Banquets set table for interfaith friendship

BY HEATHER HAHN AND CHRISTIE STORM

Sharing a meal and some conversation across religious lines — that’s the goal of two Arkansas banquets planned this week. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

Seated at MOSES’ TABLE

BY CHRISTIE STORM

What do Oreos, StarKist tuna and Dannon yogurt have in common? Along with thousands of other products lining grocery store shelves, they are certified kosher foods. A close look at the label will reveal the letter U surrounded by a circle. It’s the logo of the Orthodox Union, one of many kosher trademarks found on everything from cereal to soft drinks. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

Summit serves a lot in an hour

BY CHRISTIE STORM

Looking for inspiration and have an hour to spare? The Summit might be for you. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

Immigrants help to re-invigorate the Hare Krishna

BY JANET I. TU THE SEATTLE TIMES

SEATTLE — The giant pink wedding cake of a building stands in bold contrast to nearby houses painted polite Northwest shades of beige and taupe. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

Communities of faith

Parenting class set at Faith Lutheran BENTONVILLE — Faith Lutheran Church is reaching out to busy parents who want to forge a better relationship with their children by offering a four-week class. The group will meet 6-8 p.m. Thursdays beginning this week and continue through Sept. 25. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

Abstainers raise question:Is voting a rite or a right?

BY TIM MURPHY RELIGION NEWS SERVICE

Jason Ford, 29, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., will be spending Election Day at home this year. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

Churches’ gas giveaways fuel war

BY BLAKE NICHOLSON THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

VALLEY CITY, N.D. — Carol Umsted got more than the word of God during services this summer at Congregational United Church of Christ of Valley City. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

Pope’s ‘student circle’ meets to debate views

BY FRANCIS X. ROCCA RELIGION NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — When a group of Joseph Ratzinger’s former students congratulated him on the day after his 2005 inauguration as Pope Benedict XVI, the new pontiff greeted them with a piece of happy news. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW

Monday is the start of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. With the exception of children, the sick and the very old, devout Muslims abstain from food and drink. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Be good, keep your feet dry, your eyes open, your heart at peace and your soul in the joy of Christ.” — Thomas Merton (1915-1968 ), Trappist monk - Saturday, August 30, 2008

Calendar

— Christie Storm

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES “What Is Heaven Like?” will be the Rev. Thad Moore’s sermon topic during the 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services Sunday at Bella Vista Community Church, 75 E. Lancashire Blvd. A blended worship service is at 5:30 p.m. today. (479) 855-1126. - Saturday, August 30, 2008

ON RELIGION : Nonbelievers’ funerals pose conundrum for pastors

TERRY MATTINGLY

Anyone who has lived in a minister’s house knows that middle-of-the-night telephone calls often bring bad news. - Saturday, August 30, 2008