MIRG

Memphis Inter-Religious Group

http://MemphisIRG.org

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A Listing of events of probable interest. Latest changes February 8,2019

(If an address is not given for something, you can probably find it listed here.)
In some cases these are specifically interfaith events, others are events of one religion that are not primarily religious services and where you might want to go to see a facility, learn of the culture, or meet people from a different group. Some are civic events likely to draw representation from multiple religious or ethnic groups. In posting things, we have not always explored all the shades of opinion, so we may not necessarily agree with the views of all the organizers. We do hope to find things where many of our readers will be either sympathetic or interested in polite discussion of the issues.

We have a more-or-less weekly e-mail newsletter.
You can subscribe or unsubscribe by e-mailing admin@memphisirg.org
or by joining at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/memphisirg
where you will also find some of our recent newsletters (if groups.google won't cooperate, e-mail me)

I always appreciate your help in letting me know what your group is doing where members of other groups would be welcome.

Click Here to jump down to the events list.

News:

February 8
      There is an interesting list of jobs available via https://opportunity.memphistn.gov/. It might be an interesting topoic of discussion for youth groups.

       Facing History has its video series "Eyes on the Prize" about the Civil Rights movement available for web streaming; it may well be of interest to religious groups or classes high school to adult. Have a look.
http://info.facinghistory.org/the-enduring-importance-of-eyes-on-the-prize-3

     The Lenten Lecture Series Schedule for Calvary Episcopal is online at
http://calvarymemphis.org/learn/lenten-preaching-series/2019-lps-speakers/

     The Memphis School of Servant Leadership winter-spring program is online. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
as a support structure for anyone interested in expanded or new forms of religious activity/spiritual life.
https://mailchi.mp/88b022332576/mssl-updates-classes-and-encounters-winterspring-2019?e=0e23e2b694

January 20
      The Lunar eclipse tonight means the Hindu Temple (ICCT) will be closed from 4 PM SUnday to 8 am Monday.
       There is also a minor Jewish Celebration, "The New Year for Trees", a celebration of the environment.
       Castalia Baptist Church is organizing a college-visiting tour for high school students to visit seven historically Black colleges. (I've always been impressed by the creativity of churches where Rev Meade Walker has served.)
https://tri-statedefender.com/castalia-baptist-church-recruiting-for-14th-annual-college-tour/01/19/
     Masjid Ar-Rahman is rapidly becoming a "mega-mosque", with attendance sometimes exceeding 1000. They are actively fundraising to acquire an adjoining tract of land for further expansion. Pictures of some construction in progress a year ago are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfo4KmuXRXk; are there more recent ones online?

January 16
   The Point in Time count of the homeless is January 23rd (4 to 10 AM). Various churches, I think, have training sessions for this volunteer opportunity. Calvary Episcopal's training is January 16.
Volunteers go in groups to meet homeless people and complete a questionnaire with them. Training is provided tonight at Calvary. Contact Christine Todd.

Indie Memphis has announced fall 2019 dates, and dates for submitting films. Of course they also regularly report on interesting films now in the Memphis Theatres. see http://indiememphis.com/

January 4
      Steve Stone Sr., retired pastor of Heartsong Church and a founder of the Memphis Friendship Foundation, is interim pastor at Jacob's Well (United Methodist Church) until June.    602 Looney Ave., Memphis, a few blocks north on North 7th St from North Parkway (north of St, Jude Hospital.) http://www.jacobswellmemphis.org
        Mayor Strickland about our faith community: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/TNMEMPHIS/bulletins/2261e5b
       Those who have followed the discussions of rights and roles of women within Christianity and Judaism may find of interest the huge demonstrations in a present Hindu controversy in India, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/01/04/standoff-sabarimala-stains-indias-progress-womens-rights
        There is an interesting article on Chinese persecution of Muslims at
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2019/0107/Xinjiang-Beijing-s-chilling-attempt-to-erase-and-replace-Uyghur-identity
        In more cheerful news, Pakistan has arranged for a border opening to make it easier for Sikhs in India to visit the shrine at the place of death of the founder of the Sikh religion.
       Warm Clothing Drive: Do you have extras? As it gets colder outside, our unsheltered neighbors could use: sleeping bags, blankets, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, backpacks and clothes for men & women. Please bring your donations to Constance Abbey (209 Hamlin Pl., one block west of the Cathedral) or to St. Mary's.

December 28
       I'm sad to report the death of Amos Oz, Israeli author and peace activist. One of his videos on the two-state solution is at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFB-SSghk1o
       I'm reminded that students in several disciplines of health care need practice, and that several of those programs need patients. I go to Southern College of Optometry for eye exams myself once a year - since the student has to explain what he or she sees (I have unusual vision problems) and then the doctor has to correct him or tell him how to clarify, I get much better explanations than at the usual ophthalmologist I see (also) once a year.) But if you know people where money is an issue, let thyem know of things like the Southern College of Optometry, 722-3250, and the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry, 448-6468.

December 9.
       The plans for World Religion Day, January 20, 2019, are proceeding. Saci Roy would love to hear from those likely to attend or help. (See January 20 below).

        I feel compelled to note with distress the multiple actions of arson recently directed against the houses of worship of Jehovah's Witnesses in Washington State. Reason unknown.

December 8.
      In mid-January Dean Andy Andrews will be leaving St. Mary 's Episcopal Cathedral for a church in Vickburg. Wish him well! (Eleven years here.)
      The Church Health Center annual report is online at https://churchhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Impact-report-for-website.pdf?bblinkid=129127570&bbemailid=10938062&bbejrid=847224805

December 2

     ADVENT, for Christians, is the season leading up to Christmas. Interestingly, the best single Advent sermon I ever heard was in a Memphis Mosque. The text was the birth of John the Baptist (who gets somewhat better press in the Qur'an than in the Gospels.) In part the idea was: John was a religious man, a preacher of the story of the One God, a man who knew what he wanted to do and was good at it. (In fact, John got to baptize Jesus, not the other way around.) Wouldn't you like your child to grow up to be like John? Well, your kids are about to be bombarded with Santa Claus stories and toy advertisements - you parents should go home and study your stories about John the Baptist and Jesus, so that when your kids have questions you will have good and appropriate and helpful stories to tell them. And take an active interest in your children's education.

      I've always enjoyed a story told by Maria Von Trapp (in one of her books, not in the movie.) She says that after the family escaped Austria (by taking a train to Italy, not by climbing the mountains) the youngest boy complained he had forgotten his toy bear and they would have to go back. Explaining that they could not go back, Maria explained that Jesus had also forgotten his bear when the family fled to Egypt, and Jesus had had to learn to get along without his bear, also...

     Incidentally, did you know that we actually have the records of the synagogue in Alexandria Egypt, showing that they took up a collection to meet the needs of refugees - the Jewish parents of young children, who fled to Egypt to get away from a guy who was killing children, by the name of King Herod? I don't know why this fact isn't mentioned in Sunday Schools - is it too political to suggest that houses of worship might collect money for refugees? It is the first collection on behalf of refugees that I happen to have heard of. I always welcome invitations to speak on the intertestamental period - what happened between the end of the Hebrew Bible and the start of the New Testament, why are the Roman Soldiers in Jerusalem and why are the Temple Priests in cahoots with them? (Oh, that synagogue collection is about 40 BC - the time of the first Herod, not the later Herod of the Gospels - but historians believe the second Herod acted like the first.)

     Chanukah, from the evening of December 2 to the evening of December 10, is a minor Jewish holiday (it doesn't get into the Hebrew Bible, it is in the Book of Maccabees in the Old Testament Apocrypha) which gains its importance mainly by proximity to Christmas (hey, Jewish parents need stories to tell their kids, also.) My father's somewhat non-conformist version of the Chanukah story is at http://ordman.net/Edward/Chanukah.html

My apologies for not making timely mention of Diwali, which came early this year (early November), the Hindu "Festival of Lights". One source of information is https://www.diwalifestival.org/

     There is an interesting article about Jewish "Peace" groups at
https://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/on-campus-j-street-now-middle-of-the-road/

I've moved earlier "notes" postings here to the Home Page

Upcoming events:

(Some of the ongoing, Weekly or monthly events - have been moved below the listings by date-)

2018

Several Churches have Wednesday suppers. Please let me know of others.
- Calvary Episcopal has Wednesday suppers. Class, Yoga, etc. follow.
During Advent, the class is: "This adult formation class, led by Scott Walters, will study Barkley Thompson’s book, In the Midst of the City: The Gospel and God’s Politics, a collection of essays and sermons that addresses hot-button social issues of recent years and challenge the reader to be the vanguard of God’s kingdom in the world."

- St Mary's Episcopal, 700 Poplar, has a Wednesday breakfast after a brief 8 AM service. The breakfast is intended mainly for the homeless but all are welcome and it is a chance to meet people you might not meet otherwise, in a very friendly environment. (Not to mention the chance to see the wonderful history exhibit on the Yellow Fever epidemic there, if you have not visited it previously.)

- Holy Communion Episcopal, Walnut Grove, has Wednesday suppers (on Christmas break until Jan 9)

- 2nd Presbyterian, Poplar and Central at Goodlett, seems to have them but I'm not sure how often,. Check their calendar at
http://www.2pc.org/

Reminder: Loyalty Cards. Many local houses of worship, and other charities, are signed up to get donations from Kroger and from Superlo foods. If you have a loyalty card at either, you must REREGISTER EVERY YEAR to make a percentage of your purchases go to your selected charity. Sign up using your loyalty number at either or both of kroger.com and superlo.com. Reregister now and very year on your birthday, or some other day you choose to remember.
(So far as I know, your registration at smile.amazon.com is permanent, no reregistration required.)

Farmers Market Note:
Thistle & Bee: Thistle & Bee: Visit Thistle & Bee at the Cooper-Young Farmers Market on the first and third Saturdays of each month. The market’s summer hours are 8 - 1. You can purchase T&B’s cold lemonade and tea by the cup or growler, their amazing granola, and other products. Products are also available at Curb Market, The Mustard Seed, St. George's Book Shoppe, and Highpoint Grocery. All products are made by women employed by Thistle & Bee, who have survived sex trafficking and prostitution. Learn more on their Facebook page (Thistle and Bee Enterprises, Inc.), and at http://www.thistleandbee.org.

Current and forthcoming:

Ongoing Museum Exhibit: 70 Faces of Memphis, Memphis Jewish Community Center.
Articles about some of these people are at https://jcpconnect.org/tag/70-faces-of-memphis/

February 8-9 Visiting scholar Shaik Md. Faqih at Memphis Islamic Center. Talks 1 PM and 7 PM Feb 8, 6 AM and 7 PM Feb 9.

February 8-10. 7:30 PM each evening U of Memphis, Guitar Festival. I'm a big fan of Lily Afshar (Friday evening), who does a remarkable job of using both classical and Iranian music in her guitar work. (She has a guitar with extra frets do she can use differing musical systems.)

February 10, Masjid Ar-Rahman.

Assalamu Alaykom Wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

Join us this Sunday, Feb 10th between Maghrib (5:45PM) & Isha (7:45PM) for special program to discuss the importance and role of Masjid in the Islamic World and the West. There will an open discussion about what mosques can do to increase the number & participation of congregation.

The program will be led by Imam Anwar Arafat along with special guests coming from Salem, Oregon to talk about their goal of establishing the first mosque in the Capital city of Oregon.

Dessert will be served!

February 13, 6 PM, National Civil Rights Museum. Distinguished Speaker Series
"Founder and lead counsel for The Decarceration Collective law office, Attorney MiAngel Cody is nationally recognized for her dedicated defense of men and women sentenced to die in federal prison. Between 2013 and 2017, she has won presidential clemency and freedom for six prisoners serving life sentences for drug crimes. She will talk about "Safe Houses” and the ways black women have created a roadmap for survivorship through mass incarceration, whether as inmates or as family members separated from those imprisoned."

February 15-16. Visiting Scholar at Anshei Sfard-Beth El Emeth Synagogue. Rabbi Dr David Berger, an authority on Messianism and relations between Judaism and the Roman Catholic Church. Talks after 5:25 service and Dinner on Friday, at 11:30 AM and 7:30 PM Saturday. Charge for dinner, reserve at 682-1611

February 22, Friday, 7 PM. Acoustic Eidelon concert at Balmoral Presbyterian Church. Free, donations accepted. Promotioanl video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=cbI6Zl9k6rU&feature=youtu.be

February 22-23, Visiting Scholar at Baron Hirsch Synagogue. Rabbi Yahuda Sarna. Saturday morning 11 AM talk on "Why Jews move to Arabia." Friday dinner and talk "Being Jewish on Campus: Challenges in Keeping the Faith." at 6:45 PM, charge for sdinner, reserve at 683-7485. Saturday 4:30 PM. "Freedom of Speech on Campus and in the Synagogue"

Feb 29, Indian Cultural Center and Temple. Prayers 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Refreshments and socialize after the 5:30 service. A nice chance to visit with Hindu neighbors.
"Goddess Saraswathi is the Goddess of learning, who is divine knowledge personified. The sound of Her celestial Veena awakens the notes of the sublime utterances of the sacred monosyllable, "OM". She bestows the Knowledge of the supreme, mystic sound, clarity of thought and nobility of ideas as represented by Her pure dazzling white clothes, with the hands holding the veena and books seated on the white lotus. We worship Goddess Saraswathi to gain knowledge, dispassion, devotion and prosperity."

February 12, Second Tuesday, meeting of MICAH, the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. Meeting location varies, see https://www.micahmemphis.org/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MICAH901/ for locations and other committee meetings.

February 18 is "President's Day", sort of an attempt to amalgamate the old holidays of Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday. When I was a math professor, of course, Washington's Birthday was always an occasion for an interesting discussion of the Calendar. Lincoln was born on February 12. Washington's birthday was originally established as Feb 22, but he himself celebrated it on February 11. He was born on February 11, 1731 on the Julian Calendar, which was still observed in England and its colonies, although m,any parts of the world saw that day as February 22 because they observed the Gregorian Calendar - which is what most of the world uses today. Yes, this is actually of "interfaith" relevance: the old Julian calendar in use for centuries had drifted from the correct solar date, Pope Gregory issued a correction, but England did not recognize the authority of the Pope and kept to the old calendar for some years. (This is also why the old "Soviet Union" celebrated the "October Revolution" which took place in November.) For those who enjoy obscure questions: when is the next year divisible by 4 (the next US Presidential Election year) that is NOT a leap year? I'll spare you the more precise mathematics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar

February 19 (Third Tuesday), Pax Christi (The Roman Catholic Peace Group) meets at the Friends Meeting House, Walnut Grave at Prescott. All welcome, usually an excellent speaker and discussion. Pot luck supper at 6:30 (noi need to bring anything your first time coming), speaker at 7 PM.

February 21, 7 PM, Jewish Historical Society Film, Jewish Community Center, "Who will write our history?"

February 22, Friday, 7 PM. Acoustic Eidolon Concert at Balmoral Presbyterian Church. Free, donations accepted.

February 24, Sunday,Informational session on Alzheimer's. after church (around noon). Balmoral Presbyterian Church. , discussion leader is Laura Pate. Manager of Programs and Education for the Alzheimer's Association. (I don't often mention things directly associated with a regular church service on this page, but it occurs to me that other might want to know that such speakers are available.)

February 24, 3 PM Evensong at St John's Episcopal. Music will include Charles Stanford’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B-flat, Craig Phillips’ Responses, and anthems from the English Renaissance, as well as congregational hymns. All are invited -

February 24,. 4 PM. LeMoyne Owen College Choir at St Mary's Episcopal.

March 5, Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinner and Mardi Gras Concert, Saint John's Episcopal Church

March 5, "First Tuesday" Dinner of the Catholic Ministry to Gays and Lesbian Persons. Everyone welcome; there is no presumption that you are gay etc. but you'll meet some people who are. Potluck supper 6:30 (no need to bring anything your first time), speaker at 7. Usually they have excellent speakers.
Marian Hall, under the sanctuary at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 1695 Central, parking lot in the rear (around the block.)

March 7 - April 12, Tuesday through Fridays - Lenten Lecture Series at Calvary Episcopal (noon Tues-Friday, Wednesday evening.) Also lunch and Wednesday supper at the Waffle Shop.
http://calvarymemphis.org/learn/lenten-preaching-series/2019-lps-speakers/

March 12 Second Tuesday, meeting of MICAH, the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. Meeting location varies, see https://www.micahmemphis.org/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MICAH901/ for locations and other committee meetings.

March 17, Jewish Historical Society Speaker ( Jewish Community Center at 2 PM)
Steven Weisman, "The Chosen Wars: How Judaism Became an American Religion"

March 19 (Third Tuesday), Pax Christi (The Roman Catholic Peace Group) meets at the Friends Meeting House, Walnut Grave at Prescott. All welcome, usually an excellent speaker and discussion. Pot luck supper at 6:30 (noi need to bring anything your first time coming), speaker at 7 PM.

March 21, 7:30 PM, Purim Play at Temple Israel (usually The Book of Esther, done as musical comedy.)

March 21, 7:30 PM. University of the South Choir at St John's Episcopal Church

March 23, 7:30 PM, repeated March 24, 3 PM. Wolf River Singers 25th Anniversary Concert
at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 8151 Poplar Avenue, Germantown

March 24 4 PM Choral Evensong at St Mary's Episcopal

March 31, 6-8 PM retirement party for Episcopal Bishop Don Johnson,
Memphis Botanic Garden. RSVP to celebratebishopjohnson@gmail.com or (901) 849-9090

April 2 First Tuesday CMGLP

April 4, 6:30 PM "Taste of Israel", Memphis Botanic Garden. Fundraiser, limited ticket sales start Feb 25.

April 8-10 Conference of the Westberg Institute https://westberginstitute.org/, the "parish nursing" program of the Church Health Center. Program proposals invited.

April 9 Second Tuesday, meeting of MICAH, the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. Meeting location varies, see https://www.micahmemphis.org/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MICAH901/ for locations and other committee meetings.
April 10, Supper and speaker, St. John's Episcopal

April 14, 2 PM, Jewish Historical Society, at the Jewish Community Center.
Roots - Resistance - Renewal: Polish Jews 1975 to the Present. by Chuck Fishman, internationally known photographer

April 16 (Third Tuesday), Pax Christi (The Roman Catholic Peace Group) meets at the Friends Meeting House, Walnut Grave at Prescott. All welcome, usually an excellent speaker and discussion. Pot luck supper at 6:30 (noi need to bring anything your first time coming), speaker at 7 PM.

April 17-21, Africa in April. The official country honored this year is Nigeria, but I'm told there will also be events or participation about Togo and Benin. Draft flier is at 2019_Africa_in_April.jpg

April 19. 5:30 PM. Lindenwood Christian Church. Good Friday Service of the Cross. Wide participation from other rea clergy makes this a significant interfaith event.
This annual service offers seven meditations from noted area clergy who each provide reflections on one of the Seven Last Words of Christ. The Lindenwood Chancel Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Pianist Mark Ensley and Organist-Conductor Chris Nemec provide Lenten music by Mozart, Dubois, Faure, Rutter and others. Free, non-ticketed.

May 7 First Tuesday, CMGLP

May 14 Second Tuesday, meeting of MICAH, the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. Meeting location varies, see https://www.micahmemphis.org/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MICAH901/ for locations and other committee meetings.

May 21 (Third Tuesday), Pax Christi (The Roman Catholic Peace Group) meets at the Friends Meeting House, Walnut Grave at Prescott. All welcome, usually an excellent speaker and discussion. Pot luck supper at 6:30 (noi need to bring anything your first time coming), speaker at 7 PM.

June 1, 7:30 PM, Wolf River Singers, 25th Annual Pops Concert and Silent Auction
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 8151 Poplar Ave., Germantown

Jiune 9, 4 PM Beale Canto at St Mary's Episcopal

October 30- Nov 4. Indie Memphis Film Festival. Contact Indie Memphis Early if yoiu have a film to submit, or want low rates on early-bird ticket subscriptions

ONGOING EVENTS

(Some places below here have bad formatting-software bug, sorry. Zoom to 200% may help.
I'll get it fixed when I can.)

Current art exhibits at the Ross Gallery, Plough Library, Christian Brothers University, (Need to check...)

Friday 8 PM Lectures on the life of Muhammad, Memphis Islamic Center.

See the flier at http://memphisirg.org/2SLegalAid.pdf
Weekly:Courthouse Advice & Counsel Clinic    Every Thursday | 1:30 pm 140 Adams Ave, Room 134, Memphis, TN 38103
Mediator of the Day Every Thursday | 10:00 am   140 Adams Ave, Div. 4, Memphis, TN 38103
Monthly: 2SLAC (2nd Saturday Legal Aid Clinic) Every 2nd Saturday of the month | 10:00 – 12:00 pm
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library | 3030 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111
Veterans’ Pro Bono Clinic 2nd Tuesday of the month | 12:00 – 2:00 pm 1407 Union Ave, 11th Floor, Memphis, TN 38104

Last Tuesday of the Month: The Mystic: Discussion at Crosstown. Crosstown concourse, Church Health Center Community Room. A monthly gathering to find connection through music, story, and dialogue. All are welcome. Stop by. Bring a friend. Hosted by Rabbi Micah Greenstein, Dr. John Kilzer, Chris Miner, Dr. Scott Morris, and Kirk Whalum.

First Thursday, 5:30 PM. Potluck supper, "Faith Series", St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. Brief service in the Sister's Chapel, potluck supper, each table will discuss a faith question of the night. Monthly event, from Oct 2018

Last Thursday of the month:6-7 PM Monthly meeting of PERL   (People for the Enforcement of Rape Laws)
At MidSouth Peace and Justice, 3573 Southern Avenue. Organization website is
http://enforcerapelaws.org/
Which also has important info such as the phone number for the YWCA Domestic Violence Hotline
(Eunice Ordman was a long-time volunteer at the YWCA shelter for abused women.)

Sunday 8 AM: Calvary Episcopal Church Community Breakfast: Cook or serve breakfast between 6-8 a.m. any Sunday morning for 200 poor and homeless guests at Calvary’s Community Breakfast in the Mural Room. Contact Mary Nease: maryvnease@gmail.com

First Tuesday evening: Catholic Ministry to Gays and Lesbians, Pot Luck supper, all welcome. 6;30 PM. Speaker follows. Marian Hall, under the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. 1695 Central Ave.    Parking lot is at the rear, around the block.

Second Tuesday: Meeting of MICAH, the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. Location varies.
https://www.micahmemphis.org/

Third Tuesday:   Pax Christi, the Roman Catholic peace group, pot luck supper at 6:30 PM, meeting at 7. Friends Meeting House, Walnut Grove at Prescott.
http://www.paxchristimemphis.org

Third Wednesday: 5:30 PM - Words3, the writers group at Holy Communion Episcopal Church. (Walnut Grove between Poplar.) It is nice to call in advance if you are planning to read a five minute piece. All are welcome to come listen.   http://www.holycommunion.org/events

First and third Wednesdays, 6-7:30 PM. meetings at the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, 3573 Southern Ave. http://www.midsouthpeace.org/   "Memphis United", discussing criminal justice reform. But see the Mid-South Peace and Justice website for many more kinds of meetings.

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens - many events, at http://www.dixon.org/eventcalendar

Indian Cultural Center and Temple. It is worth checking their website as often I get rather short notice of events.
Food is served at noon on Saturdays, if you'd like a chance to visit with the people as well as see the building.
https://icctmemphis.org/icct/home/node

(daily)    St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral; The Memphis Yellow Fever Epidemics. As Episcopal nuns were actively involved in aiding the sick, the cathedral has in its social hall a museum-quality exhibit about the epidemic.

Every Monday, 5:30-7:30 PM. Church Health Center. Church Health offers free Health Education from 5:30-7:30 p.m. each Monday at 1115 Union. Health Education will teach you how to manage your hypertension, cholesterol, or obesity. It’s free and open to community. Registration is not required. Can’t make it on Monday? We also offer a special session from 9-11 a.m. the second Saturday of the month. Registration is required for the Saturday class. Please call 901-259-4673 to sign up. 

Every Tuesday, 10-11 AM, Short Story Group at St. Mary's Cathedral.

Every Wednesday, St Mary's Cathedral, 700 Poplar. A brief service at 8 AM, then a breakfast. A large turnout of homeless people, everyone is welcome, a chance to visit with people you might not otherwise meet. "a hearty breakfast as well as art classes, neighborhood prayer walk, If you've never gad a chance to mingle with the homeless community on an "equal footing", this is highly recommended.
blood pressure checks, literacy classes, computer lab & career training"...

Wednesday: How many Churches have regular Wednesday evening dinners and programs?
Calvary Episcopal downtown 5:15 - 6:15 PM, $6 adult, $3 child, $20 family max. Discussion groups follow.
Second Presbyterian (Poplar and Goodlett) also has a very nice dinner at 5:30; excellent programs / discussion groups follow.
Holy Communion Episcopal, Walnut Grove between Perkins, 5:30 $8.50 suggested donation

We get requests for information on 5K runs, group walks, and the like, in terms of exercise, whether or not they are faith or charity related. Those interested should look at the calendar page of Shelby Farms Park at http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/calendar   which has a remarkable number of events with a variety of goals and sponsorships. 5K's, bicycle events, stroller walks, nature walks, outdoor festivals, all too numerous to list here individually. If these events appeal, check their list at least monthly.

Fridays after the sunset prayer (Maghrib). Koran, Word for Word, exposition by Imam Anwar Arafat, at Masjid Ar-Rahman. Some of the Friday noon sermons at this mosque are available online at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXfMPAjkjTo8ghKT6hzDH_w    if you'd like to listen to a Muslim sermon.

Wednesday Nights - Memphis Islamic Center, Islamic History, "Lives of the Sahaba" lectures by Yasir Qadhi. (Check - these are sometimes cancelled as he may travel.) 8 PM. Streamed on line and available at Youtube. Sermons are also available online.
E.g. https://www.youtube.com/user/MemphisIslamicCenter
http://www.memphisislamiccenter.org/

The Hindu Temple (Indian Cultural Center and Temple, Eads.) has classes in Sanskrit and in Carnatic Music.

   Healthy Memphis - Common Table has a website on the subject of end-of-life planning at
http://www.planwishlive.org/
They can also provide speakers on this topic for houses of worship or other organizations.

Should I sometimes mention regular services or events that are not at the usual hour? E.g.
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral has a Communion and Breakfast every Wednesday at 8 AM. St Mary's will have a new cookbook for sale from Nov 8.
Temple Israel has a regular Bible discussion group with breakfast ("Torah Study", but colloquially "Bagels and Bible") with lox, bagels, and other goodies, at 8:45 Saturday mornings - most arrive by 8:30 to start eating before class. (Yes, Temple Israel also has Sunday School classes on Sunday.)
Masjid Ar-Rahman has a Koran study Friday evenings. (start at sunset) -
http://files.ctctcdn.com/98c2aa0a001/38a5a115-0354-454b-87b7-e6b6b116d73c.pdf
see also http://files.ctctcdn.com/98c2aa0a001/dcb49750-7b18-43c4-8958-88d32b5e15be.pdf

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

No, I don't list everything here from many of the organizations I hear from. Sometimes word gets to me too late, or the events are too numerous or too specialized. Do check the websites of churches or other houses of worship that appeal to you, and websites of such groups as
the Church Health Center http://www.churchhealthcenter.org/ ,
MIFA http://mifa.org/specialevents ,
Bridges http://bridgesusa.org/ ,
http://commontablehealth.org/upcoming-events.php
http://midsouthpeace.org/,
http://www.workersinterfaithnetwork.org/
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/lifestyles/faith-in-memphis/
The Baha'i calendar of local events is at http://midsouthbahai.wordpress.com/calendar/
--- what others?

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.

(Aug 2015 notice) Traditional Indian Dance Lessons at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple:
Kuchipudi Dance Classes by Indian Ballet Theatre
Every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Venue: ICCT Multi-Cultural Pavilion
Fee: A nominal donation of $ 40 per month
Dance Masters - Master Ramana and Chandra Prabha Vasili
Contact Master Ramana at (901) 387-9646 for additional details

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.

The Church Health Center

The Church Health Center Newsletter has too many events to list them all here. I've put excerpts from the newsletter of May 30, 2016 at http://memphisirg.org/CHCNewsletter.html
    A few examples:
*Farmer's Market Tuesdays through Oct 25/ 1115 Union Ave. Join us at 9 a.m. for a free healthy cooking class; the market then runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* Canoe and Kayak Race June 18

* The Church Health Center now offers free Diabetes Education, a 2-class series that will give you the skills to self-manage your condition. Classes are held each Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union. Registration is not required, and you may start at any point during the month. Can’t make it on Tuesday? Diabetes Education is presented in its entirety from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. Registration is required for the Saturday course. Please call 901-701-2221 to sign up.

* The Church Health Center offers free 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. Call 901-701-2222 to enroll.
   .

The Memphis Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Memphis are increasingly doing things jointly, as "Jewish Community Partners." They have a calendar of Jewish events, at http://www.memjfed.org/community-calendar

We are experimenting with putting some Quran excerpts, organized by Tanvir Kazmi, on-line. (more will arrive!) Is there interest in this?   The first very rough draft attempt is at http://memphisirg.org/quranexcerpts.html

Christ United Methodist Church (Poplar opposite Oak Court Mall) has its website (including events lists and on-line sermons)
at http://www.cumcmemphis.org/

Which farmers markets shall we mention here?
of course the one that runs all year: First Congregational Church.
"Year-round every Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Find us at the corner of Cooper St & Walker Ave. in the parking lot of First Congo
http://www.cycfarmersmarket.org "

On Fridays the Tri-State Defender puts out a nice "this weekend in Memphis" activities list. I think the actual web address changes weekly but you'll typically find the link somewhere on the page http://tsdmemphis.com/greater-metro

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.

The "OneCommunityCenter" (Yoga, meditation, holistic health) now has a Facebook page
at https://www.facebook.com/OneCommunityCenter

2nd Wednesday, 6-7:30 PM. Monthly general meeting of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, 3573 Southern Ave. http://www.midsouthpeace.org/

Facing History      maintains an events list at
   http://www2.facinghistory.org/campus/events.nsf/events?readform

The Prizm Ensemble This is a musical group (classical chamber music) headquartered at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, corner of Shady Grove and Yates, with its most important activity being a music camp and concert series (talented musicians ages 12 and up) in June each year. http://www.prizmensemble.com/

Bridges, the youth service agency ( http://www.bridgesusa.org/ ) has substantially enlarged its "Bridge Builders" program, with regular events for young people from 6th grade to 12th grade. This is an
excellent and very intercultural program and depends heavily on having a large variety of participants. It is often the first time that an inner-city young person encounters a Muslim or a Jew (or vice-versa.) We recommend it highly. On the other hand, I don't know how many readers of this page have kids in that age range or work with youth groups. I'd appreciate feedback on how often we should be reporting on "Bridge Builders" events. On this point, mail to admin@memphisirg.org or call 327-9735.

Have you ever visited the Memphis Sikh house of worship, 8221 Macon Rd, Cordova, TN 38018?
The web site with the schedule of services is at http://www.midsouthsikhsabha.org/

Alternate Tuesday evenings. (Started Sept 4) There is a program at the Memphis Islamic Center in the late evening (after the Isha prayer, which recently has been starting at 9:30 PM.) For roughly half an hour, Sheik Yasir Qadhi, Memphis's nationally known Muslim cleric, answers questions from Muslims on "Practical issues facing Muslims", questions which may run from technical questions about prayer and eating to questions about politics and civil rights. Non-Muslims who wonder how Muslims are adjusting to the United States, or want to learn more about the practical problems facing Muslims in American society, might want to go and listen.

Sundays 11 AM and Fridays 7PM - Buddhist Meditation and Dharma Talk - Link Here
      A friend who attends the Sunday morning program points out that following the meditation, chanting, and brief lecture, there is a free Vietnamese lunch at the Vietnamese Buddhist Temple next door.

Training programs at Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. I have a problem: they do too much for me to list, but it is scattered between their website http://midsouthpeace.org//,
their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/midsouthpeace, and e-mails. I'll continue to list an occasional activity here, but I urge people to go to their website and sign up for their e-mails.

Church Health Center Events:

Free cooking classes are offered in the demonstration kitchen at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue, every Thursday at 9 a.m.,10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (901) 259-4673, or visit ChurchHealthCenter.org.

The Church Health Center and MIFA will host a farmers market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays starting May 7 and running through September 24 at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. The Market accepts credit, debit, cash and EBT. For more information, call Suzanne Ray at (901) 259-4673, Ext. 2237 or visit ChurchHealthCenter.org.

The Church Health Center is now offering Wings Cancer Support Groups at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. For more information, call (901) 259-4673.

Award-winning musician Rev. John Kilzer will host 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 will be 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 stjohnsmidtown.org.

The Church Health Center is offering a free, six-week course on diabetes education, helping people to take control of their diabetes. Classes are Mondays at 11 a.m. or Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue. Those interested can start anytime. For more information, call (901) 259-4673. No reservation required.

The Church Health Center and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center are hosting the 2013 Women's Health Conference ("Our Bodies, Ourselves") from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, at the UT Alumni Center, 800 Madison Ave. Registration required; seating is limited. Register at churchhealthcenter.org/midsouth or call 901-701-2254.

Farmers Markets <seasonal, except for the one at First Congregational Church>
and Cooper-Young, "Year-round every Saturday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Find us at the corner of Cooper St & Walker Ave. in the parking lot of First Congo www.cycfarmersmarket.org "

Please let me know of things that should be included.
(admin@memphisirg.org)
--
We also welcome reports of events you attended.