphis Islamic Center will have its big delivery push of  treats, clothing, blankets, etc. for poor families at noon on Nov 26.

There is a volunteer program called the Episcopal Service Corps, "a faith-based alternative to other service organizations such as the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps". They are seeking interns to work at BRIDGES, the Emmanuel Center, MIFA, St. Columba Episcopal Conference & Retreat Center, and the Shelby County Public Defender. I gather these positions start August 1.  David Waters wrote about them at http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/memphis-parishes-launch-new-service-program_43739876.   You can get further information from Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or the Church of the Holy Communion or from   http://episcopalservicecorps.org/

Porter-Leath,  http://porter-leath.org, a major local charity for children, the main contractor for Head Start and Early Head Start, is gathering children's toys for Christmas. Drop off your gifts to Porter-Leath, anytime now through Dec 19th to Porter-Leath's main offices at 868 N. Manassas St., Memphis, TN  38107, Monday - Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm.  They will have trucks to gather toys December 15 -19, 2014 at Bud Davis Cadillac at  5433 Poplar Ave and at WMC Action News 5!   at 1960 Union Avenue!  For group donations contact  contact Angela Meekins at (901) 577-2500 x 1119


There is an interesting blog post on the issue of  hunger at
http://ifyc.org/content/ending-hunger-interfaithful-response

There is a film of the recent Ganesh Festival at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple
at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2oz9hTwUS0


December 2, Lunch at Paulettes.  The topic: Are there moral absolutes? Fr. Sandy of Holy Communion Episcopal teaches and leads discussion in between courses. Join us for lively discussion and a delicious meal. Contact Mary Beth Darrow to make a reservation, 767-6987.  50 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103
 

December 2, Tuesday, 6:30 PM. The Roman Catholic "Gay, Lesbian, etc." group has a monthly pot luck supper in Marian Hall, downstairs from the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central.  Beryl Wight will speak about The Child Advocacy Center. All are welcome. If you  can't easily bring a dish to share, please come anyway, there is plenty of food.

December 2, 6-8 PM. School of Servant Leadership. Open House, food-music-giving,
at 258 N. Merton (Binghampton area). This group does study and training courses for people to discern their mission. They have been a big help to us in many ways!  This is a good chance to come meet them, They also have a holiday banquet Dec 12 6:30 PM  and a Mourning Vigil on Dec 18 7-8:15 PM.  http://www.servantleadership-memphis.org/services.html
 

December 4, 4:05 PM.  "Black Lives Matter" protest at the Civil Rights Museum.  (invitation via Mid-South Peace and Justice Center).

December 4, 6:30 PM, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth day of Sri Dattatreya (Datta), a combined form of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

December 4, Thursday   7 PM. Temple Israel. Live Video Presentation.  
Join Dalia Rabin, the former Israeli Deputy Minister of Defense and current chair of the Yitzhak Rabin Center, and Ambassador Dennis Ross, who played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process, for an enlightening discussion live via satellite as part of the Live from New York’s 92nd Street Y speaker series, moderated by Ethan Bronner, on the future of Israel.

December 4 to 7, Exhibit and sale of Israeli Art at Baron Hirsch Congregation.

December 5, 6 PM, Indian Cultural Center and Temple.  Sri Chakra Navavarna Archana

December 7  bloodmobile at Temple Israel 8:30 AM - 1 PM
and Chanukah gift fair.

DEcember 7, Sunday, Jewish Historical Society. Lecture, "Religion and Politics in the Arab Spring"
Beverly Tsacoyianis,
who teaches history at the University of Memphis and is faculty advisor to the Muslim Student Association.
Memphis Jewish Community Center, 2 PM.  http://www.jhsmem.org/images/December%202014%202.jpg
More about the Jewish Historical Society at  http://www.jhsmem.org/

December 7, Beth Sholom Synagogue  Concert. "Acoustic Sunday Live."
Rodney Crowell, Eliza Gilkyson, Gretchen Peters.  $39 at synagogue,683-3591    $42 online.  http://bsholom.org/acoustic_sunday_tickets.html

December 11, 7 PM.  Paradiso Cinema is playing the movie "Exodus Gods and Kings". A group from Temple Israel will attend. 
 https://timemphis.wufoo.com/forms/movie-night/  or call Sylvia Appleton
761.3130

December 13, Saturday. 7:30 PM Balmoral Chamber Orchestra, Holiday Concert.  Balmoral Presbyterian Church. An excellent all-volunteer orchestra, free. A basket available for contributions to a local charity. (collaboration with  Memphis Men's and Women's Chorales)

December 14, 3 PM. Informational meeting at Temple Israel for those interested in participating in the annual Purim play (see March 5 2015 below).

December 14, Sunday,
Fran McKendree,
concert at Holy Communion Church, Walnut Grove between Perkins. Evening service at 5:30 PM, then chocolate, cider, and cookies, then the concert at 7 PM.
  
December 16, First Night of Chanukah,  Memphis Jewish Community Center, $10 prepaid, $15 at door. 6560 Poplar. Music, Latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts.  754-0404 or http://www.JewishMemphis.com/concert.

For some notes on Chanukah, see our
  Home Page  

Dec. 16th, 6pm - 8pm at the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center Office

Lady Justice : Removing the Blindfold Join us for a lecture and discussion led by Ace Madjlesi, Briana Perry, and Meaghan Ybos.  Lady Justice will expose elements of the criminal justice system that violate the constitutional rights of women who are incarcerated and uses punitive measures in lieu of treatment.  Meaghan, Briana, and Ace will lead an informative discussion about rape kit backlog crises, recent TN criminalization of pregnancy legislation, and incarcerated women who are forced to give birth while shackled. 

December 16, 6:30 PM, meeting of the (new) monthly writers group
at Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins; Room 307. The theme for December is "blues".  (CHC is also doing reruns of "Downton Abbey" Wednesdays at 6:30, Carrick Room. as well as many other activities. Poetry group is first Tuesdays at 5:45, Carrick Room.) Phone 767-6987.  http://www.holycommunion.org

December 17 to January 14 is the Hindu month of  Dhanurmasa. "Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita: "I manifest the most in the month of Margashira (also known as Dhanurmasa) among the months of a year". For this reason, sages have set apart this month to be completely focused on devotional activities. According to tradition, the Gods wake up early in the morning during the month of Dhanurmasa. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu during the auspicious period of Brahma Muhurta. It is said that worshiping Lord Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period is equal to worshiping Lord Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years."   The main special prayers for this period at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads, are at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:30 AM.
 
December 17, The National Civil Rights Museum will show The Hooks Institute's documentary, The Civil Rights Movement: A Cultural Revolution, during its December Lunch and Learn session.   http://civilrightsmuseum.org/ncrmevents/

December 17, 5:30 PM, Chanukah Dinner at Baron Hirsch Congregation.  Charge. RSVP to synagogue office.

December 18. 6 to 9 PM Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.
Please join the Staff and Board of the MSPJC for our annual holiday party on December 18th, 6pm to 9pm, at our offices (3573 Southern Ave)

December 19. Chanukah Dinner at Temple Israel. 7:30 PM

December 19, 7:30 PM
A Beale Canto Christmas Concert., Calvary Episcopal Church downtown$10 donation hoped for.

December 20 after 5 PM Prayers. Program at Masjid Ar-Rahman. Our Youth: Academic/Tarbiyah Challenges  & Potential Solutions
  7906 Lowrance Rd, Memphis, TN 38125. Pizza will be provided.

 December 20.  Saturday 6:30-8:30 PM. Holiday Party for PRIZM, the music performing and education group associated with Shady Grove Presbyterian Church. Donations of PRIZM educational programs accepted.  Private home. RSVP  carina@prizmensemble.com or 596-9105.

Sunday December 21. 5 PM.  Grand Menorah Lighting at Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 2570 Kirby Parkway. Prizes, raffles, food and drink, Free, 5 PM  http://www.jewishmemphis.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/101727/jewish/Grand-Menorah-Lighting.htm

Sunday December 21 5:30-7 PM Candlelight Vigil for victims of Terrorism, Germantown Municipal Park
(next to the library, 1925 Exeter Rd, Germantown.  This is being advertised by the Muslim community, especially in view of the recent deaths of 132 children in a school bombing in Pakistan.  I hope there will be a large interfaith turnout.  If you have ever heard people say "The Muslims don't speak out", you may well be aware that the Muslims do regularly speak out against terrorism - but the press gives it little attention. (One man in Palestine said to my wife, "The network interviewed me, but said they couldn't use it - I'm too moderate, so I'm not sexy enough for them.") This is a chance to see if the press will notice anti-terrorist Muslims, and a chance to meet and talk with Muslims concerned about terrorism.

Sunday Dec 21, 7 PM.  Winter Solstice Celebration at the Unity Church of Practical Christianity.
9228 Walnut Grove, Cordova.
Like many other churches, they have a busy calendar this season. http://www.unitychurchofpracticalchristianity.org/
They have a nice reading list on their website. I recall enjoying their "Course on Miracles" (Wednesdays or Saturdays, 9:30 AM, call 901-753-1463 for info and location) as an introduction to other ways of looking at the world, back in about 1976.

December 24, 10:30 PM Calvary Episcopal Church.
The Calvary Choir and some members of the Boys and Girls Choir will present a large choral work, Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi, at 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve with a chamber orchestra including strings, trumpet and oboe.

December 25 is Christmas. Temple Israel; recruits volunteers to help run the Starry Nights exhibits on December 24 and the Zoo Lights exhibits on December 25. (Kids over 14 with a parent along may help out at the zoo.) Contact
333-6654



October 31, 8 PM - 1 AM. Memphis Masquerade Charity Ball. $150+. Proceeds support MIFA. Church Health Center, Girls Inc.   http://memphismasquerade.com/   .   

November 2. Workers Interfaith Network particippate in Day of The Dead celebration,
offering to honor workers who died on the job in Tennessee in 2013.  Join us at El Mercadito de Memphis, located at 3766 Ridgeway Rd., Memphis 38115 on November 1 and 2 from 1-6 in the afternoon.


November 2, Sunday, All Saints: Choral Evensong at Holy Communion Church, 5:30-6:30 PM Walnut Grove between Perkins.  Free service, but there is a $25 charge for the shrimp dinner afterwards. Tickets sales benefit youth programs and pilgrimages.  I think you need advance tickets for the dinner, 767-6987

November 2, Choral Evensong at Calvary Episcopal Church, 2nd St. Downtown. 6:30 PM.

November 2, Sunday, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Kathakali, a participatory dance program. Admissioin by donation. 12-4PM, optional makeup and demonstration sessions. 2-3 PM, "Raza and the Taste of Theatre", Dr David Mason, Rhodes College. 3-3:30. Percussion performance. 3:30- 4, Narration. 4-5:30, Kathakali  performance.

November 4, Tuesday. Election. Congress, State,  Municipal. Important state constitutional amendments.

November 4 and 6. Considering enrolling in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plan during the next Open Enrollment Period? The Church Health Center is pleased to partner with the Community Development Council to offer free Affordable Care Act Marketplace Basics Classes to the community at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. The first session is 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4. A second session is 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 6. Please call 901-259-4673 for full information.

November 5-11. "Sri Viswamjee is coming to Memphis from Nov. 5-11th. " Unity Church of Practical Christianity. 9224 Walnut Grove, Cordova. Nov 9 3:30-5:30 PM will host and Interfaith Labyrinth Walk for Peace and Service. Service project and other activities expected.  (Poster link to go here)

Thursday Nov 6 Marcus Orr Lecture Series, University of Memphis. "Smugglers. Pirates, and States". Alan Karras, U. Calif (Berkeley). 5:30 PM Reception, 6 PM lecture. River Room, 3rd floor, University Center.


Nov 7 - 9 Antiques Arcade, St. George's Episcopal Church, Germantown, to benefit MIFA
Preview Party Nov 6.  Details at http://stgchurch1000.cloudaccess.net/aahome.html

November 8, 6K run and walk to benefit "The Way", a recovery program of Church Health Center.  http://heroes6k.com

November 9, Lecture, Jewish Historical Society.  "How the Danes saved their Jews from the Nazis in 1943." Ralph Nurnberger,
Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University. 1:30 PM at the Memphis Jewish Community Center.  
http://www.jhsmem.org 

November 9, 3:30-5:30 PM Interfaith Labyrinth Walk for Peace and Service, Unity Church of Practical Christianity, 9228 Walnut Grove, Cordova. (with the Sri Viswayogi Foundation; these events have has a good and interesting turnout in the past.)

November 9,
The 27th Annual Outdoors Inc. Cyclocross Championship will kick off at 8 a.m. on November 9 on the banks of the Mississippi River. This is the longest-running and most-prestigious cyclocross event in the U.S.A., and proceeds benefit the Church Health Center. Log on to http://outdoorsinc.com/pages/cyclocross to register.

The Election is Tuesday Nov 4 (2014)
[Early voting was October 15 to October 30 for the Nov 4 election.] A brief summary of hours and some of the issues and races from the Tri-State Defender is at
http://tsdmemphis.com/greater-metro/21253-early-voting-underway-in-tennessee
There are four state constitutional amendments. I'm afraid I can't summarize the issues without being opinionated. Sorry about that.
(1) Should the state legislature be allowed to prohibit abortion, even in cases of rape, incest, danger to life of the mother? Of course, the US constitution and courts presently prevent such a law. But passage would encourage the legislature to make abortions much more difficult for the poor to obtain. (Those better off can simply go to where they are performed easily.)
(2)  Should we preserve the present system of judges appointed after the recommendation of a bar committee? There  would still be periodic votes in which judges could be removed, as at present. Defeating the amendment would stop this practice and judges would be elected in contested, probably partisan, elections.
(3)  Should the state constitution prohibit a state income tax?  Such an amendment would make it far more difficult to change Tennessee's extremely regressive tax system.
(4)  Should a wider set of non-profits, such as Veterans organizations, be allowed to raise money by the occasional gambling events (e.g. raffles) which religious organizations are now permitted to hold?
       There will also be some municipal votes, mainly on whether sale of wine should be allowed in grocery stores. Memphis has a vote on making the civil service arrangements more flexible. A "yes" vote, say the proponents, will make it easier for the city to reward better workers and deal with those who do not perform well. The opponents fear it will allow more arbitrary treatment of employees.

Be aware of the very late polling place change for election day, GER-06.


October 30 - Nov 23, Jewish Literary and Cultural Festival, Memphis Jewish Community Center.
events with authors and musicians (charges typically $13) Oct 30, Nov 8, Nov 12, Nov 23; 
Free events all day Nov 16, limited space, must preregister at 901-761-0810  http://jccmemphis.org/culture 




November 6 and 13. The Church Health Center is pleased to present its Fall Culinary Series from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday through November 13 at 1115 Union. This fall’s series features cooking demonstrations and wine tastings with Chef Brown Burch, Chef Melissa Petersen, Chef Gary Williams, Chef Felicia Suzanne Willett, Chef Mac Edwards, and Chef Jennifer McCullough. Each class costs $45. Purchase tickets at churchhealthcenter.org/fall-culinary-series.



November 12, 6:30 PM. Holocaust survivor speaks at Holy Communion Episcopal Church, Walnut Grove between Perkins.
Educator Leah Kaufman, who lost her entire family to the Holocaust at the age of nine and has told the story in a book, "Live! Remember! Tell the World!" She will give a talk at 6:30.
Links:  "Live! Remember! Tell the World!"  To read more about Ms. Kaufman, go to our Booking It blog for links to interviews and background.

November 13, Thursday, 6-8 PM. Facing History: Community Conversations. A chance to address the issues that Facing History discusses, for those of us who are not school students. Conversation led by John Amaechi and Facing History students.  White Station High School.  RSVP requested 452-1776 ext 223
 
November 15 "Distracted Drivers Walk", Rhodes College.   (notice from Tri-State Defender)
http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=9c1c78d2b069d346fac3fab56&id=59cc80eee7&e=6bd085df80

November 16. Gallery in the Grove. A Holiday Art Show at Unity Church of Practical Christianity,  9228 Walnut Grove, Cordova.  I'm not sure how ling the exhibit is up, but the Public Reception is 11:30-1:30 PM on Sunday. Acrylics, Oils, and Photography.  phone 753-1463

November 16-20, Israeli Artist Market, Memphis Jewish Community Center.

November 18, 7 PM. Temple Israel. Rabbi Micah Greenstein discusses the issues facing Israel.
RSVP requested,  https://timemphis.wufoo.com/forms/deepen-your-understanding-of-israel/   or 
761.3130

November 19, Wednesday, National Civil Rights Museum Lunch and Learn.  Benjamin Hooks Institute Director, Daphene McFerren, will be featured as a panelist at the National Civil Rights Museum's Lunch and Learn Panel, Voting Rights and the Twenty-fourth Amendment. Free, bring your own lunch. "Freedom’s Front Line: The Voting Rights Struggle in Fayette County, TN"
http://civilrightsmuseum.org/ncrmevents/

Nov 20, Thanksgiving Dinner, Joint between Memphis Islamic Center and Heartsong Church.
One of the great interfaith relationships in the city; come and celebrate! 6:00 PM at Heartsong Church. $5 per person, age 3 and up. Babysitting available, Halal Food. Bring a dessert to share. RSVP 754-0370  or email info@memphisislamiccenter.org

November 21. The Episcopal Diocesan Convention will take place at Calvary Episcopal Church.
(This is here more as a news item than as something to attend. I think they do want volunteers to help and it may be possible to attend the evening dinner at the Rendezvous if tickets are still available. $40, e-mail  ldeacon@calvarymemphis.org to ask if there is room.)

November 21-22, Friday and Saturday. Baron Hirsch Synagogue "Shabbaton"
, a major educational program associated with prayer services. Visiting scholars. Example: 4:35 PM Friday, "Kiddush: Taking initiative in Avodat Hashem" (very loose translation: ..in serving the Lord")  8 PM: David's Rise to Kingship (light refreshments), Saturday 10:30 AM: "The personality and contribution of our father Isaac."  11:30 "Brotherhood in Bereshit" (Genesis).  3:45 "The interplay between the letter and spirit of Halacha" (Jewish Law). 4:45 PM "Our Father Jacob's Spiritual Odyssey."

November 22, 10:30 AM to Noon. Indian Cultural Center and Temple. "Divine Power", A discourse in English by H H Swami Chidatmananda, Regional Head, Chinmaya Mission, Andhra Pradesh.  The description begins " Swami Chidatmananda is a spiritual teacher whose core teaching emphasizes the oneness (non-duality) of all beings. Swamiji travels across the globe delivering rich and profound lectures yet simple even for a novice. Swamiji's humility and pleasant demeanor makes him very approachable to people from all walks of life seeking relief from ordinary issues to the deeply held misperceptions on life that cause immense stress and suffering."

November 22, "Chopped Night", $36 / person, fundraiser at Memphis Jewish Community Center.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=b66fd8e6-17a7-4626-9881-e69c0250bd34&c=449fb2e0-d2e4-11e3-acd1-d4ae5292c3f3&ch=452fe4f0-d2e4-11e3-ad4f-d4ae5292c3f3
  "The story of Alina Spaulding is a miracle story in which we each share a part. The dollars raised by Federations like ours, have allowed Alina and her family to be part of the American Jewish community. Although Alina loves to bake Rugalach and makes a mean challah, she will be sharing her personal story of life in Russia, a heroic rescue, and the hope of a new life. Be prepared to be inspired."

 The Shen Yun dancers will be in Memphis March 13, 2015, but tickets are now on sale. See March 13 for details.

November 25, Tuesday. 7 PM. Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Emmanuel United Methodist Church. 2404 Kirby Road. Reception after the service. A longstanding Memphis tradition with at least Methodist, Presbyterian, Jewish, Muslim, Roman Catholic, participation and often others.

November 27, Thanksgiving.

November 27,Indian Cultural Center and Temple.  Subramanya Shashti,
services at 9 am and 6 pm.
http://www.itslife.in/festivals/subramanya-shashti


Sept 24-Oct 3. Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Brahmotsavan and Navaratri. Daily, multiple times.
Details https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/node


Sept 29 - Oct 1, but reserve by Sept 15. A conference at Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, not prohibitively far away, so I mention it.) "A symposium on Peace, Islam, and Counter-Terrorism. This conference brings together academics, practitioners, policy influencers, and Muslim thought leaders to discuss the potential strategic role of the Islam in American security policy and initiatives."  Info at
http://www.wku.edu/eps/counter-narrative/index.php

Sept 30 (Telephone Group Event), 3 PM.  Archbishop Elias Chacour will speak.
"Prophetic and practical, grounded and regal, Israeli and Palestinian, Abuna (Father) Chacour's vision and work for peace and authentic reconciliation resonates with all people who want to see and be a part of communities that want to move forward together for a better future for all.
   "A three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Elias Chacour recently retired after serving since 2006 as the Archbishop of the Melkite Catholic Church for Akko, Haifa, Nazareth, and all Galilee."
     We have been very impressed by his efforts for peace and reconciliation, and we have available some earlier talks on disk.
Or look for him on Youtube!
For this talk: Dial-in number 646-307-1300, access code 693031

October 1, Wednesday, Vote No on 1: The Clergy Perspective. 11 AM - Noon at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 613 University St. (Just north of North Parkway at Rhodes College.)  Rabbi Micah Greenstein, Rev. Dr. Steve Montgomery, Rev. Dr. Rosalyn Nichols, Rev. Earle J. Fischer, Rev Walt Tennyson. "Clergy from many faith traditions speak out against Amendment 1 as a matter of conscience."

October 2, Thursday,  Marcus Orr Lecture, "Churchill's War Horse": Children's Literature and the Pleasures of War."   University of Memphis, University Center Theater. Free. Food at 5:30 PM, lecture at 6 PM.

October 2 (Nashville event) The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition is having a Community Forum at   in Nashville, at Casa Azafran, 2195 Nolansville Pike, "Meet and Greet" 5 PM, forum 5:30-7 PM. "Educating Children, Deporting Parents, and Investing in Integration. What's on the horizon for state and local policy?"  (Notice received from the League of Women Voters.)

October 4, Yom Kippur.  Temple Israel events are open to all without reservations.
The most solemn Jewish holiday. The Friday evening services, at 6:15 pm repeated 8:45 PM, will be jammed.  So will the Saturday morning service at 10 AM.  They will be live online at http://timemphis.org/  if you wonder what they look and sound like.  If you are a non-Jew and you'd like to go meet people, you might enjoy the discussion groups and shorter smaller services going on all day (12, 1, 1:45, 3:15, 4:15, 5, 6) ending at about 6:30 PM followed by light refreshments.

October 4, Eid Ul-Adha, the major festival of the Muslim pilgrimage season. Services at the Cook Convention Center. 9:30 AM.

October 4, Saturday 4 PM, Overton "Bark", "Blessing of the Pets",
Calvary Episcopal Church

October 5, 11 AM - 5 PM Eid Ul_Adha carnival,

Location: Incredible Pizza Company

1245 North Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38016  

(The entire place is reserved for our community)

Admission Fee: $5

Include $5 Game Card (Ages 3-16yrs)

2 Major Attractions

Games, Fun, Attractions [Laser tag, Go-Kart Racers...], & Much more

HALAL Food (Pizza, Pasta, Chicken, Tacos, Salad bar, Dessert, & more)


October 5, "World Communion Sunday"
will probably have a host of interesting church events. One I know of is at Balmoral Presbyterian Church, where the 11 AM Service will be a joint service of Balmoral Presbyterian (mainly white), Circle of Faith (mainly Black), and Grace Korean Presbyterian Church (mainly Korean-speaking.)  Following the service there will be a brief session (about 12 - 12:20) painting prayer scarves to decorate the church, all welcome, supplies provided.

October 5, 7 PM, Ori Naftali Band Live at the  Levitt Shell. http://levittshell.org/event/ori-naftaly

October 7 - usual monthly evening potluck of the Catholic Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.  Info cmglp@ic.cdom.org

October 7 - Facing History Webinar, 2-3 PM Central time. " Join us for a conversation with Joshua Rubenstein, author of the new Facing History and Ourselves eBook Shot by Shot: The Holocaust in German-Occupied Soviet Territory, and renowned Holocaust scholar Michael Berenbaum about the impact of recent scholarship on our understanding of the open-air massacres on the Eastern Front, a dimension that challenges to our understanding of the Holocaust and human behavior."  Intended for educators (broadly defined.) RSVP and download materials,
 https://www.facinghistory.org/for-educators/educator-resources/resources/shot-shot-holocaust-german-occupied-soviet-territory

October 9, 4 PM.  Lecture at Rhodes College, "The Long Shadow of American Slavery".  110 Buckman

October 9 Benjamin Hooks Institute Open House
      Reception 4:30 pm; Program 5 pm  Michael D. Rose Theatre,   University of Memphis
     This is the organization at the University of Memphis devoted to the local history and academic study of desegregation and related topics.

October 9, 5:30 PM LGBTQ Sexual Health Working Group - First Meeting!
at 
CHOICES, 1726 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tennessee 38104

October 9, Planned Parenthood fundraiser - the James Award. 6Pm-8PM at the Dixon Gallery (Hughes Pavilion).  $100 per person. The award is being given this year to Beverly Marrero, who has held polutical offices in Memphis and has long been an active member of local organizations. Presented by Congressman Steve Cohen.

October 10, 
Heather Watson invited you to One CommUnity Center's event:
Namaste Day Body~Mind~Spirit Festival 2014
Friday, October 10 at 12:00pm - Saturday, October 11 at 9:00pm at Cooper Walker Place
http://www.1communitycenter.org/namastedayfestival.html

October 10, 5:30-7:30 PM, Art opening:  Sue S. Miller, Creative Fire. Ross Gallery, lower level of Plough Library, Christian Brothers University. Exhibit is until December 4.   Also: Art of Bernard Freiden, first floor of the library,  reception for the artist  Oct 12, 2-4 PM.

October 11, 11 AM. Memphis Islamic Center. "Islam 101: the basics of Islam" An informal workshop to answer questions about Islam. No, they do not assume you are in the process of converting, not that they would object!  But if you've wanted a time and place to go to ask friendly questions, this is available.

October 11, Saturday, 7:30 PM.  Concert, Balmoral Chamber Orchestra, at Balmoral Presbyterian Church. Free, donations accepted for the Prizm Ensemble educational programs.


PREREGISTRATION: 
Registration is OPEN for Gandhi-King Youth Conference

Friday, Oct. 17th at BRIDGES, 8am - 4pm

 If you are interested in your student(s) attending the Gandhi-King Youth Conference, click here for the registration form.



October 12, Interfaith Potluck 4-6 PM (hosted by Catholic Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons) at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. A wonderful opportunity to meet with and learn about the roles of these groups in other churches.

Friday, Oct. 17th at BRIDGES, 8am - 4pm   YOUTH CONFERENCE

 If you are interested in your student(s) attending the Gandhi-King Youth Conference, click here for the registration form.


October 16, Church Health Center Conference.

The 13th Annual Conference for Clergy and Congregational Leaders will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16 at 1115 Union Ave. This year’s conference will focus on pastors and congregations on the front line of mental health and features keynote speaker Michael A. Torres, MD. To register for this free event, please log on to churchhealthcenter.org/faithhealthseries or call 901-261-8833.
(Their definition of "clergy" is fluid enough to allow representatives of other interested organizations)

October 18. Early voting event.
  This event has good interfaith sponsorship, on the side of "vote no on Amendment 1"
"Voice Your Vote is a family friendly early voting event hosted by Healthy and Free Tennessee. Come learn about potential consequences of Amendment 1, enjoy free food and entertainment for the whole family, and join our parades to the Election Commission across the street to go vote! (Don't forget your photo i.d.!)"
https://www.facebook.com/events/1553044281583260/      11:00am - 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church  166 Poplar Ave.

October 19, Jewish Historical Society Lecture: "The Making of Modernism: The Jewish World, Art and Culture." 2 PM, Memphis Jewish Community Center. http://www.jhsmem.org   
http://www.jhsmem.org/images/October%202014%20Baila%20Miller.jpg

October 20, 7 PM.  Temple Israel. An AIPAC program, "The African-American Community and Israel."  I can't really think of  events of the America-Israel Public Affairs Committee, a lobbying group devoted to supporting arms for Israel, as a comfortable place for interfaith people.  But the speakers include Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel, who is generally remarkably balanced, and Reverend Dr. DeeDee Coleman, Pastor, Russell Street Missionary Baptist Church, so I guess I have to call it an "interfaith" event.  The third speaker is Brian Shankman, AIPAC Director of Regional Affairs and Development. For additional information contact Todd Young at 678-254-2627 or tyoung@aipac.org.

Weds Oct 22, Italian Kosher Dinner at Nosh-a-Rye, the kosher restaurant at the Memphis Jewish Home, 36 Bazeberry, Cordova. Charge. 901.756.3250

October 23, 6 PM Lecture, Rhodes College Communities in Conversation Series.
    "Why Liberal Education Matters." 
I haven't seen the exact location announced yet, but the gate man at the
University Avenue entrance will know and give directions.


October 25, 6:30-8:00 PM  Ebola Infection: What you need to know. Dr Manoj Jain and Dr Ghalib Mannan present. Masjid Ar-Rahman, 7906 Lowrance Rd., Memphis 38125.
 
October 25, 7:30 PM, Piano concert, Baron Hirsch Synagogue. Free.
The Artists Ascending Series invites important young performers "on their way up." Some have later become extremely famous.

October 26 after church (around 12:15 PM). Potluck Lunch and Learn:
The Care and Management of Medications.  Balmoral Presbyterian Church.

October 26, Sunday, 2 PM Daniel Pearl Harmony for Humanity Concert
.
University Center Theatre, U of Memphis. Volunteer local musicians. 
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102630273991-1750/Daniel+Pearl+Concert+2014.pdf
Awards will be given to Rachel Shankman (Facing History) and Beverly Robertson (Civil Rights Museum)
RSVP requested so they can get a sense of audience size - hillelofmemphis@bellsouth.net

October 26, 3-5 PM. "Trunk or Treat" at Holy Communion Church, Walnut Grove between Perkins.
Kids activities, trick-or-treating, best decorated car contest.

October 27, Monday, 6:30 PM. League of Women Voters
at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library (the corridor to the left as you enter.)  Subject:   Constitutional amendments on November 4 ballot – No and Yes defined

October 27, 6-9 PM Facing History, annual benefit dinner.  One of the best events of the year, excellent speakers, but expensive - $250 a seat.
Hilton Hotel, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd, Memphis  https://www.facinghistory.org/outreach/memphisdinner

October 28, Tuesday, 7:30 PM. Prizm Ensemble Concert, "No Strings Attached."  The excellent group of artists frequently perform at Shady Grove Presbyterian and other churches and promote music education and experience for young people. This concert at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, 5530 Shady Grove Rd (At Yates). $10 - $5  http://prizmensemble.com    Includes Mozart Piano Quintet and American Premiere of local musician Kamran Ince's "It's a Nasreddin" for pino and wind quartet, Paul Basler "Bagatelles for horn, bassoon, and piano."

October 30, Thursday, Hooks Institute Lecture. Reception 5 PM, lecture 6 PM, U. of Memphis University Center room 300. Ruth Feldstein, Co-Winner of the Hooks Institute National Book Award
For How It Feels to be Free: Black Women Entertainers and the Civil Rights Movement


 



We have a request to sign an Interfaith Petition to Address Climate Change, http://www.faithclimatepetition.org/


     This month (and given the operation of lunar calendars, posssibly for another couple of years) the Jewish month of Tishri and the Muslim month of Dhul Hijaah coincide - bringing together principal holidays of both faiths.  Yom Kippur, the Jewish "day of Atonement", a fast day for repentance for sins, is October 4. And Eid Ul-Adha, the great Muslim holiday, is also October 4. Both religions attach special values to prayers and have special prayer customs for the ten days leading up to the holiday. Expect major parking problems around the synagogues on the evening of  October 3 until after sunset October 4.  The mosques recognize that they can't fit in everyone who wants to come the morning of October 4, and will have a major service in the southwest hall of the Memphis Cook Convention Center (9:30 AM).  They will also have an Eid carnival Sunday Oct 5, 11 AM - 5 PM at Incredible Pizza in Germantown.
     Actually, the theological connections are much closer between Rosh Hashanah (Sept 24-25) and Eid Ul_Adha. The principal reading from the Jewish Bible for Rosh Hashanah is the willingness of Abraham to offer his son (Isaac) as a sacrifice.  The principal Qur'an reading for Eid Ul-Adha is the willingness of Abraham to offer his son (Ishmael) as a sacrifice.
      Rabbi Arthur Waskow adds: 
And even more!  October 4 is for Catholics and many other Christians the day for remembering and honoring  St. Francis of Assisi.  The present Pope chose to affirm Francis not only in naming himself but in living simply and preaching compassionately.  St. Francis went to Cairo to study with Muslims how they prayed, in order to deepen his own prayer.  He committed a holy act of both heresy and treason by opposing the Crusades. And he was deeply in touch with the more-than-human life of all the Earth.

 
-----
After a long search, Masjid Ar-Rahman has appointed a new Imam, Anwar Arafat.  We expect that he will be a meaningful addition to the group of clergy of all faiths in the city.  He will preside at the city-wide Eid Ul_Adha prayers October 4.

Memphis has a number of new Halal restaurants (Muslim equivalent of kosher.)
Tannoor Grill is located on 830 N. Germantown Pkwy Cordova, TN 38018 901-443-5222.
Barakat Middle Eastern Restaurant is located at 5800 Raleigh Lagrange Rd Bartlett, TN 901-674-1666
Sharks Fish & Chicken has three locations in the Memphis area - Midtown, Hickory Hill and Summer Avenue.www.sharksmemphis.com
The Burger Joint is located at 5844 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38119.901-537-3533.
(I think this means we now have more Halal restaurants than Kosher restaurants. Of course the Halal rules are somewhat simpler.)

September 1. The Worker's Interfaith Network Picnic.
($10 adult, $5 child, max $30 family).  This turns out a number of interesting groups. Pax Christi (the Roman Catholic peace group) have had a table here for years. Usually Rep. Steve Cohen speaks, usually there are American Indian dances and performances by various immigrant groups. Highly recommended! "September 1 from 11-2 in the afternoon at Trinity United Methodist Church at 1738 Galloway in Memphis.  The picnic brings together workers, WIN mem
bers, and community supporters to enjoy games, food, and live entertainment while remembering the labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to our country. To purchase advance tickets,  click here. ".  https://www.chi-cash-advance.com/sforms/appeal786/Contribute.aspx  

"The Annual Faith and Labor Day Picnic is Monday, September 1 from 11am-2pm and WIN needs volunteers!
There are many ways to be involved from keeping cool in the dunk tank, setting up the area, serving food, and many more. If you would like to be involved, please contact KC Warren, picnic chair, at kcbundy@bellsouth.net.
If you cannot attend, but would still like to support the event, you can find sponsorship information here.
Advance, discounted tickets are still available online until August 22, 
or through one of our ticket sellers for
$10 for an adult ticket     $5 for a children's ticket      and $30 for a Family Ticket (two adults and children under 13)
You can also purchase full price tickets at the door."


Sept 4. 10:30 AM Start of Women's Bible study at Calvary Episcopal (downtown).
A weekly study of Geesis, with Rev. Chris Girata. Info
525-6602 x138
Calvary's sermons are collected on-line at  http://calvarymemphis.org/sermons

September 6 Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads .
In celebration of the upcoming festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi, ICCT is delighted to announce that the Ganesh Nimmajan 2014 event will take place Saturday, September 6th 2014 at the ICCT grounds. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for a fun filled day dedicated to celebrating Lord Ganesha. This is a MAJOR event. 11:30 AM -7:30 PM -
sample of invitation -
     Food Stalls - The food team volunteers are meticulously planning for preparing some delicious menu of food items to be offered on the event day.
     Bazaar - Vendor registration is going very well and we will have vendor booths offering Clothing, Jewelry, paintings and other items for purchase.
     Kids Zone - Get ready for some fun and excitement. There will be cotton candy, snow cones, candy and lemonade along with some fun games and     face-painting.
     Cultural presentation - The cultural presentations will include traditional dances by young kids, Bhajans and Keertanas by upcoming local artists.

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT0CIMOoV80

Sept 6-7 A (LONG) Bike ride to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis researchhttp://biketns.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=22797

Sept 7, Breakfast, A joint start-of-year breakfast for Balmoral Presbyterian, Circle of Faith, Grace Korean Presbyterian, At Balmoral Presbyterian. Info 901.767.7510

Sept 7, Season-opening lunch at Church of the Holy Communion.
The 10:30 service – including baptisms – will be outdoors on the lawn (the 8:00 and 5:30 services will be indoors as usual), and followed by the annual parish picnic. Casual dress is encouraged; and while we will have chairs for the service and tables for eating, you are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for that real picnic feel! Tickets are $5 per person/$15 for family of three or more. The church will provide fried chicken, BBQ baked beans, slaw and banana pudding. Families with last names A-G, please bring dessert, and last names H-Z, side dish! Tickets can be purchased Sundays in Cheney Parish Hall. You might think about inviting a friend or two as well, as this is a great way to introduce people to life at Holy Communion!  Walnut Grove between Perkins.

Sept 7 Sunday School starts at Ar_Rahman Mosque, our area's newest mosque, at
7906 Lowrance Rd, Memphis, TN 38125.
This is a children's Sunday School program very similar to what synagogues have - language study, scripture study, athletics, etc.
The flyer is at http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102207134857-310/Ar-Rahman+Sunday+school+Flyer+2014.pdf

September 7,
Sunday,      Temple Israel is a sponsor of this Moshav Band concert at Minglewood Hall. 5 PM. $15
Tickets at http://www.minglewoodhall.com/calendar/   Flier at http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Moshav Concert 7 Sept 2014.jpg

Sept 10. 6:30 PM. The Fourth Annual Joint Dinner, Masjid Al-Noor and St Lukes United Methodist Church
  Free but RSVP by Sept. 5 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-joint-dinner-tickets-12795049337
Location: St. Luke Cafeteria (480 South Highland St Memphis, TN 38111)  Info Telephone 901-432-0761
* Parking is available at St. Luke Church,  Babysitting provided

Sept 11, Thursday, 7 PM. Security briefing at the Memphis Jewish Community Center. "Anti-Semitism in the US and Abroad in the Wake of the Hamas-Israel Conflict."     "The Memphis Jewish Community Security Council invites you to a Community Security Briefing. Keynote address by Mark Moskowitz, Southeast Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League. The program will also feature a 9/11 memorial, a pre-High Holidays security briefing and an update on new security initiatives in the Memphis Jewish community. RSVP to knapier@memjfed.org." 767-7100
 
Sunday Sept 14. Joint Blood Drive, Heartsong Church and Memphis Islamic Center.  9 AM- 4 PM.   Of course donations any time are welcome at LifeBlood! 1-888-LIFEBLOOD or http://www.lifeblood.org.
Also at 11:30 AM, a talk by Yasir Qadhi for women only, "The Role and Responsibilities of Muslim Women in the Modern World".  Note that you may bring children to this but there will be a room for women with children (video feed of the talk) since the rules of LifeBlood prohibit unsupervised  children in the building with the blood drive.


Sunday September 14, Jewish Historical Society, at Temple Israel, 2 PM. Lecture. Ambassador Dennis Ross has been special assistant to President Obama, special advisor to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, held a senior position with the National Security Council. A major authority on the Middle East.  Free, open to all.

Monday Sept 15, Noon-1:30. MIFA Anniversary Luncheon (fundraiser, $25). Celebrate the 46th anniversary of the founding of MIFA,  a major interfaith organization - one of the things Memphis is really proud of.  An incredible list of speakers - Rev Steve Montgomery, Prof Nabil Bayakly, Rabbi Chana Glazer, Pastor Batholomew Orr, Rev Dorothy Wells.   Please reserve by Sept 11 if possible. If you want vegetarian/kosher/hallal, let them know.
https://donate.mifa.org/foundersday   or  (901) 529-4523

Sept 15 - last day to register for a six-month "Quranic Arabic" Course at Masjid As-Salaam. Meets Wednesdays starting 9/17. Charge. Info 901-849-0440

Wednesday Sept 17, 8 PM, Fundraiser for Jewish Family Service, Malco Paradiso Theater, $50 and up. Their first fundraiser in over 5 years. New movie "This is Where I Leave You and live performance by Michael "Ziggy" Danziger. Info c/o Barry Chase, 901-767-8511.

SPECIAL MAJOR EVENTS THIS WEEK (starting Sept 19)

Following the unfortunate events of last week in Memphis, we hope there will be an exceptionally large turnout for the "Campaign Nonviolence Week of Action" this week.
There is a website at http://cnvmemphis.org/index.html  which may have updates.

Friday Sept 19, 5 PM. "Enough is Enough"  Anti-violence March in North Memphis. March begins at the Pillar of Jerusalem Church, 768 Pearce. Call 901-262-5013 for information.  (North of N. Parkway, north of Jackson, between Manassas and Ayers. If you've worked on Habitat for Humanity projects, you may know the area well.)

Saturday Sept 20. Retreat with Rev Charles McCarthy, Church of the Holy Spirit, 8:30 - 4:30 PM.
For forty years Rev. McCarthy has been a major religious voice for peace. Among other things, he was the founding director of the Center for the Study and Practice of Nonviolent Conflict Resolution at the University of Notre Dame.

Sunday Sept 21. International Day of Peace.  Meet at the corner of 4th and Beale 4 -7 PM. Sing a song or two for peace. Bring an instrument or a story to tell.

Monday Sept 22.
The Campaign for NonViolence planning committee meets each Monday at 6:30 PM at the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. All are welcome.  http://www.midsouthpeace.org/

Thursday Sept 25, 7-9 PM. Community forum on gun violence, First Congregational Church, 1000 Cooper St.  https://www.firstcongo.com/


Sept 19-20. Workshop on family communication (fee) Memphis Islamic Center.

Saturday September 20. BookIt5K.  http://bookit5k.racesonline.com  Benefits Shelby County Books from Birth and the Emmanuel Center  http://eecmemphis.org/    We are big fans of the Emmanuel Center, a service organization for inner-city youth. Starts and ends at Church of the Holy Communion. 

Saturday Sept 20 5 - 7 PM. Concert at Balmoral Presbyterian Church.  Free
Music Director of Circle of Faith -WINSTON STEWART
CD Release w/Live Performance - "The Heart of the Matter"

Sunday Sept 21, 8:30 am  -12 noon. Special Prayers at Indian Cultural Center and Temple.
http://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/SAGNS_Mandala

Sunday Sept 21, 4-6 PM 
opening reception for Superman: The Jewish Roots of America’s Super Hero, the newest exhibit in the Temple Israel Museum.  Description at http://www.timemphis.org/about-temple/museum

Sept Sept 21.  Piano Concert, Beethoven Club, free. http://www.beethovenclubmemphis.org/RobakProgram9-21.pdf
 
The concert is at the Beethoven Club, 263. S. McLean, at the corner of Peabody and S. McLean.
   Admission is free and a reception will follow the concert.


Sept 24-25.  Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Synagogues will mainly be crowded to overflowing.  Temple Israel does welcome guests and does not require tickets. Weds 24th at 6:15 PM repeated at 8:45 PM; Thurs 25th at 10 AM. This begins the "ten days of repentance" culminating with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Oct 3 at 6:15 pm repeated at 8:45 PM, Oct 4 services at 10 AM and 4:30 PM with many programs in between on Oct 4.

Sept 24, 7:15 PM. Miko Peled speaks at the Memphis Islamic Center . see the next item (he is giving two talks, one on the 24th and one on the 25th. A Muslim spokesman has remarked to the Jewish community that he is extremely puzzled that Peled chose these nights to speak. )

Sept 24, 7 PM, First Congregational Church,
sponsored by the Catholic Peace group PAX CHRISTI:
Sister Jeannine Grammick and Will Batts present "Violence Against the LGBT Community, and What Can We Do"
 
Thursday, Sept 25, 5:45 PM and later. Talk about Gaza/Israel at the Germantown Performing Arts Center.  
"Former Israeli Defense Forces soldier turned Palestinian rights activist, Miko Peled, speaks at MIC about the current situation in Gaza and how to achieve peace to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict."   5:45 book signing, 6 PM talk, 7 PM Q&A, 7:45 more book signing. Sandwiches will be served. Preregistration is required.
Free. Register at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-sense-of-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-with-gen-miko-peled-tickets-12986279311  or
email MikoPeledEvent@gmail.com
         I've hesitated to list many of the Gaza-related events since they are often so one-sided. I hope this will not be, since Peled is from such a prominent Israeli family. His father was an Israeli General in the 1967 war and served as military governor of the Gaza Strip, and became known as an advocate for Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation.  I also want to note here that there has been recent increased willingness on both sides to see some of the complexities of the situation, ranging from Muslim condemnations of the apparent deliberate tactics of some Gaza fanatics to attract attacks likely to kill civilians to comments by outgoing US Defense Intelligence Agency head Lt. General Michael Flynn (which I've seen reported more prominently in the Jewish press than  in the mainstream US press) that the radical wing of Hamas is rather small compared to other radical groups in Gaza such as the Pal;estinian Islamic Jihad, Al-Quds Brigade, Popular Resistance Committee, and several others. See for example
http://www.jta.org/2014/08/15/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/worse-than-hamas-gazas-other-terror-groups-



Sept 25, Thursday, 7 PM. Church of the Holy Communion. Speaker: Ross Douthat, NY Time Op-Ed Columnist. "Bad Religion: How we became a nation of heretics."

Sept 26, 11 AM, Rhodes College Panel Discussion, "Sacred and Secular Texts." Blount Hall (directions available at campus gate houses). In association with a conference on "Core Texts and Courses."

Sept 26. 8 PM Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Garba-Ras Night, celebrating the Goddess Durga, Mother of the Universe.  (My impression is that this includes dances and other things, not just prayers.)

Sept 27, 5K Run "Fight Childhood and Family Obesity" Also Kids/family fun run. Benefits Common Table Health Alliance. Info and Registration at http://millioncalorieburn.racesonline.com/

Sept 27, Mid-South Pride Day Parade (LGBT etc.), Starts 5:30 PM at Robert Church Park, 4th and Beale. Several religious groups will march supporting rights for LGBT persons. http://midsouthpride.org/




Jerusalem 3D - From April 19 through December of 2014, the Pink Palace will be showing “Jerusalem 3D” in its IMAX theater. This is a travelogue about the Old City of Jerusalem, prepared by the National Geographic, with references to the ancient history of the city from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim viewpoints and using narrators of all three faiths.  It has been very well received by local religious leaders of all three faiths. It does not consider modern problems or controversies, but does allow you to see the insides of holy places not normally available to tourists because of the modern problems.  I found the 3D effects attractive even though I have very poor vision in one eye.
There is a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jerusalemthemovie
Further information on the Pink Palace including movies and exhibits is at       
http://www.memphismuseums.org/
and the movie schedule is at
http://www.memphismuseums.org/cti_3d-show_schedule/

 SOUP KITCHEN: Every Tuesday at 3:30 PM  the Muslim Student Association at the University of Memphis  recruits volunteers for the Soup Kitchen sponsored by  Rhodes College which takes place at St. John's United Methodist Church, 1207 Peabody Ave., Memphis 38104.  All are welcome to come help it you'd enjoy meeting these young people. Even better, if you are out way east, meet with some of them at the Memphis Islamic Center (near Walnut Grove and Houston Levee - see our address page) at 2:45 and the carpools leave at 3 PM. For info contact  Br. Shehroz Kazmi at 901-216-1022.




Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who spoke a year or so ago at Calvary Episcopal, has an essay on the treatment of women in Nigeria,
at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/imam-feisal-abdul-rauf/protecting-islam-by-telli_b_5310399.html

August 1. 7:30 - 9 PM
Heather Watson invited you to Memphis Kriya Yoga Center, TN, USA's event:
Introduction to Kriya Yoga - A DVD Presentation
Friday, August 1, 2014, 7:00pm - 8:30pm at Delta Groove Yoga
"Conscious realization of our unity with the spirit is the goal of life, and, consciously or unconsciously, every person is trying to advance towards this end. When we realize unity with the universal Self — our own spiritual existence — we become one with the universe." More on the web site.

August 4 and 5. Books4Cause is collecting books to ship to Africa,
at Univ. of Memphis. (September Shipment to Lesotho).
Click Here To Donate - From Your Home or Office

Three Ways to Donate:

  1.  Fill out our online form
  2.  Reply to this email
  3.  Call 800-570-3698

We provide boxes and do the heavy lifting.

We accept most books, cds, dvds, and electronics in good condition.  We don’t accept journals, periodicals, custom course manuals, magazines or ancient encyclopedia sets. We reserve the right to refuse books at time of pickup.  More information is found on our website.


Please view the recent video of our trip to Botswana.



August 7, Thursday.  Election, mainly State primaries and County General Elections


Obviously, the war in Gaza has caused major concern in many places in Memphis.  Numerous places have been collecting both money and materials (food, clothing, books, etc.) to help civilian populations on all sides, and their have been quite a few meetings.  It is a deep regret of mine that most of these meetings tend to be oriented to one side or the other, and I have not been able to confidently say "this is an appropriate interfaith gathering." 

Fall activities are starting now.  Just to give a few examples, rather arbitrarily -
Memphis Islamic Center:


Indian Cultural Center and Temple:
 
Dear Devotees,
On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, ICCT is giving away FREE clay idols of Lord Ganesha. Every family is entitled to one free idol, which you can take home and offer prayers to on Ganesh Chaturthi. These eco-friendly idols are made entirely of clay and can be brought back to the temple for immersion on Saturday, 6th September.
Free Idols will be available at the Temple from August 16th onwards.
We are also organizing Idol-Making Workshops at the temple, where you have the opportunity to make your own idol and color it too!
Workshop Sessions
Dates:   Saturday, 16th August
  Sunday, 17th August
  Saturday, 23rd August
  Sunday, 24th August

Timings:   1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Where:   ICCT Premises
    (I know less than I'd like to about immersion of these symbolic images. On one of our trips, Eunice and I were in Bhutan on the occasion of the annual celebration they described to us as the day of "the God of Machinery" when elaborately painted clay statues holding things like cars and tractors in their hands were thrown into the river.)

Church of the Holy Communion (Walnut Grove at Perkins) has its "State of the Parish" forum at 9:15 AM, Sunday, August 24 - reflections on the past year and visions for the future. Sunday Sept 7 they will have a 9:25 report from their youth returning from Germany, 10:30 AM outdoor service including baptisms, and then a picnic on the lawn. Picnic is $5, $15 per family of three or more, you may bring a dessert or side dish to share.

The Memphis Jewish Federation is undertaking a major survey of the Jewish population to see what its needs and interests are. Their are public meeting, and an online survey athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Memphis_Jewish_POP_Needs_Assessment_Survey


Monday evenings 6 PM starting July 28, Hindu Temple.  July 28 begins the Hindu month of Shravan, "Shravan month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The whole month is considered auspicious to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. Shiva Abhishekam is being performed with a variety of objects like flowers, curd, sugarcane juice, milk, coconut water, honey, belpatra, etc. This kind of Abhishekam gives prosperity, achievement of all desires, eliminates negative forces, getting rid away from negative karma and will give you the joy and success in life. All are welcome to participate and receive the blessings of Lord Shiva."  Indian Cultural Center and Temple, programs at 6 PM on July 28th, August 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th.


August 22, 7 PM, LeMoyne-Owen College, 5K Run for the UNCF (United Negro College Fund.)
August 23rd, UNCF Gala Concert,  Cannon Center.   Info, LeMOyne-Owen College, http://loc.edu, 901-435-1000

August 23rd, 10:30 AM  Indian Cultural Center and Temple (Hindu). Organizing meeting seeking 100 volunteers for a major prayer program to last one year starting Sept. 13.  An incomplete excerpt from the call...  
    Sadhana takes place every Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon in the Meditation Hall.
    Registration fee is $108 for the duration of the Sadhana (1 Year).
    All Sadhakas must attend regularly except in case of extraordinary circumstances.
    Vegetarian meals, abstinence from drugs, alcohol and gambling is a MUST for Sadhakas.
    Women should stop Sadhana during their menstrual cycles for 5 days.
    All Sadhakas must continue Sadhana daily at home.
    Sadhakas must wear clean traditional clothing.


August 24. A Guide to being Muslim in College. Memphis Islamic Center. 6:45 PM.  But on the the Muslim Student Organization, U of Memphis. You can contact them at 901-216-1022

August 24, 26th Annual Kosher Barbeque Competition, Anshei Sfard-Beth El Emeth. http://www.asbeekosherbbq.org.
A wonderful out-door event, all welcome, interfaith and other group competition.  All will enjoy visiting this.

August 24, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Anshei Sfard-Beth El Emeth. All ages, male and female.
901-682-1611 or http://www.asbeekosherbbq.org.

August 28, 7 PM, Indian Cultural Center and Temple.
"Haritalika Teej is celebrated during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. Devotees offer special Puja for Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi."


On August 19 Beth Shalom started a five-week program (Tuesdays 6:45 PM) on conflict resolution and reconciliation in relationships. Led by Rabbi Chana Glazer.  Info 683-3591.

August 22-Sept 14 at the Circuit Playhouse: Best of Enemies. The true story of an unlikely pair fighting together for school desegregation in Durham, North Carolina in 1971. Bill Riddick, a black activist determined to desegregate North Carolina, nominated Klansman C.P. Ellis and Civil Rights Activist Ann Atwater  to co-chair a charrette, a meeting to discuss the conflicting opinions in an to attempt to resolve conflicts.

Sunday, August 31.  1:30 PM. Midtown Torah Study group.
Rabbi Aaron, formerly of Beth Shalom, will be visiting. A relatively small group. If interested, contact (e-mail) jeannie@me.com .

August 31, 5:30 PM Choral Evensong, Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins. The Motet Choir will sing a service of Choral Evensong with Holy Eucharist on Sunday, August 31, at 5:30 p.m. This lovely, historic Anglican "gem" will serve as the Service of the Word, with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist as the second part of the service. Come and experience this evening rite of Choral Evensong - beautiful choral music and the sacrament received by candlelight.



July 2014 notes:

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who  spoke in 2013 in the Calvary Lenten Lecture Series, has been given a major award for "Faith in Action" by the "International Center for Faith and Diplomacy".  The presentation speech is at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-b1Gkvk19Q&list=FLkN4dtHonIohqx_qr-pVG5A&feature=share
He has an interesting column on the "Islamic Law" question, at

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/06/30/Will-hudud-make-a-state-more-Islamic/

I am sorry to report the death of Rabbi Zalman Shachter-Shalomi at age 89 at the start of July. A leader in traditional or Chassidic Jewish outreach to young people, he had considerable effect on me when I was a graduate student in the 1960's.
http://www.jta.org/2014/07/03/news-opinion/united-states/rabbi-zalman-schachter-shalomi-father-of-jewish-renewal-dies

 


FYI -  Along with other religious organizations, Pax Christi USA signed this letter supporting voting rights legislation
<http://jewishaction.us/news/86-religious-organizations-write-congress-support-voting-rights-legislation>

July 1.  First Tuesday Potluck - setup at 6PM, eat at 6:30 - Marian Hall, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Gays, Lesbians, and other concerned with maintaining the active participation of minorities in the church.

Thursday, July 3, 7:30 p.m.   Levitt Shell in Overton Park
Patriotic Pops
is an annual concert featuring an evening of American music performed on the eve of the Fourth of July by the Second Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Sing-Along, 1812 Overture, and more.
 http://www.holycommunion.org/sites/259/uploaded/files/eComm_June_24.pdf

July 5. A major push for Muslims to be involved in MIFA's Meals on Wheels, in connection with Ramadan. Memphis Islamic Center 10:30 am - 12.
Register by July 2 with irem.khan (at) gmail.com

July 7, 5:30 PM. Prayer service at the Jewish Community Center for the deaths in Israel. Israeli Deputy Consul General for the Southeast US will attend.

Having a quiet few days? Listen to an on-line sermon or class.  Look at websites for Temple Israel. Memphis Islamic Center, Calvary Episcopal. or others.
Examples   http://calvarymemphis.org/sermons   
 http://timemphis.org/worship-services/sermons  
http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org/multimedia/video/surat-al-kahf/#

July 9, 6:30 PM. Bingo and Ice Cream at Calvary Episcopal. $5 adult, $3 children.  I mention this partly from my amusement at the connection between Bingo  and churches in the US. I've always felt that we should do a swap, and let the colleges hold the bingo games and let the churches have the football teams. If you find a big halfback somewhere, it might be easier to make an Episcopalian out of him than a Bachelor of Arts.

July 10, Thursday, 7 :30 PM, Memphis School of Servant Leadership will gather at the Levitt Shell,
Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band,
 http://levittshell.org/event/chubby-carrier-and-the-bayou-swamp-band2014

July 11, 6 PM, program at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Guru Poornima Celebrations.

July 12, 10:30 AM. Special prayers at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple. The occasion is Navagraha Shanthi (Homam). I gather this is a astronomical celebration concerning the movement of Jupiter and Saturn through the zodiac. (Vedic Astrology)

July 13 concert - see the concerts page.

July 13, The 8th Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner. One of the major interfaith events of the year.  RSVP by June 13. You may register using any of the steps below:
·      Register online at www.memphisinterfaith.org or click on this link: Registration
·      Email your information to rsvp@memphisinterfaith.org
·      Call (901) 878-2047 and leave a voicemail with your name and contact information.
The event is free, but you must register in advance - it will fill up!

July 15. Joint Jewish-Muslim Fast for Peace. 
This is a national activity that I feel I should draw attention to. And we now do have a local focus -  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=809588219059513&ref=70
    JULY 15, 5 - 8:15 pm, corner of Poplar and East Parkway.
  Typical notices of it are from
a liberal Jewish group in Philadelphia, The Shalom Center,    https://theshalomcenter.org/civicrm/petition/sign?sid=15&reset=1
and the newspaper The American Muslim, http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/jewish-muslim-fast-for-peace/0020215
Facebook for the event https://www.facebook.com/events/1509760402593014/
These refer to the traditional Jewish fast day on this date, the 17th of the Jewish month of Tammuz. In Jewish folklore this is usually thought of as commemorating the destruction of the Temple, but more detail is offered at
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/479885/jewish/About-the-17th-of-Tammuz.htm
of, of course, Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventeenth_of_Tammuz

July 18, Friday, Fundraising Dinner for the Memphis Islamic Center. Woodland Hill Club. The MIC is starting  a new building phase, starting what I believe will be their main building. You can follow their activities at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Memphis-Islamic-Center/83649822203?ref=hl  
MIC 2014 Ramadan Fundraiser
   "Breaking Ground"   Guest Speaker:  Imam Suhaib Webb
Friday, July 18, 2014 | Starts at 7:45 p.m
at Woodland Hills  10000 Woodland Hills Drive  Cordova, TN 38018
$20 per person ages 12 & up  
$10 per child age 6-11 years Free for children ages 5 & under
For more information, please email tickets@memphisislamiccenter.org or 
log on to http://tickets.memphisislamiccenter.org

July 18, 7 PM.  A sampling of Opera. If you (or your kids or grandkids) have never seen live opera, go to the Clark Opera Center, Humphreys Blvd and Kirby, for an evening of samples for only $5!  Information 257-3100.   https://www.facebook.com/operamemphis

July 19, Saturday, 9:30 AM- 12, Get Covered Memphis: Volunteer Convention.  Invitation from Jacob Flowers, former director of Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.  "Interested in making our community a better place? Help us ensure that every Memphian has access to quality affordable healthcare."  At COWORK MEMPHIS, 902. S. Cooper St.,  https://www.facebook.com/events/947023155323097/
 
July 19, Family evening on the lawn at Church of the Holy Communion. Walnut Grove at Perkins. 7 PM games, 8 PM movie "Despicable Me". My grandchildren recommend it. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

 

RAMADAN started   June 29.  As of this writing July 25), we are in the last ten days of Ramadan, which are remarkably like the "ten days of repentence" that the Jews observe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. (There are a lot of extra prayers, in some sense good deeds count double, etc.)


June 29. Start of Ramadan, one month of sunrise-to-sunset fasting for Muslims, special prayers and programs in the mosque. During Memphis's loing hot summers, this means daytime activities tend to be minimized. Their large interfaith dinner is July 13. 
By way of illustration, some of the youth events scheduled at or by the Memphis Islamic Center include:
Saturday nights, 11:30 PM, basketball tournament
Sundays 3-4 PM "Deen for Teens" (What Christians would call Sunday School, lessons from the Hadith, writings of the earliest followers of Mohammad.)
Tuesdays 3:30-5 PM, volunteer at the soup kitchen
July 20, Serve Lunch at Ronald McDonald House
July 26, serve at the Masjid Mu'minim food pantry.
There are several health-related events on the Common Table Health Alliance website,
http://www.healthymemphis.org/upcoming-events.php  which I have not included below.

Feedback on what I should include here is always welcome.


Allegro Music in Germantown prepares a weekly guide to musical events in Memphis. They are clearly finding out about some events (especially in churches) that I don't. They have allowed me to reproduce their weekly newsletter at   http://memphisirg.org/Allegro_Concerts_List.html

There is an excellent new on-line archive of material about Jewish life in Poland (before the Second World War),
available on-line at  http://polishjews.yivoarchives.org/

July 25 - Fundraiser for Porter-Leath children's center. $75 to $125, a very fancy wine tasting party.
  http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/1492821/7f9832b495/547666629/5c0d9814f4/

July 25 - the late sunsets this time of year and rules of Ramadan mean many Muslim events are late in the evening. For example,
"Join us at Masjid Ar-Rahman  Friday, July 25th for Khatm-Ul-Quran, Dua'a & Community Update Presentation (Isha'a Iqama 9:45PM).
** Refreshments & Sweets will be served after the program **"

July 26 - A night of prayer at Masjid As-Salaam. "Muslim Society of Memphis would like to invite you to KHATMUL QUR'AN on  SATURDAY JULY 26TH 2014 at Masjid As-Salam,   in shaa Allah."  My imprssion is that this is an all-night Qur'an reading and prayer session, probably starting at dark (about 9 PM).

July  27 is the first of eight Sunday morning meetings at Calvary Episcopal Church on "Model for Healthy Living: Adults". The Model for Healthy Living was developed on-site at Church Health Center Wellness, as a way of aiding patients and clients to consider life as a whole. Guests from The Church Health Center will guide Calvary parishioners through eight Sunday morning sessions this summer as we seek to develop greater balance in our own lives.
I mention it here on the thought that other houses of worship might want to be in touch with the Church Health Center about either this program or about their support for the Parish Nurse program, in which houses of worship have a relationship with a nurse who is available to answer health questions from members of the organization.

July 29 or 30 - Approximate end of Ramadan. A major Muslim holiday, Eid Al-Fitr

July 30, Indian Cultural Center and Temple invites your family and friends for Tiruvadipur Sathamurai. Bhudevi Abhishekam
Special prayers at 9 AM and 7:30 PM.






June 1. Calvary Episcopal Church, at the regular Sunday service - premier of a new choral anthem written by last year’s  Interim Organist-Choirmaster, Timothy Hagy

June 1, 5 PM, Panel Discussion: "Fifty years after the 1964 Civil Rights Act: An Appraisal.
St. John Baptist Church, 640 Vance Ave.    Rev R. Meade Walker, Moderator.

June 1, Sunday, 2 PM - Lecture, Jewish Historical Society, Memphis Jewish Community Center. Rabbi Samuel Stahl, "The future of Jewish Religious Denominations in North America." He will also speak at Temple Israel the evening of June 3, 7 PM, on "Do Jews Still Consider Themselves The Chosen People?"

June 2, start of a five week summer class of the Memphis School for Servant Leadership.
"Summer 2014: Righteous Research: Prison Industrial Complex
Righteous Research starts Tuesday June 2,  is a 5-week summer offering, Tuesdays 6-8pm (6/2, 6/24, 7/8 7/15/ 7/22) by the Memphis School of Servant Leadership that will allow participants to explore the topic of the Prison Industrial Complex this summer through reading books, interviews, film, and discussions where our goal is to find out the impact of mass incarceration in Memphis and ways we can impact those families and communities affected by the Prison industrial complex in our city and world, through knowledge, faith, and action."
The Memphis School of Servant Leadership now has a blog at  http://memphisssl.tumblr.com/
and their home web site is http://www.servantleadership-memphis.org/

June 3. Be aware of Church Health Center Events.
The Church Health Center’s next free Congregational Health Promoter class, which helps people start or strengthen a health ministry in their congregation, begins June 3 and meets for eight consecutive Tuesdays from 6 to 8 PM. For information or to sign up, call 901-261-8833, or visit www.ChurchHealthCenter.org.

June 3, start of Shavuos.
This evening is the start of Shavuos (also called Shavuot), the third of the three major Jewish pilgrimage/harvest festivals.  It commemorates the giving of the law at Sinai, and the Torah reading includes the Ten Commandments. 
         Chabad always has a very nice Ice Cream party on the occasion - 11 AM June 4, 2570 Kirby Parkway, reading of the Ten Commandments (in Hebrew) followed by the party. Also Cheesecake, Blintzes, etc., and children's entertainment. All welcome.
        Temple Israel  will have its major service June 3. There will be a 7:30 PM lecture by Rabbi Sam Stahl of San Antonio,  "Do the Jews Still Consider Themselves the Chosen People?" Then a service at 8:45 PM followed by "sweet dairy treats."  (There will be a children's program and dinner earlier in the evening.) 
        Beth Sholom Congregation, Humphreys Blvd at the north end of Kirby, will start its program at 7 PM. There will be a talk on "Bullying:" It's Not Just Kids", by Rachel Shankman. Mrs. Shankman is a major community leader in Memphis, longtime head of the Memphis office of Facing History and Ourselves, and was the first woman to be president of Beth Sholom. Services will follow at 8:45 PM. 
       ASBEE (Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth) will have on June 3 a 7:55 pm service, followed by a dinner at 9 PM and then a late-night talk on "Sinai - Did it Really Happen" by Rabbi Joel Finkelstein.  They will have (long) services  on June 4 and June 5 mornings at 8:30 am, followed by a cookout after the June 5 service (free, everyone invited). RSVP 682-1611
       Baron Hirsch Congregation will have an all-night educational program starting at midnight Tuesday evening June 3 with Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Rabbi Joel Finkelstein, Rabbi Gil Perl, and several others. There will be other classes following the June 4 service and on the afternoon of June 5.



June 6. Concert at the Levitt Shell (Overton Park).
A group from Holy Communion Episcopal Church plans to meet at 6:30 PM for a picnic supper and stay for the 7:30 PM concert by the Kopecky Family Band from Nashville. Visit  http://levittshell.org for more information. Bring your own supper or purchase food on site. (Free concert)

June 7. Saturday.  Feast of St. Columba (fundraiser, $75)
6 PM. One of Memphis's surprises is the St. Columba Episcopal Conference & Retreat Center in Bartlett, at  4577 Billy Maher Road.   the website is http://www.saintcolumbamemphis.org/   

June 7, 7 PM, Balmoral Chamber Orchestra at Balmoral Presbyterian Church.
An extremely talented and creative group, mainly of local students, in a small church with good enough acoustics that the Memphis Symphony Chorus uses the space for practice. Always a wonderful experience. I don't know the whole program, but they will be premiering an original composition by Josh Spaulding. 6413 Quince Road (near Kirby and Quince, west of Kirby and near the Kirby exit of Bill Morris Parkway)  http://balmoralpc.com/

June 8  Sunday  Starts 9 AM - Israel Festival. Audubon Park.
 5K Benefit race at 11 AM. http://MemphisFOI.org
Israeli & Jewish Music. Food, Petting zoo, camel rides.

June 8, a major event packaging meals for the hungry, at Pleasant View School.   http://memphisinterfaith.org/event/stop-hunger-now/  This is a major interfaith event. Starts at 2 PM, probably will go on 2 to 3 hours. We are anxiuous top have a good interfaith turnout for this, and it is a chance to see the Muslim parochial school if you have not visited it yet. 1888 Bartlett Rd.

June 8, Benefit bike tour for organ and tissue transplants. 25 miles in East Memphis. http://midsouthtransplantrfl.racesonline.com/

June 8. 5:30 PM, The Red Door band
at the Sunday evening service at Calvary Episcopal Church. The band, under the coordination of David Lee, is made up of Memphis musicians with a gospel and blues flare.

June 9, Church Health Center Event. A workshop equipping at-home caregivers with the tools and support they need to care for their patients as well as themselves will be held from 10 AM to noon on Monday, June 9th at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. Light lunch will be served. This is a free event. Please register by June 4th at http://caregiversrespite.org or by calling 901-921-0923.

June 9-14.  Prizm Ensemble workshops for music students, Shady Grove Presbyterian Church.
June 9, 7-9 PM, Prizm Ensemble Faculty Concert, Shady Grove Presbyterian Church.
I believe that there will also be worthwhile public student performances
Other performances June 12,13,14. http://www.prizmensemble.com/index.php/events/events


MIFA wants participants and volunteers for the COOL (College Offers Opportunities for Life) program. Kids are to be from the 38126 zip code and/or attend Carver or Booker T. Washington high schools, have at least a 2.0 GPA. Adult mentors who can put in two to five hours a month are wanted. Details at http://www.mifa.org/cool?utm_source=Memphis%20Inter-Religious%20Group
Temple Israel sisterhood is preparing snacks for the kick-off event for this, June 11, 5:30. Contact Jane at 901.239.7536.


June 10., Tuesday.
   The Memphis School for Servant Leadership will join the crowd at the Levitt Shell,
http://memphisssl.tumblr.com/post/85158677154/were-going-to-be-a-part-of-this-memphis-school
"Intentionally Christian, Inevitably Human"  I'm guessing 7:30 PM but right now that is just a guess.

June 11. Calvary Episcopal goes to the Ball Park.  Meet at the church at 6 PM, walk to the baseball stadium, opponent is the Tacoma Rainiers, Admission $16. 
    Calvary has its entire newsletter online. You can find the current (and past) issues at
http://calvarymemphis.org/chroniclenewsletter?utm_source=Memphis Inter-religious Group


June 11-15. Indian Cultural Center and Temple (Hindu Temple), Eads. Major ceremonies, I believe involving dedication of a new temple building?
There will be a major instrumental concert on Friday and a vocal concert on Saturday. https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/sagnp
The whole schedule is at http://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/sagnp#schedule
If you have never listened to any talks at the Hindu Temple, they will be streaming much of this.  Information should appear at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/India-Cultural-Center-and-Temple/167110230002353
Also, there is a 13-minute introductory talk on YouTube you can see any time. http://www.youtube.com/embed/IAIXCi1mgxM
Lunch and dinner served each day, dinner the 11th through lunch the 15th; different Indian regional cuisines for each meal.

Stormwater Master Plan for South Cypress Creek.
I gather this is a multi-million dollar flood preventiuon program proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers.  Think Chickasaw Middle School and Mitchell High School areas - Mitchell, Holmes, Elvis Presley, Highway 61.
I found some information on pp 17-18 of
http://www.mvm.usace.army.mil/Portals/51/docs/missions/projects/Projects%20By%20State/Tennessee.pdf
Public Meetings June 12, 16, 17  6-8 PM, addresses (and a rather hard-to-read map of the affected area) at
http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9c1c78d2b069d346fac3fab56&id=d5d8b3ecff&e=6bd085df80

June 13 and 14, several concerts by the PRIZM program at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church
, see the bottom of the concerts page.
The Saturday 7 PM program includes Beethoven's 6th and Klughart's Oboe Concerto, and more.

June 13-14. Immigration Information Project, Masjid As-Salaam. Preseentation about the immigration process; free provate consultations with attorney Theresa Napolitano.  Friday, 5:30-6:30, short presentation; consultations 6:15-8 PM. Saturday, presentation 10:30-11:30, consultations noon-8 PM.

June 14-15, "Spirit Fest." A two-day "Metaphysical Fair". - "There will be a variety of holistic practitioners, artisans & merchandise. What to expect? Great practitioners offering intuitive readings & sessions, crystals, henna tattoos, art & crafts. Also there will be a psychic gallery, a meditation, lectures both days free & much more, included with admission. Admission is $5, and free for children under 10. It's going to be a great and fun weekend. Save the date!! More details coming up!"  Event location: 2465 Whitten Road Suites # 105-107, Memphis, TN.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1415330818732669/

June 14 - benefit for Church Health Center.  Outdoors Inc. will host its 33rd Annual Canoe and Kayak Race at 10 AM Saturday, June 14 on the Mississippi River. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Church Health Center. For more information, visit http://outdoorsinc.com.

June 15, Signup Deadline for a week-long retreat / icon workshop, July 13-18. Contact Church of the Holy Communion, Mary Beth Darrow, 767-6987 x 11

June 16, 6 PM, The League of Women Voters meeting will focus on the importance of judicial retention voting and judicial candidate elections.  This program will motivate you to vote the entire ballot on August 7 – no more skipping that mysterious judicial section. The vote on the Tennessee constitutional amendment will be a later election, but this is a good chance to understand what is at stake. Many of us want to minimize  the roles of partisan politics and political contributions  in judge selection.  Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave.

June 16-18.  Programs by visiting group of Israeli Scouts. Approximately 5 boys, 5 girls, age typically 17-19.
This talented group will do song -and- dance shows, free and open to the public, at a number of venues. Some are
Memphis Jewish Community Center, Monday June 16, 7 PM.
Pink Palace Museum, Tuesday, June 17, 2 PM.
Levitt Shell, Wednesday, June 18, 7:30 PM

There will be other performances for specific groups, churches, etc. E.g. I know of one performance for participants in the Bridges Youth Program.

June 17, Tuesday, 5:00-7 PM. (hours to be checked) The Israeli Scouts will be at Masjid As-Salaam, 1065 Stratford Road. (Foot of Covington Pike.) This will not be the usual song-and-dance, but will be a discussion, a chance for different groups to get to know one another, presumably without political discussion.  We are extremely excited by this first visit by this Israeli group to an American mosque, and we very much hope there will be a nice turnout by the interfaith community.

June 17 - 19. MIFA. Ombudsman Training Program.
Be an ombudsman for nursing homes or similar facilities.
http://www.mifa.org/ombudsman

June 19, Thursday. French evening of Elegance (Kosher dinner) at the Memphis Jewish Home. $51.
 914.582.8673. Last day to make reservations is Friday, June 13th.

June 19, 7 PM - Concert/dinner at Colonial Baptist Church, see the concert page.

June 19. A group from Temple Israel is going to the Levitt Shell for The School of Rock concert. Bring lawn chairs, picnic.

June 18-21. Grace-St Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody, 
   Luna Nova Music produces the Belvedere Chamber Music Festival

    Click that link for the program. Concerts June 18,19, 20, two on June 21.


June 20 - 7 PM Concert at Episcopal / Holy Apostles / Collierville - see the concert page.

June 20, 5-7 PM, Juneteenth Celebration (pro-Labor event). Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/1505224913030473/
"Juneteenth, initiated on June 19th, 1865, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States -- the greatest labor victory in this country's history.   In following tradition, UCW's Juneteenth 2014 banquet will feature the barbecue pit as the center of attention and will focus on e... See More"     389 E. Parkway N. Pavilion in Overton Park

June 20, Masjid Ar-Rahman, lecture, "The Great Themes of Ramadan". After Maghrib prayers, brief prayers which presently start around 8:15 PM.

June 21. Memphis Islamic Center - Walk through Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.  Meet the MIC group at the Vistor's Center at 6:00 a.m. The park is located at 910 Riddick Road Millington, TN 38053

June 21, 7 PM Free concert, Sloan River Project. (Benton Stokes, opening act.) Church of The Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove (between the Perkins-s) Food trucks available.

June 21, 
Heather Watson invited you to Rhonda G Manning's event:
The Science of Intuition Workshop
Saturday, June 21, 2014, 12:00pm - 5:00pm at LifeVibration Center

June 21 - Concert ($15) St Andrews Episcopal Collierville, see the concerts page.

June 22, 2-3:30 Poet/Speaker at National Civil Rights Museum.
Nikki Giovanni, on occasion of 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Free with museum admission.  See http://civilrightsmuseum.org/event/a-conversation-with-nikki-giovanni/

 June 22nd, Sunday, at 5:30 p.m.,"Healthy Eating for Ramadan",
talk at the Memphis Islamic Center  presented by Sr. Aisha Ghani.  This is open to the entire family.

June 22, Sunday Evening, 6 PM. Concert in honor of Cantor Aryeh Samberg and his wife (25 years as Cantor, 30 years married) at ASBEE synagogue, 120 East Yates Road North (just north of Walnut Grove.) Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at 6 PM followed by the concert. General admission $25. http://asbee.org/Events   RSVP (901) 682-1611.

June 25, Wednesday, noon.  Prayers at Memphis Jewish Community Center 
for three kidnapped teenaged Israeli boys.

June 25, July 9, July 25, ... Jewish Population Survey.
The Memphis Jewish Federation will be having meetings and doing surveys to see how it can meet the needs of the Memphis Jewish Community.  Sign up for the early discussions at
http://memphis.fedweb.jewishfederations.org/page/s/MemphisJewishPop
The Federations main page is http://www.memjfed.org

June 26 - National Civil Rights Museum. Roast and Toast Jacob Flowers
, departing director of Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, $10. Drinks, hors d'oevres, music. More details to come. Register at https://www.midsouthpeace.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=59

June 27, Church Health Center Fundraiser.  A  pay-what-you-can showing of Hairspray at 8 PM Friday, June 27 at Playhouse On the Square, 66 S. Cooper. If you donate $50 or more per seat, you will be invited to a special VIP reception. Call 901-272-7170 to purchase pay-what-you-can tickets.


June 29. Start of Ramadan, one month of sunrise-to-sunset fasting for Muslims, special prayers and programs in the mosque. During Memphis's loing hot summers, this means daytime activities tend to be minimized. Their large interfaith dinner is July 13. 
By way of illustration, some of the youth events scheduled at or by the Memphis Islamic Center include:
Saturday nights, 11:30 PM, basketball tournament
Sundays 3-4 PM "Deen for Teens" (What Christians would call Sunday School, lessons from the Hadith, writings of the earliest followers of Mohammad.)
Tuesdays 3:30-5 PM, volunteer at the soup kitchen
July 20, Serve Lunch at Ronald McDonald House
July 26, serve at the Masjid Mu'minim food pantry.

 SOUP KITCHEN: Every Tuesday at 3:30 PM  the Muslim Student Association at the University of Memphis  recruits volunteers for the Soup Kitchen sponsored by  Rhodes College which takes place at St. John's United Methodist Church, 1207 Peabody Ave., Memphis 38104.  All are welcome to come help it you'd enjoy meeting these young people. Even better, if you are out way east, meet with some of them at the Memphis Islamic Center (near Walnut Grove and Houston Levee - see our address page) at 2:45 and the carpools leave at 3 PM. For info contact  Br. Shehroz Kazmi at 901-216-1022.

June 28, Saturday. 10:30 AM. Ordination of Hester Mathes to the Diaconate, St. Mary's (Episcopal) Cathedral. Reception to follow.

June 29. A group from Temple Israel goes to a Redbirds baseball game. 6:05 PM

  (old note, maybe 2012?)  We are presently meeting intermittently, with more rotating of locations and of who organizes the programs.   We are looking forward to discussions of the prophets, of how to work for peace, of  contributions we can make toward interfaith understanding and cative cooperation in the Memphis area and the world.  One suggestion was that we make an effort to be a visible interfaith presence at selected events in the Memphis area.  See more on the events page.

I'm getting a lot of event notices from One CommUnity Center, events at https://www.facebook.com/OneCommunityCenter ,
home page at http://weareonecommunity.org/.  Their home page in particular has a lot of interesting links.  A lot of them are of  the holistic health or what I would call "modern-spiritual" variety - Unity Church of Practical Christianity, Namaste Day, Spiritual Retreats, Hypnosis...   If you'd like to be on their mailing list,  you can like the Facebook page or send a message to Heather Watson at   https://www.facebook.com/Heather38104
Examples: until May 9, the Unity Church of Practical Christianity, 9338 Walnut Grove, in Cordova, is collecting
relief supplies for Arkansas towns hit by the recent tornado.
Weds May 7, Horns and Craft Night (think headdresses with Viking-style horns), Temple of the Sacred Gift,
5995  Bartlett Center Drive, Bartlett, https://www.facebook.com/events/843833308964711
May 9-11, MAY DAY FESTIVAL at Meeman-ShelbyForest State Park, https://www.facebook.com/events/513054068815139/
Somewhat more bizarrely, to give an idea of the range of things on that list, there is a pay-to-attend lecture about the spiritualist Edgar Cayce on May 7 at GPAC.  I'm not tempted to go, but one of my grandmothers was a Cayce fan and conversations a number of my dead relatives occur in Cayce's books. https://www.facebook.com/events/623868171026300/
May 9, 7-10 PM. Memphis Islamic Center. "Adventures in Marriage" $25 per couple, $15 single, includes  dinner and babysitting. Intended for Muslims over 18, but I thought that others might be interested to know it was going on.
Dr. Matthew P. Smith is a local area expert in family and marriage.  He specializes in the influence of faith in psychological functioning.  Dr. Yasir Qadhi is an instructor at Rhodes, Dean of Academics at AlMaghrib Institute and Resident Scholar at MIC.  
For additional information, please email  info@memphisislamiccenter.org or call call 901-231-9340.

May 11 is Mother's Day. A lot of churches will have programs for it. 
MidSouth Peace and Justice Center is having a fundraising brunch 12-2 PM at First Congregational Church,  music and entertainment, adults $30, kids $10.  Tickets can be purchased online through the link or you can call 901.725.4990 to reserve your seats now.

May 12, 6 PM. League of Women Voters, Hooks Central Library.  "Tennessee's Budget Crisis due to Failed Tax Structure", a presentation about the upcoming proposed state constitutional amendment on the subject of income tax. 

May 18, Sunday at the 10:30 service, the Episcopal Bishop Don Johnson will the at the Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove at Perkins.  Reception following.

May 18, Sunday, 20th anniversary celebration, Chabad Memphis.  info email Chabad@JewishMemphis.org.
(Chabad is an acronym for the Lubavitcher Chassidim, a Jewish group headquartered in Brooklyn, which does outreach to Jews around the world. Memphis building is on Kirby Parkway north of Quince.)

May 18, 2 PM, Jewish Historical Society, at the Memphis Jewish Community Center.
Lecture, Dr. Paul Bierman,
"The History of Ancient Israel as told through Jewish Coins of Antiquity."

May 18, Sunday, 3:30 PM, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. A grand flute concert by an internationally celebrated artist,
Shashank Subramanyam. Free, donations accepted, In their Multi-cultural Center Pavillion, but of course you are also welcome to visit the fascinating Hindu Temple while you are there. (Don't wear jeans or shorts for the Temple.)  http://www.icctmemphis.org/    The upcoming major prayer events I know of here are May 9 (6 PM) and May 23.


May 20  The Beethoven Club will present the 3rd Annual Grace Chamber Players Concert Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson Chapel at Christ United Methodist Church, 4488 Poplar, Memphis, TN. Admission is free.
Our young artists this years are:
Natalie Hernandez (oboe), Andrew Clark (clarinet), Elen Wroten (cello), Cody Hunter (bassoon), Sarah Mitchener (flute), Perry Mears (piano), Bethany Beck (horn), and Tony Chen (piano).
The program will be focus largely on French composers from between the wars--Milhaud, Satie, Tailleferre, and Poulenc. Please join us. Parking is conveniently located on Poplar just west of the chapel.

May 22, Thursday, Annual Meeting of Healthy Memphis - Common Table.
http://healthymemphis.org     http://www.healthymemphis.org/index.php?page=annual-meeting

May 23, Annual Meeting of Temple Israel. Installation of officers, 5:45 PM.  Dinner at 6:15 (Reservations, charge ($18), call 761-3130.)  Evening Service at 7:30, followed by refreshments.

Fall flower bulbs are available from the Temple Israel Sisterhood. For a catalogue, call Judy at 683-7959.

May 25, 4 PM - A bunch of people interested in interfaith things will be attending the 4 PM showing of "Jerusalem 3D" at the Pink Palace IMAX.  Do arrive early as they do not let people enter the theater after the movie starts.  I understand that there will be enough Muslims coming that finding the group won't be hard.

I think this has completed, and the Weds evening lecture seriues will resume after Ramadan (July or August?):
Wednesdays, 7:30 PM  The life of Muhammad, lecture series by Sheik Yasir Qadhi at the Memphis Islamic Center, 10225 Humphreys Road, Cordova, TN 38018. 
On-line broadcasts, http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org/

May 29-31, Memphis Italian Festival,  http://memphisitalianfestival.com/
Marquette Park Corner of Mt. Moriah and Park Avenue
Free parking and shuttle bus from Hilton parking lot, Park and Crossover.
Music, Food, Volleyball, Bocce contest, spaghetti gravy cooking contest, etc.
Sponsor: Holy Rosary Parish.

May 30, 5-7 PM party for the Worker's Interfaith Network at First Congregational Church, where WIN has just moved in to new office space.


May 30, House Party to Benefit the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center
.  This fundraiser will also be celebrating the departure of Jacob Flowers, who is leaving after ten years at MSPJC to head up a statewide program on health insurance.  https://www.facebook.com/events/741069065935793/
https://www.facebook.com/midsouthpeace

May 31 12-5 PM Groundbreaking for the new building at the Memphis Islamic Center.
Hamburgers, Pizza (small charge), car wash, clothes sale. These people have very nice parties!

May 31. Benefit Concert for the PRIZM ensemble. (Free, but donations will be welcome.)
We are excited to announce that two of the top senior violinists in the city will be performing a benefit concert for the 2014 PRIZM Chamber Music Festival. The concert will be on May 31 at 3:00 pm at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church (5530 Shady Grove Road). They will perform works by Franck, Wieniawski, Sarasate, Bach, Saint-Saens, and Kreisler. The concert is free. All donations will benefit the PRIZM Chamber Music Festival. A reception will follow the concert.
http://www.prizmensemble.com/

May 31. Dinner and Presentation at Masjid As-Salaam
.  Investments can have extra complications for those devout Muslims who observe the rules prohibiting lending money at interest. Masjid As-Salaam, the mosque at the top of Stratford Road (foot of Covington Pike) invites people to a free dinner at 7 PM, brief prayers 8:15-8:30, and then a presentation from 8:30 to 8:30 PM by the Amana Mutual Funds Group, which offers fund structured in accordance with Islamic rules.  Feel free to come to the supper to meet some Muslims,  and skip the lecture (or vice-versa, if you are interested in investment arcana!).





The Pink Palace has an exhibit, "Race". Feb 1 - May 4. Talks associated with it  include
March 6: 5-7 PM  Mid-South Racial Future: A Latino Perspective. Pablo Davis
March 20: 5-7 PM  The Last Segregated Hour: Remembering the Memphis Church Kneel-ins. Stephen Haynes.
March 30: 2:30-5 PM   Race and Jews: Why one has nothing to do with the other.  Micah Greenstein.

April 20, Sunday, 11:45 AM. Lecture at the Memphis Islamic Center. Yasir Qadhi: "The reality of Jinn in the Qur'an and Sunnah."  As always lectures will be broadcast LIVE online at www.memphisislamiccenter.org/live

 For more information please call 901-231-9340 or email info@memphisislamiccenter.org

April 20, "Yiddishe Cup", fundraiser for Hillel, at Golf & Games. 5484 Summer Ave. Games for all age groups, silent auction. Teams can enter on site. Starts at 2 PM.

April 24, 7-9 PM. Facing History and Ourselves. Community Conversation featuring Douglas Blackmon, Author of "Slavery by Another Name." Christian Brothers University Theater, 650 E Parkway South, Rsvp online at http://www.facinghistory.org   (Ordmans want a ride)

April 25-27, Faith in Action. A city-wide cleanup project sponsored by Mayor Wharton and a variety of churches. You may form a team from your congregation, school, club, or neighborhood to clean up a specific area of concern to you.  Or you may join a project that has already been planned.  Either way, it’s easy to register at www.faithinactionmemphis.com.   The contact person at MIFA is Linda Marks,  lmarks@mifa.org or (901) 527-0208, ext. 218

April 24-27, Temple Israel, Prof. Paul Liptz, Israeli Social Historian. Several sessions. Political and Social realities of Israel and the Middle East   Details on page 4, http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Voice_April_2014.pdf
Flier is now at http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Paul Liptz_2014_0.pdf
Thursday, April 24, 7:30 pm  On the Frontlines: External Threats and Internal Tensions that Israel Faces
Friday, April 25, 12 pm  Women’s Challenges in Israel.  A complimentary lunch, hosted by WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood,
is included if RSVPs to Sylvia Appleton, 901.761.3130, are received by April 22.
Friday, April 25, 6:15 pm    The Meaning of Holiness - Professor Liptz will speak during the Shabbat service.
Friday, April 25, 7:30 pm   Judaism in the Jewish State.    Professor Liptz will speak at a Shabbat dinner. To RSVP ($18/person if received by April 16; $25/person after April 16), go to timemphis.org,  or call Sylvia Appleton, 901.761.3130.
The Shoah and Eretz Yisrael:
Sunday, April 27, 9:30 am    How the Holocaust Still Informs the Landscape and People of Israel

April 27, Sunday, 4 PM. Jewish Community Center - Yom HaShoah (day of remembering the Holocaust). Featuring Holocaust survivor Frank Grunwald. Born 1032, in camps 1939-1945. The 2012 film  "Misa's Fugue" concerns his story.

May 6, Tuesday, Election (mainly primaries for local offices, including e.g. Mayor of Shelby County)
Early voting will be April 16 - May 1


If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Were Alive Today is at the Kroc Center (Fri-Sat 7 PM, Sunday 2 PM) until April 6.  I've put comments on these on the Home Page .

Apply now for Bridge Builders COLLABORATE   (Please pass this on to your house of worship or other organization.)
Now is the time to apply for the year-long Bridge Builders COLLABORATE program.  Rising 7th-12th grade students from across the Mid-South will have the opportunity to build friendships, develop leadership skills and work together to create positive change in our community.  Students will participate in an intensive week-long summer conference and six year-round training sessions that occur during after-school hours and weekends.
         The application deadline is Friday, April 11, 2014.  To apply, visit bridgesusa.org/apply or for more information call 901-452-5600. 
 

The Memphis Jewish Community Center after very long and heated debate has decided to open on Saturdays (the Jewish Sabbath) starting approximately Memorial Day) Probable hours will be noon to 9 PM.  Primarily open for recreational activities, telephones used only for emergencies, no money handled. Anyone wanting to bring a guest must make arrangements before the Friday afternoon closing.

Masjid As-Salam has resumed having "Tafseer" classes Sundays at 12:30 PM.  These are based on historically early commentaries on the Quran with implications for life.  Analogies are probably Talmud for the Jews and early Church Fathers for the Christians.

The "How-To" video series of Temple Israel, http://www.timemphis.org/worship-services/overview-0


From Calvary: March 17-18, Rev Huey Gardner, Birmingham, Alabama.
Ray Suarez (Al Jazeera America) March 19      Amy-Jill Levine, March 20-21
Dan Matthews (Trinity NY) March 24      Ellen Roberds, March 27
Friends of the Groom (Theater) March 28.      Mayor Wharton, March 31
Mark Muesse April 1

Friends of the Groom, theatre group, will also have a workshop for youth grades 2-8 Saturday, March 29, 10AM- noon. Contact Hilary Chipley, 525-6602 x 141. They will also participate in the 10 am service at Calvary on Sunday.

April 1, Jewish responses to Ethical Dilemmas, Temple Israel, 7 PM. Rabbi Micah Greenstein,     
Helping Others: What Are Our Responsibilities?.   (WIll anyone offer the Ordmans a ride? this can be watched on the web at http://timemphis.org but it is more fun in person.)

April 2, Booksellers at Laurelwood, evening. Author Tova Mirvis will be talking, reading and signing from her new novel called Visible City.  I don't yet know what this new novel is about, but her 2000 novel "The Ladies Auxiliary" is a very famous book about the orthodox Jewish women of Memphis and is a remarkable look into orthodox Jewish life in Memphis.

April 3. 1-3 PM Memphis Jewish Community Center. Creative Aging's Second Annual Senior Game Day. $5 admisson includes refreshments and prozes.  901-485-5369  http://www.CreativeAgingMidsouth.org

Thursday, April 3. Marcus Orr Lecture, University of Memphis
Telling Stories: The Art and Craft of Narrative History

Hampton Sides
returns to his native Memphis to read from his work and discuss the possibilities for narrative writing in the digital age.
 University Center Theatre, refreshments 5:30 PM, lecture 6 PM
Lots of details at http://memphis.edu/moch/events.htm


  Most important to many of us is that March 6 is the start of the
CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH LENTEN LECTURE SERIES
March 6 - April 11, Mon-Friday, 12:05-12:40 PM
Details at  http://www.calvarymemphis.org/lentenpreaching      102 N. 2nd Street downtown.
A remarkable series of lectures, a Memphis tradition for many years. The lectures are free; you may also want to get breakfast or lunch at the Waffle Shop downstairs,11-1:30,  which I value for the wonderful discussions as well as the food.
  Here are just a few favorites, and the coming week:
    April 4, Starsky Wilson;  April 7-8, Jacqueline Lewis; April 9, Sarah Peck.
     Micah Greenstein  April 10-11



Wednesday evenings at Calvary:  (Dinner in the Waffle Shop, 5:15-6:15, speaker 6:30).
  March 19, Ray Suarez.  March 26, Daniel Matthews, Jr.
April 2, Renee Miller.   April 9, Micah Greenstein.


April 3-6. The Jewish Community Center will have its Spring movie festival but there will be an admission charge this year - $10, $7/JCC members per film or $25/$18 all three.
April 3, Thursday, 7 PM - The Other Son 2012 French film, Israeli baby swapped in childhood.
April 5, Saturday, 9 PM - (food available in the deli at 8:30) Simon and the Oaks - A young man growing up in Sweden during WW Two.
April 6, Sunday, April 6. 1 PM. Hava Nagila (The Movie) documentary/comedy about this Jewish song and its connection to Jewish history.
Then on April 6 , 3 PM after the movie, an a capella concert, "The Maccabeats." $18 adults, $12 (4-17), discount with the 3-movie ticket.
information  http://www.jccmemphis.org/2014filmfestival or 901-761-0810

April 4, 2 PM. Martin Luther King Jr., Human Rights Award, U of Memphis,  University Center Theater.

April 4, Opening reception for "Longing, not Loathing" art exhibit at Fogelman Galleries of Contemporary Art, U of Memphis Art and Communications Building room 200. Exhibit runs April 2 - April 25.  http://www.facebook.com/FOGELMANCONTEMPORARY

April 4 5-7 PM  "Cocktails for a cause, fundraiser for Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, 1509 Peabody,

April 4-6. Guitar Festival (Lily Afshar, the Iranian Guitar professor at U of M, and others)  at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis. The festival includes evening concerts, master classes, and a competition.
The website is at http://www.memphis.edu/music/special/guitarfest.htm

April 4 - 5-7:30 PM Art Museum, University of Memphis. Opening reception for the exhibit Disappearing Ink, Curated by John Salvest. Exhubit April 5 - June 28, gallery talks April 5 and April 11 at 11:30 am.
Disappearing Ink is a look at newspapers and other printed matter as documents of personal and collective memories and history.

Wednesday nights, 7:30 PM, lecture at Memphis Islamic Center by Yasir Qadhi, continuing series, "The Conquest of Makkah".  Also can be watched online at www.memphisislamiccenter.org/live

April 5. All Day, National Civil Rights Museum. Grand ReOpening. "Breaking of the Chains" Parade. 901-521-9699, http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org
The delegation from Mid-South Peace and Justice Center will assemble for their march at 9 AM at the King Statue outside the Convention Center. (Main and Poplar).  https://www.facebook.com/events/258868047628776/

April 5, Benefit concert, Hope Clayburn,
Young Avenue Deli, 2119 Young.  Doors open at 8pm.  Show starts at 9pm. (Mid-South Peace and Justice)

April 5, 10 AM-6 PM. First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Branch Out Spring Music Festival.
8161 Germantown Rd, Olive Branch, MS.  http://firstcpchurch.org


April 6, Sunday 3 PM - HOUSE OF MEWS  BENEFIT CONCERT
Balmoral Presbyterian Church
Luna Nova, a group of artists devoted to the music of the 20th and 21st centuries. You may listen to their music at http://www.lunanova.org/audio.html
Suggested Concert Donation $20.00. Credit Cards Accepted. Kids Free!
House of Mews: feline rescue agency:  http://houseofmews.com/


April 6, 6 PM. Retirement Dinner for Cantor John Kaplan, Temple Israel.
  $18 for reservations before March 26, then $25. MUSICAL PROGRAM (Free) at 7:30 PM  

 April 8, Lecture on Non-Violence at First Congregational Church, by John Dear, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee. Prayers (optional) at 6 PM, lecture at 7:30, reception to  follow, poster is  HERE

April 8, 7-8:30 PM  Temple Israel, Sacred Conversations: Spiritual Questions.

April 8 and 13.Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. Tuesday April 8 at 6:30 PM, Sunday April 13 at 10 AM. Services followed by a meal. A good chance to meet our Hindu neighbors. Dress conservatively. http://www.icctmemphis.org/  See the Address Page for directions.

April 9 (every second Wednesday), 6-7:30 PM. Monthly meeting of Mid-South Peace and Justice Center,  3573 Southern (across the tracks from U of Memphis). This months topic: the need for a civilian Police Review Board.

April 10.  Rhodes College Communities in Conversation series.
Judith Butler
   April 10 @ 6 p.m.   Bryan Campus Life Center    (Reception @ 5:30 p.m.)
Thinking Binationalism with Martin Buber and Edward Said

Judith Butler will explore the concept of binationalism in the context of the Israel/Palestine conflict, considering its different legacies in Jewish and Palestinian political struggles, bringing together the thought of Said and Buber to ask, does binationalism have a history that can be told, a future that might be lived?  http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2014/


April 11, Friday 5:30-7:30 opening reception for exhibit by Martha Stephens "Saturday Afternoon at the Opera - On -Canvas".  Exhibit runs April 11- May22.  Ross Gallery, Plough Library, Christian Brothers University. www.cbu.edu/gallery 

 
Saturday, April 12th, 12 - 2pm Memphis Bus Riders Union.
Memphis Center For Independent Living
1633 Madison Ave. (across from Cash Saver; Bus #2)

April 12 Saturday 5 PM - St Agnes Academy - St. Dominic School, Sally Hook Performing Arts Center. Fundraiser ($100) to help residents of the Ave Maria Foundation home for the elderly. Silent Auction and concert starring Jo Dee Messina.  htp://www.avemariahome.org   901-405-3791

April 12, Saturday, 7 PM- Midnight. BRIDGES CENTER, fundraiser, $75. Tickets on sale now for Screen on the Green
BRIDGES Screen on the Green brings together adults of all ages from across the Mid-South to celebrate diversity and youth through a unique, movie-themed gala. All proceeds from the event support Bridge Builders.
        On Saturday, April 12, from 7 p.m. - midnight, the BRIDGES Center will be transformed into Wonderland... a magical place full of surprises. There will be an array of culinary treats from some of Memphis' elite eateries.  On your tour through Wonderland you'll stop at The Rabbit Hole, home of the Bacardi Bar and then on to Hatter's Shutter Party to snap some shots to remember. All of this and so much more awaits you as you celebrate our community at BRIDGES Screen on the Green - The Wonderland Affair.
         Tickets are $75 per person.  Click here to reserve your space in Wonderland.  For more information, contact Nikki Haynes at nhaynes@bridgesusa.org or 901-260-3752.

April 14, Sunset. Start of Passover. A major Jewish holiday lasting 8 days.  All the synagogues in the city will have services and other functions.  Temple Israel has its most major event Tuesday evening April 15 - a "Tot Seder" at 5:30 and the regular congregational seder (the ceremonial holiday dinner, with traditional stories and prayers) at 6 PM. For the 6PM seder RSVP by April 8.  $36/adult, $18 child (10 or under), less for Temple Members, much less for the Tot Seder. (Includes a donation to MIFA and to "Jewish Response to Hunger".)  Call Sylvia at 901-761-3130.  

Thursday, April 17. Marcus Orr Lecture, University of Memphis
Radical Life on the Mississippi: A Global History of the American Civil War

Andrew Zimmerman
suggests just how international our national history is.
 University Center Theatre, refreshments 5:30 PM, lecture 6 PM
Lots of details at http://memphis.edu/moch/events.htm




March 4. Tuesday.  Jewish responses to Ethical Dilemmas, Temple Israel, 7 PM 
Rabbi Danziger, on Family Issues.

March 4. Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) at Calvary Episcopal. 5-7 PM Waffles, Sausage, Red Beans, Ice Creams & Toppings, $8 adult, $4/child, max $24/family, proceeds to the Memphis Hospitality HUB.

  Tuesday evenings at 7:30, March 11 & following, Memphis Islamic Center. Yasir Qadhi will give a series of Tuesday evening seminar talks on "The Most Majestic Names of Allah".  The seminar will focus on the most beautiful Names and Attributes of Allah, their meaning and how this knowledge will improve our relationship with our Creator.   For more information please call 901-231-9340 or email info@memphisislamiccenter.org

March 8. PRIZM Ensemble concert.  Join the PRIZM Ensemble on March 8 at 7:30 pm at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church as we celebrate "Mostly Memphis", an evening of chamber music by Memphis composers. We will perform music by Marshall Fine, Raymond VunKannon, Richard Adams, and Robert Patterson.Tickets available online at www.prizmensemble.com. $10 general admission/$5 student tickets. You may also purchase tickets at the door.
For the preview on channel 24, see
http://www.localmemphis.com/video/d/video/mostly-memphis-chamber-music-concert/4967361


March 7. Friday, Masjid Ar-Rahman, 7906 Lowrance Rd, Memphis, TN 38125 will have another candidate for Imam preaching at 1 PM: "Building a Community: The Prophetic Model". Imam Hamzuh Abdul-Malik will also lecture at 6:30 PM: Connecting with the Qur'an: Its History, Harmony, and Heavenly Meanings."

March 7, Masjid As-Salam. 6 PM. Dinner and lecture.  Leadership of the Muslim Day School,. Pleasant View School, will update the coimmunity on events at the school. WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO EDUCATE CHILDREN IN AMERICA SUCCESSFULLY?  By: Dr. MALLEY.    DINNER WILL BE SERVED.  Free, open to all.


March 5. Ash Wednesday.  Many Churches have services to start off the Lenten season, a period of reflection leading up to Easter on April 20  (the dates are the same this year for both Western and Eastern Christian groups.)  The services at Balmoral Presbyterian Church will be from 6:50 to 7:20 PM. Calvary Episcopal has its service at 6:30 PM with Marcus Borg as the Guest Preacher. Church of the Holy Communion (Walnut Grove) begins a Wednesday evening 6:30 PM series on "My Episcopal Life."  Calvary Episcopal has its newsletter on line at http://calvarymemphis.org/chroniclenewsletter


There are far too many Purim events to list here; I'm giving a small sample. Purim is sunset March 15 to sunset March 16, but the celebrations of this joyous early Spring festival go on for some time before and after. It is, canonically, an extremely minor Jewish holiday, celebrating the events of the Book of Esther in the Bible.  It is not one of the more theological, shall we say, of the biblical books. Ian Fleming pointed out that James Bond was based on Esther, the principle differences being that the sexy undercover agent in the Bible is female, that M's full name is given, and that the road races in the Bible have to be done on fast horses as the Aston-Martin had not yet been invented.  If you'd like a different look at the Bible, read the Book of Esther thinking "Goldfinger" rather than "Biblical Epic", or attend Temple Israel's musical comedy version Monday evening (which is not as risque as either the Bible or the James Bond movies, but is still not recommended for children.)
        People who have never attended a traditional synagogue service on Purim will be amused to know that any children attending are issued noisemakers to use during the Bible reading.  The Book originally came in a scroll, in Hebrew a "Megillah", and the fact that the whole book is traditionally read on the holiday, "The Whole Megillah", has passed into many languages as an idiom roughly for "reciting the whole story with nothing left out."

March 16, 10 AM. Beth Sholom Synagogue (Conservative) will hold a Purim party at the Skate Odyssey Roller Rink, 7417 Hacks Cross Road. Roller Rink costumes encouraged. $8 per person. The Megillah will be read.

March 16, 11 AM. Baron Hirsch Synagogue (Orthodox) will hold a reading of the Book of Esther where the reading is done entirely by women, Sunday March 16 at 11 AM.  The men will read simultaneously in another room.  (These readings are from hand-written scrolls, in Hebrew.)
 
March 16. "Purim in India", the Purim celebration at Chabad of Memphis.2570 Kirby Parkway. Kosher Indian Food and entertainment starting with the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther, in Hebrew) at 4:30 PM. $22 adult, 12 child. RSVP by March 11. http://www.JewishMemphis.com or 754-0404

March 17. Purimspiel. 7:30 PM The annual Purim Play at Temple Israel. The Book of Esther performed as a musical comedy is a major musical event of the year. Because it is a comedy (a Jewish tradition for this minor Jewish holiday) it is very unlike any biblical play you have seen elsewhere. It is very tongue-in-cheek, and the song  s this year will be based on hits of the 1980's.  If you have not reread the Book of Esther lately, you might enjoy doing so while keeping in mind that Ian Fleming said that the Book of Esther was the model for James Bond. The script is straight James Bond, with a few very minor exceptions (a) the sexy superspy is female; (2) the chases have to be done on fast horses, as the Aston-Martin had not been invented yet; and (3) M's full name is given.
      Temple Israel has a number of other Purim-related events, as do several other synagogues in Memphis. The Purim Play itself being intended for adults or at least teens, there is a "kids" version on Sunday March 16 at 10 AM  (think 6th grade: "Esther and the Chocolate Factory") Related family events on March 16, 9:15 AM- noon.  There will be an adult costume party, March 15, 8-11 PM, $25 at the door, $18 with reservations by March 5 (call Sylvia Appleton, 761-3130.)

Tuesday March 18, 5:30-7 PM, Fall Social of the Muslim Student association, U of Memphis.  University Center, Iris Room. Pizza, cookies, snacks, games, etc.  Open to all.

March 19, Wednesday, Opening Ceremonies for Women's History Month at U of Memphis. Ceremony, Rose Theater, Noon. Remarks and screening of video montage, "THE OTHER F-WORD." March for WOmen's History and Feminism Fair, Alumni Mall, 12:30 PM. Other events, schedule at http://www/Memphis.edu/whm  
7:30 PM: free dance performance at University Center Theater, celebrating the dancer Pearl Primus; the authoirs of a biography of her will speak.

March 19 is the first meeting of a bereavement recovery group at Temple Israel, "Moving On: Life After Loss". Many houses of worship have such programs. 7 PM on March 19, March 26, April 2. (No new members at the third meeting.) Details: e-mail gub@timemphis.org or call Cantor Kaplan at 761-3130.

Thursday, March 20. Marcus Orr Lecture, University of Memphis
Free Markets and the Modern Political Scene
by Stephen Moore, a pro-free-market writer for the Wall Street Journal
 University Center Theatre, refreshments 5:30 PM, lecture 6 PM
Lots of details at http://memphis.edu/moch/events.htm

March 20, 5:30-7:30 PM, Planned Parenthood and UrbanArt Commission - Art Exhibit and discussion of the Planned Parenthood Placemaking Project. AN ARTFUL SPACE: Works from Greater Memphis, for a Greater Memphis. Meet the Artists. 2430 Poplar Ave. Thirty new works and a mural on permanent display at Planned Parenthood. RSVP requested by March 18 to alewis@ppgmr.org or 901-725-3051

March 21-23. Core Organizer Training, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center
https://www.facebook.com/events/1392718797658616/

March 22. Facing History, Benefit Performance of The Diary of Anne Frank, at Playhouse on the Square, Saturday  reception 6 PM, silent auction, play at 8 - 10:30 PM.  $60 per ticket, sponsorships available.  Last date for tickets in March 18th. Call Rayna Greenberg at 901-452-1776 x 222 or http://www.facinghistory.org/memphis  

March 24, Rhodes College Communities in Conversation series.
Maud Mandel
March 24 @ 6 p.m.
Blount Auditorium, Buckman Hall
(Reception @ 5:30 p.m.)
Muslims and Jews in France: History of a Conflict
Maud Mandel will discuss how Muslims and Jews in France have related to each other as former residents of French North Africa, as immigrants competing for limited resources, as employers and employees, as victims of racist aggression, as religious minorities in a secularizing state, and as French citizens.
http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2014/

March 25, 6-8 PM, "1 Universe" dinner at Chow Time, 4207 Hacks Cross,
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=806106676069721&set=gm.1473976742816131&type=1&theater 
  (invitation from Sandeep Pednekar to promote social, economic, religious, and cultural integration of Memphis.
)

March 27, 7 PM, The Vanderhaar Symposium, Malik Yakini, Executive Director of the Detroit Food Security Network. The Spain Auditorium at Christian Brothers University.  One of the premiere Interfaith events of the year.
http://gvanderhaar.org

March 27, Rhodes College, Phi Beta Kappa Lecture. (7:00 p.m., Hardie), Dr. Garber will discuss the role of Shakespeare and the Humanities in our contemporary world.

March 28, Friday, A tour of Memphis City Government "Tour City Hall, Meet city officials, learn how the city govermnent and legal system functions."  Preregistration is required.  Information 615-669-2261.  Organized by the American Center for Outreach, the target group here is probably Muslim immigrants to the US but all are welcome.  http://www.acotn.org/march

March 28 Memphis Symphony at Lindenwood Christian Church,
March 28, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky, Haydn.   
http://www.memphissymphony.org/classicaccents
Base price is $39,  $5 for students. 901-537-2525


odds and ends -
The Diary of Anne Frank is at Playhouse on the Square until March 30.


Saturday, March 29, 2-5 PM "Let's Rap - Dream Big" Panel discussion, House of Mtenzi Museum, poster at http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=9c1c78d2b069d346fac3fab56&id=47664325d9&e=6bd085df80

March 30: 2:30-5 PM  Rabbi Micah Greenstein's Talk as part of the "Race" Exhibt at the Pink Palace.  Race and Jews: Why one has nothing to do with the other. 
(I think the actual talk is at 3 PM)


March 30, 5:30 PM, Sunday, Choral Evensong with Holy Eucharist, Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal), Walnut Grove between the Perkins-es.


(No details, maybe this cancelled?) March 30, 10-11:30 AM. Temple Israel, Sacred Conversations: Spiritual Questions.

March 30, 2 PM, Amro Music, Benefit Concert for St. Jude's Hospital, 2918 Poplar
The Three Cantors and others - light classical, Broadway, and Jewish music. Details at
http://www.timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Three Cantors Benefit Concert.pdf

March 31, 7 PM. Hindu Temple (Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads). Celebration of Ugādi, the New Year's Day for the people of the Deccan region of India. The name Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age) and ādi (beginning): "the beginning of a new age".


Art Exhibit at U of Memphis, until March 27.  Laura King: Blue Hawai'i. M-F 9-5, Fogelman Galleries of Contemporary Art, Art and Communication Building (across the street from the Holiday Inn on Central.)  Free exhibit but parking can be tricky - some metered spaces in the big student lot, garage on "Innovation Drive" is $2 / hour.

Feb 27 and March 2 concerts (and later) see our   Concert Listing  Page.

Jan 24- Feb 28. Jordan Eagles: BAR 1-. and
Jan 24- Feb 14 RashBlack: The African Diasporic Impulse in American Photography,
Art Exhibits at the Martha and Robert Fogelman Galleries of Contemporary Art,
University of Memphis   http://memphis.edu/art/fogelmangalleries.php
Art and Communication Building, 3715 Central (opposite the Holiday Inn, where you can park)



February 21, 5:30-7:30 PM, opening reception, Photography Exhibit, Rick Barnard, "Visions of Nature".  Beverly & Sam Ross Gallery, Plough Library, Christian Brothers University.  Radio discussion on WKNO-FM, 9 AM on Feb 21.   (How long is this open???)


February 25 to March 2,
Maha Siva Ratri Celebrations at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple.
Daily programs, including at dance program at 7 PM on Saturday, March 1.
Details at https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/events_mahasivaratri2014

February 28, Friday, 10 AM Central time - videoconference by the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Ending Drone Strikes. 
https://www.facebook.com/events/534475433317985/

February 28, 6-8 PM Dinner,  Turkish Community Center (Raindrop House). Free.
Ms. Johnnie Turner, Tenn State House of Representatives, will speak about Black History Month.
It is always interesting to to see immigrant communities learning about America. Not enough of us will turn up at this, and any of us will be very welcome and helpful. Hallal food.
5681 Quince Road, Memphis, TN 38125
Please RSVP if time allows at memphis@turkishhouse.org or 901-590-3256
 
February 28.
Friday Lecture on Egyptian Archeology. Reception 6:30, lecture 7 PM
  Please join us Friday evening, February 28th, in the Fountain View suite at the University Center, University of Memphis, for a FREE public reception and lecture by UCLA Egyptologist Dr. Kathlyn (Kara) Cooney entitled: Coffin Recycling: Funerary Culture in a Time of Economic Crisis.
     An eminent scholar, Dr. Cooney is also known for her documentary series "Out of Egypt" that aired on the History Channel. This event is co-sponsored by the IEAA and the Tennessee Chapter of the American Research Center in Egypt.
     For more information, visit the IEAA web site at http://www.memphis.edu/egypt/events.php or contact the IEAA at (901) 678-2225.

February 28,   5:30 PM
Jonathan Judaken invited you to Allison Bruff's event:
"Public Memory: From the Civil War to Civil Rights" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Friday, February 28 at 5:30pm at McCallum Ballroom, Bryan Campus Life Center, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN
Ta-Nahesi Coates will be the keynote speaker on Friday, February 28th at 5:30 p.m. (reception at 5:00 pm) in McCallum Ballroom in the BCLC for the Memphis Center's upcoming conference >From Civil War to Civil Rights: Race, Region and the Making of Public Memory. The conference begins with reception and a Jazz concert on February 27th and sessions all day Friday, February 28th and Saturday, March 1stBringing together an unparalleled group of historians, writers, teachers and artists, this conference – sponsored by the Memphis Center along with numerous campus partners - explores the ways that the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the intervening years have shaped our understandings of race, region, “the South,” citizenship and American identity. For more information, including advance registration (which is highly recommended!), please see the website at http://rhodes.edu/memphiscenterconference.      
        For those interested in learning more about Coates and his views on a range of topics, the  "Counterpoint" interview with him on WKNO-FM 91.1 will soon be available for streaming: http://wknofm.org/term/counterpoint

The League of Women Voters  has a good flier on when and where to register to vote, who can register, and a schedule of upcoming elections. Ask us (admin@memphisirg.org) if you'd like a copy.    http://www.lwvmemphis.org/
December 16 to January 14 - Special Hindu Prayers. Dhanurmasa Pooja, prayers for the month of Dhanurmasa.   "The month of Dhanurmasa is considered a very special month for religious services. Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita: "I manifest the most in the month of Margashira (also known as Dhanurmasa) among the months of a year". For this reason, sages have set apart this month to be completely focused on devotional activities. According to tradition, the Gods wake up early in the morning during the month of Dhanurmasa. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu during the auspicious period of Brahma Muhurta. It is said that worshipping Lord Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period is equal to worshiping Lord Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years."  (more is on the website at  
the Hindu temple, see our address page for "Indian Cultural Center and Temple.) Thye temple will open each morning at 6 AM with special prayers at 6, 6:30, and 7:30 AM. There will be plenty of other events, but I may not have much advance notice, keep an eye on their website.


LOTS of music Dec 22 - see the concerts list,
and many other events. E.g. Calvary Episcopal Church Children's Christmas Pageant, 10 AM

Sunday, December 22, 2 PM Jewish Historical Society, at the Jewish Community Center.  "Lawrence of Arabia and the Jews". Lecture by Prof. Tabachnick of U of Memphis. Tabachnick is a former chair of the U of M English Department and is faculty advisor to the Jewish student group, Hillel of Memphis.

Memphis Islamic Center has lots of programs during the school break.    
Sunday December 22nd: 6:30 pm - 8:30 PM
    "Koran by Heart" Documentary and discussion: This excellent video follows the experiences of three Muslims children from three different continents who memorized the Qur'an at a young age and participated in the World Quran Recitation Competition in Egypt.  -Duration: 1 hr 17 min - Babysitting will be provided.  (Of general interest.)
    Monday December 23rd: 10:30 AM - 1:15 PM
    Kids Movie & Lunch - "Turbo" - movie starts at 10:30 am and pizza lunch served at 12:15 pm. Dhuhr Prayer at 1:00 pm. Please bring about $3 per person for lunch.
    Tuesday December 24th: 10:30 PM - 12:00 PM
    "Dr. Suess" story time & lunch - Dress up in Dr. Suess character - Story time and craft will be from 10:30 am until 12:00 pm; Pizza lunch will be from 12-1:00 pm. Please bring about $3 per person for lunch.
    Wednesday December 25th: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
    Family Bowling at Cordova Bowling Center - 7945 Club Center Dr, Cordova, TN 38016. All are welcome.

LOTS of Christmas Eve and special Christmas programs at Churches.  A few to give the flavor:
Church of the Holy Communion: Dec24, Children's Pageant and service,  4 PM, another service at 6 PM, Music at 10:30 PM, Service at 11 PM. December 25 at 10 AM.
Calvary Episcopal (downtown) 
Dec24, Family Eucharist with visiting  Choirs,  4:30 PM, another service with their own choir at 7:30 PM, Choral and Strings at 10 PM, Service at 10:30 PM. December 25 at 4 PM.
Balmoral Presbyterian: Dec 24, Candlelight, 5-6PM will include Balmoral Pres and also an African-American church (Circle of Faith) and Grace (Korean) Church,

Dec 26, 6 PM, special prayers at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple.
 Mandala Pooja is observed on 11th or 12th day during Dhanur Masam and is the last day of 41 days long austerity observed by devotees of Lord Ayyappa. The fasting begins 41 days before Mandala Puja which happens on the first day of Vrishchikam Masam.


It is time to sign up for Spring Term Courses at the Memphis School for Servant Leadership.
If you are trying to figure out your calling, how you can help in the world, these are people who can help you think about that.
My wife and I have found them immensely helpful over the years.
 
www.servantleadership-memphis.org   
E-mail them for their program of activities!     memphisssl@gmail.com

January 11-12, Musician Rick Recht at Temple Israel. 

Jan 12, 2nd Sunday at Temple Israel. Visiting speaker by video, 9:15-10:15 AM. 


January 18, Saturday, MidSouth Peace & Justice Center, Fund-raising dinner. Dinner 6 PM, $30.
Speaker and program, 7 PM, suggested donation $10 but no one turned away. Music etc. Main speaker is Hubert Van Tol, former Executive Director of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, currently the Senior Director of Economic Development of the Pathstone Enterprise Center in Rochester, NY.

January 20, 10 AM. 
MIFA will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a public birthday celebration on January 20 at 10 a.m. at its headquarters, 910 Vance Ave.  The free event will feature guest speaker Bruce Efird, president and CEO of Fred’s Inc., and will include the announcement of the finalists in MIFA’s ninth annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Teen Oratorical Contest. More details at
 http://www.mifa.org/mlkday2014


January 29, Jewish responses to Ethical Dilemmas, Temple Israel, Noon

Friday, January 31, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
The Luther College Nordic Choir- St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral.
The a cappella Luther College Nordic Choir . Free and open to the public.
St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, 700 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN  38105,  (90
1) 527-6123

Feb 7 Memphis Symphony at Lindenwood Christian Church,
February 7, Peter and the Wolf (+more, children's concert)
March 28, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky, Haydn.   
http://www.memphissymphony.org/classicaccents
Base price is $39,  $5 for students. 901-537-2525


February 20-22,  Temple Israel, Rabbi Naomi Levy, several programs.
Her books include "Talking to God" and "To Begin Again", national bestsellers.

February 22, Memphis Symphony, German Requiem,
in the Cannon Center.

February 4, Tuesday, 6:30 PM.  Monthly supper at Immaculate Conception Cathedral,
sponsored by the Catholic Bishop, for Gay and Lesbian (etc.) people, friends, issues. "We have invited students from Rhodes, CBU and U of M to come speak with us about their gay student unions/gay-straight alliances/ safe spaces.  We have several students confirmed from each school that plan to speak for 5-10 minutes on the successes and challenges of their organizations on campus.  This is a great opportunity to hear what is currently going on at our local Memphis colleges.Just bring a dessert; all other food provided this month.  Meets in Marian Hall; see our
  Addresses  page.

February 6, Thursday. Marcus Orr Lecture, University of Memphis
"The Lessons of the New Deal - Has Obama Learned the Right Ones?"
Prof. Anthony Badger of Cambridge University.
University Center Theatre, refreshments 5:30 PM, lecture 6 PM
Lots of details at http://memphis.edu/moch/events.htm

Feb 7 Memphis Symphony at Lindenwood Christian Church,
February 7, Peter and the Wolf (+more, children's concert)
March 28, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky, Haydn.   
http://www.memphissymphony.org/classicaccents
Base price is $39,  $5 for students. 901-537-2525

Feb 8-12
The Indian Cultural Center and Temple in Eads is helping to sponsor programs in India "for eradication of caste discrimination, preservation, protection, and propagation of Sanathana Dharma, to inspire and awaken Hindu Youth to their glorious heritage."  I'm vague on whether they are having any events here in Tennessee or whether they are encouraging people to travel to India for this.

Feb 9 and following. "One Billion Rising", a series of events by the Women's Action Coalition.
The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/onebillionrisingmemphis
Here is a sample: 
Film "The Bro Code" (How contemporary culture creates sexist men) looking at rape culture, Sunday Feb. 9, 4pm at First Congo
Community Conversation on Sexual and Domestic Violence in Memphis: Feb. 11, 6-8pm at First Congo
One Billion Rising Rally and Vigil, Feb. 14, 5-6:30 at Poplar and Highland
Ecstatic Dance with DJ Mary Jane Adams, Feb. 14, 7:30-9:00 at Co-Motion 
Healing Circle for Survivors, Feb. 16, 2-3:30 at Co-Motion
Sacred Dance with Karen Snow, Feb. 16, 4-5:30 at Co-Motion

Tuesday Feb 11, 7 PM - 9 PM
Shlomo Molla, former assistant speaker of the Israeli parliament (Knesset), the first Ethiopian to hold that position, will speak at a Black History Month event at the Memphis Jewish Community Center.  http://www.jccmemphis.org/index.php?submenu=UpcomingEventsPrograms&src=events
(Follow the link there - this sounds like a most unusual and worthwhile event.)

February 13, Rhodes College Communities in Conversation series.
Down to the Crossroads: Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Meredith March Against Fear
  6 p.m.  Blount Auditorium, Buckman Hall  (Reception @ 5:30 p.m.)
Aram Goudsouzian will tell the story of the last great march of the civil rights era in 1966, and the first great showdown of the turbulent years that followed
http://www.rhodes.edu/news/cicspring2014/

February 13, 7 PM Memphis Theological Seminary, Annual Dr. Henry Logan Starks Scholarship Dinner.
(doors open 6:30) Fundraising dinner, open seating $50, reserved seats $100 or $1000/table for ten, higher donations welcomed. Supports a scholarship fund for African-American students and honors special achievements by African-American students and alumni at MTS.   Usually has excellent speakers and, in addition to supporting a worthy cause, you get to hear a great many interesting things about the history of Memphis and obstacles overcome in Memphis. Honorary Co-Chairs this year are Dr. Steve Montgomery of Idlewild Presbyterian Church and Dr. Gina Stewart of Christ Missionary Baptist Church. Info and reservations Dr. Nichols at 901-334-5808.

February 14 and 15, Grand Opening of Masjid Ar_Rahman
. 6 PM Friday, lecture.  6PM Saturday, Dinner and Lecture. Free, open to all. Memphis' newest Mosque. 7906 Lowrance Rd, Memphis 38125  (Near Bill Morris Parkway and Hacks Cross)

February 15, Saturday

Heather Watson invited you to One CommUnity Center's event:
A Vision for Two - Creating Love in Your Partnership
Saturday, February 15, 2014, 9:00am - 1:00pm at Unity Church of Practical Christianity

Thursday, Feb 20.
Marcus Orr Lecture, University of Memphis
Race-girl: How an Artist Tackled a Touchy Subject, and How It Tackled Her
Ms. damali ayo is the author of How to Rent a Negro, an unflinching satire about race relations, and Obamistan! Land Without Racism: Your Guide to the New America
University Center Theatre, refreshments 5:30 PM, lecture 6 PM
Lots of details at http://memphis.edu/moch/events.htm


February 20, 6 PM Formal Opening of the Black History Month exhibit at the Benjamin Hooks Library.
The exhibit, about African Americans in Cibil War Medicine, is open Feb 8 - March 29.

Feb 20-21. Imam candidate at Masjif Ar-Rahman. Lecture 6:30 PM Thursday, sermon 1:15 PM Friday.  7906 Lowrance Rd, Memphis, TN 38125

Thursday, Feb 20. Fundraising dinner at Calvary Episcopal Church,
the "Clergy Crewe Dinner", $50, 6:30 PM Gumbo etc. A major Mardi Gras event!  Details at
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5472ab64f8f0fa71714dbebcb&id=8f28f644d3&e=2f75c3ec8d

February 20-22,  Temple Israel, Rabbi Naomi Levy, several programs.
Her books include "Talking to God" and "To Begin Again", national bestsellers.

February 21-23, Qur'an in Action Weekend at Masjid As-Salam,  5-8 PM each evening, with dinner served at 6 PM Saturday, lighter refreshments other days. Mainly student competition in Qur'an memorization and recitation, but a nice chance to see how they do it and meet the people. Free. open to all.
Top of Stratford Rd at the foot of Covington Pike.

February 22, Memphis Symphony, German Requiem, in the Cannon Center.

February 22nd, 2PM, Southaven Library. Opera Memphis free educational program, Black Roots of Opera: Florence Cole, Talbert McCleave.

February 23, Sunday, 1 PM - 3 PM, Know Your Rights. A workshop on protections in the workplace, at school, and with law enforcement. Sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Center for Outreach ( http://acotn.org ). It may be very interesting to see how this is presented to a group that is significantly immigrant and in some sense an "at-risk" minority but not the most frequently thought of example of either kind.  At the Memphis Islamic Center, 10225 Humphreys Road, Cordova. 38018 (near the east end of Walnut Grove.)

February 23. 2 - 5 PM. The Memphis Jewish Home is  having an Art Sale (fundraiser) Open to all, free admission, valet parking. 36 Bazeberry Rd, Cordova, 38108 (just off of Walnut Grove, pretty far east just before the hilly section.)  A good chance to see this assisted living / rehab home, if you've never visited it.  Kosher food, but as a rehabilitation home it is much loved by our Presbyterian friends among others, and was recommended to Eunice by Germantown Methodist Hospital after her broken hip last year

Tuesday, Feb 25, 6:30 PM. League of Women Voters, "Demystifying the voting process."
Speakers are the Shelby County Administrator of Elections, Mr. Richard Holden, and Rhodes College Prof. Marcus Pohlman.
Longinotti Auditorium,  St. Francis Hospital, 5959 Park Ave, Memphis. For details of the meeting and directions, see
LWV_Feb2014.pdf

February 25, 7:00 PM, Lecture "Not just Yiddish and Ladino: On the Phenomenon of Jewish Languages." Prof. Benjamin Hary of Emory University, Sponsored by Bornblum Judaic Studies of the U of Memphis.  U of Memphis Fogelman Center (Innovation Drive, south side of Central), Room 123

Feb 26, Weds, 7 PM. Israeli Soldier's Tales. Memphis Jewish Community Center. 
Free.  http://timemphis.org/sites/default/files/ISS.pdf



Jan 10 - Feb 13. Two Art Exhibits at the Beverly & Sam Ross Art Gallery, Plough Library, Christian Brothers University:  Kris Pelczar, "Beauty of Nature and Inspired Artwork" has some excellent classical-style religious art.  Also an exhibit of "Forged, Cast, and Fabricated" work from the Memphis Metal Museum includes some nice religious work.


12/2013

We have a request from Porter-Leath, one of Memphis's exceptionally fine charities. "Single, Guatemalan mother of 3-year-old daughter with down syndrome is in desperate need of a reliable car so that she can transport daughter to doctor appointments and school. Mom speaks only Spanish, but her case manager is available to translate. Please contact Alyssa Beard at Porter-Leath (901) 577-2500 ext. 1160 if you know of any individuals, organizations or ministries who can help. Thank you!"  (Posted 11/12/2013)

Honey and Rudi Scheidt have been recognized as "Outstanding Philanthropists" by the International Association for Fundraising Professionals.  I take some special interest in this since my mother was once a "Fundraising Professional", and some of her adventures contributed to my interest in interfaith activities. One published story about this is at http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1009/p18s03-hfes.html ("The time my Jewish mother influenced the Pope.")  The fundraisers also gave awards (among others) to volunteers raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, volunteers for Bridges, the director of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, for cooperation between MLG&W and MIFA, and an award to the R. Brad Martin Family Foundation.

November 27, first evening of Chanukah. A minor Jewish holiday which mainly gains importance by its proximity to Christmas. It celebrates a successful Jewish revolt against  the Selucid king who was a descendant of one of Alexander the Great's generals, events recorded in the books of the Maccabees, in the "Old Testament Apochrypha".  Few Sunday Schools address what happened between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament, and few history courses bother with what happened between the time of Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, which is much the same period. I dearly love doing presentations on this "Intertestamental period" whenever I can find an audience. Anyone have a Sunday School interested?  What were those Roman Soldiers doing in Jerusalem in Jesus' time, anyway, and why were the Temple priests in cahoots with them?  (And yes, Anthony and Cleopatra did have something to do with it.)  For some answers, see http://ordman.net/Edward/Chanukah.html  and  http://ordman.net/Edward/Intertestamental_Period.html

December 1, the start of Advent.  The best Advent sermon I ever heard was in Masjid As-Salaam, the mosque at the foot of Covington Pike.  I summarize extremely briefly. Obviously, the season presents some complications for Muslims (who recognize Jesus as a major prophet, the one who will return as judge at the last judgement, but not as God) and particularly to new immigrant families whose kids see so much of Santa Claus. 
       The sermon began with the story of the birth of John the Baptist (the Qur'an text is very similar to the biblical text on the birth stories of both John and Jesus.)  Zacharias and Elizabeth were clearly too old for children, but Zacharias prayed to God to make an exception: Zacharias, a priest, was a preacher of the story of the one God and wanted a son to carry on the preaching. God gave him such a son. John was an excellent son, knew what he wanted to do, was good at it, had the right values, respected his parents. Isn't that what you'd like your children to be like? Then spend time with them and take great concern for their education (long discussion).  Birth of Jesus story; Jesus, like John, became a preacher of the one God.  Jesus was the greater prophet but let's not put down John as a preacher: after all, it was John who baptized Jesus, not the other way around.
       We are coming up on a season that in America is often dominated by Santa Claus and toys and advertising.  Even the bright lights don't do a very good job of conveying the importance of worshiping God. It is very important right now for you parents to review the stories of John and of Jesus, because when your kids start asking about Santa Claus and toys, you need to be prepared to spend time with them and be prepared to talk about the real story of the season, about these two preachers of the message of God.

There has been a remarkable snowstorm in Jerusalem. There is a wonderful selection of pictures (often with extremely wrong captions!) at
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2260223/Jerusalem-hit-worst-snowstorm-TWENTY-YEARS-inches-falls-Holy-City-closing-roads-schools.html

Allegro Music in Germantown prepares a weekly guide to musical events in Memphis. (Thanks to Steve Sondheim for pointing this out to me.) They are clearly finding out about some events (especially in churches) that I don't. They have allowed me to reproduce their weekly newsletter at
 http://memphisirg.org/Allegro_Concerts_List.html
Increasingly, I'm going to encourage people to look at that and will list on this page only things I notice that are not on that list.  Let me know if you have opinions about this.


Several Memphis charities have a card-sending offer. Typically, you give them a list of names and they send a holiday card from you to reach of those people, in exchange for a donation.  I know that Bridges and St. Jude do this.  St. Jude offers a paper or an electronic option,
 http://stjude.org/holidaycards
I've seen the very nice local-artist cards that Bridges sends ($10 each),
 http://bridgesusa.org/holidaycard    and also have a request for Bridges for volunteers to help assemble and mail these (they prefer to use hand-written addresses). 
http://bridgesusa.org    

Bridge Builders: Rising 7-12 graders: Now's your chance to learn to lead!
Bridge Builders COLLABORATE is now accepting applications from students in 6th-11th grades for its one-year leadership, diversity and community action training program.  This is an outstanding program for learning to meet people different than yourself in a remarkable fun and well-run program. Pass the word to people you know in the right age range, or their parents!
http://bridgesusa.org

  
December 1. 5:30 PM. Service of Lessons and Carols, Holy Communion Church, Walnut Grove at Perkins. There are probably too many such services for me to list them all, but church music fans may be interested that Holy Communion Church has a whole-academic-year schedule of special musical events posted at
http://www.holycommunion.org/sites/259/uploaded/files/Music_Poster_FINAL_2013_2014.pdf

Tuesday, December 3, 6:30 PM. Pot Luck Supper, Catholic Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons (but everyone is welcome)
Marian Hall, under the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central (First Tuesday of every month)    

Wednesday, December 4 at 12:35 pm.  U of Memphis Holiday Concert.
Harris Concert Hall in the Music Building. Admission is free – no ticket necessary. For more information, call 678-2541

Wednesday, December 4 -  12:10  - Bartlett United Methodist Church   -   Marguerite Francis Music at Noon
Jane Scharding Smedley - Organist, Choirmaster - St. Peter Catholic Church
Alissa Heirigs - Trumpet
All concerts begin at 12:10pm and end at 12:40pm in the Bartlett UMC Sanctuary.
A light lunch is available for purchase following each performance.
Bartlett United Methodist Church - 5676 Stage Road - Bartlett, TN  (901) 386-4567

December 4, 5 PM, Last night of Chanukah party.
  This is organized by a group that used to study Judaica with Rabbi Aaron Rubenstein, formerly at Beth Sholom.  Potluck supper. 1807 Galloway Avenue 38112.  RSVP 412-7229,  Rabbi Aaron will be visiting on Sunday January 19 and there will be a study group that day, probably in the noon to 3PM area.

December 4, Advent Festival, evening, Calvary Episcopal Church (downtown)
Calvary’s annual Advent Festival will be held on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. There will be Advent wreaths, calendars, cookies, paperwhite bulbs, and much, more. St. Nick will make a special appearance at 7 p.m.
Everyone is asked to bring donations of newborn baby clothes and blankets to donate to the MED as our “gifts to the Christ Child.” Dinner will be served in the Mural Room beginning at 5:15 p.m.   102 N. Second St.

December 5, Thursday 12:00pm - 1:30pm at Poplar and Danny Thomas
Workers Interfaith Network (Memphis, TN)'s event:
Memph15! Rally for Fast Food Workers 2!

 

December 6, Friday, the next Imam Candidate for Masjid Ar-Rahman  1:15PM  Friday is the important weekly service for Muslims, and the candidate will give the sermon (Khutbah) entitled "Our Duty as a Muslim Community in the States". Saturday, Dec 7 at 6:30 will be a dimmer and lecture on "Feeling and Living Allah's Observation Upon Us."  All are welcome!  A great chance to meet Muslim neighbors and get an idea of the issues they are thinking about. While the candidate is for the new Ar-Rahman mosque, these events will be at the mosque Masjid Al-Noor  3529 Mynders, very near the University of Memphis; the Mosque shares the St Luke's Methodist Church parking lot.
Incidentally, you may bfind very interesting the position advertisement and description of the mosque, at
http://imamsofamerica.weebly.com/imam-position---masjid-ar-rahman-in-memphis-tn.html

Dec 6, Friday, 6:30 PM Memphis School of Servant Leadership - Community Open House and Class Pot Luck Banquet 
A leading group in Memphis training and motivating people to seek forms of religiously-motivated public service.
If you've never met this group, come and do so.  http://www.servantleadership-memphis.org/
Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard
Please bring your spouse, partner, friends and family and a dish to share with others.
If you don’t have time to prepare a dish…please don’t let that prevent you from attending.


Dec 6, Friday, 7-10 PM, Habitat for Humanity, "Tool Box Bash" fundraiser.  The Great Hall, 1900 S. Germantown Rd.  Cocktail/holiday attire. Tickets $50-75.
http://www.memphishabitat.com/

December 6,  7 PM, Choral Music, St. Peter's Catholic Church. The Memphis Men’s Chorale will present “A World Christmas,” a concert of sacred and secular holiday classics, on Friday, December 6,  at 7:00 p.m., at St. Peter Catholic Church, 190 Adams Avenue, in Downtown Memphis. The concert features a special appearance by the Memphis Women’s Chorale now in their first full season. Free secure parking is available across from St. Peter on Adams Avenue. A festive reception will follow. Admission is free (suggested donation $10). For more information please visit http://www.memphismenschorale.org.

December 6, Friday, 7:30 PM, Memphis Symphony, Handel's Messiah, Evergreen Presbyterian Church.  613 University, Memphis, TN 38107 (Off North Parkway opposite Rhodes College).  $25. http://www.memphissymphony.org 901-537-2525


Saturday, December 7 - 1:00 - 2:00 PM - St. George's Episcopal Church
Students of  Barbara Posner Voice Studio present their winter recital.  Accompanist - Leesa Wilkinson.
St. George’s Episcopal Church, 2425 So. Germantown Rd., Germantown

December 7, Holiday Soiree at the Dixon Gallery.  Saturday 5 - 6:30 PM (followed by a play) RSVP requested, reservations needed for the play. Many other holiday events includfing Tennessee Shakespeare Company performances of  It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
http://dixon.org

December 7-8, Children's Opera, "The Christmas List", Opera Memphis.
$15 adult, $5 under 18. December 7 at 10 AM and 2 PM, December 8 at 3 PM and 5 PM. 
Clark Opera Center, 6745 Wolf River Parkway (north end of Kirby).
 phone 257-3100 or  http://OperaMemphis.org


Sunday, December 8, 2013 - 6:00 PM - Handel's Messiah 
The Westminster singers will present Handel's Messiah
Second Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 4055 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN  38111 - (901) 454-0034

December 8, 3 PM, Concert. The Prizm Ensemble, in collaboration with the Memphis Chamber Music Society. 
The concert will be held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Larry Duberstein at 4225 Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN.
Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano by Francis Poulenc
Concert Piece for Bassoon and Piano by Raymond VunKannon
Piano Quartet in Eb Major by Franz Berwald
Sinfonia Concertante in Eb Major K.297b by W.A. Mozart


Thursday, December 12 - 7:30 PM -  St. Anne Catholic Church - Choral Music
The Adams Avenue Camerata, a men's vocal ensemble, presents an evening of choral music. 
From O Come Emanuel to Irvin Berlin's White Christmas.
Concert is FREE.  Website:  http://www.adamsavenuecamerata.org  or http://www.facebook.com/CamerataMemphis
St. Anne Catholic Church - 670 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111

December 13, Friday, 7:30 PM. Balmoral Chamber Orchestra, Balmoral Presbyterian Church. An outstanding orchestra, many are university students. Free, there is a collection basket available for donations for the hungry.  Works by Leroy Anderson, Ralph Vaughn Williams, Koichi Sugiyama, Ellen Story.  Featured artists Normal Blakely, Mark Woodring, Stephen Incata (Trumpet). Zachary McCoy, Music Director. Fun for the Whole Family, "A Holiday for Memphis".

December 14 and 15 - a wealth of musical events, see  the weekly newsletter at
 http://memphisirg.org/Allegro_Concerts_List.html


December 13-14. Visiting Scholar at Anshei Sphard Synagogue. Rabbi Moshe Taragin. Service Friday 4:20 pm  followed by dinner at 5:45, $20 for dinner ($10 kids 12 and under) RSVP 682-1611 by Dec 10.   Sermon "Buried in History" at 10:30 AM Saturday morning (service starts at 8:30 AM but at orthodox synagogues wandering in late is very acceptable). Saturday 3:45 PM class "The Fall of Reuven", prayers at 4:30, informal meal at 4:50 with talk "The Final Prayer of the Book of Genesis."  (East Yates north of Walnut Grove). 

December 14 and 15, Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2 PM and 4 PM. Germantown Community Theatre performs The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Tickets $7 and $10. Contact GCT box office at 901-937-3023 or http://www.gctcomeplay.org

Sunday, Dec 15, 12:00 PM.  Visiting Speaker at Masjid As-Salaam.  Tony Blair's sister-in-law, who has converted to Islam, will speak. Free. I expect here will be a chance to contribute to a charity, but no uncomfortable pressure. Brief prayers at noon, free lunch, then the talk. 1065 Stratford Rd., at the foot of Covington Pike. Poster at
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102207134857-205/2013-12-15-LaurenBooth-MSMPoster+333.pdf   

December 15, 5 PM, Memphis Islamic Center goes to the Memphis Grizzlies! 
Tickets $50 at  www.memphisislamiccenter.org/micnba  or call (901) 340-3344

Monday, Dec16, 7 PM. Visiting Speaker at Temple Israel. Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Israel’s leading Reform rabbi and the Executive Director of the Israeli Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism. A great deal more information is at
http://timemphis.org/sites/default/files/Voice_Dec_2013 1.pdf

Monday Dec 16, 7 PM, Church of the Holy Communion . Reflections on The Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise, followed by wine and cheese reception. (see address page)  The church newsletter is at
http://www.holycommunion.org/sites/259/uploaded/files/eComm_Dec_10.pdf

December 17, 11:30 - 4PM, Conference on Police Misconduct. Memphis United, meeting at St Patrick's Church,
277 S 4th St.    https://www.facebook.com/events/778293645519411/

December 18, December 22, see the musical events listed at
 http://memphisirg.org/Allegro_Concerts_List.html

December 19, 6 - 9 PM, Holiday Party.  Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, Grow Memphis, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Memphis Bus Riders Union/Sindicato de Pasajeros, and H.O.P.E. (Homeless Organizing for Power and Equality) are all converging at the MSP&J offices at 3573 Southern Ave. to bring out the December cheer.

Saturday, Dec 21, 1 PM.  Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Sundarakanda Parayanam services.

Saturday, December 21, at 5:30 p.m. Church of the Holy Communion. Longest Night Service, intended for those grieving a loss. Special prayers and Holy Communion are offered, and the reality and pain of loss is acknowledged with emphasis on the sure and certain hope of the coming Christ.





November 1, Friday,  7:00 p.m.  A Collaborative Choral Evensong on All Saints’ Day, , with a reception following, St. Mary’s Cathedral, 700 Poplar Ave.
The choirs of Calvary and St. Mary’s Cathedral will join together to offer one of the most beautiful liturgies of the Anglican tradition: the sung office of Evening Prayer, otherwise known as Evensong. If you lost someone this year, or if you find the simple human need to take a moment and remember all the saints who once touched your life, this is the day of the church year to do it: the Feast of All Saints.

November 1, Free Outdoor movies in Overton Square's brand new Tower Courtyard. 6:30 pm:  Mel Brooks' comedy masterpiece, Young Frankenstein,  At 8:30 pm, FOX13 will present an episode from their new hit show, Sleepy Hollow. At 9:30, we'll screen Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Some chairs provided but you may want to bring your own. The Tower Courtyard is located on Trimble, just behind Memphis Pizza Cafe and Golden India and right next to Overton Square's new parking deck.  (Notice from "Indie Memphis")


It is now the start of Diwali (Deepavali), a major Hindu and Jain holiday. See Nov 2 below.

November 2, Saturday, 7-10 PM. Brooks Museum, Day of the Dead Party. About $50. http://brooksmuseum.org/ViewMail.aspx?p=c3h8g8978995e1GGFII&mmid=91D97833689c9eI8077

November 2, 9 PM. Indie Memphis Film Festival, Shakespeare's Henry IV. The star and screenwriter will attend.  http://Rhodes.edu/Shakespeare

Nov 2. Deepavali (Diwali) celebrations at Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Prayers 5:30-7:30 PM, fireworks 7:30, refreshments. From Wikipedia, in part:  "For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC.[6][7] Arya Samajists, celebrate this day as Death Anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. They also celebrate this day as Shardiya Nav-Shasyeshti."

November 3, 2 PM, benefit concert for Wings Cancer Foundation of Memphis. Suggested minimum donation $15, tax deductible.  Steve Katz organizes this at Amro Music (2918 Poplar, concert entrance at rear.) Features Carrie Folks Strang (country Music, former Miss Tennessee), Aryeh Samberg, and several others.  (Aryeh Samberg of Anshei Sphard was recently elected co-president of the association of orthodox Jewish Cantors, the first cantor from outside New York to hold that post.)

November 3, 2 PM-5 PM, Kids day at Clark Opera Memphis Center (Humphries Blvd, north end of Kirby.) Free 30-minute opera for kids at 2:30 and 4 PM.  Pony rides, Arts and Crafts, etc., all free (refreshments available, you may have to pay if you want them.)

November 3, Sunday, Rhodes Mastersingers Chorale, 3:30 PM Cannon Center
April 25, Friday, Rhodes Mastersingers Chorale, Bartlett United Methodist Church.
Info expected to appear, possibly at     

November 3, Sunday, 4 PM. Piano Concert at Lindenwood to benefit Church Health Center. Acclaimed pianist Chris Nemec, at Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis. Tickets are $15, call 901-458-1652.

November 4, Monday 2013 - Facing History and Ourselves, annual fundraising dinner. Usually one of the very best speakers of the year.  Flier at
http://memphisirg.org/FacingHistory2013Dinner.pdf

November 4, Temple Israel. 6:45 PM Alan Dershowitz, Live Video from NY 92nd St. Y, interviewed by author Jeffrey Toobin.

November 5, 7 PM, Lecture, "The Beloved Community and the Mystical Body of Christ." (The theological foundations of Martin Lutrher King and the Civil Rights Movement.) Dr. M. Shawn Copeland. Christian Brothers University, University Theater, 650 East Parkway South (enter from Central). Free, open to all.

Nov 5, Tuesday, Dinner of Abrahamic Traditions, 6 PM reception, 6:30 dinner, 7:00 presentations. Free, Light supper. At Raindrop Turkish House, 5681 Quince Rd, Memphis 38119 (east of White Station, near the expressway.) "Prophet Abraham in Our Faith."  Rev Dr. Herbert Lester, Asbury United Methodist; Rabbi Cantor David Julian of Or Chadesh Conservative Synagogue,  Asst. Prof Mehmet Kocak of Univ. of Tenn. email  memphis@turkishhouse.org, or call 590-3256.   Flier at 
http://memphisirg.org/Raindrop_Dinner_Flyer_2013.jpg

November 6, 2nd Wednesday, 6-7:30 PM. Monthly general meeting of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, 3573 Southern Ave.  http://www.midsouthpeace.org/    

Nov 6, 13, 20, 7 PM: Lectures celebrating the 60th anniversary of the discovery of DNA, University of Memphis, Marcus Orr Lecture Series, Nov 6: The Birth of Genetics, Univ. Center Theater. Nov 13: The discovery  of the double helix, Univ Center Ballroom. Nov 20: Genomics and the century of biology, Univ Center Theater.

Nov 6, Church of the Holy Communion, Walnut Grove between Perkins. 5:30 PM Catfish fry dinner, 6:30 PM talk and discussion of theological underpinnings of the Civil Rights movement. 

Nov 6, ($99 fee) six Wednesday evenings 7-8:30 PM. Course on "Life in The Balance", traditional Jewish medical ethics. CLE approved in Tennessee.  Chabad Lubavitch of Tennessee, 2570 Kirby Parkway.  Info 901-754-0404. I mention this course since people might like to know that discussions of this sort go on. It will address fairly hard technical questions (may a woman with multiple-fetus pregnancy choose to abort some fetuses to possibly save the lives of others?) from a very orthodox Jewish perspective.  While some values are common to the Abrahamic faiths (Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? Yes - health outranks most other rules) some areas to have differences.  Early Jewish sources took what we might consider today a "stand-your-ground" rule on some questions, e.g. permitting abortion to save the life of the pregnant woman. But what are the Jewish rules of today and how do they play out in practical hard cases?
http://www.myjli.com/index.html?task=courses_detail&cid=1024

November 7, 6 PM. Prayer Vigil associated with a labor dispute.  The e-mail said
"We will be having a prayer vigil on Thursday November 07, 2013. I am attaching the flyers so that you can help us spread the word. If you have a congregation that can help us distribute flyers for the event and the fact sheet that BCTGM Local 252G (Bakers, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers) have prepared for us to share with our members." Corner of N. Airways and Dunn Avenue (in front of Kellogg’s). According to the union handout, the issue is a lockout: an attempt by Kellogg's to make working conditions or wages less good.   Further detail call
the local union office at (901) 603-8296.
 
November 7, Thursday, reception 5:30, lecture 6 PM. Marcus Orr Lecture, U of Memphis, University Center Theater. Peter Dauvergue, "Eco Business - A Big Brand Takeover of Sustainability." (How Walmart, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, etc., act towards sustainability.)

November 7, 7 PM.  Movie, "The Invisible War", documentary about sexual assault in the US Military. Sponsored by AAUW. (American Association of University Women). Pay what you can, $10 suggested. Studio on the Square, 2105 Court Ave. at Overton Square, RSVP is helpful at AAUWTN@gmail.com

November 8 - 10, Friday-Sunday, Donald Davis Storytelling Festival at Balmoral Presbyterian Church.  Poster at http://Memphisirg.org/Davis2013.jpg

Nov 8 7:30 PM at Temple Israel - First Baptist Church, Poplar and Parkway, has two great interfaith events lined up with Temple Israel this weekend. Fri., Nov. 8 join us at Temple Israel for a joint Ruach/Modern Vespers service at 7:30 p.m. On Sun., Nov. 10  Rabbi Micah Greenstein will address the state of interfaith conversation IN Memphis and the state of interfaith engagement FOR Memphis in a joint Sunday School session at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall. To come to either or both events, contact the church office.

Nov 9, 12th Annual Sierra Club Environmental Justice Conference.  "Our Fragile Balance: Seeking Environmental Justice." 90 AM - 2:30 PM. Lindenwood Christian Church, 2400 Union at East Parkway. Free. Register by Nov 5 email to rita.harris@sierraclub.org  901-324-7757. (send name,address, phone, e-mail address, organizational or business affiliation, school if a student, meat or veggie for lunch) . The conference brochure is now on-line at
http://www.sierraclub.org/ej/downloads/2013-Memphis-Conference-Brochure.pdf

Nov 9, event in Jewish Literary and Cultural Festival, Jewish Community Center. Events Oct 3 - Nov 19.
Nov 9, 7 PM, comedian Dan Zevin. Dessert included, $15($13 members).

Nov 9 and following - fundraising events for Porter-Leath, a major local charity assisting children and families. The website is  http://porterleath.org/.   
For adults, a wine-tasting event on Nov 13, 5:30-8 PM, Memphis Botanic Gardens, Call Angela at (901) 577-2500 ext. 1119 to order tickets.  
For the whole family, the 1st Annual iPark Popsicle Plunge for Porter-Leath on Nov 9th-10th and Nov 16th -17th.  The $25 entry fee gets you admission to water park, free refreshments and of course...popsicles! If you make it down all 3 slides, you'll even get a cool commemorative t-shirt for supporting of our first "plunge" at this event. For ticket information, call (901) 860-3328.
Details at http://porterleath.org/events.aspx?mode=spg&spid=30&pid=16

Nov 9 -10, fundraising events that benefit the Memphis Theological Seminary.
Link is here.    Eat on Nov 10 at Grawemeyer's Restaurant, 520 South Main,  or attend the Arts and Antiques Arcade at Str. George's Church, Germantown.  2425 S Germantown Rd, Sat 10-6, Sunday 12-5, $10 admission.
 
Nov 10, Sunday 9:30 AM, First Baptist Church
Poplar and Parkway, Rabbi Micah Greenstein will address the state of interfaith conversation IN Memphis and the state of interfaith engagement FOR Memphis in a joint Sunday School session at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall. To come to either or both events, contact the church office.

Nov 10
, Sunday, Events at Memphis Islamic Center. (see our address page)
It is the start of the Islamic Year 1435 and the end of the season of pilgrimages to Mecca. There will be a potluck lunch at 11:30 AM in honor of the people returning from the Hajj, followed by a 2 PM lecture by Yasir Qadhi on "The Battle of Karbala", an important episode in early Muslim history. A wonderful opportunity to visit socially with our Muslim community and learn more about them.  Non-Muslims can come without food (there will be plenty), bring fruit, or check with
Sister Naseem Khan at (901) 754-0370.

November 10, Sunday 2 - 4 PM. Talk by Eboo Patel, a major national figure in leading youth interfaith work and an excellent speaker.
Memphis Main Public Library/Benjamin Hooks Library (located on 3030 Poplar Av.) is hosting Eboo Patel to talk about his book "Acts of Faith".  There will be a panel discussion after the talk.  Open invitation and light refreshments are served .

November 10, Sunday, 3-6 PM.  Music and song in Hinduism - A Banasi  Perspective.
Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads (see address page for directions). Free. Sample music  at http://www.vinodbhardwaj.com


Seasonal data:  The 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram on the Muslim Calendar falls on Nov 14 this year. The "Day of Ashura". For Sunni Muslims, it celebrates the freedom of the Jews from Egypt, comparable to the Jewish holiday of Passover. It is an optional fast day, possibly because it falls on the tenth day of the lunar new year which is a fast day for the Jews (Yom Kippur).  For Shi'a Muslims it is a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala. It is a public holiday in India. The article in Wikipedia is helpful, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Ashura
"Break the fast" refreshments at Masjid As-Salaam, Stratford and McCrory (foot of Covington Pike) at sunset Wednesday and Thursday; visitors welcome. (Some years this has been a cup of soup, some years a full meal, I'm not sure this year.)



Nov. 13: Rhodes College, Darrin McMahon, “Divine Fury: A History of Genius,” McCallum Ballroom, Bryan Campus Life Center at 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. reception)
McMahon will draw on his new book Divine Fury: A History of Genius to discuss what Europeans in the 19th and early 20th centuries described as “the religion of genius.”
http://www.rhodes.edu/news/26846.asp

November 15, Friday 1 PM. Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America. This is a live forum in Jackson, Mississippi, with simultaneous live viewing at the Buckman Theatre, St. Mary's School, corner of Walnut Grove and Perkins Extended. Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will present the keynote address.  Post-forum discussion in Memphis will be facilitated by Dr. Stephen Haynes, Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College and author of The Last Segregated Hour,  and Dr. Andre Johnson, the Dr. James L. Netters Associate Professor of Rhetoric & Religion and African-American Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary.

Saturday Nov 16, 5:30 PM. Special religious events at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads.  "Deepotsavam Maha Satyanarayana Pooja"  - I need to recruit someone who can help explain some of these things, or do more research myself.  I hoipe to find out more to put here...

Saturday, November 16th, 2013. Treatment of and Rights of the Homeless.
H.O.P.E.'s Street Watch Initiative will be hosting its 6th Know Your Rights Workshop: Saturday,Nov 16th at the Memphis Center for Independent Living. 1633 Madison Ave. 2:30-4:30pm. "What are my rights? How do I assert my rights when I encounter Police? How do I file a compliant?" We want you to know!

Saturday, November 16. Police Relations with Community. Latino Community Forum. Saturday, November 16th, 1:30 - 4p
El Mercadito de Memphis, 3766 Ridgeway (southeast corner of Winchester)
CPR Coordinator: Melisa Miller-Monie, melissa@midsouthpeace.org

Nov 17, Sunday. Anniversary of Circle of Faith. This is a Black church which (along with a Korean Church) shares the building of Balmoral Presbyterian. Celebrating their anniversary in the building, they will have a dinner 12-1:30, followed by a special service at 2 PM with a talk by Colonzo Hubbard, who is a special favorite of ours as founder-director of Emmanuel Episcopal, a program for inner-city school kids. (http://eecmemphis.org/ )

November 17, Sunday, 1 PM. Town Hall Meeting - Room at the Inn.Watch this video from Channel 5 News to learn more about the current issues faced by Room in the Inn. http://www.wmctv.com/global/story.asp?s=23793240
Trinity United Methodist church wants to provide limited occasional overnight housing for a few homeless people. This will require the City Council to change a zoning rule. The church invites all to a meeting to discuss this, at the church education building, 1738 Galloway (corner of Evergreen).

Nov 17, 4 -6 PM. United Prayers for World Peace. St Francis Hospital, 5959 Park Ave., in the Longinotti Auditorium.  Multicultural songs and prayers for world peace. This is a very unusual event because it will have participants many of us don't usually meet, including leading representatives of the local Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh communities.  Further info and contact info on the poster at http://MemphisIRG.org/Nov2013Prayers.JPG

Nov 17, 5 PM, Memorizing the Koran. There will be a ceremony honoring an 8-year-old who has finished memorizing the entire Quran, at Masjid Al-Noor,  the mosque at 3529 Mynders. Dinner following. Free, open to all. See also Nov 19 on the same general subject.

Nov 17, 6 PM  Breaking Bread  Church of the Holy Spirit  2300 Hickory Crest Dr.
(reported for the record, mainly) Church of the Holy Spirit hosts Temple Israel members interested in being a part of an ongoing interfaith dialogue when Rabbi  Katie Bauman presents Facing Change with Courage: Our Common Challenge. Dinner is free, but reservations are required. RSVP online or e-mail JoAnne O’Brien Scott at Holy Spirit.

Nov 17, 7:30 PM  Artist Ascending Concert Series presents Richmond Symphony violinist Ellen Cockerham at Baron Hirsch Synagogue 400 South Yates Road  Admission is free. Sonatas by Brahms, Debussy, and Mozart, excerpts from the Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, and, by pianist Daniel Stipe, a performance of Chopin’s Scherzo in B-flat minor.  Also a chace to see this interesting OIrthodox Synagogue if you have never visited.

November 18, Monday,  6 PM, League of Women Voters (public meeting, open to all, not restricted to women. Come socialize from 5:30). Main (Benjamin Hooks) Library, turn left inside the front doors.  Have you been wondering about the proposed local tax increase to fund Pre-K education? Are you for it? Against it? (Election Nov 21, early voting already open)
Plan to attend our public meeting at the main library on November 18th at 6pm. Barbara Prescott and Rev. Kenneth Whalum will discuss the pro and con views of this issue and will also answer questions.

Nov 19, 6-8:30 PM, Film about Islam, University of Memphis, University Center, Bluffs Room.
   The U of M Library along with CBU Library and The Memphis Public Libraries in association with  the Muslim Students Association at U of M (and other sponsors) are hosting an HBO documentary titled "Koran by Heart". This isan engaging documentary focusing on the 2010 edition of the annual Egyptian contest known as the International Holy Koran Comptetion held in Cairo, one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions of its kind. The film follows three remarkable 10-year-olds in their journey to the final stages of the competition. In the backdrop of the holy month of Ramadan and the various concerns and struggles the children and their families have in honoring their countries, cultures and faith, Koran by Heart offers viewers a nuanced glimpse into the world of Koran-reciting competitions. These involve the memorization and recitation of the 600-page holy Koran by competitors, many of whom are young children and do not speak the Arabic language. Directed by Sergio Baker, also known for directing the HBO documentary Sergio.
Learn more at http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/koran-by-heart/index.html.

November 19 Tuesday - Community/Police Relations. LGBTQ Community Forum   6 - 8p (5:30 sign-in) Holy Trinity Community Church, 685 South Highland Street
CPR Coordinator: Melisa Miller-Monie, melissa@midsouthpeace.org
"The CPR Team- Bridging the Gap between Community and Police Relations: Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, Community Leaders, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Playback Memphis, and a third party facilitator."

November 19, Tuesday, Temple Israel. 7 PM. Israeli political writer Ari Shavit, Live Video from NY 92nd St. Y, interviewed by New Yorker Editor David Remnick.

Nov 19, Tuesday, 7 PM.  Habitat for Humanity. 30th Anniversary Celebration. Memphis Botanic Garden.  Fundraiser, $30 /person, business attire. RSVP http://www.MemphisHabitat.com

Nov 20, Wednesday. 7:30 PM. Movie about genetically modified foods. Studio on the Square (2105 Court Avenue). $8 / $6 for Seniors. Free for Indie Memphis members and Students with valid ID. The film is "GMO-OMG", The director will be present for discussion. Description of film at http://www.gmofilm.com/

November 21,  Special Election in Memphis. Will the voters approve a one-half percent sales tax hike to support enlargement of pre-K education?  Early voting allowed now at 157 Poplar Ave. satellite early voting will begin Nov. 12 and run through Nov. 16. Click here for a list of early voting locations (link updated 11/05). Sample ballot etc at http://www.shelbyvote.com/index.aspx?NID=174.  This will be the topic of the next League of Women Voters meeting on Nov 18. 

November 21, Thursday, reception 5:30, lecture 6 PM. Marcus Orr Lecture, U of Memphis, University Center Theater.  Achsah Guibbory, "British Israelism: Three Centuries of a Forgotten History." (Britain viewing itself as the "chosen people")

Nov 23, Saturday, Noon-3 PM, Annual Meeting of the Midsouth Peace and Justice Center, First Congregational Church, Conference Center and Deck :: 1000 S. Cooper St..  Cookout lunch, music, meet the staff, future plans.

Nov 23:  10AM - 1 PM  Returning Home: Voices on Repatriation. A conference Presented by the Museum Studies Student Association  Sponsored by the Art Museum University of Memphis  with C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa. 
U of Memphis Art & Communication Building (ACB) 310, Central Ave west of the Theatre building. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments.  Presentations on problems dealing with art objects that might approriately be returned to their countries of origin.  An Ethiopian manuscript on display at the U of M art museum; an Egyptian sarcophagus;  Australian aboriginal artifacts.


Nov 23-24 Eroica Ensemble   Free concerts
Saturday, November 23, 2013, 7:30PM First Congregational Church 1000 S. Cooper St.
Sunday, November 24, 2013, 3:00PM  Temple Israel  1376 E Massey Rd.
      Mendelssohn: Overture to Ruy blas
      Mendelssohn: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
            Saeka Matsuyama Archibald, violin
      Shostakovich: Symphony No. 9
      Glinka: Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla

November 26, Tuesday. Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 7 PM.  Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic, Jewish, who else? joint service, hosted this year at Temple Israel.

November 29, Friday. New Imam Candidate (for Masjid Ar-Rahman) will be at Masjid Al-Noor, 3529 Mynders (near the University of Memphis). Sermon at the 1:15 PM service, dinner and lecture at 6:30 PM.  Have you ever watched a church or synagogue looking over a candidate for Pastor or Rabbi?  You are welcome to come see how the process works at a mosque.


Until Oct 10: The current exhibit at the Ross Gallery, Lower Level of the Plough Library, Christian Brothers University, is "Fabricated Fiori", fabric based paintings and collage by Phyllis Boger and Constance Grayson.
http://www.cbu.edu/gallery

October 1 - a major workshop for educators by Facing History and Ourselves. The fall lineup includes 
Holocaust and Human Behavior Workshop – October 1-October 2, 2013
Student/Parent Teach-In – October 3, 2013
Civil Rights Workshop – October 22-23, 2013
 The major fundraising dinner, one of the most important Memphis events, will be November 4, 2013
http://www.facinghistory.org/offices/memphis


Thursday, October 3 "Feed the Soul" Fundraiser for MIFA, $45.  6 to 10 p.m. The Warehouse, 36 East G.E. Patterson. http://www.mifa.org/feedthesoul   Featured entertainment and activities include Trio Plus, Marcela Pinilla & Joe Restivo, Stan "The Bellringer" Bell of V101, Laurelwood Freeze Models, green carpet photos, oxygen bars, cigars and bourbon, a raffle with fantastic prizes, and much more!

October 3, "The Spirituality of Eating", at St. John's United Methodist Church.
1207 Peabody Ave. Please join the Memphis Center for Food and Faith and our host St. John's United Methodist Church for a single evening at the intersections of food and faith, featuring prominent Duke theologian Norman Wirzba, Mid-South farmers, and a panel of Memphis food and faith thought leaders.
A reception will begin at 6PM featuring light hors d'oeuvres of local fare, entertainment and fellowship. Keynote and panel will begin at 7PM.
 Contact studdardsara@gmail.com with questions and to register. (Since they are cooking local food,
preregistartion is a big help)
Childcare Provided. Infant to 5 years old.



Thursday, October 3, opening of Jewish Literary and Cultural Festival, Jewish Community Center. Events Oct 3 - Nov 19.
Oct 3, Luncheon and talk with a  authors of books focusing on women's shoes, but the real issue is how women can empower women. $36, October 3 at 11:30 AM. 
October 11-16, Israeli artists show, tapestries, lithographs, jewelry, etc.. Opening reception October 13 2-4 PM.
October 15,  7 PM, talk by Marcia Clark, author of murder mysteries, $20 ($15 for MJCC Members). 
Nov 9, 7 PM, comedian Dan Zevin. Dessert included, $15($13 members).
More to follow.


October 4, 7:30-9AM Barrister's Breakfast at Calvary Episcopal Church,

All proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

October 4, Friday, 6-9 PM, Meditation workshop,
Temple of the Sacred Gift, Bartlett.
https://www.facebook.com/TempleOfTheSacredGift


October 5,  4 PM, Blessing of the Pets (Calvary Episcopal). Blessing of the Animals at the pavilion next to Overton Bark at Overton Park, beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5. Bring dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, teddy bears, and everything in-between for a joyous service of praise and thanksgiving for all ages.

October 5, Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Exceptional Foundation.
(For people with intellectual disabilities). 1780 Moriah Woods Blvd. (near White Station and Mt. Moriah)  http://efwtn.org     I gather it costs $10 to be admitted and taste the samples.  11 AM - 3 PM.

October 6, Sunday, 10-2:30, Free Community Health Fair
at Masjid As-Salaam, 1026 Stratford Road (the foot of Covington Pike).  Blood pressure, diabetes, flu shots, dental exam for kids. Open to all.

October 6, Sunday, 3:30 PM, program of Indian Music at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads.
(directions on our address page here , about a half hour drive from midtown). http://icctmemphis.org. This is part of an ongoing celebration Oct 4 - 13 with many interesting prayer services but non-Hindus may prefer visiting a concert rather than a prayer service.

October 6, Sunday, 7 PM Concert at Calvary Episcopal Church.
free, $10 donation suggested. Germantown Symphony and Memphis Men's and Women's Chorales,
"Poetry on Music Wings" with words of Frost, Kipling, Tennyson, Shakespeare, Dickenson, etc.


Explanation posted October 8, 2013:  It is is a busy season for several faiths right now. Muslims are in the ten days leading up to Eid El-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice, the most major Muslim holiday. It commemorates the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his young first-born son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of submission to God's command and his son's acceptance to being sacrificed, before God intervened to provide Abraham with a lamb to sacrifice instead.  It begins Monday evening October 14 and ends Tuesday evening October 15. Since crowds at the Tuesday morning service will far exceed the capacity of local mosques (including the social halls, which tend to be crowded with overflow worshipers this week) the main service will be held in The Cook Convention Center at 9 AM Tuesday.  The festival is on the tenth day of the lunar month of  Dhul Hijjah and during the ten days there is special value to good deeds and fasting, much as in the ten days leading to Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) for the Jews or the period of Lent for the Christians.

By a coincidence of calendar, these ten days this year coincide with the Hindu occasion of   Navaratri and Brahmotsavam Celebrations, October 4th to 13th, nine nights and ten days. During the  nine nights, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or "Dussehra." The first word "victory on the tenth" refers to the tenth day of the lunar month; the second refers to "the removal of ten",  referring to Lord Rama's victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana.  Unlike the Muslim holiday which migrates seasonally due to the Muslim lunar year, the Hindu holiday is also a harvest holiday.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayadashami
There are numerous services each day at the Indian center in Eads, about a half hour drive from mid-town Memphis.
Schedules at https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/Events_NavaratriCelebrations
Directions at http://memphisirg.org/addresses.html


October 10,
Thursday, reception 5:30, lecture 6 PM. Marcus Orr Lecture, U of Memphis, University Center Theater.  Robert Darnton, "Digitize and Democratize: Libraries, Books, and the Digital Future."

October 11, Rhodes College, 
Symposium on Shakespeare and the Book,
Blount Auditorium, Buckman Hall at 9 a.m. (8:30 a.m. coffee)
Lukas Erne of the University of Geneva will present “Disseminating Printed Shakespeare in Early Modern England,” and Michael Witmore of the Folger Shakespeare Library will present “Writing Literary and Cultural History at the Level of the Sentence.”

http://www.rhodes.edu/news/26846.asp

October 11, 7 PM  St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral Silent Movie: The General
One of the country's premier concert and theater organists, Walt Strony will take the console of the St. Mary's pipe organ to accompany the critically-acclaimed 1926 silent film, The General, starring Buster Keaton. Come and laugh, cry, hoot, and holler at the movie screen as the Cathedral is transformed into a 1920's movie palace!  Free concert. Snacks and drinks available for purchase.


October 11, Friday, 7:30 PM. Memphis Symphony at Lindenwood Christian Church,
October 11, Figaro to Carmen, a night of Opera
February 7, Peter and the Wolf (+more, children's concert)
March 28, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky, Haydn.   
http://www.memphissymphony.org/classicaccents
Base price is $39 - half if you subscribe, $5 for students. 901-537-2525

October 12, Saturday, 10 AM. "A day of prayer for all men", Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 394 Vance Ave..  Light refreshments.

October 12, 2-4:30 PM. Foreign Film at the Brooks Museum.
Aquí y Allá
Mexican. Spanish and Nahuatl with English subtitles.  $8
http://www.brooksmuseum.org/events#category=9055
(No, we don't list all the foreign films at the Brooks here. This seems to be related to the immigrant experience.)
 
October 13, Sunday 9:15 AM. Discussion of Just War Theory at Temple Israel. 
I tend not to list Sunday morning programs here, as for so many people it is Church time. Temple Israel has regular Sunday discussion groups: Discussion of Jewish short stories,. 9:15-10:15 AM, a Career transition group at 9:30 AM, Lesser Known Bible Stories  ("The mothers and fathers they never told you about" 11 AM-noon.  I mention these now since on  October 13, 9:15-10:15 AM, visiting scholar Dr. Rachel Havrelock of Univ. of Illinois/Chicago will lead a discussion of when war is justified and how Biblical ideas might inform war and peace in our own times.

October 13, Sunday, all afternoon, the Kosher Barbeque contest at
Anshei Sphard Synagogue,
East Yates north of Walnut Grove. A wonderful party and the prizes won by the Muslim teams have gotten national coverage. (Beef and chicken rather than pork, naturally.)

October 14, Monday. League of Women Voters. "Attacks on Voting Rights".
Benjamin Hooks Library, Free reception with light refreshments, 5 PM, program at  6 PM. The National President of the League of Women Voters will discuss the present state of voting rights in the US.  Note: The League has a good flier on when and where to register to vote, who can register, and a schedule of upcoming elections. Ask us (admin@memphisirg.org) if you'd like a copy.


October 15 Tuesday 9 AM.  Muslim celebration of Eid Al-Adha, Cook Convention Center.

October 15, Tuesday, 6-8 PM.  Book signing, reading and discussion at 6:30,
Discussion of the novel "Wash" with the author Margaret Wrinkle. Wash reexamines slavery in ways that confound contemporary assumptions about race, history and power as it carries the reader from the American South to West Africa and deep into the ancestral stories that reside in the soul. Crosstown Arts, 430 N. Cleveland, Memphis, TN 38104

October 17, Thursday, 8 AM- 1 PM.  12th Annual Faith and Health Conference for Clergy and Congregational Leaders. Church Health Center
.
The Affordable Care Act.  Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue | Memphis, TN 38104 (Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served. Breakfast begins at 7:30 AM.)A major conference, expertly put together, on what the health care act means for you and your congregation and your community.  If your clergy cannot get to this, send a representative (elder, deacon, vestry or board member...) Free but preregistration required. http://churchhealthcenter.org  Register at  http://churchhealthcenter.org/faithhealthseries

October 17, noon. Memphis Jewish Community Center, lunch briefing by Israeli economist/Journalist 
Pinchas Landau

Israel's Economy: 2013 and Beyond. The cost of the luncheon seminar is $15.00 which includes a kosher box lunch. Pre-registration is required  info 767-7100. To register please click here.  

October 18-19, Friday-Saturday.  The Gandhi-King Conference. Youth programs Friday, adult programs Saturday. 
A major annual Memphis event and a major part of the interfaith year in Memphis.  http://www.gandhikingconference.org/ 
Plenary Speakers Medea Benjamin (CodePink Women for Peace) and Jaribu Hill (MS Workers Center).  Saturday afternoon, David Waters of the Commercial Appeal will chair a panel on the interfaith environment in Memphis.
Registration for the main conference (sliding scale fee) is at
http://www.gandhikingconference.org/register
And/or sign up now for the youth conference at   bridgesusa.org/gkyc   ($20)

October 18, Friday 5:30-7:30 PM. Opening reception, "Four Women: For Art's Sake"
Exhibit at Ross Gallery, Plough Library, Christian Brothers University. Exhibit dates are October 18-December 12.  901-321-3432, http://www.cbu.edu/gallery

Saturday, October 19, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
an Organizational Workshop on Voter Registration and Voter Education.
The workshop is sponsored by the Workshop Committee of the Shelby County Executive Committee, along with the Democratic Women of Shelby County.
Place: IBEW Union Hall, 1870 Madison Ave

October 19, Saturday, 2 PM - 6:30 PM, Indian Cultural Center and Temple,
Dharma and Yoga Fest commemorating Swami Vivekanand on his 150th birth year. An opportunity to meet and hear some of the major leaders of the Memphis Indian (Hindu and Jain) community. The program focuses on Vedantic philosophy of Dharma and four Yoga (Karma, Bhakti, Raj and Jnan) and its applications in everyday life. Eminent speakers are Dr. Prasad Duggirala, Dr. Srinath Bellur, Dr. Sanjay Mishra, Ms Rajashree Kanetkar moderated by Dr. Manoj Jain.  The schedule is at  https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/event_Oct19   

October 20, Sunday, 2 PM. Daniel Pearl Harmony for Humanity Concert.
Sponsored by Hillel, Facing History, etc. Local Musicians. Annual award for fostering tolerance.  Free, open to all. Info e-mail hillelofmemphis@bellsouth.net   University Center Theatre, U of Memphis. The annual Daniel Pearl Legacy Award will be given to Linda Marks, the Interfaith Officer at MIFA and a mainstay of the Memphis interfaith community.

October 20, Sunday, 12-5PM  Memphis Islamic Assn, Eid Family Picnic at Shelby Farms,
between the Visitor Center and the Lake.  All welcome. Food plate $2, drinks $1, bring a blanket or chairs. The flier is at
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102207134857-190/eid+picnic+banner+v4+oldai+otl.pdf  

October 20, 4:00-5:30 PM, Historical Exhibit and Reception - 18 years of the Jewish Foundation of Memphis.
Shainberg Art Gallery, Memphis Jewish Community Center, 6560 Poplar. Free. RSVP jfom@jewishfoundationofmemphis.org, 901-374-0400


October 22 - a major workshop for educators by Facing History and Ourselves.
Civil Rights Workshop – October 22-23, 2013
  8 AM-3 PM at Christian Brothers University. 
Register at http://www2.facinghistory.org/Campus/Events.nsf/HTMLProfessionalDevelopment/549D6DE320965A6085257B1E00663B96?Opendocument
       The major fundraising dinner, one of the most important Memphis events, will be November 4, 2013   http://www.facinghistory.org/offices/memphis

October 22. Healthy Memphis Common Table - Anniversary Celebration.

(Fundraiser)  http://www.healthymemphis.org/index.php?page=anniversary-celebration

October 22, Prizm Ensemble concert. 7:30-9:30 PM Shady Grove Presbyterian Church.  5530 Shady Grove Rd, corner of  Yates Rd.  $10, $5 for students.

October 22, Tuesday 7 PM Temple Israel. Discussion series starts.
Jewish Responses to Ethical Dilemmas: To tell the truth?
Later discussions: Dec 10, Tuesday, 7 PM: Privacy.      Jan 29, Weds. Noon: Business
March 4, Tuesday, 7 PM: Family.     April1, Tuesday, 7 PM: Helping Others.

October 22, 7:30 PM, at Chabad
(2670 Kirby Parkway) .Rabbi Berel Wein, one of the major Orthodox Jewish educators, will speak on Great Non-Jews in Jewish History (e.g. Alexander the Great, Abdul Al Rahman, Jefferson, Churchill.  Free. all invited.


October 23, Wednesday, 10 AM- 1 PM. Women's roundtable at the Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave  Register to attend at churchhealthcenter.org or call 901-259-4673. "Making the Most of Our Time and Our Life" will focus on helping women prioritize their lives based on the Church Health Center's Model for Healthy Living.

October 23 and 30, Weds evenings, 6:30 PM discussion of "Religious Faith and Secular Authority" at Holy Communion Episcopal Church,
Walnut Grove between Perkins. http://www.holycommunion.org/events/

October 24, Rhodes College,
J. Baird Callicott, “Judeo-Christianity, Zen-Buddhism, and Environmental Ethics,” Blount Auditorium, Buckman Hall at 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. reception)
http://www.rhodes.edu/news/26846.asp

October 24, Thursday, reception 5:30, lecture 6 PM. Marcus Orr Lecture, U of Memphis, University Center Theater. Kevin Mumford, "Beyond the Closet: Reinventing African-American Gay History, 1963-1988."

October 25 6 - 9 PM. Wall climbing at Bridges, $15. http://bridgesusa.org

October 25-27. Faith in Action Clean-Up. Mayor Wharton has invited faith-based organizations to join a massive community clean-up. Information 901-522-1135

October 26, 8 PM, Movie Night at Chabad. (Orthodox Jewish organization)
Soup, Salad, Dessert, Movie, Discussion, Title "Fill the Void", a major award-winning Israel film, raising fascinating questions of orthodox Jewish family values. Summary and details at http://www.jewishmemphis.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/2358476/jewish/Cafe-Chabad-Movie-Night.htm   
2570 Kirby Parkway • Memphis, TN 38119-8206 • 901-754-0404

October 26-27, 9 AM - 4 PM Free Sanskritam classes at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple.  This is a free introduction to the spoken language; weekly classes will follow.
India Cultural Center and Temple, 12005 U.S. 64 Eads, TN 38028
Contact    :    Sabyasachee Mishra     Email    :    hisabya@gmail.com
Fee    :    FREE Event (registration mandatory) 
Registration    :    Send email to hisabya@gmail.com

October 27, Sunday. 10-11:30 AM. Temple Israel. Sacred Conversations: Medical Decisions.  The first in a series of talks. This will be about the"Five Wishes", medical planning and end-of-life planning. A similar session will be Nov 12, 7-8:30 PM.  More in this series Feb 20-122, March  30, April 8.

Oct 30, Weds, 5 PM Lecture on health care (Use of the new Federal Affordable Health Care Actinsurance) at the Jewish Community Center. Johnathan Frisch.  Free, open to all. Info 761-0810 (J. Roberts)

October 30, Wednesday, Hallowe'en at Calvary Episcopal Church downtown. Trick-or-treat in the parking lot at 5:15 PM, party inside in the Great Hall at 6 PM. Admission one can of food for MIFA. Hotdogs, drinks, chips $3 / person.

October 30, 7 PM, Lecture, "The Jerusalem Temple of Herod the Great" Fogelman Executive Center, room 136, Univ of Memphis. Sponsored by JudaicStudies at U opf M and the Jewish Historical Society of Memphis and the Mid-South. Open to all, free. Info 678-2919





Sept 6, 6:15 PM.  Guest Speaker Alan Lightman  at the 6:15 PM service at Temple Israel. Dr Lightman has been the moving force behind an important education program for women in Cambodia and is an impressive speaker.

Sept 7, 10 AM--?. Convoy of Hope, Memphis Cook Convention Center. Free groceries, free haircuts, job fair, etc. See http://midsouth.convoyoutreach.org/

Sept 7, Memphis Walk to end Alzheimers, free registration, registration 8 am, walk at 9 am.
Shelby Farms Park.  http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk/TN-MidSouth?fr_id=3701&pg=entry

Sept 8, Joint Blood Drive,  Memphis Islamic Center and Heartsong Church.  The cooperation between these two groups, near the east end of Walnut Grove Road, is one of the nationally recognized bright spots in the inter-religious scene.  Both places are well worth a visit.  8 AM - 4 PM  If you can't donate, send a friend or relative. Please contact akhan8588@gmail.com for more information or register online at http://mic_heartsongblooddrive2013.youcanbook.me
 

Sept 7-8, Germantown Festival.  http://www.germantownfest.com

Sun Sept 8  4-6 PM Temple Israel Museum.
, Opening reception for an exhibit of photography of Fred Kesselman.

Sept 14, Saturday, Noon to 7 PM,  ICCT Ganesh Nimajjan, a major one-day celebration at the Hindu Temple in Eads.  https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/node

Sept 15. Holy Communion Church (Walnut Grove between Perkins-s) has its Fall Picnic, following the 10:30 AM worship service. Tickets are $5 per person/$15 for family of three or more and include  fried chicken, baked beans, slaw, rolls and beverages. Families with the last names A-G are asked to bring a dessert; families with the last names H-Z are asked to bring a side dish. Reservations 767-6987

Sept 15, Symphony outdoors at the Dixon Gallery & Garden. A major event of the Memphis Fall. Gates open 3 PM, performance at 5:00 PM. Adult $20, children $5. A great way to introduce children to classical music. Bring a picnic.

Sept 16,  Monday, 6 PM, League of Women Voters. Demystifying the Affordable Care Act. Main Library, 3030 Poplar, Room C (turn left as you enter the library)  This issue has become so political that there is littlke talk of what it actually means for the individual, D
emystifying The Affordable Care Act From The Patient's Perspective will feature Dr. James E. Bailey, MD, MPH, FACP.  Dr. Bailey is a Professor of General Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Director, Center for Health Systems Improvement and The Healthy City-Continuing Health Education

  Sept 6 and Sept 20, Wall Climbing. Bridges, Open climb night, $15 to climb, free to watch.  If you haven't seen or climbed their indoor climbing wall, now is your chance. (They also have rope climbing, $10.)  It's also an opportunity to see this interesting building, the site of so many important programs for the youth of Memphis.
http://www.bridgesusa.org/calendar      477 North Fifth Street. Memphis, TN 38105

Sept 18 Wednesday evening, is the start of Sukkot, one of the three major Jewish festivals. It celebrates the forty years in Sinai between the Exodus and the arrival in Israel, and is also a harvest festival. Many traditional Jewish families eat outdoors during the 8 day holiday, in a temporary "booth."  Temple Israel (Reform) has a congregational dinner outdoors on Sept 18 (reservations at http://timemphis.org  , $8 adults) and other events such as a "blessing of the pets", Tues, Sept 24, 6:15 PM.  If you've ever been tempted to visit a (relatively brief) Jewish prayer service, Weds Sept 16 at 6 PM or Friday Sept 18 at 6 PM might be a good time.

Sept 21. A 5K Race benefiting the Emmanuel Episcopal Center and "Shelby County Books from Birth". Volunteers as well as participants wanted.  Starts and ends at Holy Communion Church, Walnut Grove between Perkins-s. Includes a 400-meter dash for children 10 and under.
https://bookit5k.racesonline.com/?CFID=15991046&CFTOKEN=25292723

Sept 21. Interfaith service 11AM and potluck lunch at noon, Lindenwood Christian Church,
2400 Union at Eastern Parkway. Sponsored by the interfaith GBLTQ community and their supporters.

Sept 21. Dance performance at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple. 6 PM - 9 PM.
A major dance exhibition by six highly talented visually-impaired dancers. (And, of course, a chance to visit this fascinating building for those who prefer not to go there for a worship service.)  Free, Donations accepted
https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/events_danceSept21
 
Sept 21. Dinner and lecture, Muslim Society of Memphis.
  Dinner at 6:30, presentation at 7:30  on
"Medical, Social & Religious Aspects of Alcoholism"by Dr. Mohammad Moinuddin, Br. Younis Sherif & Imam Bilal Malik, (Stratford Rd. Mosque, Stratford and McCrory, at the foot of Covington Pike.)  Free, open to all. These are exceptionally qualified and interesting speakers.

Sept 22, Sunday. "Sukkah Bounce". 11:30 AM -1:30 PM
The Jewish holiday of Sukkah is 8 days long and celebrates the 40 years in the wilderness. Picnics and the like are appropriate! Temple Israel has its outdoor festival on Sunday - Moon bounces, Hayride, burgers on the grill, and more.

Sept 22, 4 PM. Music group "Battlefield Band" at the Buckman
(St Mary's, Perkins extd. at Walnut Grove.  Pipers, fiddlers, etc.) $25 at door, $20 in advance at Laurelwood Booksellers.

Sept 23, Monday, 5 PM  Sukkah-Fest at Chabad 
(an orthodox Jewish organization, very open and welcoming.)  $10/person. Spaghetti and Meatball dinner (kosher), desserts, cotton candy, sno cones, petting zoo, pony rides, etc. RSVP 
Chabad@Jewishmemphis.com  Walgreen's flu shots available. 
2570 Kirby Pkwy  Memphis, TN 38119   (901) 754-0404

Sept 25, Conference on Health Care Delivery.
  See http://www.healthymemphis.org/news.php?s=events





Sept 25, Wednesday. "City Serve" kickoff, Second Presbyterian Church,
Poplar and Goodlett. Regular weekly supper 5:15, program 6:15. see Sept 27-29.  This Wednesday evening program is primarily about early childhood development issues, adoption and foster care, and single parent families See http://www.2pc.org/article/cityserve-2013-september-27-29/


 Sept 26-27  Simchas Torah.
This Jewish holiday marks the end of the annual cycle of reading the Torah, ending with the last verses of Deuteronomy and starting over with the first verses of Genesis. (This system makes for a long reading every Saturday morning of what Christians would call "the first reading" or equivalent.)  Synagogues vary a bit on when and how they celebrate this but lots of singing and dancing are common. It is a great time to visit a traditional synagogue.
Baron Hirsch Synagogue (driveway off Yates south of Shady Grove) holds services at 7:30 PM Sept 26, lots of singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls, translations provided.  Fried Chicken dinner follows at 8:30 (free). More elaborate services Friday Sept 27, 9 -AM - 1:30 PM, lunch following ($5).

At Anshei Sphard,
(East Yates north of Walnut Grove) the Thursday singing starts at 6:45 PM with a childrens program for ages 3 to 7 before that.  Free dinner after services Thursday Evening and free lunch after Friday morning services.

Sept 26, Thursday, Workshop on Human Trafficking,
9 AM to 3 PM, Balmoral  Presbyterian Church. Leaders are Janeen DiGuiseppi, in charge of the Human Trafficking unit in the FBI office in Memphis, TN, and Rev. Noelle Damico,   on the human trafficking roundtable, who coordinates human trafficking awareness trainings for the Presbyterian Church (USA)
To register for this event, click here. or call
Bonnie Blair at 901-752-0328

Sept 26, Thursday, Benjamin Hooks Institute Open House, Rose Theatre, Univ. of Memphis. Reception 4:30, Panel at 5. 
"Civil Rights at the Crossroads: Voting; Affirmative Action in Higher Education; "Stand Your Ground Laws" and the Trayvon Martin Tragedy."

Sept 26, Thursday, reception 5:30, lecture 6 PM. Marcus Orr Lecture, U of Memphis, University Center Theater.  Laurent DuBois, "The Banjo: Routes, Roots, and Ideas about "America".

Sept 27-28, Plant Sale at Memphis Botanic Garden. 9AM-5PM.

Sept 27-29, Friday-Sunday,
"City Serve"   Second Presbyterian Church, Poplar and Goodlett.  The problems of youth in our city: early childhood development and broken families, through age 18. The 6:30 PM Friday program panel includes the Shelby county superintendent of schools and the superintendent of the "Tennessee Achievement School District." A whole weekend of programs with involvement from any other youth-based ministries.
http://www.2pc.org/article/cityserve-2013-september-27-29/
 
http://www.2pc.org/mission/mission-memphis/cityserve-2013/

Sept 28,
Sole to Soul 5k to benefit MIFA.  Idlewild Presbyterian Church will host its 10th annual Sole to Soul 5k, which will begin at 8 a.m. at Idlewild (1750 Union Ave.) and end at the same location. Registration is $17 in advance ($15 for members of Memphis Runners Track Club) and $20 on the day of the race, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit MIFA!
Info http://soletosoul5k.racesonline.com/?CFID=15778057&CFTOKEN=72379520


Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Memphis Islamic Center

is teaming up with MIFA for "Muslim Meals on Wheels Day". Meet at MIFA's Headquarters, located at 910 Vance Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38126 at 12:00 PM SHARP. Info (901) 231-9340.


Sept 28, Saturday: Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival
benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, Autozone Park, 11 AM-4 PM. Tickets $7 online, $10 at gate.
http://rmhc-memphis.org/events

Sept 29, Sunday, Fundraising walk & Family outing, to benefit Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Mud Island Park
(kids' games, cotton candy, snow cones, etc.) Music, one mile walk on the river model. Opens 1:30, walk starts 2:30 PM.  http://cctakesteps.org

Sept 29, Sunday, 5-7 PM, Calvary Episcopal Church party/potluck supper
at the Children's Museum.
Bring children, grandchildren, neighbor's kids, etc. Last names beginning with A-J bring an entrée, last names K-T bring a side dish, and U-Z bring a dessert. Calvary will provide the drinks, plates, and silverware.

Sept 29, Sunday, 5:30 PM  Choral Evensong and Eucharist.
Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove Rd.  An exceptionally nice and musically pretty candlelight service. 

Sept 30, Monday, reception 5:30, lecture 6:00. Rhodes College Communities in Conversation.
Leora Batnitzky, “How Judaism Became a Religion,” McCallum Ballroom, Bryan Campus Life Center. (Directions given at campus entrance on University Ave.)
http://www.rhodes.edu/news/26846.asp


Note:  I was very weak on updating things in August 2013 due to vacation...

Jan 27- April 28, Exhibit at Temple Israel Museum, cosponsored by Facing History.
The Art of Samuel Bak
.



Jewish Artists?  Temple Israel's Judaica Shop wants to highlight work by local Jewish artists during the coming year.
e-mail    sisterhoodgiftshop@timemphis.org     if you are an interested artist.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.  Ombudsmen for long-term care patients. MIFA, the Metropolitan Interfaith Association, has a program of providing Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. These people visit nursing homes once a week to hear residents' complaints, act as advocates for the residents, and monitor the residents" quality of life, care, and rights. All of us who have had a relative in such a place knows how important this can be, and we also know that it is important that the nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and residential care homes be aware of cultural and religious differences, the needs of immigrants, and the like. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, apply by June 7, 12 hours of training June 18,19,20. Call Katie Earnest at 901-527-0208 ext 230.   (NB. this was posted before any expectation that Eunice would be, temporarily, resident in such a home.)

Help with the MidSouth Greenprint Sustainability Survey: Fill out the questionnaire at

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/greenprint2


I'm having trouble keeping up lately. Let me remind you of a few other resources that seem to keep current during the summer heat:

School for Servant Leadership

http://www.servantleadership-memphis.org/EVENTS.html
which includes ongoing events:
Mondays,
Community Gardening at McMerton Gardens, 258 N. Merton from 5:00 to 7:00pm.
Tuesday:
Free Medical Clinic at Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard  from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
Thursday,  big schedule:   Servant Leadership School facilitates an Open Table  Eucharist Service at Binghampton UMC Church, "The Commons" 258 Merton. at 12:00 noon.    Children's Yoga at Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard  from 4:45 to 5:30pm. 
Adult Yoga
  at Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard  from 5:30  to 7:00pm.
Caritas Community Meal (Potluck) at 7:00pm  - Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard  -1st Thursday of every month
Friday: The Way, a service of recovery at St. John's UMC, 1207 Peabody at 6:00pm
Saturday: 
Community Gardening at McMerton Gardens, 258 N. Merton from 9:00AM to 12:00 noon.   

Select items from http://www.healthymemphis.org/news.php?s=events

Thursdays:
 
Church Health Center: Free cooking kitchen demonstrations are offered at 1115 Union Avenue, every Thursday at 9 am, 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. For more information, call (901) 259-4673 or visit http://ChurchHealthCenter.org.

Friday: Vision Screenings: FREE Vision Screenings: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays, through Aug. 9 at Eyewear Gallery, 428 Perkins Ext. (at Laurelwood Place), back to school vision screenings for glaucoma, learner’s



As a Jew, it fascinates me to see the Muslim immigrant community go through many of the stages the Jewish community here went through in the past.  I wonder what the first few meetings were like when they were planning the Memphis Jewish Community Center?  I was at a meeting not long ago when someone in a discussion in a mosque pointed out the need for more space and activities from women and children. Someone in Western dress and a very American accent said that what was important was adequate space and quiet for the men to have their regular required prayers and sermons, that distracytions from that were to be avoided. A few men in distinctively Muslim dress and accents told him "You are in America now, Brother!"  Hence you may be interested in the following event:

July 28, Sunday. Fundraiser for the Memphis ISlamic Center, $20 adults, $10 child. Even if you are not anxious to go, the announcement at http://memphisislamiccenter.eventbrite.com/  Is well worth readmg to learn of their plans. A major speaker on laying the foundation for a community, and (I expect) plans for the next round of building.


July 31, Wednesday, noon, Dixon Gallery Mucnch & Learn (brown bag lunch.) Museum admission charge $7.
The Dixon has a lot of nice activities, but I can't resist this talk
“The Secrets of Pierre-Auguste Renoir” with Dixon Director Kevin Sharp. Bring your own lunch, sodas and water provided.

August 2, Friday, 7 - 8:30 PM, intro to Kriya Yoga, Free, DVD presentation, light vegetarian meal afterwards,
presented by Memphis Kriya Yoga Center, TN, USA at: Delta Groove Yoga , 2091 Madison Ave,
Memphis, TN 38104, on Overton Square

Film series under way (July 27 etc.) but I note:
August 9, Friday (at dusk) Concert film at the Levitt Shell. Free.
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY: QUEEN LIVE IN BUDAPEST
The Indie Memphis film series at the Shell is at  http://indiememphis.com/concertfilms


August 15, 8 AM Conference on Aging.  What’s Age Got to Do With It? The Changing Definition of Old. 8 a.m. Registration
Be a part of this professional conference at Hope Presbyterian Church, 8500 Walnut Grove Rd, Cordova, TN 38018.Workshops will include the Affordable Care Act, Redesigining an Aging Memphis, and more. For more information and to register, 
http://www.pnamidsouth.org/PNA-ProfConfAttendee.pdf


August 17, Indian Culteral Center and Temple, free Seminar on Health Management Techniques and Holistic Methodologies by Dr. Varma. (no other details yet)   http://www.icctmemphis.org/

Sept 1 Sunday 6 PM.  The Moshav Band.
   An Israeli band, sponsored by local Jewish groups. $10 in advance, $15 at door.  At Table 613, a kosher restaurant, 5101 Sanderlin. Announcement at
http://www.minglewoodhall.com/?Page=http%3A%2F%2Fpublic.ticketbiscuit.com%2FMinglewoodHall%2FEvents%2F170455
Saturday July 6, 7:30-9:30 AM followed by social hour/refreshments, Hindu Temple,  special prayers for Sri Venkateswara Sahasra Kalasa Abhishekam

Hindu Temple Photos:

The Indian Cultural Center and Temple has put photos of many of its recent events on-line. If you've been there and frustrated at their rules against photographs, here you can see them!

"Did you miss the Temple Anniversary celebrations last week ?   No worries!
You can view the photos by going to ICCT website

www.icctmemphis.org (yes, I know that link looks odd if you analyze its internals)
and clicking on "Photos" link from the top navigation menu. All the photos are displayed at:
"Photos -> 2013 Events -> Temple 19th Anniversary - 2013"
You can also view photos and videos of the recently concluded Yagnam by clicking the links below:


July 7 and 10. The Israeli Blues Band, Ori Naftali, is in town.
You can see them on Sunday, July 7 at 7:30 pm at the Levitt Shell (open to everyone) and Wednesday, July 10 at 6:30 pm by the Memphis Jewish Community Center Pool. 

July 7. Sunday evening. Learning about Ramadan at the Memphis Islamic Center. 
Have you ever wondered how Muslims think about Ramadan, the month of fasting about to start?  Here's a chance to see them thinking and talking about it...

"Getting Ready for Ramadan"

with Dr. Yasir Qadhi   on Sunday, July 7, 2013  immediately after Maghrib prayer   (currently about 8:30PM)

July 9  - Downton Abbey - at The Church of The Holy Communion,  Walnut Grove at Perkins.  How about revisiting Season 3 with other "DA" groupies at Holy Communion?  There are 7 parts to Season 3 that we can cover in four Tuesday nights in July: the 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.  We can convene in the Carrick Room at 5:30 p.m. for light snacks and beverages and settle in for two uninterrupted hours of escapism within this magnificent Yorkshire county estate.  Contact Kate Schurch, 767-6987, ext. 23, if you'd like to participate.

July 10. Wednesday. M Ice Cream and Bingo at Calvary Episcopal Church,
2nd Ave., downtown. $5 for adults, $3 for children, includes bingo cards, ice cream, many toppings.  RSVP preferred to
 mailto:epeeples@calvarymemphis.org?subject=Bingo%20%26%20Ice%20Cream
Calvary would also appreciate donations of men's clothing, socks, jackets, sleeping bags, toiletries. for the homeless who come to breakfast at Calvary.\
Calvary Sermons are available on-line at http://calvarymemphis.org/sermons

July 11 7 PM  - The Brooks Museum Movie  The Brooks has several movie series and the series at 7 PM Thursdays is especially good. The one I especially wanted to note this season is on July 11 - Intruder in the Dust, a locally-filmed adaptation of William Faulkner's novel about the Sout hof the "Jim Crow" era.  $8,  $6 for Brooks members or students with valid ID.
http://www.brooksmuseum.org/



July 14, 6:00 PM, MAJOR EVENT - RESERVE EARLY
7th annual Interfaith Dinner (Ramadan Iftar Dinner) put on for everyone by the Memphis Muslim community. Free but tickets will run out!
Save the date - details coming soon.  Details should appear shortly at  http://memphisinterfaith.org/

July 18 - Start of a summer Concert Film series at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park - details at
http://indiememphis.com/concertfilms

July 20 - Watch the Redbirds, Baseball and support the Emmanuel Episcopal Center, a program for inner-city youth. Raise money for the Emmanuel Episcopal Center by selling field box tickets to the Saturday, July 20, game against the Oklahoma City RedHawks.  The game will begin at 6:05 p.m. at AutoZone Park and will also feature a post-game fireworks show!  Tickets are $15, with $5 of every ticket sold going to the Emmanuel Center. To purchase tickets, stop by any of the four First Alliance Bank branches or contact Amanda Richardson at the Uptown branch at 901-527-9393.  August 24, Prism Ensemble concert (the chamber music group of Shady Grove Presbyterian Church) at Laurelwood Booksellers. http://www.prizmensemble.com/



Help with a survey - Healthy Memphis/Common Table asks for participation in  a survey about health in Memphis/Shelby County. Please help with a 10 to 15 minute anonymous on-line survey. Start at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ShelbyHealth
Remember to check the Healthy Memphis/Common Table events list at
http://www.healthymemphis.org/news.php?s=events

Reservations are now available for the July 14 Interfaith Iftar Dinner, one of the most important interfaith events of the year.
  Free but reservations are needed -it fills up rapidly.

7th Annual Memphis Interfaith Dinner "Ramadan: Working Together for the Common Good"
Click on that header (7th annual) or If you need more tickets please email the names (REQUIRED) and email addresses (optional) of all your guests to rsvp@memphisinterfaith.org

Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:

Sunday, July 14, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CDT)

901 Cordova Station Road
Cordova, 38018

View Map



I haven't added very many new things in the last two weeks, as I've been pretty busy with the aftermath of my wife's broken hip. She came home from the Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab on May 14. She is walking onm a walker, managing stairs with difficulty. Wew are goin to head for our summer place, and updates or e-mails will probably continue on about a once-every-two-weeks basis.



Rev. Chris Girata at Calvary Episcopal has called our attention to this YouTube Video, about two Coca-Cola vending machines in India and Paskistan with a video link so people in the two places can see each other...click for  a recent video .
The Calvary newsletter with this is on-line at
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5472ab64f8f0fa71714dbebcb&id=364a5d2ad6&e=2f75c3ec8d

New Resource Location

Porter-Leath has a new satellite location inside the Hickory Ridge Mall Towne Centre Community Services Plaza. A representative from various Porter-Leath programs will be on-site on varying days Monday through Saturday, including Foster Care & Adoption, Runaway Homeless Youth Shelter, Parents as Teachers, and EarnBenefits. Additional information on Preschool, Spoonfuls, Foster Grandparents, and other Porter-Leath services will be able as well.

Healthy Memphis-Common Table will provide speakers / workshop leaders for houses of worship or other local organizations on issues such as how to deal with health care providers, care of ones own health, end-of-life issues.  We'll be happy to put you in touch with the right person there.

 ( edward@ordman.net   327-9735)


May 31-July 26. Exhibit of 26 Drawings by Carroll Cloar: "Crossing Place". Ross Gallery, Main Library of Christian Brothers University, Memphis.


June 5 and other times - "Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy." on "Great Performances" on public TV.
WKNO (10) Weds June 5 7PM and Sunday, June 9 at 9PM;
 WKNO2 (10.2, Comcast 910) Sunday June 16 at 7 PM and 11 PM.


Common Ground, 5th Anniversary Celebration, at the Kroc Center will be June 27 (E Parkway, South at  Fairgrounds.)  I assume there will be a charge?  http://commongroundmemphis.org/  

June 9, Sunday, 2-6 PM, Workshop, Empowerment for WOmen, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center
Reclaim your zest, resilience, pride, self-love, voice, strength and power in this workshop on women's oppression and liberation in a safe environment.  Cost $25-$40. Call Allison at 725-4990  or
click here to Register https://peaceserver.midsouthpeacedb.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=39


June 11 and Alternate Tuesdays, "ASK YQ" at the Memphis Islamic Center. About 9:30 PM.  Yasir Qadhi answers questions about Islamic law and practice, for the local Islamic community. The program provides opportunity to get religious guidance from one of the leading Islamic scholars in North America about practical and religious questions/issues facing American Muslims.

June 15, lecture and dinner at Masjid As-Salaam, Stratford Rd & McCrory. Dinner about 7:45 PM. Free.  Dr Moinuddin will speak on "The Battle of Khyber" after the brief paryer service at about 8:15 PM.

June 15, 7 PM. Shady Grove Presbyterian Church.  "The Telephone". Opera Memphis sponsor Menotti's delightful chamber opera with music by the Prizm Chamber Ensemble. Suggested donation $10.
5530 Shady Grove Rd, corner of Yates and Shady Grove.

June 19-22. 16th Temple Anniversary Celebrations, Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads.  Programs at 6 PM each day as well as programs at other times.

June 20, Playhouse on the Square. The Color Purple. Preview Night for the benefit of Common Ground.  http://commongroundmemphis.org/
(On June 28 there will be a performance of the same play to benefit the Church Health Center. Tickets for that go on sale April 1. For more information on the Church Health Center benefit, contact Jennie Dickerson at (901) 701-2097)

June 22. If you'd like an unusual field trip to LaGrange, TN (about an hour east of here), Immanuel Episcopal Church will be dedicating a cemetary and garden at 11 AM, luncheon to follow. Info 901-878-1000.

June 23, 8 AM. Circle of Faith, meeting at Balmoral Presbyterian, welcomes Mr. Winston Stewart. Mr. Stewart, a former member of the Bar-Kays, is an all-around musician, Gospel keyboardist, writer, composer, producer and teacher.  We are delighted that Mr. Stewart has joined Circle of Faith Church at Balmoral as the new Minister of Music.

June 23, Sunday, Fundraising dinner, Anshei Sfard-Beth El Emeth Congregation, dinner honoring Rabbi Joel and Bluma Finkelstein.  Cocktails at 6, dinner at 6:30. $90 per person.  Info 901-682-1611

 June 23, Sunday, 7:30pm - 9:00pm at Gaisman Park  (Macon Rd. Between Graham and Stratford.) 
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition [TIRRC]'s event:
Vigil for Just & Humane Immigration Reform: Vigilia por una Reforma Migratoria Justa & Humana

June 27,   Common Ground, 5th Anniversary Celebration, at the Kroc Center  (E Parkway, South at  Fairgrounds.)  $25.   http://commongroundmemphis.org/  
Tickets  http://commongroundmemphis.brownpapertickets.com/

June 28. Free Concert at the Levitt Shell  The musical group scheduled for June 28 is Rosco Bandana, a seven-piece Americana band from Gulfport, MS.  Concert at 7:30 but I undersatnd some church groups are meeting for a picnic (bring-your-own)  at 6:30 PM.   Pack your picnic basket, bring your blanket and/or lawn chairs, and enjoy fellowship and great music under the stars. Parking is free and available along the roads within Overton Park.  There is some food available for purchase at the Levitt Shell if you desire. 
http://levittshell.org/event/rosco-bandana


June 29, 5 PM  Centro Culturel Latino de Memphis, Second annual Festival: Aztec dancing, storytelling, theatre,food, and more. (IO suspect that much of this will be in Spanish). Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard St., Memphis 38112.  Info: Prof Richard Lou, U of Memphis Art Dept., 901.678.2217


Cancelled due to illness:
June 1 and 2. The Eroica Ensemble, Free,
Saturday, 7:30PM and Sunday, 3:00  Lindenwood Christian Church, 400 Union Avenue (just outside East Parkway)
Albioni: Trumpet Concerto, with Ryan Anthony, trumpet.
Saint-Saens: Symphony #3 ("Organ"), with Gary Beard, Organ


June 2, Sunday, 7:30 PM, Concert, Balmoral Chamber Orchestra, Free. A smaller ensemble, an intimate concert, with premiers of pieces written especially for the concert. Enrique Olvera, Viola.
Donations accepted to send local workers to work on a clean water project in Mexico.

June 2, Scholarship banquet for the Memphis Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South. Guest of Honor: A.C. Wharton.  Held at Baron Hirsch Synagogue, Charge.  Info and reservations, 901-682-2400.

June 5, 12, 19, 26. Wednesdays. Volunteers wanted (especially middle and high school age youth) to assist on outings of the Colonial School Vision Camp.  More detail and contact info at
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=7bda15083be90232089d87536&id=9b509f7d64&e=0b2f5806a0
or call Paula, 
581-4447.


June 9, Sunday, 9 AM - 7 PM, Israel Festival, Audubon Park, Southern and Perkins.  5K Run/Walk and many other entertainments. Details http://www.memphisfriendsofisrael.org/index.cfm click on Israel Festival.

June 9-11, Israel Scout Caravan, Musical Revue.
Free
(maybe you need to pay admission at the Pink Palace?)
Sunday June 9, 3PM at the Israel Festival, Audubon Park (Southern and Perkins);
Sunday June 9, 7 PM at The Dwelling Place Church, Buntyn Presbyterian, 561 S. Prescott.
Monday June 10, 7 PM, Jewish Community Center. 6560 Poplar
Tuesday June 11,  2 PM, Memphis Pink Palace Museum  3050 Central
Tuesday June 11, 7 PM, Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church, 70 N Bellevue


May 1, Wednesday, The "Walking Bible Study Group" of Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal) will go to visit Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN, one of the more interesting charitable operations in the state; see http://www.thistlefarms.org/ I must admit I find the idea of walking at the same time as talking religion fascinating even without this special trip. Contact mailto:dsatterfield@holycommunion.org for more information.

May 3 and 4, Prison Stories VII. Theatre South. A play based on the stories gathered in the local women's prison during the ministry of the storyteller Rev. Elaine Blanchard.
1000 South Cooper (basement of 1st Congo Church) Call 901-726-0800 for reservations. $20.00 suggested donation.       Also: Inside Performance of Prison Stories VII, Thursday, May 2 at 6:00 PM, at The Shelby County Jail.
Contact Elaine (revelaine@comcast.net) if you want to  go inside the jail for this special performance with the writers.

May 4, Maxine Smith Funeral.  Some good biography is at http://diverseeducation.com/article/52951/#
and
http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/maxine-smith-1929-2013/Content?oid=3403794
Maxine Smith’s Memorial Service will be held at Metropolitan Baptist Church Saturday May 4, 2013.The service will be at 11:00a.m. with the public viewing from 1:00 – 9:00p.m. 767 Walker Avenue, Memphis 38126  http://www.extraeffortwins.com/MBC_Forum/category/from-the-pastors-desk/


(Cancelled due to weather) May 4, Saturday, Picnic at the Muslim Day School.
10 AM-3 PM. Pleasant View School, 
1888 Bartlett Rd,  Memphis, TN 38134.   A chance to see the local Muslim school, meet local Muslims, thiunk about how the private-and-church school issue affects minority communities. No formal program although there will be lots of kid's games and activities and a married-vs-singles young adults soccer match. Cricket, anyone? Games start at 10 AM, lunch at noon.


May 5, Cinco de Mayo,
is a holiday celebrating a victory of Mexico over French troops. There are a lot of things going on - search for "Memphis Cinco de Mayo 2013" so I can't list them all.  Our good friend Jim Boyd (formerly of Bridges) will be preaching at the 10:30 service at the Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal) and at around noon there will be a party with tacos, pinata, Mexsican games, etc.  

Bring the kids, bring a friend, but 

please RSVP!

Online or Church Office: 767-6987


May 5, Sunday, 6 PM Vespers to celebrate the 20th  anniversary of Roman Catholic Bishop Steib in Memphis.
  Service at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1695 Central,m followed by a reception downstairs in Marian Hall.  Memphis has had several remarkable Catholic Bishops - I've commented earlier that Bishop Steib sponsors a monthly First Tuesday pot luck supper at the Cathedral to keep Gays and Lesbians involved actively in the life of the church.
Details http://www.iccathedral.org/    and  
http://www.catholicweb.com/bulletins/69490/Apr-28-2013.pdf
(for the LGBT stuff see
  http://www.cdom.org/gayandlesbianpersons/gayandlesbianpersons.htm)

May 7, Tuesday,
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.mm
41st Annual Senior Expo
Bellevue Baptist Church
(2000 Appling Rd.) will host "Bridging Generations," the 41st Annual Senior Expo presented by The Professional Network on Aging.  The festivities include entertainment, speakers, food for purchase (prepared by Bellevue), and lots of good information on all aspects of senior living, aging, and wellness.  For more information, please call 222-4189 or email info@pnamidsouth.org.
(If you haven't visited this landmark Memphis megachurch, the huge crosses out at the Appling Road exit on I-70, this is a non-theological occasion to see the place.)

May 9, Thursday. Prayer Dinner for Israel, honoring Jeffrey Feld of the Memphis Jewish Federation. At the Opera Memphis building. A very pro-Israel, mixed Christian/Jewish event. Congressman Stephen Fincher (District 8), keynote speaker.  Advance reservations, Jonathan Lindberg 901-517-0811. Kosher meals available.

May 10-11, Concerts at the Hindu Temple.  Friday 2-3:30 a remarkable horn concert (I'm probably not using the right words: Nadaswaram, raga lapana, kriti). Saturday 2-3:30 vocal, violin, mrudangam, Saturday 7-8:30 Kuchipudi Dance.  To see the poster, go to 
Go to https://www.icctmemphis.org/icct/home/Yagnam2013 and click on "cultural events."
That page also has links to some fascinating explanations.
12005 Highway 64 E., Eads, TN 38028-9314   Phone: (901) 202-6070
  
May 11, Saturday, 2- 5.  Workshop on Nonviolent Direct Action, Midsouth Peace and Justice Center.  https://www.facebook.com/events/375736162535268/
Fee $20-$50.

May 14. 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Healthy Memphis-Common Table. Annual Meeting / Fundraising Lunch. $75.  "Health Care Waste - Is it a self imposed luxury tax?"  Racquet Club,
5111 Sanderlin Rd.  Details click here. Poster at http://healthymemphis.org/annual_meeting_sponsors.php

May 12. Sunday, Mothers Day concert/Picnic at Temple Israel. 5-7:30 PM
Memphis favorites, The King Beez. Funky, Cool, and Red-Hot Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B.
Sign up at http://timemphis.org or call 761-3130.
Reservations by May 10 $10 13-up, $5 age 6-12, 5& under free. At the gate $15,$7, free.
Bring a picnic or reserve a catered buffet (fried chicken, etc.) by May 7 - buffet $12, kid's box supper $The Freedom Network USA

May 18, Saturday, 11 AM - 8 PM open house at Ordmans', see above.

May 19 Sunday 10AM - ?   Celebrate Pentecost at the Ornamental Metal Museum.  Calvary Episcopal Church will have its religious service there at 10 AM, potluck lunch starts at about 11:15.  Drinks provided, bring a dish to share and your own plates, glasses, utensils, napkins.  Details at   http://calvarymemphis.org/pentecost

May 19, Sunday. Community Picnic, 10AM - 3 PM Kids games at 10, Lunch at 12. A chance to visit the Muslim parochial school,  Pleasant View School, 1888 Bartlett Rd., Memphis TN 38134.  Free. You may bring a dessert.

May 19, Sunday. 2 PM. Jewish Historical Society: Film: Jewish Soldiers in Blue and Grey, about the US Civil War.  Jewish Community Center,


May 21. Community-Police Relations project, MidSouth Peace and Justice Center.

We invite you, community leaders and stakeholders, to be a part of this cutting edge, community-led effort by joining us for a CPR preview on Tuesday evening May 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the South Memphis Alliance.

Please make your reservation by emailing melissa@midsouthpeace.org or by calling 901-725-4990.


May 23, Thursday, 9 am - 4 pm. Anti-Trafficking Workshops
Memphis, TN is one of the cities in our nation that ranks highest in human trafficking. The Reverend Noelle Damico, Presbyterian minister from White Plains, NY is a member of the PC(USA) anti-human trafficking roundtable and coordinates anti-human trafficking awareness training for
PC(USA). She will present information on how to combat  this grave violation of human rights that the FBI calls modern-day slavery.  
THERE ARE TWO PROGRAMS: one for directly involved professionals, the other for laypeople not directly involved in working with trafficked persons. 

For Laypeople:
Evergreen Presbyterian Church,  Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Training. 613 University Avenue
Cost is $15 for lunch. 
RSVP to bonnieleeblair@aol.com

For Professionals. Rhodes College
.

The Freedom Network USA: Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery: Practical Tools for Effective Response.
This workshop  is for professionals:  lawyers, law enforcement, clergy, social services professionals, US government investigators, FBI,  teachers, …anyone on the front lines of encountering trafficked persons.
I’m most impressed by the practical work in case by case examinations and vast opportunities to work together on response, but all modules employ a best practices approach to identify and address suspected incidences of human trafficking. Find training details for Human  Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery: Practical Tools for Effective Response here:  http://freedomnetworkusa.org/training/curriculum/
(A concurrent training, led by Rev. Noelle Dominico, for church and community lay people will be held at Evergreen Church , across street from Rhodes Campus.
Cost is $15 for lunch.  All materials are included.  Please reserve your place by May 15 or direct questions to   mailto:bonnieleeblair@aol.com     You may also register (bring your checkbook) at the May 14 Presbytery meeting at Shady Grove. 

May 23,
Thursday,  6:00 p.m. at Church of the Holy Communion. Speaker:  best-selling author Richard Paul Evans .  Mr. Evans is the #1 best-selling author of The Christmas Box.  His novels have each appeared on the New York Times best-seller list and there are more than 13 million copies of his books in print.  His new book, A Step of Faith, will be available for sale and signing.  Synopsis: Following the New York Times best-seller The Road to Grace, Evans’s hero Alan Christophersen faces a life-changing crisis on his journey to grace. After personal and business tragedy, Alan sets out on an extraordinary cross-country journey with only the pack on his back.

May 24-26.  Special Educational Programs at Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth Synagogue, East Yates Rd. north of Walnut Grove. Visiting scholar Rabbi Saul Berman, a legal and Judaic scholar, lawyer, expert on ethics. Talks will include Friday 8 PM, "Are Jewish Ethics Distinctive?" (There is a dinner before this, charge, reserve at ASBEE, 682-1611.) Saturday at about 10:30 AM, sermon, "Ritual and Ethics, Divergent or Related?".  Several programs Sunday morning, including a discussion of the  Boston Marathon bombings and a program with CLE credit for lawyers on the whether there is a distinction in confidentiality rules between Jewish Law and American Law.  Details,
682-1611.






2013.  April 4, Thursday 7 PM. Movie King: A Filmed Record From Montgomery to Memphis.  Sponsored by Common Ground at the Brooks Museum.  Charge, I assume.
http://commongroundmemphis.org/   Common Ground is a major local program on race relations, now sponsored by the YWCA. 


April 4, Thursday, 5:30-7:30 PM. Memphis Theological Seminar Art Exhibit Opening reception.  "Road Work: Watch for the Signs".  168 East Parkway South (at Union).
Exhibit open April 4 - May 15. A poet and painter working together on one canvas. (Michael Warren and Billy Reed)

April 7, Sunday, 4 PM. Yom Hashoah Observance. A program at the Jewish Community Center, the annual commemoration of the Holocaust. Free, all welcome.

April 10, New Years for people from the Deccan region of India. Celebration at 7 PM at the Hindu Temple. Refreshments after the prayers. Free.e.)April 11, Thursday, 7:30 PM Memphis Jewish Foundation, Annual Meeting and Dessert Reception,  "Celebrating Ten Years of Teen Philanthropy". The management of a charitable fund within the Jewish Foundation by teenagers.  Jewish Community Center, 6560 Poplar. RSVP 374-0400.

April 12, Friday, 5:30 PM. Memphis United.  This group was formed as the KKK rally of late March approached and 1500 people came to its programs on March 30.  Many of them want to continue with constructive programs to bring the various groups in Memphis  together.

The next general meeting of Memphis United is Friday, April 12th at First Congo Church. 1000 South Cooper, Memphis TN 38104. For further information, please contact the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center at 901-725-4990.


April 13th,
Saturday,
10am - 1pm at Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard. The Really Free Market.  Got good stuff that needs a new home? Give it away with cheer at the 5th Annual Really Really Free Market! Sponsored by Racism to Reconciliation (R2R) at Memphis School of Servant Leadership and Caritas Village. You bring it! Furniture, books, music, movies, appliances, tools, artwork and supplies, dishes, ornaments, potted plants, accessories, toys and clothes in good condition. Stay to make friends and help manage the giving. Be comforted that you will not have to take anything home. A truck will take the excess to local charity. 100% family-friendly.   Set up as early as 9:30 am. Tables provided. No Bartering, No Trading, No Selling or Exchange. Everyone is welcome! EVERYTHING IS FREE!

April 13, Saturday, 5 PM, Tamil New Year Celebration at the Hindu Temple, Eads. Address etc. on our address page.
here

April 14 - Charitable opportunities at Temple Israel. 
    1.  The Bloodmobile will accept blood donations 8:30-1:30. . E-mail Julie Klein (or call 335-9981)
    2.   Donations  are wanted of teen or adult-sized bicycles (only), 9 am -1 pm.


April 14 , Sunday, 9:30-11 am. Film, Samuel Bak: Painter of Questions. Free, Film and docent-led tour of the exhibit of Art by Samuel Bak in the Temple Isreal Museum. Rsvp by April 8 requested, 761-3130.  ( exhibit open now through April 28, Tu-We-Th 9 -4, Sundays 9:30-12, contact 937-2763 for groups or other arrangements.)

April 15, Monday 6 PM, program by League of Women Voters, Main (Benjamin Hooks) Library.  School Vouchers and Charter Schools.  A Panel discussion, likely to cover pros and cons. This may be of particular interest to those interested in religiously-affiliated schools, as well as those concerned about the state of education iun Memphis more generally. While the state senate -appears- to have postponed the debate over vouchers until next year, there remains a real controvesy and the issue could resurface in the next two weeks.

April 15, Monday, 7-9 PM. Young Adults Christian formation group "Theology on Tap", meeting at Dublin House, 2021 Madison Ave.  I won't cover this regularly, unless someone asks me to, but Chgurch of the Holy Communion (Episcopal) mentioned it as being of interest. "We hope to build a community that fosters relevant discussion and brings together people who share common interests.    For more information, email    CHCtheologyontap@gmail.com  or find us on Facebook."

April 19 12 - 2 PM, U of Memphis Multicultural Festival.
Join us for the Multicultural Festival on Friday, April 19, from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. on the Student Plaza, as we celebrate diversity on the U of M campus.  There will be cultural and artistic demonstrations as well as highlights from various ethnic groups in the areas of music, dance, food and literature.
April 19, 
Friday,
at 6:30pm at Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard.

Memphis School of Servant Leadership's Community Open House and Class Banquet
What is servant leadership? What do you do in classes?  What is a covenant life?We are hoping you invite your friends family and join us as we share this evening with the larger servant leadership community. It will be a good opportunity to gain a better understanding of servant leadership, hear from class participants about their classes and from others in the community as they share their intentional journey of Christianitywww.servantleadership-memphis.org
 
April 19, 5:30-7:30 PM, Art Reception. Memphis Camera Club Competition winners exhibit April 19 - May 24, Beverly and Sam Ross Gallery, in the Plough Library at Christian Brothers University.   (The Germantown Art League exhibit in this space ends April 12.)

April 19-21. Celebrations at the Hindu Temple, anniversary of the birth of RAMA to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya. Ram is the 7th incarnation of the Dashavatara of Vishnu. Refreshments and a good chance to socialize or ask questions after the 6:30 PM prayers of Friday April 19 and the 10:00 am prayers on Sunday April 21.

April 20, Saturday, 1-4 PM, Nonviolent communication, workshop, fee if you can afford it, contact Mid-South Peace and Justice Center for details

April 21, Sunday, 2-6 PM, Support for Activists, workshop, fee if you can afford it, contact Mid-South Peace and Justice Center for details


April 21 Sunday, 5:30 PM,  Postponed due to illness
A Pause to Gordon Cosby and His Ministry

 Caritas Community House, 2532 Everett.  Gordon Cosby's life and ministry was the heart and soul of the Memphis School of Servant Leadership. For those who knew Gordon it will be a time to pause and share stories and reflections about Gordon.  For those who didn't know Gordon personally, come and hear about the origins of the servant leadership movement.

April 22-24, Spring holiday at Memphis Hindu Temple. [Vasanthotsavam is an annual Seva celebrated to celebrate the arrival of spring season. Vasantotsavam is the combination of 2 words - "Vasantha" (Spring season in Sanskrit) and "Utsavam" (festival in Sanskrit). The festival is celebrated on the three days of tryodasi, chaturdasi and pournami in the month of Chaitra.]
Major prayers at 9 am on APril 22,23,24 and at 6 PM on April 24.  See our address page for directions.
India Cultural Center and Temple | 12005 Hwy 64 E. | Eads | TN | 38028.     http://icctmemphis.org

 April 24, Wednesday, noon,  Pianist Tony Silva a Featured Performer for MUSIC@NOON
 Bartlett United Methodist Church. 5676 Stage Road
The noon concert series provides vibrant musical offerings that will delight audience members.  The 30 minute concerts begin at 12:10pm and end at 12:40pm in the Bartlett UMC Sanctuary.  A light lunch is available for purchase following each performance.

(April 24 at Hindu Temple - concert - unfortunate typo on my part - sorry)

Lectures: The Issues of Modern Israeli Society. 
Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth, 120 East Yates Rd. North (just north of Walnut Grove)
April 25, Thursday 7:45PM,  The Have-Nots in Israeli Society   (Bluma Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein)
May 1 Wednesday 8 PM, Haredim, Work, Army, and the State of Israel  (Rabbi Joel Finkelstein)
      (some orthodox Jewish sects do not recognize the state, e.g. because they await the Messiah)
May 8 Wednesday 8 PM  The Judea-Samaria "Settlers"   
(Rabbi Joel Finkelstein)
       (An orthodox rabbi's take on the West Bank settlement problem)

April 27, Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM.  Open house at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, 700 Poplar. Art show and sale, kids activities, Bishop's reception and tour of Diocesan House and Cathedral,
Food trucks, lots of Music (Bluegrass, Opera, Gospel, Big Band...). $5 entry, kids under 3 free. 767-2264.

April 28, Sunday, 2-4 PM.  Memphis Jewish Heritage Bus Tour. Visit sites of Jewish Memphis 1850's to 1950's. Arrive at Jewish Community Center by 1:45 PM, bus leaves at 2. Limited to 48 people, reserve by April 18 at 683-7425 or 682-5935. Jewish Historical Society of Memphis and the Mid-South.

April 28, Sunday, 2 PM.  Concert. Amy Polumbo with Steve Katz and Friends.
Amy Polumbo is a local theatrical soprano, has locally starred in Legally Blond, Heidi, and many other roles here and elsewhere.
Amro Music Auditorium, 2918 Poplar.  Admission: Donation to St. Jude Hospital of at least $10.  Locale donated and performers donate their time. These have been wonderful intimate concerts with spectacular performances in the past.


 April 28, 4:30 - Kosher Barbeque, Chabad
.
at the Chabad Center, 2570 Kirby Parkway The occasion is "Lag B'omer",  a minor Jewish holiday commemorating the cessation of a plague many centuries ago (although different groups of Jews have different explanations of what the day celebrates.)  It is a pause in the Jewish "Omer" season whioch runs seven weeks after Passover and has some of the general feeling of Lent among Christians, and ends with Shavuous, the anniverasary of the giving of the 10 commandments.  and picnics are one of the standard ways to celebrate. Childrens activities, hot dogs, wings, snow cones, etc. Adults $10, Children $8 (under 12) for food and most kid's games. Extra charge for helicopter rides.
Details at http://www.jewishmemphis.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/77194/jewish/Lag-Bomer-Family-Fun-Day.htm
RSVP 901-754-0404 or e-mail BBQ@JewishMemphis.com

April 28, Sunday, 2-6 PM, Race First, workshop, fee if you can afford it, contact Mid-South Peace and Justice Center for details




March 2. Saturday 6:30-9 PM  Muslim-sponsored Event at Heartsong Church. The Man Who Changed The World: Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The good relations between Heartsong Church (Methodist) and thye Memphis Islamic Center have made national news. If you have not been to one of their events, this is a great one to go to - see Heartsong Church, meet our Muslim neighbors, see a wonderful presentation of how they see the story of Muhammad. Heartsong Church, 800 N Houston Levee Rd, Cordova, TN 38018. (A little north of the far east end of  Walnut Grove Road.) In the past they have had great refreshments afterwards to socialize over!  More information and RSVP (so they can get a rough count) at
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5440556852/?ref=enivte001&invite=MzA2NTc2Ni9lZHdhcmRAb3JkbWFuLm5ldC8w


On Sunday, March 3, Memphis will have another interesting visitor, Dr, John Obert Voll, Professor at Georgetown University (the Jesuit university in Washington, DC) where he is at the Center for Muslim-Christian relations.  His major public  event will be at 1 PM, but there is an effort to put together a group of local leaders to meet with him at 10:30 Sunday morning. Unfortunately, 10:30 Sunday morning is not a good time to get Christian clergy!  If you can find any Christian clergy or Christian lay leaders who could come to a meeting at 10:30 on a Sunday morning, PLEASE get in touch with me or with Isam Abu-khraybeh.
(
edward@ordman.net, 327-9735)

March 3, Sunday, 1:00-2:30 PM. Fourteen Centuries of Muslim-Christian Dialogues and Conflicts: Where are we now?  $5 charge. Keynote Speaker Dr John Obert Voll, Georgetown University. Heartsong Church  (address in item above).  No children under 12. Information: 901-213-7443. (Pl;ease call with RSVPO if you can, so they have a rough count)

March 3, Sunday, 7:30 PM, Piano Concert, Free, Baron Hirsch Synagogue.  This concert series brings in young people  with promise for extremely impressive careers
early in their careers. Several have later become very famous. Pianist Ran Dank. Refreshments and a chance to socialize.
Pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt.

March 4 Monday 11 Am -1 PM.
Chinese Culture Day, U of Memphis

 Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs & the Confucius Institute
Come experience the wonderful culture of China! Participate in a Chinese tea ceremony, learn math using a Chinese abacus, and use chopsticks to experience a taste of Chinese cuisine! You will enjoy participating in Chinese martial arts such as Tai Chi and Wushu as well as enjoy Chinese calligraphy and Chinese dancing during our Chinese cultural presentation

We look forward to seeing you at the Chinese cultural day on Monday, March 4
th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Memphis room A&B on the third floor of the University Center.

 For additional information, please click below

http://www.memphis.edu/multiculturalaffairs/PDF/chinese_cultural_day.pdf

March 5,12, Tuesday:  Balmoral Presbyterian Church Lenten speakers
Noon Tuesdays and also Wednesday evenings in March.  (Brown Bag lunch, catered dinner Wednesdays)
Noon (brown bag lunch) :  March 5
Rev. Scottie Brafford, Praying with our Breath.   March 12: Elder Glenda Ellis  Praying in Color  Further details can be found by clicking here.

March 7, Thursday, 5:30 PM. Movie: Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World. University Center Theatre, U of Memphis. Free. The breadth and beauty of Islamic Art over 1400 years of cultural history, nine countries.  Sponsored by U of M Libraries and Muslim Student Assn. Trailer at
http://upf.tv/films-menu/upf-islamic-art-film/upf-islamic-art-film-trailer.html


March 8, Friday, 7 PM. "Reach Towards Understanding Through Interfaith," Heartsong Church, 800 N Houston Levee Rd, Cordova.  Their programs March 2 and 3 were outstanding, and this can be expected to be also.

March 9, Saturday, 5:10 PM. The Power and Blessings of Islamic Expression in Women, in the West, in the World. Free. Fogelman Executive Center, U of Memphis, Room 206.
RSVP Requested.  Details and Registration Click here.

March 9, Saturday, 7:30 PM. Free Concert. The Balmoral Chamber Orchestra
at Balmoral Presbyterian Church,
6413 Quince Rd., Memphis. Free, donations accepted to benefit the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. "...a special night, showcasing a handful of musicians that make up the ensemble through short solos. These beautiful solos will include some famous arias, The Swan, and other favorites (even a little jazz)! "

March 9, Saturday 8 PM.  Simply Tsfat. Musical Evening at Chabad
Center for Jewish Life, 2570 Kirby Parkway. Advance reservations by March 6 at  http://www.jewishmemphis.com/  $10/person, $25/family.  $12 per person at door. Traditional, Folk, Rock, and Klezmer music by a Chassidic Israeli trio.     

Daylight Savings time begins  2 AM->1 AM March 10.

March 10, 2 PM, Sunday (Women's Program). Safety Tips for Sisters: Food, Fun, Games and Gifts!  Memphis Islamic Center, 10224 Humphrey Rd, Cordova. If your church or synagogue women's group has ever wondered about Islamic women, why not go see what they are doing?  You will be a minority but well received.

March 10, Sunday, 6PM. Auction, Baron Hirsch Synagogue. Fundraiser for Memphis Hebrew Academy/ Feinstone Yeshiva of the South. Bikes to dollhouses to jewelry. Corky's Kosher BBQ and a great chance to sample or stock up on other kosher foods

March 7-12, Maha Siva Ratri Celebrations at the Indian Culture Center (Hindu Temple), Eads. (Address  and directions here.   Daily prayers 10 am and 5 pm as well as many others at various hours. In honor of Siva (Shiva).   Detailed Schedule is at     http://www.icctmemphis.org/icct/home/MahaSivaRatri13. Visitors are welcome, dress conservatively.

March 13, Wednesday, 9 AM - Noon.  Legal help at Temple Israel. Volunteers from the U of M College of Law under the supervision of local attorneys, will be at Temple to help older adults complete advanced directives, living wills, and estate planning. This event is free of charge.

March 14, Thursday evening. 7 PM Vanderhaar Symposium.  Communities Engaged in Resolving Urban Social Conflict.  Also the Vanderhaar Student Peace Award. One of the premier peace and interfaith events of the year.  Christian Brothers University.  The poster is here.  The Vanderhaar website, with history and a video of an earlier program, is at http://gvanderhaar.org/

Every Weekday in LENT: 12:05-12:40 LECTURE
Calvary Episcopal Church, downtown 102 N. 2nd Street, . Free, open to all.
(Park free at St Mary's Cathedral, 692 Poplar, there is a free shuttle bus).
Good food (charge) and conversation in the Waffle Shop, downstairs. 
Details and speaker list with information about the speakers at http://calvarymemphis.org/lps
There are links to listen to most of the talks within a day or two after the talk. 
I particularly enjoyed Rabbi Sandy Sasso's talk on February 18th,  Listen or Watch
Many speakers of special interest to the interfaith community. In the next few days are
March 18, Rev Elaine Blanchard, local writer, storyteller, actor. ( A remarkable show, well received, at Balmoral on 3/13.)
March 19-20 Rev. Daniel Matthews, Rector Emeritus, Trinity Wall Street
March 21-22, Rabbi Micah Greenstein, Temple Israel, Memphis    


March 15-17. Halal food available - The Jewish community occasionally has Corky's prepare kosher beef and chicken barbecue for picnics at the synagogues, and a new Kosher restaurant opened recently on Sanderlin.  The Muslim community has an interesting idea - they occasionally arrange for a restaurant to serve Halal food on premises so people can go out to eat at a variety of places. The announcement this month reads: "MIC's Zabiha Time for March 2013 starts TODAY and continues through this weekend, March 15th-17th at Mister P's Buffalo Wings located at 3285 Hacks Cross Rd. Memphis TN 38125!  This is the only location that will be serving zabiha and is located directly across from the Southwind subdivision."

March 16, Saturday, noon to 9 PM Youth programs organized by Muslim youth, others welcome.  Heartsong Church, 800 N. Houston Levee Rd., Cordova.
http://micyouth.weebly.com/mic-youth-express.html

March 16, Saturday, 9 Am - noon, Drama Workshop for grades 1 to 6, by the theater group Friends of the Groom. Calvary Episcopal Church, 102 N. 2nd St.


March 17, Sunday, 2:30 PM, Free Concert at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Shantala Subramanyam, [Bamboo Flute Artist]. Accompanied by Kum. Akkarai Swarnalatha on Violin & Sri Sai Giridhar on Mridangam.   Free, all invited.  A chance to hear Indian Music as well as a chance to visit Memphis's beautiful and interesting Hindu Temple and meet our local Hindus on an occasion other than a worship service. In the Multi-Cultural Pavilion on the Temple grounds.
directions here.

March 18, Monday, 6-8 PM, League of Women Voters and Healthy Memphis-Common Table: A program on the use of emergency rooms.  The Great Hall, Germantown.  Our emergency rooms are crowded in part because many people use them inappropriately (and at extra expense). Crowding in them reduces speed of care for real emergencies and costs all of us money.  Our faith communities could play a major role in educating people to take more control of their own health care and better use these facilities.  Click here to register.   or visit http://healthymemphis.org    
Note:  "The Great Hall" is in the same building as GPAC, but in the farthest corner - GPAC is at the NE corner and the Great Hall is in the SW corner. The address is 1900 S. Germantown Road, and there is a driveway off of Germantown Road that leads directly to the entrance and parking for the Great Hall. If you start from GPAC, it is possible to drive all the way around the service road which passes north and west of the building until you get to a fancy entrance at the far end.

March 19, Tuesday, Lecture about Malcolm X.  Theater, University Center, U of M. Reception with refreshments 5:30, lecture 6 PM, Free, open to all.
Join the Hooks Institute in presenting its 2011 National Book Award Winner Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention (Viking 2011) by the late Dr. Manning Marable, a Professor at Columbia University. This book also won the Pulitzer Prize.
 Marable died in April 2011 just before the publication of the book.  Zaheer Ali, project manager and principal researcher for Marable’s book, will deliver the lecture. Ali is also the project manager for the Malcolm X Project at Columbia University which  chronicles the life of Malcolm X through primary source materials.
During his life, some of Malcolm X’s political and social views were brilliant, and others were downright racist; however, toward the end of his life, Malcolm gained a greater universal understanding of the human struggle which enabled him to have broader and more insightful perspective on the issue of race and racism.   Because Malcolm X’s life was cut short by an assassin, this book should make us question how great a leader Malcolm X might have become had he lived to complete his personal journey of transformation.
[Ordman's note - of special interest due to Malcolm's conversion to Nation of Islam and then conventional Sunni Muslim.] 

March 19th, Tuesday,  6 – 7:30 pm. Planning meeting for the Universal Fest.
At National College  2576 Thousand Oaks Cove Memphis, TN 38118 
The Universal Fest is a community outlet to showcase diversity, give back to the community, and uplift our children. Businesses and cultural organizations will have the opportunity to highlight themselves and/or products at reserved booths throughout the event.       www.1-Universe.org

 


March 19, Tuesday - Movie Prince Among Slaves, 6:30 PM. Spain Auditorium, Buckman Hall, Christian Brothers University. Details at  http://cbu.edu/honors/honors.html, which is probably a page worth reading.    

March 20, Wednesday,
Memphis Branch NAACP's 37th Annual Freedom Fund Gala, Memphis Cook Convention Center, fundraiser, For ticket and table reservations, contact the Memphis Branch NAACP at 901-521-1343.  Article at 
http://www.tsdmemphis.com/index.php/greater-metro/9835-naacp-taps-co-chairs-for-37th-freedom-fund-gala

March 21, Thursday 7:30PM Concert, Beethoven Violin Sonatas  ($10, $5 student, $25/3 tickets)  Memphis Beethoven Club at First Baptist Church, 200 E Parkway North. 
Details at http://beethovenclubmemphis.org/
Note later concerts, not at churches - April 7 Sunday  3 PM at the Beethoven Club, 263 S. McLean
and April 18 Thursday 7:30 PM at the Clark Opera Center, 6745 Wolf River Parkway.


Calvary Episcopal, like many other Memphis Churches, has a lot of events in the week leading up to Easter on March 31.
Their newsletter listing them is at
http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=5472ab64f8f0fa71714dbebcb&id=e6d7f48700&e=2f75c3ec8d

March 27. Wednesday Evening Speakers at Balmoral Presbyterian Church.
Dinner 5:30-6:20 (reservations needed), talk at 6:30: Mar. 6  Andy Combs: Stories of Service

March 13, Elaine Blanchard, We are Story People.   March 20, Rev Peggy Russell, A story of the City - A story of Enough. March 27, Playback Memphis (Improv Theater Troupe), Stories of Faith and Life.

March 23, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Church Health Center Wellness Open House  Tour and free programs. 1115 Union Ave. Families are welcome. For more information, call (901) 259-4673 or visit www.ChurchHealthCenter.org.

March 23, Saturday, 10:30 AM. Church Consecration. St Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, 6033 Old Brownsville Rd.

March 23.  Civil Rights and Muslim History in Memphis.  Tour of Civil Rights Museum and Masjid Mu'minim. Complete with a chance to help out at the food pantry at this inner-city mosque at 4412 Third Street which has an active mission to the hungry. Details to appear later, I hope.
Mosque Phone
789-1904

March 24, noon to 6 PM. The Mumbo Gumbo Cook-off.  Mesquite Chop House, Germantown, 3165 Forest Hill Irene Rd. 
Well, this is unlikely to be kosher or Halal, but it is one of Memphis's interesting cooking festivals. It benefits Porter-Leath, a major Children's service agency.
"We'll kick off the festivities at noon for a day filled with food, fun, live music and art vendors. Watch as teams compete for over $1,000 in prizes, plus a chance for the winning team to receive a free entry into the 21st Annual City Auto Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival! It's family fun with all proceeds benefiting the 8,000 children and 7,000 families served by Porter-Leath. No outside beverages or coolers allowed. Sorry, no pets.
 Only a few team spaces are left! Register your team. Vendor booths are also still available. Please contact Rob Hughes at 901-577-2500, ext. 1167 to reserve a booth and for additional information about how to get you or your company involved."  Details at
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=qedltncab&v=00157CTivewlimzVvhp_mc55QR7qeOaxE01dl6Tq2N5lgml-zzLRC3T3Vs8AXiMCjo419cBvGlSTzGR3r6H5kuiFpO4c73WuiRcRvmh8ZgaMFs%3D

March 26, Tuesday, Noon to 2 PM. Panel discussion, women executives of U of M.
Light refreshments, University Center Ballroom, U of M. RSVP to kobrian(at)memphis.edu by 3/22
(Part of Women's History Month)

March 26, Tuesday, 6:30 PM Women of the Passion, a drama of Christ's passion through the eyes of the women present. Church of the Holy Communion,  (Episcopal), 4645 Walnut Grove Rd.
 
March 26, Tuesday, 9 am and 7 pm, Hindu Temple, Lakshmi Jayanti "or birthday of the Goddess of wealth Shri Lakshmi lies on Phalguna Poornima (day of full moon in the month of Phalguna). On this day the devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi with full devotion to impress her to shower her blessings on the devotees."  Yes, guests are welcome, you can easily stand or sit to one side and observe. Memphis has a particularly attractive Hind Temple in the South Indian style, worth visiting.  There are interesting ceremonies almost every day, but rarely with much advance notice. See their website at
http://www.icctmemphis.org/

March 26, April 1, April 4, April 10, April 11, Facing History On-line programs. Mainly for teachers but they may interest many other people.  Details and a list at
 http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/1439135/0c2fba118f/544982939/b16e3fa1cf/
(Choices in Little Rock; Holocaust and Human Behavior; Survivor Testimony; Common Core State Standards.)

March 27, Wednesday, 3PM and again at 7 PM, Facing History program for teachers. Online info  available to everyone. Learning module / film about A Unitarian couple active in aiding Jewish refugees in WW II. Details at
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/1439135/b285442ad2/544973197/b16e3fa1cf/

PASSOVER
begins the evening of March 25 and ends the evening of April 2. The Jewish holiday celebrates the escape from Egypt in the Biblical book of Exodus.  Synagogues have special services; there are fancy ceremonial dinners the first two evenings. Most families celebrate with at least one ceremonial dinner (the "seder" at home or with family. 
       Chabad has a rather traditional communal seder the first night, March 25, info at
https://jewishmemphiscom.clhosting.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1478930/jewish/Seder-RSVP/lang/en
(charge, limited size, reserve early)
        Temple Israel has a more modern and larger seder on the second evening (March 26)   Phone 
761-3130 for information / reservations. (charge) (there are of course other activities at other synagogues.)

March 27, Wednesday, 10-3PM. Meet  nursing students and faculty,  U of M Rose Theatre Lobby

Good Friday is March 29, Easter March 31.  There will be far too many activities around the city for me to try to list many.  In view of all the recent interfaith things hosted by Heartsong Church, I'll mention their "Easter Hollow" festival on March 30, Saturday, 2-5 PM complete with egg hunting, face painting, and the other usual children's activities. All welcome.  Heartsong Church, 800 N Houston Levee Rd, Cordova, TN 38018. (A little north of the far east end of  Walnut Grove Road.)

March 29, Friday, Noon. A Good Friday Discussion of Social Issues put on the the School of Servant Leadership at Caritas Village. 2509 Harvard (Binghampton, just south of Sam Cooper Blvd.)




February 1, Friday, 7 PM Opening Reception for Black History Month. Rose Theatre, University of Memphis.  Free, public, information 678-2054. The Annual "Lifetime Achievement Award" will be given to Mr. Cato Johnson of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare.

February 1 and 2, Friday evening  7:30 PM, Saturday 10:30 AM (Approximate), Visiting lecturer at Anshei Sfard - Beth El Emeth synagogue.  (Dinner precedes talk on Friday, charge. Info 682-1611. RSVP by Jan 24 for dinner.  Rabbi Dr. Jacob Schacter will speak on Maimonides Friday ("the nexus of law and philosophy") and on Saturday "Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik and Religious Zionism"

February 4, 5:30 PM, Duty of the Hour,  Documentary Movie on Benjamin Hooks.  U of Memphis, Rose Theater. Free but RSVP to bhievents@memphis.edu   as they hope to fill the hall.

February 6, Wednesday, 7 PM. Lecture: "Is the Bible True? The Bible and History."  Prof, David Sperling (Hebrew Union College), sponsored by Bornblum Judaic Studies, U of Memphis. Fogelman Center, Room 136, U of M campus. Information 678-2919

February 7 Thursday, Lecture, Isabel Wilkerson, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration. Facing History and Marcus Orr Lecture. Reception at 6PM,(refreshments), Lecture at 6:30. Rose Theater, University of Memphis. Free. Details and RSVP click here.


February 7, Thursday 6:30 PM Calvary Episcopal - Fundraiser, $100, To support the Lenten Lecture Series. In the Great Hall, Calvary Episcopal Church.  Gumbo. Beer and Wine available for purchase. Flier and RSVP info at
http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5472ab64f8f0fa71714dbebcb&id=1f3ed8411b&e=2f75c3ec8d



Our local professor and activist Jonathan Judaken  has an essay on anti-semitism in the February 4 religion section  of The Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-judaken/anti-antisemitic-hitmen_b_2617494.html

February 9, Saturday, 2-4 PM   One Universe Gathering.
Our friend Sandeep Pednekar, on behalf of 1 Universe,  invites you for the celebration of its achievements!
Venue:  National College of Business and Technology 2576 Thousand Oaks Cove Memphis, TN 38118.  Please do RSVP to sPedneka@Comcast.net
See also the web page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/222193307836378/?fref=ts
For Sandeep's page at WUMR where he does a radio show Tuesday mornings at 11:30 am
see http://www.memphis.edu/wumr/profile_sandeep.php

February 9, Saturday, 7:30 PM.  Concert,  Inventions Trio. Free, St Mary's School. No tickets, open seating. Buckman Auditorium, corner of Walnut Grove and Perkins Extended. Classical and jazz, piano, trumpet, cello. Two of the three are Memphians.

February 9 and 10. The Eroica Ensemble, Free,
Saturday, February 9, 2013, 7:30PM Germantown Performing Arts Center
Sunday, February 10, 2013, 3:00PM First Congregational Church 1000 S. Cooper St.
      Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 ("Emperor")   Cyprien Katsaris, piano
      Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 ("Pastorale")

February 10, Sunday, 3-5:30 PM   Gallery Talk and Concert.  Temple Israel Museum. The ARt of Samuel Bak. (Exhibit continues until April 28).
RVSP to Jennifer Campbell.   3-4 Talk by Jon Pucker, Pucker Gallery Director,  Reception, 4-4:30pm, Concert, 4:30pm-5:30pm  "Songs of Life and Hope: the Musical Poetry of Children from the Holocaust"     Directions can be found here.


February 11, Monday, 6 PM Blurring the Line Between Religion and Politics. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Public Issues Forum. Discussion led by Rev. Stephen Baines of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Central Library, 3030 Poplar, Room A (to the left immediately as you enter the front door.)

February 11 Monday 7:00 p.m Rhodes College Communities in Conversation.
ALICE KAPLAN - Dreaming in French: The Paris Years of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Susan Sontag, and Angela Davis
     in Blount Auditorium
For details see  http://www.rhodes.edu/news/communities-in-conversation-email.html

February 11, Monday. 7 PM. Hatred and Holy Books.  On January 11 or 12 there was a major act of descration of holy books in Jackson, TN.  This included a handwritten Torah scroll and other objects belonging to the Memphis Hebrew Academy, a Jewish day school in Memphis.   Facing History and Ourselves and several other organizations are sponsoring a community-wide event at Baron Hirsch Synagogue. This will include a local and a major out-of-town speaker and a showing of the documentary film Not in Our Town: Billings, Montana, about how that community responded to a hate crime there.   More complete information is at
http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102630273991-864/Hatred+and+Holy+Books.pdf
Directions to Baron Hirsch can be found at  http://memphisirg.org/addresses.html


It was a dreadful coincidence that on Feb 11, the same day that there was a meeting in a Memphis Synagogue about the recent desecration of Jewish objects in Jackson, TN, there was an attack on a mosque in Nashville.   The news report is at
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130211/NEWS/302110003/Nashville-mosque-vandalized-for-the-second-time?nclick_check=1
 
February 12, Tuesday 6:45 PM  
Pax Christi Memphis (The Roman Catholic Peace group) will host
A Conversation About the Use of Predator Drones
at the University of Memphis Catholic Center, 3625 Mynders Ave. The presentation will begin at 6:45 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.


February 13 is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent (the season before Easter). There are several important speaker series and other events during Lent.
Calvary Episcopal Church, downtown 102 N. 2nd Street, Every Weekday 12:05-12:40. Free, open to all.
Good food (charge) and conversation in the Waffle Shop, downstairs. 
Details and speaker list at http://calvarymemphis.org/lps
Many speakers of special interest to the interfaith community. I'll list more later, but in the first few days are
Feb 14-15, Rev Otis Moss, Chicago;
Feb 18-19  Rabbi Sandy Sasso, Indianapolis (the first female rabbi)
Feb 20-21  Rt. Rev John Shelby Spong, Newark, NJ
Feb 22  Rev. Dr. Herbert Nelson II (Presbyterian Office of Public Witness, Washington. DC)
Feb 25  Imam Feisel Abdul Rauf, Imam of the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" in NY.
Feb 26 and March 1 - Phyllis Tickle, important local author on modern trends in Christianity
Feb 27-28 Brian McLaren "author, speaker, activist, networker"
March 4-5  Marcus Borg (major modern Jesus scholar)
March 6  The Very Rev Andy Andrews (Dean, St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Memphis)
March 7-8 Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell  (Also a talk on Celtic Christianity, March 7, 7 PM, Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove; reception to follow. And a Half-day Workshop, morning of Saturday March at Holy Communion; $20 for the workshop, e-mail efarmer@calvarymemphis.org for required advance registration.) 
  March 4-5  Marcus Borg (major modern Jesus scholar)
March 6  The Very Rev Andy Andrews (Dean, St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Memphis)
March 7-8 Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell 
(Also a talk on Celtic Christianity, March 7, 7 PM, Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove; reception to follow. And a Half-day Workshop, morning of Saturday March 9 at Holy Communion; $20 for the workshop, e-mail efarmer@calvarymemphis.org for required advance registration.) 
March 11-12 Rev Nadia Bloz-Weber
March 13-14 Jeanne Finan (& March 13 6:30 PM, Waffle shop open before.)

March 15 - Friends of the Groom - A theatre group, whose perfomances in the past have been outstanding   
March 18, Rev Elaine Blanchard, local writer, storyteller, actor. ( A remarkable show, well received, at Balmoral on 3/13.)
March 19-20 Rev. Daniel Matthews, Rector Emeritus, Trinity Wall Street
March 21-22, Rabbi Micah Greenstein, Temple Israel, Memphis    

Feb 14, 5-6:30, Thursday, Rally for One Billion Rising, supporters include National Organization for Women and many from the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.   Info at  (Facebook, One Billion Rising-Memphis)
http://www.facebook.com/events/142195932594718/permalink/158838654263779/
Also a party late Saturday Feb 16.

Feb 16, 4:30 PM Sat, Feb 16, 4:30pm Temple Israel Speaker. ...Phyllis Goldstein, author of A Convenient Hatred: The History of Antisemitism, who will provide us with an informative and thought-provoking afternoon. A havdalah service end of Sabbath) will follow the program.
Feb 17, JCC, 2 PM a talk like the one above sponsored by Memphis Jewish Historical Society and Facing History

Feb 17, Sunday, Supper at Majsid As-Salaam, the mosque at the top of Stratford Rd. (Corner of McCrory), after the brief 6:00 PM service, to celebrate the end of their annual Qur'an recital competition which 3:30-8:00 PM Fri-Sat-Sunday.  a talk by Maleck Sarr on "Qur'an and our families". If you'd like to meet Muslims casually and hear what they think about the Koran among themselves, this is an interesting opportunity. (Free.)

February 18, Monday 6 - 9 PM Benefit Concert $5.  To bring awareness to Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month in February, a group of local youth with the Student Volunteer Media Group, in partnership with the Family Safety Center and the Memphis Music Commission, will host a benefit concert on Monday. Feb. 18 at Hard Rock Café Memphis (315 Beale St Memphis, TN 38103)
from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $5.  For more information http://www.familysafetycenter.org/teen-dating-violence-prevention-benefit-concert/

Domestic and sexual violence affect women regardless of their age, and teens and young women are especially vulnerable. Women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, and people ages 18 and 19 experience the highest rates of stalking. Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the U.S. is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, and across the nation, nearly one in ten high school students have been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend.


February 21, Thursday, the luncheon speaker series at Bridges:  ISLAM 101, Understanding the faith. Yasir Qadhi, a teacher at Rhodes college and scholar-in-residence at the Memphis Islamic Center, gives an introductory talk over lunch. A chance to hear this remarkable speaker if you have not; a chance to see a Bridge's fantastic yourth services building if you have not; a chance to support Bridges. 
377 N. Fifth Street.  T ickets are $20 and tables of 8 can be purchased for $150.  Registration includes lunch.  If you have special dietary requests, please contact them  in advance.    Register online by Feb. 18 or contact Chaka Conway at 901.260.3724.   The on-line announcement is here. 

(Reminder:  Qadhi lectures on the Qur'an every Wednesday at 7:30 PM at the Memphis Islamic Center, as well as speaking at other programs there. See the ongoing events list at the bottom of this page.)

February 21, Thursday, 6:30 PM. St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, 692 Poplar. Service for the Feast Day of Absalom Jones, the first African-American priest of the Episcopal Church. Our good friend Rev. Colenzo Hubbard of the Emmanuel Episcopal Center, http://eecmemphis.org/, will be preaching.

February 21, Thursday,  Memphis Theological Seminary fundraiser,
The Starks Scholarship Dinner. $100.  Call  Rosalyn R. Nichols, 901.334.5808, or go to http://starks.memphisseminary.edu/  and click on Starks din
ner right.

February 19,26, March 5,12, Tuesday:  Balmoral Presbyterian Church Lenten speakers
Noon Tuesdays and also Wednesday evenings in March.  (Brown Bag lunch, catered dinner Wednesdays)
Noon (brown bag lunch) : Feb 19 Lucy Cummings, Labyrinth Prayer;  Feb. 26  Mike Krech: Prayers of the People  March 5
Rev. Scottie Brafford, Praying with our Breath.   March 12: Elder Glenda Ellis  Praying in Color
Further details can be found by clicking here.


February 24, Sunday 11 am (usual worship service.)  Rev. Ann Apple, who has been of great help to us, will be installed as Associate Pastor at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, 1750 Union Avenue.

February 24, 6:30 PM. River City Concert Band at First Baptist Church (Poplar and East Parkway) $12 ($10 students and children)  The Phantom of the Opera with Pipe Organ; Les Miserables;
John Philip Sousa    Tuba Concerto  performed by U of M Professor Kevin Sanders     Alleluia! Laudamus Te with Pipe Organ  The Merry Wives of Windsor, Overture  
    http://rivercityconcertband.com/

There are unfortunately two "Not to be missed" events on February 25!
It is important that we get a good turnout Monday, Feb 25, for the visit to Memphis of Imam Feisel Abdul Rauf, the moderate New York Muslim who was spokesman for the mis-named (by anti-Muslims) "Ground Zero Mosque."  He'll be speaking at the Calvary Lenten Lecture Series 12:05-12:40 PM and then a longer talk in the evening at Rhodes College.

February 25 Monday 7:00 p.m Rhodes College Communities in Conversation.
 IMAM FEISEL ABDUL RAUF - A New Vision of Islam in America 
 
in the Bryan Campus Life Center.  (Imam Rauf is a leading Muslim moderate, the Imam of the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque which is well away from and out of sight of "ground zero", and author of  What’s Right with Islam Is What’s Right with America and most recently Moving the Mountain: Beyond Ground Zero to a New Vision of Islam in America.  He will also speak at noon at Calvary Episcopal (Lenten Lecture Series.)
For details see  http://www.rhodes.edu/news/communities-in-conversation-email.html

February 25, Monday evening.  Purimspiel, Temple Israel. 7:30 PM but arrive a 7 or earlier for good seats. Free and always a packed house.  The fantastic annual musical comedy based on the Book of Esther.  A unique event not to be missed.  Note that the Book of Esther is not the most serious book in the Bible; Ian Fleming noted that the James Bond novels were based on the Book of Esther, although in the Bible the chases had to be done on horseback as the modern sports car was unavailable and M's full name is given.   The musical theme this year will be "Jersey Boys."  Adolescents and above, there is a separate production for children.   See the website http://timemphis.org/    for several other events (e.g. Adult Costume party Feb 23, Kids programs 11-2 Feb 24,  Purim service with reading of the Book of Esther Feb 24 10 AM.)



January 1, 2013 The India Cultural Center and Temple (Hindu Temple) Has programs and refreshments much of the day. The schedule is at  http://www.icctmemphis.org/icct/home/NewYear
12:30 - 2:30 PM and 4-5:30 PM might be the best times to visit and socialize.
The India Cultural Center and Temple (Hindu Temple) has a great many special programs between December 16 and January 14. Some information on these Dhanurmasa Celebrations is at
  https://www.icctmemphis.org/icct/home/node/243
I note that they seem to have something of interest going on almost every day anyway, but there usually isn't a lot of advance notice; if you'd like to plan a visit there, consider getting on their e-mail list  at  http://www.icctmemphis.org/
I also have their calendar and can answer some questions; I'll try to get more data here as time allows.
12005 Highway 64 E., Eads, TN 38028-9314   Phone: (901) 202-6070

Bridge Builders.  Beginning December 1, until February 2, current 6th to 11th graders may apply for early admission to the year-long Bridge Builders COLLABORATE program.   For further information click here or call Bridges at 901.452.5600.




January 5. The Workers Interfaith Network offers a choice of a demonstration against Wage Theft at Holiday Inn (160 Union Ave.) or a meeting at Stone Soup  Cafe (993 S. Cooper), 11 -12 noon, followed by lunch at Stone Soup. Also they want people at the County Commission meeting January 14  when a wage theft ordinance will be considered.  Incidentally, they are advertising to hire an organizer / staff position, bilingual English/Spanish needed. http://www.workersinterfaithnetwork.org/       332-3570

January 5, 2013, Saturday, 7:30 PM  Violin and piano concert, Balmoral Presbyterian Church. Free.

January 8. Tuesday 6:30 PM Catholic Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons
Marian Hall, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1695 Central. Usually a 1st Tuesday Potluck, but
this month a catered dinner ($5) on the second Tuesday. A woman sharing her faith journey from
Judaism to Catholicism. (Editorial note: I'm usually of two minds on conversion stories. It is nice someone has found a home; it is sad the first group could not meet their needs? Perhaps God speaks differently to different people. Anyhow, such a talk has inevitable links to interfaith ideas.)

January 12, Saturday. Memphis Inter-Religious Group party and social,
12:30 - 3 PM +/-
light lunch provided, brief program on the history of Jerusalem to encourage discussion.
Free.  Ordman residence, 4043 Graham Oaks Ct. Directions at   http://ordman.net/MapToOrdmans.html
RSVP preferred,  327-9735 or edward@ordman.net

January 11, Friday, 5:30-7:30 PM, Art Opening at Christian Brothers University,
Ross Gallery, lower level of Plough Library, corner of East Parkway and Central Ave.
Jan 11- Feb 13 exhibit of Photos for Overton Park Conservancy and woodwork from the Mid=South Woodturner's Guild.

January 11-12, visiting speaker at Baron Hirsch Congregation  I don't usually list visitors speaking at usual service hours here, but Rabbi Seth Farber seems of special relevance. Those concerned with what Muslim governements might look like after the "Arab Spring" may be interested in the disputes within Israel over what it means to be a "Jewish State." There will be a dinner at 6:00 PM Friday (charge, reservations) followed by a talk at about 7:30 on "How Jewish is the Jewish State?"   During the Friday morning service he will speak on "The crisis of Jewish Life in Israel" (Abouyt 10:30 AM) and about 4 PM Saturday on "New Halachot (Jewish legal rulings) from Israel's Rabbinical Courts."  Reservations or info  683-7485.
400 S. Yates Rd (driveway on east side of Yates, somewhat south of Shady Grove.)


I've had a request from a small church looking for an inexpensive used van for getting children to church, let me know if you have an idea.  327-9735.

 January 12, Saturday. Memphis Inter-Religious Group party and social,
12:30 - 3 PM +/-
lunch provided (mainly kosher and halal), brief program on the history of Jerusalem to encourage discussion.
Free.  Ordman residence, 4043 Graham Oaks Ct. Directions at   http://ordman.net/MapToOrdmans.html
RSVP preferred,  327-9735 or edward@ordman.net

January 13, Sunday, 10 AM. Lecture, Prof. Robert Yelle, U of Memphis.
Holiness in Relation to Law -- Christian and Secular Interpretations of the Tanach. Or Chadash, New Conservative Synagogue. Free. Refreshments. 6629 Massey Lane (west off Kirby, just south of Humphries Blvd.

January 13, Sunday, 2 PM, Lecture, Jewish Community Center, Free
Dr. Lee Shai Weissbach, Professor of History at the University of Louisville
Synagogue Buildings and the Patterns of American Jewish Life

January 15, Tuesday, 11 AM-12 noon.  Talk on Celtic Christianity and the Iona Community, by Rev Stacie Smith. Free, bring your own brown bag lunch, Balmoral Presbyterian Church.

January 13 to 15. The India Cultural Center and Temple (Hindu Temple) has a Harvest Festival Jan 13-15 with a lot of special programs.
 There is a schedule at  https://www.icctmemphis.org/icct/home/Sankranti2013
I also have their calendar and can answer some questions; I'll try to get more data here as time allows.

12005 Highway 64 E., Eads, TN 38028-9314   Phone: (901) 202-6070

January 16.  Web seminar by Facing History: Choices,
the 1957 integration of Central High School in Little Rock. 3 PM. Useful material for teachers and an introduction to Facing History methods. You can listen live or you can receive the recorded Webinar. Click here for details.
Please Help Me:  should I be regularly listing a lot of Facing History events, or just selected ones?
e-mail me at edward@ordman.net.
 
January 19, Dinner and Gala, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. At First Congregational Church. Dinner is
$30 or $225 for a table of eight, at 6:30 PM.  Program at 7 PM. If you come to the program at 7, no one is turned away, suggested donation $10. An evening of local music and local people building local movements, speaker is Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and notable commentator on the Occupy Movement.

Canceled. Maybe next year?  We are glad you tried to set this up! January 20, 2013.  World Religion Day  is an international celebration held the third Sunday in January. It was established by the Baha'i Faith in the United States in 1949. Please view http://www.worldreligionday.org to know more.
 

January 22, Tuesday 6 PM  Religion, Law, and Reproductive Rights.
Free, sponsored by about 50 local organizations. (Univ of Memphis Center for Research on Women, Temple Israel, etc.) University of Memphis University Theater, Anniversary of Roe V. Wade. Documentary screening and Panel Discussion.
Further info at http://www.memphis.edu/crow/religionlawreproductiverights.php

January 22, Tuesday 6 PM Rhodes College Communities in Conversation.
JAMES MILLER - Is the Examined Life Worth Living?

 in the Bryan Campus Life Center.
For details see  http://www.rhodes.edu/news/communities-in-conversation-email.html

January 23, Wednesday. Count the Homeless.   Shifts available all day.
The Point in Time Count is an annual count of people experiencing street homelessness on one given day of the year, which is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to retain federal funding for homeless programs. It is also important that the results from the count provide an accurate reflection of homelessness in Memphis.  Volunteers will be talking one-on-one with any unsheltered individual willing to be interviewed.  Contact info http://www.communityallianceforthehomeless.com/?page_id=668

January 23 - and every Wednesday evening
- dinner and classes at Calvary Episcopal, downtown,
the link is HERE.

January 24, Thursday, 7 PM. Speaker, Making Sense of American Jewish Humor, Jack Kugelmass. Jewish Community Center. Free.





December 1, Saturday, starts 8 AM.  The Gospel of Healing: Black Churches respond to HIV/AIDs.  Registration 8, Breakfast 8:30, workshops 10:15 , movie at 11:30 AM. 
Christ Missionary Baptist Church, 494 South Parkway East
Details and registration (free, donations accepted) at http://faithandaids.eventbrite.com

December 1,  7:30 PM, Concert at Balmoral Presbyterian Church
. Free.
The Balmoral Chamber Orchestra has presented outstanding concerts in the past. Many students from local
universities. A combination of classical and Christmas music.  Donations will be accepted, not required,  to
benefit A Taste of Hunger, the local interdisciplinary project fighting hunger in Memphis.

December 2, Sunday, 2:30 - 5 PM. Holiday mixer. League of Women Voters and Public Issues Forum.  Church of the River. Free
Often a good place to meet  and chat informally with state legislators and other officials.

December 2, One Community, Core Concepts. Meditation at 4 PM , Program at 4:30. A program of the Institute of Applied Metaphysics, http://www.IAM-COR.org
Speaker every Sunday at 2924 Walnut Grove, Suite 1 (Go through or behind Republic Coffee House,
corner of Walnut Grove and Racine, just west of Tillman.)
Sunday December 2:  Edward Ordman, Judaism and Interfaith.
December 9: John Madsden, The power of the Prism of Perception
December 16: David Stowell, speaking on Rudolph Steiner
December 23: Rev John Gilmore, The Science of Mind
December 30, Jason Rand, talking about Earnest Holmes and his book The Red Planet.

December 6,  Thursday, 7 - 8:35 PM, Movie at Brooks Museum. Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry. A feature-length film film about the internationally renowned Chinese artist and activist who has garnered international attention as much for his ambitious artwork as his political provocations.  Details Click Here.  $8, less for members/subscribers.

December 9, Sunday, 2 PM,  Lecture at Jewish Community Center. Free.
 
Spinoza and the Jewish Community.
Mark Kaplowitz, Visiting Professor, Bornblum Judaic Studies, U of Memphis.
6560 Poplar Avenue, Memphis 38138.  Sponsoired by Jewish Historical Society of Memphis and the Mid-South.

December 9, Sunday, Chanukah Party at Chabad. 2570 Kirby Parkway.  3 PM, Balloon sculpting and other kid games. 4:00 PM, light the giant menorah (candelabra) for Chanukah.  Latkes (potato pancakes) and other refreshments.

December 13, lunch. The Bridges Justice Forum  Panel discussion on The Future of Higher Education. $20 includes lunch. Contact Nikki Haynes at 901.260.3752 for more information or click here.

December 14, Friday 6 PM, Chanukah party and dinner, Temple Israel. Corky's beef brisket, chicken tenders for the kids, etc., $12 adults, $6 kids, reserve by Dec 10 at 761-3130 or make reservations online
Followed by Chanukah "Ruach" Service (lots of music) at 7:30 PM, open to everyone. 


December 12-15. Temple Israel, Jewish Community Center, Baron Hirsch Synagogue. A series of programs on Jewish Genetics fromDecember 12-15.  Some primartily for the medical community but many tasks of interest to the public.  Topics will include "Cancer risks in the Jewish population: Is it in our Genes?" and "Dealing with cancer- Maccabi Style."    The poster is available here.


December 23, One Community, Core Concepts. Meditation at 4 PM , Program at 4:30.
A program of the Institute of Applied Metaphysics, http://www.IAM-COR.org
Speaker every Sunday at 2924 Walnut Grove, Suite 1 (Go through or behind Republic Coffee House,
corner of Walnut Grove and Racine, just west of Tillman.)
December 23: Rev John Gilmore, The Science of Mind
December 30, Jason Rand, talking about Earnest Holmes and his book The Red Planet.



--November 2012--

  November 4, A Taste of Hunger.   The launch of a major anti-hunger initiative.The Jewish Federation, Balmoral, The Center for Transforming Communities, MIFA,  The Food Bank and representatives from Seedco, Rhodes and the University of Memphis  will raise awareness and grow grassroots efforts to end hunger in Memphis.  The banquet will take place at Anshei Sphard Synagogue, 120 East Yates Rd. North, Memphis 38120 (just north of Walnut Grove, a few blocks inside the expressway). Volunteers are now being sought to help set tables starting at 2 PM and other duties later in the day/evening.  Contact one of the sponsoring organizations to volunteer (e.g. Balmoral at
901.767.7510 )

November 7, Wednesday, Jewish Community Center, Movie, Elie Wiesel Goes Home. Free. 7 PM The adolescent years of Elie Wiesel, when he encountered the Holocaust.

November 7, 6-9 PM. Mid-South Peace and Justice Center workshop: Empowerment for Women. http://www.facebook.com/events/297457917036873/    A -small workshop, you must contact them promptly if interested.    

November 8, 7:30 PM. Movie, Malco Paradiso
(Adults.)
Sponsored by Temple Israel and A Bridge of Hope
The film Sex + Money: A National Search for Human Worth details crimes against children. View this film to get informed. (This film is unrated and contains content that may not be suitable for children under the age of 15.)

November 9 and 10, re Veteran's Day. The Brooks Museum offers free admission these days to veterans and their families. Friday and Saturday 11 am - 5 pm.

November 10, Free Health Screening (AARP sponsorship, all ages welcome)
 Greater Memphis Pentecostal Assembly, 8941 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38125
1-866-295-7274. 10 AM - 2 PM. Kids games, prizes, refreshments.

November 9-11 (day according to religious service schedule). National Donor Sabbath. Houses of worship are urged to recruit organ and tissue donors.  Info at http://midsouthtransplant.org/
The Mid-south Transplant Foundation will provide information kits, forms, speakers if wanted, for your house of worship (English or Spanish available.) Call 901-328-4438. Yes, they can provide material for another date if you cannot schedule it for the second week before Thanksgiving.

November 11, Sunday, 1-6 PM 
Mid-South Peace and Justice Center workshop: Emotional support for activists.   http://www.facebook.com/events/240335409426877/   A small workshop, contact promptly if interested.

November 11, Sunday Evening, Facing History Benefit Dinner, Peabody Hotel. Expensive but well worth it.   http://www.facinghistory.org/offices/memphis
If you can't afford that, an alternative is


November 11, Sunday Evening, 5-7 PM, The Memphis Empty Bowls Project
$20, $5 kids. Church Health Center Wellness Center (a building you need to visit, if you never have!),
1115 Union Avenue, Memphis. Dinner of good soup and bread, silent auction,  further info at  http://www.memphisemptybowls.com/    $20 includes the meal and a
handcrafted or handpainted bowl to take home.  

November 12, Facing History Conference, Engaging Education: Rethinking Learning, Teaching, and Achievement in Urban Schools  in Memphis. Info and registration at 
http://www.facinghistory.org/urban-education-facing-history
   $20 includes lunch.  8:30AM-5 PM, Fogelman Conference Center, U of Memphis.

November 12, 13, 14. Rhodes College Programs, "Robert Wistrich: Antisemitism, Nazi Art, and the Holocaust."  A leading expert on Anti-Semitism.
Details at http://www.rhodes.edu/news/communities-in-conversation-email.html
     November 12, 7:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center
          Ambivalence and Betrayal: Israel, the Left and the Jews
     November 13, 6:00 p.m. in Blount Auditorium, Rhodes College
           Art, Propaganda, and Terror in the Third Reich
     November 14, 7:30 p.m. at Germantown Performing Arts Center
            Spectrum Dance Theater - The Theater of Needless Talents
             Tickets for the GPAC show start at $25.
             "Spectrum Dance Theater presents a dynamic evening of modern dance, theatrical vignettes and cabaret inspired by the Jewish artists who, though confined in the infamous Nazi fortress Terrazin, sought to generate optimism and affirm life through the creation and presentation of the arts."


November 13, Tuesday. Lectures by Dr. Walter Brueggemann, an outstanding Bible scholar. The 2012 Ingram  Lectures of Memphis Theological Seminary. These take place across the steet from the seminary, Lindenwood Christian Church, 2400 Union (just east of East Parkway). 11 AM, the Counter-world of the Psalms. 7 PM, The Food Fight (in the Bible) and Now.

November 14
, Wednesday, Jewish Community Center, Movie, Free. 7PM.
The Devil's Arithmetic. Sounds like a rather strange movie involving mysticism, time travel (or dream?), the Holocaust.
Trailer at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJDvORQPv3g

November  14:
Marcus Orr Lecture Schedule
- This lecture series at U of Memphis is usually excellent and of wide interest.
Reception at 6, lecture at 6:30, University Center Theater , U of M campus.
Details at http://memphis.edu/moch
 
Nov 14, Wednesday, Valerie Hudson, Texas A&M, "Sex and World Peace" (The best predictor of state security is how women are treated.)

November 14, Wednesday, Lecture, the University of Memphis. 7 PM
Prof. Shmuel Bolozky,  "The Hebrew Language, Past and Present."
Fogelman Center, Room 123.   Further information, 678-2919.


Nov 14. All Day Conference (fee) Experience how neighborhoods can come together
8:30 am to 4:30 pm  Rhodes College, McCallum Ballroom
     The work of ‘neighborhood’  is complex and a life long journey with relationships at the core.   It is work that is challenged by the era of enormous isolation in which we live and by an over-dependence on systems and institutions to solve problems and meet needs.  Neighborhood is fostered by a culture of care that emerges when neighbors are connected and communities are restored.  Walter Brueggemann, John McKnight, and Peter Block are three thought leaders from very different disciplines who have spent their lives illuminating a pathway toward creating a different future that emerges out of community, neighborliness and vision for the common good.   Together, we will weave new insights into building a sense of community and a common destiny that can awaken a new vision of what our neighborhoods and cities can be.
For more information contact info@ctcmidsouth.org or 901-324-3005.  http://www.ctcmidsouth.org
The flier is now available here

November 15, Thursday (one week before Thanksgiving) Thanksgiving Dinner
A joint dinner between Memphis Islamic Center and Heartsong Church
Announcement click here   or  
call 901.231.9340 or email facilityadmin@@memphisislamiccenter.org.
$5, children under 6 free. Reserve promptly.

November 17, Saturday, 10 am - 2 PM  Memphis Theological Seminary.  168 East Parkway South. Tours of the stately home occupied by the Seminary; the home is 100 years old. Info  334-5805 . Invitation here.

November 17, 3 PM. Talk, An Illuminating look at Tiffany Lamps, with special consideration of Tiffany Windows in Memphis.  Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody. Talk by Lindsay Parrott, Director and Curator of the Neustadt Collection in New York, in conjunction with the present exhibit at the Brooks Museum.   She'll also talk Sunday at 2 PM at the Brooks, but there you have to pay the museum admission and you don't get to see the windows at Grace-St.Luke's.

November 17 and 18, Concerts by the Eroica Ensemble 
Saturday, 7:30 PM, GPAC;  Sunday, 3:00 PM, First Congregational Church. Free
Mozart: piano Concert #[not told];  Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade, Scott Yoo on violin.

November 17, Thanksgiving program and dinner, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Starts at 6 PM with tea/coffee/snacks, Welcome 6:30-6:50, ceremonies and dances start at
6:50, dinner at about 9 PM. Donations solicited but not required. Directions on our address page
here.
More detail at   http://www.icctmemphis.org/nl/2012/Thanksgiving_2012.html
Auction of a unique wooden Maha Lakshmi sculpture.


November 19, 6 PM, League of Women Voters, Main Library. Free. Discussion of the
Citizens United decision and political financing.

November 20, Tuesday, Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 7 PM, Balmoral Presbyterian Church. A joint service involving at least Presbyterian, Methodist Jewish, Catholic, I'm not sure who else....



You may enjoy this piece in the Commercial Appeal: Thoughts for the day after the election:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/nov/03/faith-in-memphis-panels-nonpartisan-election/


November 22, Thanksgiving.  Where are there interesting religious-group sponsored Thanksgiving Dinners on Thanksgiving Day?  One of my favorites is just over an hour's drive east of Memphis, at the Presbyterian Camp at Pinecrest. http://www.camppinecrest.org 
Adults $15, children to age 8 $11.  Thanksgiving dinner, hayrides, bonfire, out in the woods. 
Reservations necessary 
901.878.1247  The last time my grandchildren went there, they made it a day trip, going on in the
afternoon to Shiloh National Military Park, a little farther east.  http://www.nps.gov/shil/index.htm

November 23, Friday, 5 PM., Holiday Cookout at Masjid As-Salaam.  Free, they bring the beef, you bring dessert (Non-Muslims can bring fruit or not bring, to avoid problems of dietary laws).  Muslim Society of Memphis | 1065 Stratford Road | Memphis | TN | 38122  (at the foot of Covington Pike.)  An excellent chance to meet our Muslim neighbors in an informal setting.

November 25, Sunday, 2012, 7:00 p.m.  Memphis Islamic Center. Lecture "Animal Rights in Islam", Free.  Sh. Yasir Qadhi speaks about this underrepresented topic.   "Islam not only came to give dignity to mankind but also gave rights to animals.  Whether you're a pet owner or just curious about the topic, this is one presentation you won't want to miss! "  Further info click here.

November 25, Sunday, 7:30 PM.  Free Concert, Baron Hirsch Synagogue.
Yue Chu on piano. The Artists Ascending series presents concerts by young artists early in their careers. Several have gone on to become very famous.  Mr. Chu has performed from Tianjin to Calgary and appeared in numerous major music competitions and festivals.  An outstanding musical opportunity and a chance to see an Orthodox synagogue if you haven't done so.  400 South Yates Rd (down behind other things, there is a sign but the driveway is not conspicuous. Just south of Shady Grove Rd on the east side.) A chance to visit with people and some modest free refreshments at intermission.

November 27,
5:30 PM. Rhodes College Lecture.
Amy Singer: The Ottoman Conquest of Jerusalem.
Blount Auditorium
details at http://www.rhodes.edu/news/communities-in-conversation-email.html


Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Midsouth Peace and Justice Center   Workshop.    3573 Southern Ave., Memphis, Tennessee 38111  Click on the link here to go to the Facebook page for registration information: ENDING RACISM – BUILDING ALLIANCES BETWEEN WHITE PEOPLE AND PEOPLE OF COLOR

November 29, Thursday, 5-9 PM. Holiday open house and cookout at Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.
Visit their new offices at
3573 Southern, just south of the railroad tracks between Highland and the U of M campus. Cohosted with GrowMemphis and the TN Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. Facebook invitation at
http://www.facebook.com/events/140128429469307/

November 29, Thursday, 7:00 PM, Temple Israel.
Live Interview by Video from NY 92nd St. Y:
Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning, presented by Chief Rabbi (of England) Lord Jonathan Sacks
with Ira Flatow. Free.  At the same time, as an alternate activity, an evening of Kosher Asian cooking with samples to eat. The cooking program has a charge ($15 nonmembers). Phone 937-2790 for reservations,
more info at http://www.timemphis.org/files/Voice_Nov_20121.pdf


October 2010

Early Voting is Oct 17 - Nov 1. For full details click here.

The major Muslim Holiday, Eid El-Adha, is this week.
It commemorates Abraham's binding his son as an offering, and is also  climactic event of the Hajj (pilgrimage) season. There are a number of local events associated with it.
  On Friday, October 26, there will be a gigantic prayer service at the Cook Convention Center starting at 9 AM. Yasir Qadhi preaching. Info 901-231-9340.  There will be a dinner (free) the evening before, Thursday, October 24, at 6:15 PM, at Masjid As-Salaam (top of Stratford Rd. at McCrory) which might be an more interesting occasion for non-Muslims.  I expect that women and men may eat in separate areas of the mosque. There will be a party Sunday, October 28, noon to 6 PM, at the Memphis Islamic Center (well out east, see the address page).  Kids games, rides, and food will be available free of charge. Another excellent chance to visit with Muslims socially if you are not comfortable praying with them

 
October 25, Bridges Fundraiser. $75 per person. "Come help us mark BRIDGES' 90th anniversary when we host Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, for a lunch event on Thursday, Oct. 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m."   http://www.bridgesusa.org/leadershipinaction

October 26, Friday, 6:30 PM. Half the Sky. Free Movie, U of Memphis, University Center, River Room. "
The oppression of women and girls is evident across the globe, but it is also being confronted, and real meaningful solutions are being fashioned through health care, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls." The movie trailer is at
http://www.halftheskymovement.org/pages/film.   Further info, Center for Research on Women,
901-678-2770.

October 26-27,  Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee, program of Anti-Racism Training. 8:30 am  to 4:00 pm each day, St. George's Episcopal Church, 2425 Germantown Road South, $30. I believe this is a program for training church staff members and volunteers but may well be of interest to others.  The flier is here. 

October 28, Sunday 2 PM . Daniel Pearl "Harmony for Humanity" Concert
.
 
Morris S. Fogelman Jewish Student Center at Hillel of Memphis, Pearl BBG & Facing History and Ourselves are pleased to announce the Daniel Pearl "Harmony for Humanity" Concert 2012, showcasing our very own talented students, faculty, and community members.  University Theater, University of Memphis. Free, open to all.
Patrick Lawler, CEO of Youth Villages, will receive Pearl BBG's Daniel Pearl Legacy Award. 
Some further details are  here.

October 29 and 30, Celebrating Ida B. Wells at 150, several programs at Rhodes College celebrating this important Memphis Civil Rights leader. Lectures Monday at 6:30 PM, Tuesday at 4 PM, play Tuesday 6 PM.  The details are at http://www.rhodes.edu/news/communities-in-conversation-email.html

October 31, Wednesday, Multicultural Breakfast
at the U of Memphis Holiday Inn, sponsored by Leadership Memphis. 7:30-9:30 AM.  Posted by "1 Universe" at  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=537852786228446&set=o.222193307836378&type=1&relevant_count=1


November 1, 8 am -1 PM, Conference at the Church Health Center: "Dying Well"
A conference for clergy and congregational leaders. The announcement is at
http://www.churchhealthcenter.org/assets/1850/clergy_conference_flyer_2012.pdf


November 2 and 3: Dreams, God's Forgotten Language: a Two-Part Workshop. $30.
Friday 6-8:30 PM and  and Saturday 9-3 at Calvary Episcopal Church. For details click here.


Marcus Orr Lecture Schedule - This lecture series at U of Memphis is usually excellent and of wide interest.
Reception at 6, lecture at 6:30, University Center Theater , U of M campus.
Details at http://memphis.edu/moch
Sept 13 Thursday - Kristen Iversen, U of M Creative Writing program, discusses her book "Full Body Burden: Growing Up in the Nuclear Shadow of Rocky Flats."
Sept 27 Thursday - Kevin Campbell, U of Minnesota, Partisanship and the Presidency.

October 18, Thursday, Katherine Bassard, Virginia Commonwealth Univ., discusses her book: "Transforming Scriptures: African American Women Writers and the Bible."
Nov 1, Thursday, Deborah Gray White, Rutgers Univ., Brown Sugar Melts: African American Women at the Turn of the Millennium.
Nov 14, Wednesday, Valerie Hudson, Texas A&M, "Sex and World Peace" (The best predictor of state security is how women are treated.)


The Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, http://midsouthpeace.org/, has a significant new project, Healing the Breech, working on ways to improve relations between the community and the police so as to reduce violent conflict between the police and others in the community.  Leaders of religious groups, educators, and others with potential relevant audiences, might well want to be in touch with MSP&JC. MSPJC Organizing Coordinator Melissa Miller-Monie, is the point person for the Community-Police Re;ations project.

 


The Memphis Friendship Foundation, the group developing the park between the Memphis Islamic Center and Heartsong Church, is busy forming working committees and needs more members, particularly Muslims. the call is found here  or you can  please email Steve Stone at sstone at memphisfriendshipfoundation dot org or call him at 337-1346. 


Among the Farmer's Markets in town, two supporting important organizations are the ones
at MIFA, Tuesday 10-2 (indoors in bad weather), 
910 Vance Avenue, Memphis, TN  38126 (901) 527-0208, http://www.mifa.org/
and at The Memphis Botanic Garden, Weds 2-6, 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117, http://www.memphisbotanicgarden.com    (Farmers market ends end of October, I believe)
Need I add that both organizations have interesting activities and volunteer opportunities?


If you are "out east" do find occasion to visit Heartsong Church at
800 North Houston Levee Road  Cordova, TN 38018
and the Memphis Islamic Center almost next door at 10225 Humphreys Road. They have purchased the land in between for a common park space celebrating interfaith friendship in Memphis
http://www.memphisfriendshipfoundation.org/
The big weekly services (with the sermon) at mosques is on Friday, the Memphis Islam Center has its at 12:40 PM  (Masjid As-Salaam has it at 1:15 PM).


October 2, 7 PM   DOZIER AWARD CEREMONY at Christian Brothers University
 The Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice will be presented to Pastor Keith Norman on October 2, 7:00 p.m. in the University Theater. As pastor of First Baptist Church, located in the Binghampton community, he is the shepherd of a ministry that is dedicated to serve a predominantly African-American community in transition, which is targeted for revitalization in housing, education, and crime prevention. He currently serves as the Tennessee State Conference NAACP Religious Affairs Chairman and in February 2012 was elected to the NAACP's Special Contribution Fund Board of Trustees. He serves as a chaplain with the Law Enforcement Chaplains Corps of the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. He serves as cochairman of the Board of Directors of the Shelby County Health Care Corporation (The MED), and the Memphis PREP Program. Norman is a 2010 Presidents Volunteer Service Award recipient. The Dozier Award for Peace and Justice is named for Bishop Carroll T. Dozier, the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and a leader in race relations, peace and justice. Bishop Dozier served as Bishop of Memphis from 1971-1982. This event is free and open to the public.
(This is the University Theater at Christian Brothers University, lower left corner of the campus map at  http://cbu.edu/about/campusmap.html  )

October 2, 7 PM. Temple Tuesdays, Temple Israel.
Live video feed of Thomas Friedman on "That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World it Invented and How We Can Come Back". Alternatively: a presentation of "The MIkveh Project", the new Temple Israel Museum show on the place of water in the sacred narrative.
Click here for the flier. ( http://www.timemphis.org/files/TempleTuesdays2Oct2012.pdf )


October 3. Planning Meeting for World Religion Day
The big event will be Sunday, January 20th, 2013 Bio-Works Center 1-5pm (please view the beautiful building at www.memphisbioworks.org)
Planning meeting: 
Date:                Wednesday, October 3rd
Agenda:            Pre-program ideas and committee outreach
Time:                 6:30 pm-8 pm
Place:                Open Heart Spiritual Center
Sponsor Host:   John M. Gilmore, Minister & Spiritual Director
Address:           2489 Broad Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112
Please anticipate a pre-registration form in October for your organization if you reserved a booth. We only have a few booths available, so please let us know if your religious group is interested.  For non-profits we will have a combined free hand-out table.
Contact person: Saci Roy, wrdmemphis@yahoo.com


October 4, MIFA Fundraiser, Feed the Soul  The Warehouse, 36 East G.E. Patterson, 6-10 PM, $40.
http://www.mifa.org/feedthesoul

October 6th, Saturday, 7:30 PM, Free Concert, Balmoral Presbyterian Church,
Dvorak, Beethoven, Sugiyama.
    Donations collected for Breast Cancer Research.
This orchestra, with many local college students, has been extremely creative in their choice of works to perform.
Sometimes they are able to perform modern works you cannot hear elsewhere.

6th & 7th of October :   The Universal Fest
Filled with Fun, Food & Frolic - Mobilizing Artistic & Cultural groups in the Mid-South
When: Saturday Oct 6th 10 AM - 10 PM,  Sunday Oct 7th 11 AM-10 PM
Where: Rose Theater & The Plaza, University of Memphis
Why: To harmonize the Community and Enrich Communal and Economic Development
How: Integration of diverse synergies through celebration of Ethnic Heritages, Cultural Arts and Crafts, Performances, Competitive Contests, sharing of Non-Profit and For Profit Programs and services through Business EXPOs

Booths can now be resreved, $25
Further info:  http://www.facebook.com/events/402684833118614/permalink/403604883026609/

October 6 and 7 - I don't normally list just things you can see on the web, but I can't help noticing that the General Conference of the Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) is meeting in Salt Lake City and a lot of the events are available live on-line from the Brigham Young University campus TV station website, http://byutv.org/   
The announcement is at http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=nzzov8cab&v=001TEa7HUw8hRF5kwlviq7mvZ1SqG3hpM0mrmARKOwAFiIMYhx2fWsvtZsZso3c6kBcOu9s1_lK9xDIhYwwsyWLbjoNdgU-B_egPJSnGGw8DW3_QVe6GV-JNP0aQyl05JhunB9Xwz9NZLBvWEc3AGQjWppcatP7a_qTtpgcRDZCdVZcbpLoAL3L5GTp641LfPNkb8orhe1ZzCkUJIekYS-yqw%3D%3D

October 6, Blessing of the Animals. On Saturday, October 6, 4 PM Calvary Episcopal Church will host a Blessing of the Animals at the pavilion next to Overton Bark at Overton Park, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Bring dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, teddy bears, and everything in-between for a joyous service of praise and thanksgiving for all ages.

We will ask God’s blessing on our animal friends, pray for all of God’s creatures, and remember the animal friends we have lost in the past year.

October 7, 1:30 PM, Jewish Historical Society Lecture, Early American Jewry. Talk by Phil Steele. Among other things, his Great-great-great-great Grandfather was a medic at Valley Forge.  Jewish Community Center.
The flier is here.  http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102630273991-692/2012-09-27+Phil+Steel.pdf

October 7, Temple Israel. Simchat Torah.  6 PM. The annual reading of the Torah (first five books of Moses) concludes and starts again. A great time to visit a synagogue since you get a much better sense of the use of the handwritten Torah scrolls than at other times.
6 - 6:45 PM service with singing, refreshments, more songs and talk of Torah start at 7:30 PM. Dan Nichols, musician.
The flier is here. http://www.timemphis.org/files/OctoberVoice-Vol67No2-20123_000.pdf?utm_source=Temple+Israel+News&utm_campaign=7aeb0df9f0-TI_News_25_Sept_2012&utm_medium=email

October 7, Sunday, 7 PM. Memphis Islamic Center.
"A Muslim Roadmap to Tennessee Elections"
Put on by The "American Center for Outreach"
http://acotn.org/   Of interest to those who would like to see how a largely immigrant community, many of whose members did not come from democratic states, educates its members on the workings of American democracy.


October will be "Domestic Violence Awareness Month". After about seven years of effort, the Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County is finally operating, a one-stop service center for victims of family violence, web site
http://www.familysafetycenter.org/. In this connection,

Tuesday, October 9, 7:00pm – 8:15pm   Sigma Nu and Family Safety Center Presents Telling Amy's Story
Blount Auditorium, Rhodes College.
Documentary hosted by actress and activist Mariska Hargitay, and told by detective Deirdri Fishell, the documentary follows the timeline of a domestic violence homicide that occurred on November 8, 2001. 
Event Agenda: Showing of “Telling Amy’s Story”; Presentation about the Family Safety Center; Q&A Panel

(meet-and-greet for pre-law students at 6:30 PM)
Full information can be found here.    Further inquiries or RSVP to
olliette@familysafetycenter.org

October 11, Thursday,  7:30 p.m.
Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal), Lecture, Exploring the Mormon faith with Historian of American Religion Matthew Bowman. The flier is here: http://www.holycommunion.org/life-at-chc/speaker-series/matthew-bowman/.    Part of a speaker series.    4645 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38117. Phone: 901.767.6987

Saturday, October 13, 6-9 PM, Fundraising Dinner for Syrian Humanitarian Relief
(Islamic Relief USA, Muslim Society of Memphis). $15., Pleasant Hill School. Speakers include leaders of Memphis Islamic Center and two other Memphis mosques (As-Salaam and Al-Noor).
The flier is here. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=6nsxchcab&v=001HZh_ryKk0qfheC3QzPE3xA16FPUNGrJ0OZlOoSWYFA6Zj0EtrJlKNJf5j0zIRa63eIhhHtPaBCZcAe39hXceg2wnz4lIjAXylOijjI7exkjdGdVDh7125xAwdCDErkcT

October 14, 7 PM, Germantown Performing Arts Center. (charge)
National Circus of the
People's Republic of China, Cirque Chinois.  http://gpacweb.com/

October 14,  Sunday. The Catholic Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons
(CMGLP) is hosting a Multi-Faith Cookout  starting at 4:30pm.  Downstairs in the Marian Hall, behind the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1695 Central Avenue. Hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, condiments provided. If you have not made the acquaintance of the religious gay / lesbian / etc. community, or just wish to meet people of other faiths, this is a good occasion.

October 15, Monday, Monday,  6:30 pm- 7:45 pm  League of Women Voters.
Discussion of health policy.  Memphis Central Library, 3030 Poplar Avenue Rm. B-C
.
The Supreme Court’s decision last June leaves it to each state to decide whether it will implement the part of the Affordable Care Act that reforms Medicaid and enables more low income families to enroll in the program.  This means that within the next few months state officials must decide whether to expand Medicaid to the most vulnerable among the insured – those who are living in or just above poverty. The state's decision will directly affect the lives of over 330,000 uninsured Tennesseans, over 60,000 of whom live in Shelby County. The decision will also have major effects on the local economy, local government and on  the viability of the health care infrastructure on which we all depend.


October 16, Tuesday. Watch the debate in a group. 7:30 PM. If you are new to debate watching, and not averse to being with a pro-Planned-Parenthood group, There will be a group watching together. RSVP at
http://www.ppaction.org/site/R?i=gqapauVbTGx3WkYAIH_s-Q

October 17, 7 PM. Memphis Jewish Federation fund-raising kickoff,
with the Memphis Symphony's "Opus One" with DJ Redeye.  Soulsville, 915 East McLemore.  $10 in advance, $15 at the door.  Click here for the flier.
( http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=h5qf57cab&v=001sR9KXnYiTHjgMh_HCdiGmN9qWvht4DxpEcfBBzaIf_2_mJjGpSFHDYNI10AKm7fE-XJMHbO5BML330e3r9yFq6-a-f89tB0NXe3TmGvp3qQ%3D )


The Mikveh Project,
an exhibit on sacred used of water, is now open at the Temple Israel Museum

The feature-length film, Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet, is now available free. 
It is online
at  http://www.muhammadfilm.tv/      If you need it on DVD, e.g. for a group, let us know (admin@memphisirg.org)

Those interested in the details of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca might like to see the videos of Sh. Yasir Qadhi's talks on the practical details of the "Hajj". He does give talks this season at the Memphis Islamic Center, which Muslims planning on Hajj are urged to attend. But if you just want to get some of the flavor, some of the videos are at
http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org/737/the-fiqh-of-hajj-and-practical-advice-for-hajj-by-shaykh-yasir-qadhi/
and at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F033XuwJlYc&feature=youtu.be


October 15 -24, extensive ceremonies at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple
(Hindu: Brahmatsovam and Navaratri.) Many celebrations on most days, often at 9 am and
6:45 PM but many other hours as well. http://www.icctmemphis.org/cgi/tpl/new.php


October 18. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a leading charity in fighting race and religious-based hatred, has a new documentary movie about Ethel Kennedy.  HBO October 18, 8 PM Central, available "on demand" October 19,
http://www.hbo.com/#/documentaries/ethel      http://www.splcenter.org/

October 20, Saturday, 7:00PM onwards.  DANDIYA Festival at Indian Cultural Center and Temple. This is a very major and colorful folk dance festival. (You can get the flavor by doing a search on "Dandiya" and looking at the YouTube videos that come up.)  Traditional Indian garb, or colorful full skirts and other festive dress highly recommended.
India Cultural Center and Temple | 12005 Hwy 64 E. | Eads | TN | 38028    Directions at  http://memphisirg.org/addresses.html

October 18&20  Gandhi-King Youth and Community Conference
This year this will be at Bridges, 477 N. Fifth St.  
Youth programs 18th, adult programs 20th.
It is time to register for the Gandhi-King Conference, October 20. (Flexible fee, and very well worth it.
This Memphis event attracts people from all over the country, and has outstanding speakers.)
Schedule and information at http://www.gandhikingconference.org/
Register at 
https://peaceserver.midsouthpeacedb.org/civicrm/event/register?&cid=0&res
 
Munoj Jain's relevant article in the Commercial Appeal is at
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/oct/15/dr-manoj-jain-gandhi-king-conference-to-our/

October 20, Saturday, 5-7 PM. Annual Meeting of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center,
taking place at Bridges, 477 N. Fifth St., in connection with the Gandhi-King Conference. Do come, even you can't make all of the day-long conference,

October 21, Kosher BarBeQue contest and festival at Anshei Sfard. All day, but most active about 11:30 - 3.  Free, all welcome.  This got some nice national press copverage last year when a Muslim team won one of the prizes. Schedule etc. at http://www.asbeekosherbbq.com/

October 21, Sunday, 10 AM - 1 PM. Free Flu shots at the Memphis Islamic Center, and a chance to visit it if you have not!  (Ages 9 and up, is the word as of Sunday morning)  Address here.
   Announcement  here.



Sept 2012

September 3, Monday, 10 am to noon: Improving Birth: National Rally for Change.
    Join us on Labor Day as we stand together in support of evidence-based maternity care, to reduce the unnecessarily high rate of inductions and cesareans; to provide women with care that is based on the evidence not just standard policies and practices. Men, women, and children warmly welcomed.  *Wear purple*
We'll be in front of the main entrance of Baptist East. Look for a bunch of balloons!! :)
Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/events/461331593886957/

September 3, Monday, Labor Day. Faith and Labor Picnic, Workers Interfaith Network.  11 AM to 2 PM, Trinity United Methodist Church grounds, 1738 Galloway. Good organization booths, a nice variety of people, a good cause, good entertainment (e.g. Alicia Washington, Ballet Folklorico, Rolling Head Orchestra) , usually a talk by Steve Cohen. Now is the time to reserve space for your organizations booth, August 20 deadline to be listed in the program as a sponsor.  August 27 deadline for discounted tickets online.  http://www.workersinterfaithnetwork.org/
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help with this event, shifts are from 11:00 - 12:30 and 12:30 to 2:00.
If you can help, e-mail rebekah@workersinterfaithnetwork.org

Sept 4 -7, Incredible Pizza in Germantown collecting school supply donations and is giving 15% of Friday Sept 7 proceeds to Porter-Leath, a major service organization for children in Memphis. Their newsletter is here  and the event flier is here.

Thursday, September 6, 10:30 am.  ONE FAITH, MANY COLORS. A series of talks
organized by MIFA, info at http://mifa.org/onelightmanycolors    
Talks at Town Village Audubon Park Retirement Community, 950 Cherry Rd., Memphis, TN  38117
 Thursday, August 16, 10:30 am---Alex Wellford, Third Church of Christ, Scientist
Thursday, August 23, 10:30 am---Ron McDonald, Memphis Friends Meeting (Quakers)
Thursday, August 30, 2 pm---Rev. Shane Stanford, Senior Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church
Thursday, September 6, 10:30 am---Bob McBride, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)
These have been outstanding talks. Pointers to videos of last years talks can be found in the right-hand column of
 http://faithinmemphis.com/category/faith-matters/


 
September 7. Registration deadline for Bralapalooza. 
Design an art bra in support of Hadassah's project promoting breast cancer awareness and women's health issues. The registration deadline is September 7.  Art bras need to be submitted by October 10th.  Drop off location is Sensational Sofas  at Carrefour at Kirby Woods, 6685 Poplar Ave.  Contact Hadassah  (Jewish women's organization) via  http/www.memjfed.org/

Saturday, September 8 - Temple Israel and PJ Library of Memphis host Shabbat with musician Ellen Allard

Sunday, September 9, A good time to give blood.
Joint Blood Drive
, Heartsong Church and Memphis Islamic Center.
The Lifeblood bloodmobile will be at the Memphis Islamic Center accepting walk-ins from 7 am to 4 pm. An excellent chance to perform this important form of charity, and to visit the Memphis Islamic Center and/or  Heartsong Church if you have not yet visited this nationally visible center of interfaith cooperation in the eastern suburbs of Memphis.  10225 Humphreys Road, Cordova, TN 38018, just east of Houston Levee Road north of the east end of Walnut Grove.

On the same day, the Bloodmobile will be at Temple Israel, 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM, 1376 E. Massey Road, Memphis, TN 38120, parallel to and west of Kirby Pkwy. north of Poplar, south of Humphreys Blvd (which is unrelated to Humphreys Rd. above.)

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6:30 PM Ed Wallin speaks at "Theology on Tap", a Catholic Ministry for Young Adults, at La Hacienda Mexican, 1760 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38016
This ought to be of broad interest this month: the speaker will be Ed Wallin, local peace activist and interfaith activist (known to some as Janice Vanderhaar's husband!) 
From the advertisement: The Soldier Who Works for Peace: He broke up riots, integrated restaurants, jumped out of airplanes, and now, he helps veterans heal from the emotional wounds of war. 
See the rest of the poster at http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/1021147/599d2d8b4e/1612091231/df5ba447c8/


Washington, DC | www.adc.org | July 25, 2012  The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that Syrian nationals in the United States may apply for Temporary Protective Status (TPS) on March 29, 2012. USCIS grants TPS when nationals of a country are prevented from returning to that country safely.  Designation of Syria as a country eligible for TPS allows Syrian nationals that arrived to the US prior to March 29, 2012 to stay in the US for a temporary period of 18 months. ... Syrians eligible for TPS must file their application no later than September 25, 2012.

Comment:  Jews recall the times leading up to World War II when the US would not grant even temporary asylum to Jews. Readers of Maria Von Trapp's books (which are not identical with the plot of the Sound of Music) will recall that not long after the Von Trapps first reached the US, the US expelled them and required them to return to Europe.  While the US does not always do the right thing, it is nice to note any sign of improvement in such matters.


News from Facing History:  The Annenberg Institute for Civics at the University of Pennsylvania that provides not only a comprehensive summary of the field of civic education but also relies on Facing History and Ourselves' national study to demonstrate the benefits of civic learning, specifically the impact of a well-designed program on civic skills and dispositions.
"Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools" report provides a comprehensive look at the role civic learning plays in maintaining our democracy, examines the major problems confronting civic learning, shows six proven practices in effective civic learning, and provides recommendations for policy makers, educators, and all citizens. I encourage you to look to page 17 specifically to see how Facing History's work is referenced.



September 20, Thursday ,7PM, Calvary Episcopal Church
Celebration of New Ministry of The Rev. Christopher D. Girata.  21st Rector.

Sept 21-23 Memphis Peace and Harmony Days
 This year, Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche will be conducting a peace retreat at Pema Karpo for three days following the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, at the request of its members.  In order to create a large peaceful effect throughout Memphis (and beyond) Khenpo has invited religious leaders and organizations in Memphis to participate in Memphis Peace and Harmony Days by holding a peace activity in their own religious traditions and then letting us know what they will be doing.  We hope you will join us in cultivating peace together.
Details at  http://memphispeaceandharmony.org/
schedule was also in CA on Wednesday Local Section 2B 
Sponsorship by  http://www.pemakarpo.org/     
Essay about this at  http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/sep/15/buddhist-candia-ludy-writes-guest-column-about/


Sept 23 - Mid-South Peace and Justice Center is collecting objects for a yard sale:
Moving Sale/Donate your Junk for Justice   Saturday, 7:00am - 12:00pm in CDT at Mid-South Peace and Justice Center


There are "Ganesh" events all week at the Indian Cultural Center / Temple. But the events
on Sept. 23 are now so oversubscribed that admission is by ticket only.
September 23, Sunday.   Ganesh Festival at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple.
One of the major events of the Hindu year in Memphis.
"Our mission is to provide fun filled, festive environment and promote social and the religious aspect of Ganesh Festival that is close to our Indian roots to unite all Indian communities in Greater Memphis area."
The poster is now on-line at http://www.icctmemphis.org/nl/ganesh-2012.html
Some spectacular films of last year's festival are at 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZOkAVaw2Ww&feature=share    

Sept 24 Sunday, 11:45 PM - Tashlich at Temple Israel. As I've commented earlier, synagogues tend to be so crowded on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that it is not usually a good time to visit. Some of the smaller ancillary programs are interesting and colorful, however.  There is a free lunch and ceremonial "casting off of sins" at Temple Israel, Sunday at 11:45 PM. http://www.timemphis.org/images/HHD_Tashlich.jpg   address etc at http://www.timemphis.org
Sept 24, Sunday, 3:30-5:340 PM Temple Israel opening reception for a new exhibit in the Temple Israel Museum, "The Mikveh Project", details at http://www.timemphis.org/about/museum.htm


Sunday, September 23 4 PM  Movie: Le Havre @ Rhodes College, Blount Auditorium, Buckman Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public   
Tournees French Film Festival
Aki Kaurismaki's La Havre stars Andre Wilms as Marcel, a free-spirited, good-natured writer who is currently making a living as a shoeshiner. He meets Idrissa (Blondin Miguel), an African refugee and helps the young man hide from officials who want him deported., Meanwhile, Marcel's loving wife suffers from a serious illness. Rashna Richards, Assistant Professor of English and Director of Film Studies at Rhodes will introduce Le Havre.

September 27 - 28, Four lectures at Rhodes College, "Jean-Jacques Rousseau at 300"
Details at  http://alumni.rhodes.edu/s/1364/index.aspx?sid=1364&gid=1&sitebuilder=1&verbiagebuilder=1&pgid=771&content_id=587
  
Blount Auditorium, Rhodes College (directions given at college gate on North Parkway or University Avenue.)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
5:30 PM
Christopher Kelly, “Jean Jacques Rousseau on the Pursuit of Happiness”
Friday, September 28, 2012
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Susan Meld Shell, “Rousseau, Hobbes and the Origin of Evil.”
Friday, September 28, 2012
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
John T. Scott, “The Illustrative Education of Rousseau’s Emile.”
Friday, September 28, 2012
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Clifford Orwin, “And each in the cell of himself…"


Note: A somewhat more general list of interesting lectures at Rhodes is at
http://www.rhodes.edu/news/communities-in-conversation-email.html
and you can get e-mail notices by "Liking" http://www.facebook.com/communities.in.conversation

Sept 29, Saturday, 2PM.  
Rally to Stop Wage Theft
Front steps of First Congregational Church 1000 S. Cooper, Organized by www.workersinterfaithnetwork.org
To urge the County Commission to pass an ordinance on the issue of Wage Theft.

Sept 30, Temple Israel. Sukkot: Bring your Picnic Dinner 6 PM, Concert 6:30 PM. Josh Nelson.
The holiday of Sukkot celebrates the 40 years in teh wilderness, so eating outdoors is in order. The flier is here.
http://www.timemphis.org/files/OctoberVoice-Vol67No2-20123_000.pdf?utm_source=Temple+Israel+News&utm_campaign=7aeb0df9f0-TI_News_25_Sept_2012&utm_medium=email )







August 2012:

Notes about the recent attacks on the Sikhs in Wisconsin are on the home page here.

August 1: The Memphis School of Servant Leadership has issued its Fall brochure, a variety of classes and programs for those seeking to find ways they can serve the community through community activism or otherwise. Highly recommended.
 http://www.servantleadership-memphis.org/


August 5 - 9, Maccabi Games, Jewish Community Center. A world-wide athletic competition.

Participants will be traveling from Israel, Mexico, and across the United States. The MJCC hosts the 30th anniversary of the JCC Maccabi games.  The Opening Ceremony on Sunday August 5, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the FedEx Forum is free and open to the entire community. If you do not have a MJCC membership card, please stop by the MJCC front desk for a Maccabi Hologram Pass that will give you access to all of the 2012 JCC Maccabi events including Opening Ceremonies.    For details and the schedule look at
http://www.jccmemphis.org/jccmaccabischdules


August 8 and 9, Sri Krishnastami celebrations at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple Probably the ceremonies of most interest to a visitor will be August 8, 8 PM to 11:45 PM.  A Celebration of the birth of Krishna.
http://icctmemphis.org


Volunteers needed for the Workers Interfaith Network Labor Day picnic. See below, Sept. 3.

Jewish prayer participants needed:
Rabbi Aaron Rubenstein of Beth Sholom Synagogue has had a death in the family.  So that he can say appropriate daily prayers until the end of August, prayers will be held Mon-Thurs at 6 pm, Weds and Thursday mornings at 7 am, Sunday at 8 am. So they can be sure to have 10 adults for each service, volunteers are requested to call the synagogue office at 683-3591

August 27 or 28. Planning meetings for The Universal Fest (see below, October 6-7)
 
1) Monday, Aug 27th University Center, Room 308, University of Memphis, From 6 – 8 pm, or
2) Tuesday, Aug 28th at Main Library, Meeting Room C, Poplar Avenue, From 6 – 8 pm

Wednesday August 29, 6 - 8 PM, U of Memphis students, there are many opening week events but we mention here the Multicultural Student Mixer: 6-8pm [Michael D. Rose Theatre]

LOCATION and time CHANGED  (due to a strong turnout!
This is a major event.)
Wednesday, August 29, 6:30–9:00 p.m. FACING HISTORY presents BULLY: a Community Conversation featuring BULLY Director Lee Hirsch, at White Station Middle School, located at 5465 Mason Road.
BULLY is the first feature documentary film to explore “a year in the life” of bullying in the United States. From the first day of school through the last, the film intimately follows the lives of a few of the many courageous kids and families bullying affects each day. The film captures the distress of bullying victims, the frustration of their parents, and in some cases, the overwhelming grief when bullying ends a life. BULLY is directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch.
The poster is at http://memphisirg.org/MemphisBULLY.pdf
Free but please RSVP to http://www.facinghistory.org/film-screening-community-conversation-mem
(A few spaces still open as of August 20)

Thursday August 30, 2 PM.  ONE FAITH, MANY COLORS. A series of talks
organized by MIFA, info at http://mifa.org/onelightmanycolors    
Talks at Town Village Audubon Park Retirement Community, 950 Cherry Rd., Memphis, TN  38117
 Thursday, August 16, 10:30 am---Alex Wellford, Third Church of Christ, Scientist
Thursday, August 23, 10:30 am---Ron McDonald, Memphis Friends Meeting (Quakers)
Thursday, August 30, 2 pm---Rev. Shane Stanford, Senior Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church
Thursday, September 6, 10:30 am---Bob McBride, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)
These have been outstanding talks. Pointers to videos of last years talks can be found in the right-hand column of
 http://faithinmemphis.com/category/faith-matters/
 
August 30. Planning meeting for World Religion Day.
World Religion Day is an international celebration held the third Sunday in January. It was established by the Ba'hai Faith in the United States in 1949. Please view www.worldreligionday.org to know more.
Planning meeting, Date:                Thursday, August 30th 
Time:                 6:30-8:00pm
Place:                Caritas Village  (in the downstairs dining area)
Address:           2509 Harvard Avenue, Memphis, TN
*Please call or email if your group is attending. Our space is limited, so may we ask for two representatives from    each group.
For further information, call Saci Roy 201-759-8617


Bill W., the movie about the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous , is now playing at the Ridgeway Four - Memphis, TN I don't know how long it will be there, Probably of interest to anyone interested in how religious or social movements get started.

The U of Memphis  Center for Research on Women has released a major new report on Teen pregnancy and the needs of young parents. It should be of major interest to religious groups and people involved with youth.  The basic information and pointer to the full report are at
 http://memphis.edu/crow/tpps.php

Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, begins July 20.  Among the first of many special worship services is the "Taraweeh" prayer at the Memphis Islamic Center, Evening of July 19, 10 - 11:15 PM.  A fairly complete calendar of related events at the
MIC is at http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Ramadan-Calendar-MIC-Colors.pdf?utm_source=Ramadan+1433&utm_campaign=Taraweeh_calendar&utm_medium=email    
Many of the talks will be streamed online if you'd like to see what they are like without driving way out east.
For an indication of doings at Masjid As-Salaam,
see the invitation here. In particular, there are refreshments immediately following sunset each evening, and it is a particularly attractive time to visit the mosque and meet the people there. 1065 Stratford Road | Memphis | TN | 38122 (foot of  Covington Pike).
The last ten days of Ramadan are a very busy time in the Muslim community. There is a strong similarity to the Jewish "ten days of repentance" from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur.
Masjid As-Salaam (Stratford Road) is holding special services at 3 AM each night.
Like the approach to Yom Kippur in some Jewish communities, there can be a strong fund-raising element. One Muslim friend told me, "I am too weak to be able to fast as I ought to during Ramadan. If I donate money to feed a poor person for a month, I get part of the benefit of someone else fasting."


A sample fundraising flier for a new mosque in southeast Memphis is at 
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=jelukqcab&v=001ip99edeIjlZQQfRFTpPfPwGEekW4dg4Wda-0kWEVQFtkwfraScKl1L20DwWh1W7rME46V8e3Et73pmk_UoME39mQ-p0z_ONdz1UvPwvd_4g%3D

and the flier for the Muslim Society of Memphis' fundraising dinner on August 14 is at
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=6nsxchcab&v=001W5XuTI8OwGnCxqt6BuxlWYnia26zWU-do_zM1_7Ju07EkBg1KK4Q-wBJeHpnojcCPH4U9bPp4q1AzcIV-f-ogrBV0P3xnRdvWZq_60DDXfL-ZHQ7UIF5RWah5IjJ1Eaw
August 10, 8pm - 9pm Candlelight Prayer Vigil Against Hatred and Fear (following the Wisconsin attack against Sikhs.)  City Hall, 125 N Main St, Memphis, TN. No posters or signs.  Find the poster HERE.

August 10, 2 PM. 
Brooks Museum of Art
. 2012 Global Lens Film Series
PEGASUS (Morocco)
Admission: $8 / FREE for Indie Memphis members
Zineb is an emotionally exhausted psychiatrist assigned to Rihana, a traumatized and pregnant young woman found in the street muttering unintelligibly about "The Lord of the Horse." A flashback sequence returns us to Rihana's childhood, where her dictatorial father, horseman chief of his tribe, raises her as the son his legacy demands. Trapped in parental delusions, Rihana falls in love with a young man with whom she carves out the beginnings of her own life. Soon, Rihana's story awakens repressed thoughts in Zineb's own troubled mind, and reality merges into a haunted fever-dream of fear and denial in this visually striking, award-winning psychological thriller.
For other movies at the Brooks, see http://www.brooksmuseum.org/events

July 30, Aug 6, Aug 13 Monday 6 PM. Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Pujas (worship) of Lord Siva. The symbol of Siva is washed with milk, curd, ghee, honey, fruit juice, etc., with Vedic Mantras chanted.
  http://www.icctmemphis.org/cgi/tpl/new.php

August 14  Bridges Luncheon, 12 to 1:30 PM .  
The Effects of Good Leadership
477 N. Fifth Street.  Featured Speaker:    Coach Bill Courtney of the    Oscar winning documentary    "Undefeated".
RSVP by August 8 at www.bridgesusa.org/justiceforum  or by phone at 901.260.3755- Timorie Stewart.  $20, includes lunch. Please advise of special dietary requests.
  
August 16. Methodist Healthcare Foundation award to the Memphis Muslim Medical Clinic (fundraising dinner)
The Memphis Muslim Medical Clinic, 1055 Stratford Road, has received The 2012 Living Award  by The Methodist Healthcare Foundation.  This award is given to recognize individuals and community organizations that have done outstanding work in realm of faith and health.  The Muslim Clinic has been serving the needy and the uninsured in this community since 2006. The clinic project was initiated by Dr. Mukarram Sheikh. Dedicated volunteers and generous donors joined to deliver the dream. By serving the healthcare needs of all people, the clinic has been able to reach out to the community at large. This award is indeed a testimony to the successful outreach efforts of the Muslim community.
       The fact that the award is given during Ramadan presents some interesting complications:
The Award will be given at a dinner at the Peabody Hotel on Thursday, August 16th from 6-9 PM($100)  Attendance to the ceremony requires purchasing tickets.The tickets can be purchased from Methodist Healthcare Foundation at $100/person. https://secureforms.methodisthealth.org/apps/methodist/events/livingawards/
For the Muslim guests, the dinner will be served at Iftar time (after sunset). If you decide to attend, please purchase your tickets and also inform the Muslim Society of Memphis  so that special meal and seating arrangements can be made.
 


August 19. (2012)  Sunday 10:30 AM.  at the Memphis Jewish Community Center. Hadassah Awards Luncheon honoring Outstanding Jewish Educators. Daniel Kiel, Law Professor at U of M and author of "The Memphis 13", will speak.  $25. RSVP by August 10 to Cindi Weinstein, 230-2217.