Religion Offerings: 10-26
10/26/2013Middle East peace talks
A historical moment in relations between Roman Catholics and Muslims is the topic of the fall colloquium of the theological studies department at Lourdes University, taking place today from 1 to 4 p.m. “In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan” presents a film followed by discussion led by Sister Kathleen Warren about a meeting for peace between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil during the Crusades. The colloquium will be at Lourdes's Franciscan Center, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania.
Hindu Enlightenment
At the University of Toledo, Interfaith Week ends with Diya, a celebration of Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights that is observed this year Nov. 3-7; Diwali's main festival is Nov. 5. The Indian Student Cultural Organization sponsors Diya at the Student Union auditorium starting at 6 p.m. today.
The Hindu Temple of Toledo, 4336 King Rd., Sylvania, will celebrate Diwali Nov 2 with a lights ritual from 5 to 7 p.m., dinner 7 to 9 p.m., and Bollywood entertainment from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission to the temple's Diwali day is $20 for members who buy tickets through Wednesday, then $30; $30 for other adults; and $10 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the temple, at Reddy Foods, 6725 Central Ave., Toledo, and online at www.hindutempleoftoledo.org/DiwaliTickets.php.
Dancing witches
The annual Witches Ball sponsored by the Northern Spirits Coven of Witches is at the Once in a Blue Moon store, 4348 Monroe St., today from 6 p.m. to midnight. The ball is a few days in advance of the actual day—Thursday, halloween—on which Wiccans and other pagans celebrate the Celtic new year, called Samhain. Before the ball, Tarot card readings, stone readings, and Reiki massages will be available starting at 4 p.m. Ritual attire is optional. Reick Werner, 61, known as Lord Chadow, is a leader of the coven and also operates Once in a Blue Moon. Admission to the ball costs $20 per couple or $12 a person.
Musical Methodists
Two opportunities to hear music in a United Methodist context are on the bill Sunday. Saxophonist, singer, and songwriter Dennis Gwizdala, a national recording artist and performer who is called the “Kenny G of gospel,” will lead worship services at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist church, 1255 Glenwood Ave., Napoleon. In Toledo from 4 to 5 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 4069 W. Sylvania Ave., the Hope praise band will perform and will feature songs from band member Dick Wolff, who has a new CD, Beautiful Day. Admission to both the Napoleon services and the Toledo concert are free, but those going to the concert at Hope United Methodist Church are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Trilby United Methodist Church Feed Your Neighbor food pantry.
Italian food for Haiti
On Nov. 2, 5 p.m., at Crosswood Church, 126 Chesterfield Lane, Maumee, a fund-raising Italian dinner with dessert is offered to support Haiti's Sandy Hook School, named for the people who lost their lives in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Calvin Sweeney is the speaker at the dinner, and videos, slides, and other materials will give information about the school in Haiti that serves 90 students.