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HomeCommentarySpokane's religion wrap-up: St. Pat, books, congrats and an eye-opener

Spokane’s religion wrap-up: St. Pat, books, congrats and an eye-opener

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Tomorrow is St. Patty's Day, which for many means green beer, green clothes and red hair. A parade begins tomorrow at noon downtown, and marchers will go right by Auntie's Bookstore, whose staff will be giving away free books.

Speaking of books, The Book Parlor suggests a few good reads, “How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels” and “The Jesus Discovery: The New Archeological Find That Reveals The Birth of Christianity” are two of the texts the store has on sale this week.

This doesn't really have to do with religion news, but I thought it was a good idea to let our lady readers know the Spokane Police Department is offering free self-defense classes for women in the community. Enhancing the Survival Mindset Level 1 will be held at the Spokane Police Academy from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 22. For info call (509) 742-8100.

OK, back to faith stuff. Congratulations to one of my FAV contributors the Rev. Martin Elfert, who will celebrate his Ordination to the Priesthood at 7 p.m. on March 23 atEpiscopal Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

And another kudos to Whitworth University for being recognized as one of the top schools in the U.S. for its commitment to community service. “More than 90 percent of the Whitworth student body engages in community service, with service-learning opportunities incorporated into every academic department,” the school reports.

In case you didn't already know, Catholic Charities of Spokane is celebrating its centennial year. Lots of festivities are planned throughout 2012, including a Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 26.

The Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church published an eye-opening piece this week on elder abuse. “But what you may not realize is elder abuse is one of the most under-reported crimes in our society. My theory is that elder abuse is so frequently un-reported because it reeks of scandal. No older adult wants to admit that he or she is being abused in some way because it makes him or her seem so powerless, ” The Rev. Paul Grave writes. In his article he suggests ways you can help put a stop to this.

Have something you think should be included in next week's wrap-up? Email it to [email protected]

Tracy Simmons
Tracy Simmons
Tracy Simmons is an award-winning journalist specializing in religion reporting and digital entrepreneurship. In her approximate 20 years on the religion beat, Simmons has tucked a notepad in her pocket and found some of her favorite stories aboard cargo ships in New Jersey, on a police chase in Albuquerque, in dusty Texas church bell towers, on the streets of New York and in tent cities in Haiti. Simmons has worked as a multimedia journalist for newspapers across New Mexico, Texas, Connecticut and Washington. She is the executive director of FāVS.News, a digital journalism start-up covering religion news and commentary in Spokane, Washington. She also writes for The Spokesman-Review and national publications. She is a Scholarly Assistant Professor of Journalism at Washington State University.

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