Exploring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
A series of talks exploring the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict begins Sunday at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 3809 E. Third St., in the church’s Calvin Hall.
The talks feature several speakers, including Leonard Hammer, a professor visiting the University of Arizona from The Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School in Jerusalem. Hammer will discuss the connection between holy sites and the region’s rulers and religious parties this Sunday and Monday, March 2.
Maha Nassar, with the UA’s School of Middle Eastern and Northern African Studies, will speak on the narratives and perspectives that exist on each side of the conflict on Sundays Feb. 8, Feb. 15 and Feb. 22. Another talk is planned for Sunday, Feb. 1.
“We think that the church needs to be relevant to the issues of the day,” said Bill Dingeldein, coordinator of adult education at the church.
The community talks run from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and are free. Call 325-1001 for more information.
Class chews on ideas of food, community
Temple Emanu-El, 225 N. Country Club Road, will host the first of a four-part series on the Shmita, a sabbatical year, Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Temple Emanu-El’s Rabbi Richard Safran and the Rev. Greg Foraker of St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church will teach the class “Blessing our food — as individuals and as a community,” according to press materials. Registration is $10. Call 327-4501 for more information.
Talk focus is Muslim, Christian faiths
Christians and Muslims will come together Wednesday at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1300 N. Greasewood Road, to talk about the two faiths.
Panelists will speak on a variety of topics, including the role of women in each religion, interfaith efforts and beliefs.
“Our hope is that we are here for each other,” said Vicki Myers, director of social justice and concerns at the church. “Enough of the hate. Enough of the fears of others. Let’s learn about each other.”
The free forum begins at 6:30 p.m. in the church’s Guadalupe Hall.
Lecture series devoted to Christian living
Green Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1475 W. Via de Chapala in Sahuarita, has a plan: “God’s Blueprint for Dynamic Christian Living.”
The lecture series begins 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, with the session “We Have Been There” and will be followed at 1:30 p.m. by “How One is Born Again.”
Following meetings happen at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4; Thursday, Feb. 5 and Friday, Feb. 6; and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.
“It’s getting back in touch with God and your relationship,” said Carol Outtrim, one of the coordinators.
Monte Church, the leader of a Native American ministry in the Northwest, will lead each meeting. Children’s programs will be available throughout the free series. For more information, call 393-0194.
