NOKOMIS

Celebration of Creation
St. James on the Parkway, 3225 East Minnehaha Parkway, will hold its annual Celebration of Creation at 10 a.m., Sun., Nov. 25. This special service of Holy Eucharist offers a way to observe the last Sunday in the Church's liturgical year with a feast of truly "cosmic" character. It features music, texts and prayers expressing joy in the goodness of God's gifts in creation and repentance for our human abuse and misuse of those gifts. All are welcome. The service will be followed by coffee and treats. St. James is an accessible facility. FFI call 612-724-3425 or check out www.stjames-episcopal.com.

Upward Call
Upward Call, the popular contemporary Christian band, will be guest musicians at the 11:15 a.m. Sunday service on Nov. 11 at Minnehaha United Methodist Church, 3701 E. 50th St.

Grieving During the Holidays
Grief is often intensified during the holiday season. All who have lost a loved one, recently or in years past, and also those who are grieving the losses of Sept. 11 are invited to "Grieving During the Holidays." Paul V. Johnson, grief and bereavement consultant, will be speaking and leading an evening of learning, encouragement and remembering from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Mon., Nov. 12 at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, 5011 31st Ave. S. This program is sponsored by the Minnehaha Nokomis Grief Support Coalition, an interdenominational group of neighborhood churches committed to grief education and support in our community. There is no cost. Refreshments are served. Call 612-724-3691 with questions.

Free Wednesday Suppers
Asbury United Methodist Church, 4501 Bloomington Ave. S., serves free community suppers on Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. right before evening activities at 6:30. The programs are as follows: Cedric Merritt, program director for juvenile intervention, Nov. 7; "Crush," a video that could alter your concept of "homelessness," Nov. 14; joint Thanksgiving service at Bethel Lutheran Church, Nov. 21; bingo, Nov. 28. FFI about the menus or programs call the church at 612-721-5025 .
Free Community Meal
Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1414 E. 48th St., invites its neighbors to share a meal and learn from each other, 6 - 8 p.m., Mon., Nov. 26. This month's topic will be how to keep our neighborhoods safe, with special guests from the Minneapolis Police Department SAFE unit. Childcare is provided. Call 612-823-7879.

Hatha Yoga Classes
A weekly Hatha Yoga class (in addition to the ongoing Tuesday evening class) will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m., beginning Sat., Nov. 10 and continuing until Dec. 22. There will be no class on Dec. 8. The cost is $10 per class. Beginners are welcome. FFI call Julie at 612-823-8205, x228.

Book Club
Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 5645 Chicago Ave. S., invites the public to a book club discussing "Mr. Ive's Christmas" by Oscar Hijuelos, Sat., Dec. 15, 10 a.m. The story is about a Christian Manhattan businessman who faces the loss of his son at Christmas. For more information call Jan at 823-0333.

MOPS Brunch (Mothers of PreSchoolers)
Mothers looking for encouragement, fun and friendship are invited to get together at MOPS meetings held at Crosstown Covenant Church, 5540 30th Ave. S.,9:15 - 11:30 a.m., the first and third Fridays of each month during the school year. Participants will take part in small group discussion, creative activities and instruction relating to womanhood, marriage, children and the home from a Biblical perspective. The cost per meeting is $3. Childcare is provided for children ages 5 and under. For more information, call the church office at 612-724-3601.

Mount Zion Youth
Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 5645 Chicago Ave. S., welcomes children grades 3 through 6 to Jesus Company on Wed. evenings at 6:30 and teens grades 7 through 12 to JAMZ (Jesus at Mount Zion) Wed. evenings at 7 p.m. Both offer discussion, games, topics and more. FFI call Terry at 612-824-1882.

Bazaar 2001
Minnehaha United Methodist Church, 3701 E. 50th St., will hold a Bazaar Sat., Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Christmas Cookie Festival
Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 5645 Chicago Ave. S., will sell Christmas cookies on Sat., Dec. 1, starting at 9 a.m. and continuing until the cookies run out.

RIVERSIDE

Programs at St. Albert's
A program on sexual harassment and a series called "The Wonder-Filled World of Human Sexuality" will take place at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, E. 29th St. and 33rd Ave. S., during November. Jamie Nabozny, who was at the center of a landmark 1996 lawsuit that highlighted the rampant harassment of gay and lesbian students in the schools, will speak from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 17, as part of the Speakers' Series of the Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities.
Author of "The Holy Web," teacher and preacher Fr. Cletus Wessels, O.P., will present a 3 part series on human sexuality which talks about all the stages of our sexual selves from the cradle to the grave. There is no charge. A free will offering will be accepted. The sessions are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Social Hall, Tuesdays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20.

Sunday Gatherings
After 9 a.m. Mass on Nov. 18, 25 and Dec. 2, Margaret McDowell of St. Albert's parish will present a three-part series entitled "Spirituality of the Beatitudes: Matthew's Challenge to First World Christians."

Senior Cards and Aerobics
St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, E. 29th St. and 33rd Ave. S., offers aerobics and conditioning for seniors ($2.50 per session) at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays in the Social Hall. Senior card parties (the game is usually 500) are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Tutoring and Activities for Youth
Ebenezer Fellowship Seventh Day Adventist Church, 3418 E. Lake St., offers tutoring by trained teachers every Wed. from 6 to 7 p.m. for students in elementary and middle schools. On Saturdays, the youth ministry offers a place for youth to participate and feel good about themselves. Call 612-722-1890 for more information.

Simple Living
Minnehaha United Church of Christ, 4001 38th Ave. S., hosts a simple-living group to celebrate and support one another in living more simply, frugally and in harmony with creation. Meetings are the first Wed. of the month at 7 p.m. Call the church at 612-729-7556 for more details.

People of Faith Peacemakers
People of Faith Peacemakers, a resource and support group for those concerned about peace with justice from a faith perspective, hold breakfast meetings at St Martin's Table, 2001 Riverside Ave., from 8 to 9:30 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
On Wed., Nov. 14, Jeff Carlson, Minnesota teacher who saw Columbia this summer from a campesino's point of view, will speak on "Coca, Conflict and the Environment" and how the drug war financed by the U.S. is destabilizing the region.
On Wed., Nov. 28, Benedicat Agusiobo, 2001-02 Humphrey Fellow, head of Early Child Care Development and Education at Nigerian Educational Research Council," and Rita Njau, project director for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Kenya, will speak on "In Search of Peace and Human Rights."
FFI visit the Web site at www.justview.org which features the current calendar, actions and viewpoints. Contacts are Eleanor Yackel, 763-784-5177, or Carol Masters carolm@justview.org.

PHILLIPS
POWDERHORN

Free Senior Lunch
The third Tuesday of each month senior citizens are invited to a luncheon at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Cedar Ave. and 41st St. The luncheons begin at 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall (lower level). Following the meal there will be a short program of music and/or topics of interest and help to seniors. The parish nurse is available for blood pressure checks and consultation. A donation is optional, but first time attenders are always guests. For more information or for a ride, call the church office at 612-72200157. The next luncheon is Nov. 20.

Division of Indian Work Tutors
The Division of Indian Work is looking for responsible and caring adults to tutor American Indian children ages 5 to 17. The volunteer commitment is 1.5 hours a week for 10 to 12 weeks during after school hours. Tutors help children with any homework they may have. For more information contact Andrea Keezer through DIW's Youth Leadership Development Program at 612-722-8722, x340.

Donate Vehicles to New Hope Center
New Hope Center, 2739 Cedar Ave. S., a successful ministry for people suffering from chemical addiction, is looking for used cars or trucks in order to help a recent graduate get a good job or to help New Hope residents get to medical and other appointments. A generous tax deduction may be gained by donating a used vehicle. Contact Will or Lyn at 612-721-9415.

Baha'i Devotional Gatherings
A Devotional Gathering will be held at the Baha'i Center of Minneapolis, 3644 Chicago Ave. S., from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thu., Nov. 15. This meeting offers periods of reflection filled with music, meditation, prayer and writings from all the major religions. They will refresh the spirit and heal wounded psyches in these troubled times.
Friday night meetings continue at 8 p.m. with "The Baha'i World Center," Nov. 9; "Human Rights and the Baha'i Community," Nov. 16; and "A Baha'I Perspective on Marriage and Family," Nov. 30. A Race Unity Workshop will be held on Sun., Nov. 11. Call 612-823-2494 for more details about these and other November events.

Christ Chapel Brass Concert
Mount Olive Music and Fine Arts of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 3045 Chicago Ave. S., presents a concert by the Christ Chapel Brass of Gustavus Adolphus College at 7:30 p.m., Sun., Nov. 11. This outstanding brass ensemble performs each Friday in the chapel service at Gustavus Adolphus under the direction of D. Scott Moore, who is a faculty memeber at Gustavus and a guest performer with the Minnesota Orchestra. In this special evening concert, they will be joined by Mount Olive's new cantor, Dr. David Cherwien. The program will include works for brass choir, brass and organ, and organ solo. The concert will be followed by one of Mount Olive's renowned receptions in the chapel lounge. A free will offering will be taken to support the ongoing Music and Fine Arts Program.

Thanksgiving Service
The annual Neighbor to Neighbor Thanksgiving Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve, Wed., Nov. 21, at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4120 17th Ave. S. Pie and coffee will be served afterwards.

Holiday Bazaar
Coffee, homemade pie and rolls, roast beef dinner, baked goods and unique crafts will all be on sale at Bethel Lutheran's Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sat., Nov. 17. Proceeds will be used for updating or replacing items in the church kitchen which is used regularly by groups such as Bancroft Neighborhood Association, Little Brothers (friends of the elderly), AA and scouts and will also help support Helping Hands, a drop in program at the church for people in need. The church is located at 4120 17th Ave. S. FFI call 612-724-3693.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair
Walker Community United Methodist Church, 31st St. and 16th Ave. S., will hold a Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair Sat., Dec. 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 2, noon - 4 p.m. Local artists and vendors with goods from around the world will sell their wares. Homemade organic lunch will be available.




METRO AREA

Downtown Noon Forums
The Westminster Town Hall Forum at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 12th St. and Nicollet Mall, invites eminent international and national presenters to the Twin Cities to address an open audience on issues critical to our day. Topics selected fall under the umbrella heading, "Voices of Conscience: Key Issues in Ethical Perspectives." Past speakers include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, Maya Angelou, Isabel Allende, Charles Kuralt and Isaac Singer.
On Thu., Nov. 15, Tom Diaz, senior policy analyst at the Violence Policy Center in Washington, D.C., will speak on "Making a Killing: The Gun Industry and Violence in America." The meeting is at noon. Call 612-332-3421 for directions to the church or for more information.

Icon Festival
The Basilica of St. Mary, in a cooperative venture with the Orthodox community, will celebrate the seventh annual Basilica Icon Festival in November. Icons have an important place in the setting of the Orthodox liturgy, in private daily prayer rituals, and in the art world.
Icons will be displayed in the Basilica's main sanctuary as well as in the Pope John XXIII gallery and in the Saint Joseph Chapel located in the undercroft through November.
The Icon Festival concert features The Rose Ensemble, artists in residence at the Basilica. They will perform their Renaissance Requiem concert at 8 p.m., Fri., Nov. 16. For tickets, contact the Rose Ensemble at 651-225-4340 or www.RoseEnsemble.org.

Jewish Mind and Body Series
"Tell a Tale and Dance," the third program of the St. Paul JCC's new Jewish mind and body series, takes place from 2 to 4 p.m., Sun., Nov. 11, at the JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave. For adults and children of all ages, this special event provides a chance to hear new stories and learn new dances. The cost is $1 per person. Call 651-698-0751 for reservations.

West Side Story
"West Side Story," the Broadway classic, will be presented by the JCC's Senior High Theatre Thu. - Sun., Nov. 29 - Dec. 2. Eighty-five teens will take on the roles of rivals and friends in this musical by Leonard Bernstein. Admission is $5, adults, and $4 for a senior adult or child. FFI call 651-6998-0751.
Humanistic Jews of Minnesota
Congregation Or Emet is a member-led congregation of secular Jews and interfaith families which meets two Fridays a month at the Minneapolis Jewish Community Center, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, and one Sunday morning a month at Hillel House, 1521 University Ave. SE. It offers classes in Jewish history, culture and social justice issues. The congregation is affiliated with the National Society for Humanistic Judaism. On Fri, Nov. 9, 7:15 p.m., Lawrence Sutin, professor of English at Hamline University and commentator for Minnesota Public Radio, will read from and discuss his books "Jack and Rochell: A Holocaust Story of Love and Resistance," and "A Postcard Memoir." (Minneapolis JCC) On Sun., Dec. 2, 10 a.m., the program will be "A Stress Free Holiday." (Hillel House) FFI call Jane at 763-546-4225 or Evelyn at 952-377-3736.

Jewish Single Parents Support Group
The Twin Cities Jewish Single Parents Support Group will meet from 7 - 8:30 p.m., Mon., Nov. 19, at the Minneapolis JCC, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park. The leader is Jill Barenbaum, M.A. in counseling psychology and family life educator at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis. The cost is $5 per session. FFI and to register call Jill Barenbaum at 952-542-4826. Childcare is available with advance registration only by calling 952-277-8330.

JCC activities
For information about the Jewish Book Fair, a class on "Issues in Contemporary Genocide," a new parents and babies group, a program on childhood stress and depression, a facilitated support group for people dealing with depression, a senior driver class and computer classes call 651-698-0751.

Peace Vigils
Every Wednesday morning, from 7 to 8 a.m., a peace vigil is held at Alliant Tech. Every Wednesday, a nonviolent silent witness for peace meets at the St. Paul side of the Lake Street & Marshall Avenue Bridge in St. Paul from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. FFI call Friends for a Non-violent World at 651-917-0383.

Women-in-Black
A peace vigil, part of a larger movement throughout the United States, Europe and elsewhere, calling for the end of Israel's occupation of Palestinian land, is held every Friday at Summit & Snelling Avenues in St. Paul from 5 to 6 p.m.
Closing the School of the Americas
The School of the Americas, the U.S. Army academy now officially renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, continues to send out its graduates to Latin America where they continue to brutalize those who demand justice. A peaceful vigil will be held Nov. 16 - 18 at Fort Benning near Columbus, Georgia, in another attempt to close the school. The Veterans for Peace bus will leave early Friday and return late Monday. The cost is $190 plus hotel. For dates and places of nonviolence training, visit www.circlevision.org/mnsoaw.html. For news on legislation, SOA graduates, prisoners of conscience, hotel listings, visit www.soaw.org. Or call Veterans for Peace at 651-774-4008.