Starting with conch blowing, California Hinduism Summit, first such gathering in the western USA, will also confer on topics like Hinduism preservation and unity, science behind Hinduism, Hindu living and concepts and spirituality, maintaining Hindu identity, clearing misconceptions, etc. Exhibition of Hindu living and spiritual practices will also be organized on the occasion and the Summit will end with question-answer session.
Noted religious statesman Rajan Zed will be honored with "Vishwa Nagrik Adhikar Hindu Shiromani Puraskar" (Global Civil Rights Hindu Jewel Award) on the occasion. According to Forum for Hindu Awakening, one of the Summit coordinators, Zed has been chosen for this special honor "for consistently, bravely and selflessly taking-up human/civil rights and religious freedom/equality issues worldwide in the spirit of Hinduism". Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism and Senior Fellow of Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy, has undertaken Hindu, interfaith, religion, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world.
The Summit has received blessings of various prominent Hindu saints of India. It will also honor Dr. Mihir Meghani and Easan Katir with Vishwa Hindu Ratna awards on the occasion.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Hindu India Students Study Buddhism
Ever wondered why these neta types get interested in the philosophical teachings of Buddha? Talking to a few students, it emerged that getting into the Buddhist Studies course is easier, even though there is an entrance examination.
Professor KTS Sarao, head, Department of Buddhist Studies, DU, says, “Unfortunately, a large number of shady characters wanting to fight elections try to get admitted in this department. Entrance exams were introduced just to avoid this. Most of them hardly come for the classes and frankly, they don't care. Some take admissions for getting the ticket and if their ticket gets cancelled, they either withdraw their admission or just don’t bother to appear for exams.”
MA in Buddhist Studies is a 2-year programme. It is an interdisciplinary course of Chinese, Tibetan, Sanskrit, Pali, Philosophy and History. Candidates however, claim that interest in Buddhism made them chose the course.
Current DUSU president Manoj Choudhary, who was also a student of MA in Buddhist Studies, says, “I find the course interesting. I was interested in studying in Delhi University. I decided to opt for something new and the history of Buddhism was very fascinating.” Interestingly, Choudhary did not appear for his exams.
“I did not appear for my exams since I finished my MBA course, which I had applied for two years back. Being an MBA is enough.”
Akshay Kumar, NSUI candidate for the post of joint secretary, says, “I had a first division and I could have joined MA Political Science. But I wanted to study Buddhism.”
Priya Dabbas, a candidate for the post of vice president from ABVP, is a first-year student of MA in Buddhist Studies. She says, “I graduated with Philosophy Hons and I was interested in the course. This is one course, in which you can study as well as concentrate on your work as a DUSU representative.”
Professor KTS Sarao, head, Department of Buddhist Studies, DU, says, “Unfortunately, a large number of shady characters wanting to fight elections try to get admitted in this department. Entrance exams were introduced just to avoid this. Most of them hardly come for the classes and frankly, they don't care. Some take admissions for getting the ticket and if their ticket gets cancelled, they either withdraw their admission or just don’t bother to appear for exams.”
MA in Buddhist Studies is a 2-year programme. It is an interdisciplinary course of Chinese, Tibetan, Sanskrit, Pali, Philosophy and History. Candidates however, claim that interest in Buddhism made them chose the course.
Current DUSU president Manoj Choudhary, who was also a student of MA in Buddhist Studies, says, “I find the course interesting. I was interested in studying in Delhi University. I decided to opt for something new and the history of Buddhism was very fascinating.” Interestingly, Choudhary did not appear for his exams.
“I did not appear for my exams since I finished my MBA course, which I had applied for two years back. Being an MBA is enough.”
Akshay Kumar, NSUI candidate for the post of joint secretary, says, “I had a first division and I could have joined MA Political Science. But I wanted to study Buddhism.”
Priya Dabbas, a candidate for the post of vice president from ABVP, is a first-year student of MA in Buddhist Studies. She says, “I graduated with Philosophy Hons and I was interested in the course. This is one course, in which you can study as well as concentrate on your work as a DUSU representative.”
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Dalai Lama Talks in Florida October 25 and 26, 2010
Just six months after several sold-out appearances at Broward County universities, the Dalai Lama -- the Tibetan leader-in-exile and one of the most revered spiritual figures in the world -- has announced his return for a two-day speaking tour in South Florida Oct. 25 and 26.
On Oct. 25, the Dalai Lama will attend a private fundraising event for the Religious Studies department of Florida International University, to which he donated $100,000 last year when the department was in danger of closing because of budget cuts. The next morning, he will speak at Temple Emanu-El on Miami Beach.
That afternoon, he will take the stage at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami to talk on ``The Quest for Happiness in Challenging Times.''
Temple Emanu-El, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University and UM are sponsoring the public speech at the synagogue, which can hold 1,400 people.
Ticket distribution has not been announced. The UM event will be only for students, staff and faculty.
``He believes the study of religions is very important for the whole world,'' said FIU religious studies professor Nathan Katz, who has helped organize the Dalai Lama's visit and fundraiser.
The Dalai Lama was scheduled to speak in Miami in late May, but the plans were canceled because of a scheduling conflict, Katz said, adding that ``barring ill-health or hurricane, this one is firm.''
The spiritual leader of millions of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama is also revered by practitioners of strains of Buddhism worldwide. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism believe he is a reincarnation of a long line of spiritual leaders.
``We are honored once again to host His Holiness the Dalai Lama on our campus.
``His Holiness teaches us all an important lesson in hope, compassion, and humility,'' UM President Donna E. Shalala said in a statement.
The Dalai Lama last spoke to a sold-out crowd at the university in 2004 as part of a five-day visit that also included stops at Nova Southeastern, FIU, and the BankAtlantic Center.
More recently, he spoke at NSU, Florida Atlantic University and Broward College in late February.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/27/1794297/dalai-lama-to-return-in-2-day.html#ixzz0xsE3ZL26
On Oct. 25, the Dalai Lama will attend a private fundraising event for the Religious Studies department of Florida International University, to which he donated $100,000 last year when the department was in danger of closing because of budget cuts. The next morning, he will speak at Temple Emanu-El on Miami Beach.
That afternoon, he will take the stage at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami to talk on ``The Quest for Happiness in Challenging Times.''
Temple Emanu-El, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University and UM are sponsoring the public speech at the synagogue, which can hold 1,400 people.
Ticket distribution has not been announced. The UM event will be only for students, staff and faculty.
``He believes the study of religions is very important for the whole world,'' said FIU religious studies professor Nathan Katz, who has helped organize the Dalai Lama's visit and fundraiser.
The Dalai Lama was scheduled to speak in Miami in late May, but the plans were canceled because of a scheduling conflict, Katz said, adding that ``barring ill-health or hurricane, this one is firm.''
The spiritual leader of millions of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama is also revered by practitioners of strains of Buddhism worldwide. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism believe he is a reincarnation of a long line of spiritual leaders.
``We are honored once again to host His Holiness the Dalai Lama on our campus.
``His Holiness teaches us all an important lesson in hope, compassion, and humility,'' UM President Donna E. Shalala said in a statement.
The Dalai Lama last spoke to a sold-out crowd at the university in 2004 as part of a five-day visit that also included stops at Nova Southeastern, FIU, and the BankAtlantic Center.
More recently, he spoke at NSU, Florida Atlantic University and Broward College in late February.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/27/1794297/dalai-lama-to-return-in-2-day.html#ixzz0xsE3ZL26
Friday, August 27, 2010
Rock Church Volunteers Helping Fire Fighters in California
Aug 25, 2010 – In an effort to serve local fire departments, over 600 Rock Church volunteers will paint, weed, pick up trash, and help landscape fourteen stations. Fire stations were identified by matching Rock Church attendees with their local fire stations.
Fire Chief Javier Mainar said, “We are extremely grateful to the volunteers from the Rock Church. The projects they are taking on would not have been possible any other way because of the financial challenges of the department and the city. The conditions under which the men and women of the Fire-Rescue Department live and work will be considerably improved because of their generous efforts.”
This event is part of the Do Something World service campaign. McPherson founded the "Do Something World" campaign to bring people together and take action to directly transform the lives of the people and City of San Diego, and the world.
Last year, the Rock Church donated 615,956 hours of community service to the City of San Diego (valued at $9.6 million*) with 166,251 of these hours given directly to Mayor Jerry Sanders for projects specifically identified by him, saving the city $2.6 million. This year’s goal is 700,000 hours, with 200,000 hours going directly to the Mayor’s projects. Pastor Miles McPherson, a former San Diego Charger, founder of the Rock Church, and author of DO Something: Make Your Life Count, recognizes the effects of the economic crisis on San Diego fire stations and the role individuals can play in helping alleviate the financial burden on our local fire and lifeguard stations.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
* Potential live shots Friday PM and Saturday AM.
* Visuals of people painting, cleaning, and volunteering at local fire stations.
Complete List of Locations:
1. FS 24 - 13077 Hartfield Ave, 92130
2. FS08 - 3974 Goldfinch St, 92103
3. FS09 - 7870 Ardath Lane 92037 (no Friday night)
4. FS19 - 3434 Ocean View Blvd 92113
5. FS22 - 1055 Catalina Blvd 92107
6. FS26 - 2850 54th St. 92105
7. FS36 - 5855 Chateau Dr. 92117
8. FS42 - 12119 World Trade Dr. 92128
9. FS44 - 10011 Black Mtn Rd. 92126 (no Friday night)
10. FS14 - 4011 32nd St. 92104
11. FS23 - 2190 Comstock St. 92111 (no Friday night)
Fire Chief Javier Mainar said, “We are extremely grateful to the volunteers from the Rock Church. The projects they are taking on would not have been possible any other way because of the financial challenges of the department and the city. The conditions under which the men and women of the Fire-Rescue Department live and work will be considerably improved because of their generous efforts.”
This event is part of the Do Something World service campaign. McPherson founded the "Do Something World" campaign to bring people together and take action to directly transform the lives of the people and City of San Diego, and the world.
Last year, the Rock Church donated 615,956 hours of community service to the City of San Diego (valued at $9.6 million*) with 166,251 of these hours given directly to Mayor Jerry Sanders for projects specifically identified by him, saving the city $2.6 million. This year’s goal is 700,000 hours, with 200,000 hours going directly to the Mayor’s projects. Pastor Miles McPherson, a former San Diego Charger, founder of the Rock Church, and author of DO Something: Make Your Life Count, recognizes the effects of the economic crisis on San Diego fire stations and the role individuals can play in helping alleviate the financial burden on our local fire and lifeguard stations.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
* Potential live shots Friday PM and Saturday AM.
* Visuals of people painting, cleaning, and volunteering at local fire stations.
Complete List of Locations:
1. FS 24 - 13077 Hartfield Ave, 92130
2. FS08 - 3974 Goldfinch St, 92103
3. FS09 - 7870 Ardath Lane 92037 (no Friday night)
4. FS19 - 3434 Ocean View Blvd 92113
5. FS22 - 1055 Catalina Blvd 92107
6. FS26 - 2850 54th St. 92105
7. FS36 - 5855 Chateau Dr. 92117
8. FS42 - 12119 World Trade Dr. 92128
9. FS44 - 10011 Black Mtn Rd. 92126 (no Friday night)
10. FS14 - 4011 32nd St. 92104
11. FS23 - 2190 Comstock St. 92111 (no Friday night)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tibetan School Says Prayers in New Prayer Hall
Bylakuppe: After inaugurating two newly built prayer halls of the Tibetan Secondary School at Sera Jey Monastery, Kalon Tripa Prof Samdong Rinpoche said "the school must include courses on Buddhist treatises in its curriculum".
“In addition to courses on social studies and science, there must be facilities for the students to study key texts of Buddhist studies,” Kalon Tripa told a gathering of over 700 consisting mainly of monastic officials, faculty members and students.
“In Tibet, children in your same age group do not get the opportunity for proper education. Even if some of the children do have access to education, they are taught only modern subjects through Chinese language as the medium of instruction and denied any opportunity to study Buddhist philosophy,” Kalon Tripa told students at the function. “Therefore, the students studying here should not squander their opportunity. Moreover, the study Buddhist philosophy through listening, thinking and meditating could not be put into practice without a thorough learning of its practical and theoretical aspects,” he added.
“In addition to courses on social studies and science, there must be facilities for the students to study key texts of Buddhist studies,” Kalon Tripa told a gathering of over 700 consisting mainly of monastic officials, faculty members and students.
“In Tibet, children in your same age group do not get the opportunity for proper education. Even if some of the children do have access to education, they are taught only modern subjects through Chinese language as the medium of instruction and denied any opportunity to study Buddhist philosophy,” Kalon Tripa told students at the function. “Therefore, the students studying here should not squander their opportunity. Moreover, the study Buddhist philosophy through listening, thinking and meditating could not be put into practice without a thorough learning of its practical and theoretical aspects,” he added.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
China Religious Institutions Growing
Three decades ago, China's Cultural Revolution saw some of the most dramatic restrictions on the practice of religion ever seen in the modern world.
But today's communist rulers have radically altered their views about religion and have granted substantial freedom to Christians prepared to worship within state-sanctioned churches.
Within these boundaries, Christianity is growing in China as never before - and doing so supported by millions of dollars of government funding.
The BBC has been given unprecedented access to China's state-sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches, to examine why the government seems so keen to invest in religion.
State funding
On the outskirts of Nanjing, a building site illustrates the scale of the communist state's commitment to supporting the development of Christianity.
Local officials say that the building under construction will become China's largest state-sanctioned church - with space for 5,000 worshippers.
The land - and 20% of the building costs - are being provided not by local Christians, but by the municipal government.
It represents state financial support worth millions of dollars - just one example of the strategy to encourage the development of religion in China.The Communist Party's senior official with responsibility for this policy is the director general of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, Wang Zuo An.
In a rare interview, he told me that there are now at least 20m Protestant Christians in China worshipping in the state-sanctioned church.
"Such growth is unprecedented in the history of Christianity in China. Christianity is enjoying its best period of growth in China," he said.
And he explained why the Chinese state is investing in religious faith - support which has included funding the construction of national Protestant and Catholic seminaries educating hundreds of future Christian leaders each year.
"Our goal in supporting these religions in developing religious education is that we hope they can train qualified clergy members so that their religions can enjoy better development."
But there is no small irony in the party's new-found enthusiasm for supporting the development of religion in China, given Communism's commitment to atheism.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
I think this nation will change, and I think God is doing great things in China”
Jesse
Chinese student
"On the question of whether there is God, the Chinese Communist Party believes there is no God in the world," said Mr Wang.
"The Communist Party believes that it should respect and protect religious belief. The members of the party must respect religious followers and not infringe their interests."
He insists that there is no contradiction between the Communist Party insisting that its own members are non-religious, and the communist government's commitment to investing in religious development.
"We are making laws and regulations to better guarantee religious belief in China," he says.
But today's communist rulers have radically altered their views about religion and have granted substantial freedom to Christians prepared to worship within state-sanctioned churches.
Within these boundaries, Christianity is growing in China as never before - and doing so supported by millions of dollars of government funding.
The BBC has been given unprecedented access to China's state-sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches, to examine why the government seems so keen to invest in religion.
State funding
On the outskirts of Nanjing, a building site illustrates the scale of the communist state's commitment to supporting the development of Christianity.
Local officials say that the building under construction will become China's largest state-sanctioned church - with space for 5,000 worshippers.
The land - and 20% of the building costs - are being provided not by local Christians, but by the municipal government.
It represents state financial support worth millions of dollars - just one example of the strategy to encourage the development of religion in China.The Communist Party's senior official with responsibility for this policy is the director general of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, Wang Zuo An.
In a rare interview, he told me that there are now at least 20m Protestant Christians in China worshipping in the state-sanctioned church.
"Such growth is unprecedented in the history of Christianity in China. Christianity is enjoying its best period of growth in China," he said.
And he explained why the Chinese state is investing in religious faith - support which has included funding the construction of national Protestant and Catholic seminaries educating hundreds of future Christian leaders each year.
"Our goal in supporting these religions in developing religious education is that we hope they can train qualified clergy members so that their religions can enjoy better development."
But there is no small irony in the party's new-found enthusiasm for supporting the development of religion in China, given Communism's commitment to atheism.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
I think this nation will change, and I think God is doing great things in China”
Jesse
Chinese student
"On the question of whether there is God, the Chinese Communist Party believes there is no God in the world," said Mr Wang.
"The Communist Party believes that it should respect and protect religious belief. The members of the party must respect religious followers and not infringe their interests."
He insists that there is no contradiction between the Communist Party insisting that its own members are non-religious, and the communist government's commitment to investing in religious development.
"We are making laws and regulations to better guarantee religious belief in China," he says.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Disney Sued by Muslim Employee over Head Scarf
NEW YORK: A Muslim employee is suing Disney for not allowing her to wear a hijab while serving customers at a restaurant in company's California theme park.
Moroccan born 26-year-old Imane Boudlal, who was working as a hostess at Storyteller's Café in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, said that she wore the hijab for Ramadan, and her employers told her that she would have to work in the back of the restaurant and not serve customers, The Sun reported.
Her supervisors allegedly told her it was not the "Disney look".
The complaint has been filed with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Disney, however, asserts that it did not discriminate against Boudlal and had offered to make a hijab to their design, The Sun said.
But Bouldal insists that she was wearing her own headscarf because Disney did not give her one.
Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the hijab would be a departure from the costume policy for Boudlal's role as hostess at the restaurant.
"It has to do with the costume, every role at Disneyland Resort has a specific costume," she said.
Bouldal's lawyers said she only realised she could wear a hijab while taking her US citizenship exam.
Read more: Worker sues Disneyland over ban on headscarf - US - World - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Muslim-employee-sues-Disneyland-over-headscarf-ban-/articleshow/6345330.cms#ixzz0xTooQjxm
Moroccan born 26-year-old Imane Boudlal, who was working as a hostess at Storyteller's Café in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, said that she wore the hijab for Ramadan, and her employers told her that she would have to work in the back of the restaurant and not serve customers, The Sun reported.
Her supervisors allegedly told her it was not the "Disney look".
The complaint has been filed with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Disney, however, asserts that it did not discriminate against Boudlal and had offered to make a hijab to their design, The Sun said.
But Bouldal insists that she was wearing her own headscarf because Disney did not give her one.
Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the hijab would be a departure from the costume policy for Boudlal's role as hostess at the restaurant.
"It has to do with the costume, every role at Disneyland Resort has a specific costume," she said.
Bouldal's lawyers said she only realised she could wear a hijab while taking her US citizenship exam.
Read more: Worker sues Disneyland over ban on headscarf - US - World - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Muslim-employee-sues-Disneyland-over-headscarf-ban-/articleshow/6345330.cms#ixzz0xTooQjxm
Monday, August 23, 2010
Emotion Trumps Logic in Religious Protests
NEW YORK—Throngs of people gathered outside the proposed mosque site located near ground zero on Sunday, with both supporters and people opposed to the construction of the mosque showing up in equal measure.
One banner, which was held by a protester in front of the proposed site, read, “Don't let Islam mark a victory with a mosque.”
Another sign read, “A mosque at ground zero spits on the graves of 9/11 victims.”
Protests were mostly peaceful as crowds endured rain in Lower Manhattan. Some who opposed building the mosque at Park 51 carried signs that said “Sharia,” in reference to Islam's Shariah Law, covered in blood.
Supporters of the project, on the other hand, said that blocking the mosque's construction at the proposed site would be a step back for preserving the American They held signs that said, “Support religious freedom,” “Down with religious bigotry,” “Groundless hatred is the real enemy,” and “Repudiate Islamophobia!”
Cordoba Institute wants to construct a $100-million, 13-story project that would include a community center, a swimming pool, and an art display in addition to hosting a place of worship.
Political figures such as President Barack Obama, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have spoken on the issue.
Demonstrators attend a rally with the Coalition to Honor Ground Zero August 22, 2010 in New York. (Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)
Gingrich and Palin have expressed their opposition to the mosque, while Mayor Michael Bloomberg has expressed support for the project. President Obama addressed the issue last week, stating that there is a need for freedom of religion.
Cordoba expressed that they are not going to back down from the opposition. The institute has stated that they are building the mosque to foster peace and better understanding between the Islamic world and the West.
Daisy Khan and her husband Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf are leading the project. On ABC News' “This Week,” Khan said she fears that more Americans are coming into opposition toward Islam, riding on a wave of negative sentiment against the construction of the mosque.
“That's what we feel right now. It's not even Islamophobia. It's beyond Islamophobia. It's hate of Muslims,” Khan said.
One banner, which was held by a protester in front of the proposed site, read, “Don't let Islam mark a victory with a mosque.”
Another sign read, “A mosque at ground zero spits on the graves of 9/11 victims.”
Protests were mostly peaceful as crowds endured rain in Lower Manhattan. Some who opposed building the mosque at Park 51 carried signs that said “Sharia,” in reference to Islam's Shariah Law, covered in blood.
Supporters of the project, on the other hand, said that blocking the mosque's construction at the proposed site would be a step back for preserving the American They held signs that said, “Support religious freedom,” “Down with religious bigotry,” “Groundless hatred is the real enemy,” and “Repudiate Islamophobia!”
Cordoba Institute wants to construct a $100-million, 13-story project that would include a community center, a swimming pool, and an art display in addition to hosting a place of worship.
Political figures such as President Barack Obama, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have spoken on the issue.
Demonstrators attend a rally with the Coalition to Honor Ground Zero August 22, 2010 in New York. (Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)
Gingrich and Palin have expressed their opposition to the mosque, while Mayor Michael Bloomberg has expressed support for the project. President Obama addressed the issue last week, stating that there is a need for freedom of religion.
Cordoba expressed that they are not going to back down from the opposition. The institute has stated that they are building the mosque to foster peace and better understanding between the Islamic world and the West.
Daisy Khan and her husband Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf are leading the project. On ABC News' “This Week,” Khan said she fears that more Americans are coming into opposition toward Islam, riding on a wave of negative sentiment against the construction of the mosque.
“That's what we feel right now. It's not even Islamophobia. It's beyond Islamophobia. It's hate of Muslims,” Khan said.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
China Scolding Dalia Lama and Indian PM
Dharamsala, August 21 – China has objected to a recent meeting between the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, reported Times of India. China has conveyed its opposition to the meeting through diplomatic channels.
However, the New Delhi based representative of the Tibetan leader told IANS that there was nothing unusual about the meeting between the two leaders on August 11 saying it was a courtesy call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to thank him for the hospitality shown in the last five decades. "He has been living in India for the past 50 years. There was nothing special about the meeting. He thanked the prime minister for good care India has taken of him during this period," Kalon Tempa Tsering, was quoted as saying.
This was the first meeting between the two since the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) returned to power over a year ago.
"He met Vice-President Hamid Ansari a year ago. Foreign secretaries have visited Dharamsala to meet Dalai Lama," he said.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao called on the Dalai Lama at his residence here last month.
Tsering said there was nothing unusual in China's criticism. "The moment he opens his mouth, they start criticising him," he said.
China last year objected to the Tibetan leader’s visit to the Indian border state of Arunachal Pradesh which China claims as its territory and refers to as “Southern Tibet”. The Indian Prime Minister defended his government’s position to allow the Tibetan leader’s visit saying he was India’s guest, and that he had the right to visit anywhere in India.
China regularly warns world leaders against meeting the Tibetan leader whom it reviles as a “separatist”. From Dharamsala, his exile home in the northern India, the Dalai Lama travels extensively around the world promoting human values, teaching Buddhism and, advocating for Tibetan rights and their struggle for greater autonomy for the Himalayan country. He often meets with world leaders to present the case of Tibet.
Beijing however accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to split Tibet from China, which sent military troops to occupy the predominantly Buddhist Himalayan country in 1949, and has regularly protested against countries that host him.
The Dalai Lama says he is only seeking a “real and meaningful” autonomy for Tibetan people within China and opposes the use of violence.
However, the New Delhi based representative of the Tibetan leader told IANS that there was nothing unusual about the meeting between the two leaders on August 11 saying it was a courtesy call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to thank him for the hospitality shown in the last five decades. "He has been living in India for the past 50 years. There was nothing special about the meeting. He thanked the prime minister for good care India has taken of him during this period," Kalon Tempa Tsering, was quoted as saying.
This was the first meeting between the two since the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) returned to power over a year ago.
"He met Vice-President Hamid Ansari a year ago. Foreign secretaries have visited Dharamsala to meet Dalai Lama," he said.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao called on the Dalai Lama at his residence here last month.
Tsering said there was nothing unusual in China's criticism. "The moment he opens his mouth, they start criticising him," he said.
China last year objected to the Tibetan leader’s visit to the Indian border state of Arunachal Pradesh which China claims as its territory and refers to as “Southern Tibet”. The Indian Prime Minister defended his government’s position to allow the Tibetan leader’s visit saying he was India’s guest, and that he had the right to visit anywhere in India.
China regularly warns world leaders against meeting the Tibetan leader whom it reviles as a “separatist”. From Dharamsala, his exile home in the northern India, the Dalai Lama travels extensively around the world promoting human values, teaching Buddhism and, advocating for Tibetan rights and their struggle for greater autonomy for the Himalayan country. He often meets with world leaders to present the case of Tibet.
Beijing however accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to split Tibet from China, which sent military troops to occupy the predominantly Buddhist Himalayan country in 1949, and has regularly protested against countries that host him.
The Dalai Lama says he is only seeking a “real and meaningful” autonomy for Tibetan people within China and opposes the use of violence.
Sunday Services in Portsmouth
WORSHIP SERVICES
Portsmouth
n THE SALVATION ARMY: A "Christian Denomination in permanent mission to spiritual growth" church at 15 Middle St., conducts weekly worship services every Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday school at 10 a.m. 436-2606.
North Congregational Church: Of Portsmouth, UCC will hold Summer Sunday worship at 10 a.m. in the Market Square Sanctuary, through August. Childcare provided. For a detailed worship schedule including Parish House worship and select Market Square dates, call the church at 436-9109 or www.northchurchportsmouth.org.
n FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 129 Miller Ave., holds a traditional worship service at 10 a.m. Child care is available for children age 3 and under. Activities for slightly older children available. Refreshments and fellowship in Sanborn Hall. Handicapped-accessible. 436-6038.
n CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: A progressive Christian church on 1035 Lafayette Road, holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays with choir; Rite II, story time for children. Church school at 10 a.m. for ages 4 to Grade 5 and nursery is available (ages 4 and under). 436-8842 or www.christepiscopalchurch.us. The Rev. Daniel Bernier is the vicar.
n THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST: Holds worship services 10 to 11:15 a.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m., Sundays; 7 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Prayer begins 30 minutes before each service. 436-5748.
n Middle Street Baptist Church: will hold worship service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Vivan Martindale. offering the sermon. The Men's Study Group will begin a study of "The Mulligan: A Parable of Second Chances," by Ken Blanchard and Wally Armstrong. Middle Street Baptist Church is located at the intersection of Middle Street and Court Street and is handicapped-accessible, with parking. Call 436-2337 or visit www.middlestreetbaptist.org.
n ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 101 Chapel St., offers the following Sunday worship: 8 a.m. Rite I Holy Eucharist; 9:30 a.m. Rite II Holy Eucharist with hymns. Children welcome. Thursday healing service at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Robert E. Stevens Jr., rector. The Rev. Jeffrey D.S. Thornberg, curate. The Rev. G. Richard Siener, assisting priest. 436-8283 or administrator@stjohnsnh.org.
n FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST: 272 Rockland St., holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday school at 10 a.m. The Reading Room at 558 Islington St. is open to the public Monday through Saturday. A television broadcast of The Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson is available Monday at 7 a.m. on WZMY-TV 50. Call for hours. A testimony meeting is held 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 436-3507.
n ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH: Is located at 40 Andrew Jarvis Drive, Portsmouth. 436-2733. Pastor is the Rev. Angelo Pappas.
n SOUTH CHURCH: Unitarian-Universalist Church, 292 State St., holds Sunday worship and Young Church at 10 a.m., followed by a weekly minister's forum. Nursery care for babies and Young Church for children 3 and over is available on Sunday mornings. Vespers services are at 6 p.m. Thursdays. Interim minister is the Rev. Elaine Peresluha. The church is handicapped-accessible. 436-4762 or www.southchurch-uu.org.
n NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH: 263 Peverly Hill Road, holds Sunday worship service at 10:45 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Arthur L. Hilson, pastor. Sunday school from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m. Bible study at 7 p.m., Wednesday. Handicapped-accessible. 431-7310 or www.newhopenh.com.
n NORTH STAR AME ZION CHURCH: Services at noon Sunday at Newington Town Church, 316 Nimble Hill Road, Newington, NH 03801. Call 312-6644 or visit www.glidesociety.com/nsamez.
n CHURCH ALIVE!: Holds worship services at Seacoast Community Church, 397 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, on Saturday nights. On regular Tuesdays, "Meet 'n' Eat" meets at 6 p.m., youth group meets at 6:30 p.m., Bible study is from 7 to 8 p.m. and prayer meeting is from 8 to 8:30. 433-6639, CAlive@comcast.net or www.church-alive.org.
HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: located on the corner of State and Summer streets, holds Sunday school classes for all ages at 9 a.m. Friendship Coffee hour at 10 and Family Worship at 10:30 a.m. Nursery and Jr. Church provided. Wednesday prayer meeting at 10 a.m. 436-7554 or www.liveforjesus.org.
n CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH: 472 Ocean Road, holds Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays, with Pastor Donald R. Gum. Bible study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Nursery care provided; church is handicapped-accessible. 436-7736.
n TEMPLE ISRAEL: 200 State St., is a progressive, welcoming conservative Jewish congregation offering religious education from preschool to post-bar/bat mitzvah, Sabbath and holiday services, and social and cultural programs for all ages. Services at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The Rabbi is Barry Krieger. 436-5301, ext. 10 or templeisraelnh.org.
n SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: 861 Middle Road, holds worship service at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sabbath school at 11 a.m. Saturdays. Adult Bible study is held at 11:15 a.m. Pastors are Brenda and Phil Johnson. Prayer meetings 7 p.m. on Thursday. The class is studying Galatians. There are several classes for children from cradle through teens, and a collegerite class. Fellowship meal on the fourth Sabbath. Free and open to the public. 436-1488.
n IMMANUEL APOSTOLIC CHURCH: Inc., 211 Bartlett St., holds Sunday school at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. Elder Phillip Reaves is pastor, and Jessie Mitchell is assistant pastor. 436-7518 or (781) 963-7384.
n ANGLICAN CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION: 1 New Hampshire Ave., 3rd floor, Pease International Tradeport, holds Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Martin Mahoney. A coffee hour follows. Nursery and Sunday school is available. To find out about Bible studies, call 772-4340 or www.acr-nh.org.
n HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Meets for worship on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Chris Robinson is the pastor. Nursery care is provided. Sunday school classes meet at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday Bible study is at 7 to 8:30 p.m. The congregation meets at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 861 Middle Road, Portsmouth. 430-3001 or www.hopeport.org.
n NEW ANTIOCH COMMUNITY CHURCH: 95 Albany St., holds Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. and worship services at 11:45 a.m. with Pastor Thomas Hughes. Prayer and Bible study every Thursday at 7 and 8 p.m. Youth class Bible study every Thursday at 8 p.m. Community Outreach is held from 1 to 3 p.m. every Saturday. 436-2222 or (978) 846-9622 (cell).
n little harbor chapel: 335 Little Harbor Road, holds summer services at 11 a.m. For information, call 436-4902.
Durham
n DURHAM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP: 20 Madbury Road, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. The Fellowship provides a full range of child care and religious exploration programming for toddlers through senior high youth. www.duuf.net.
n DURHAM EVANGELICAL CHURCH: 114 Dover Road, holds Sunday worship services at 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. www.DurhamE.org.
Greenland
n COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC: Holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. The church is located at 2 Post Road, Route 151 South. The Rev. Robert Fellows is pastor. 436-8336 or www.communitychurchofgreenland.org. On Sundays from 4:30-5 p.m., Community Congregational Church holds a Prayer Meeting which is open to the public. The church is also a founding congregation of the Seacoast Family Promise, operates a food pantry, and is involved in a number of local, national and international mission efforts.
Bethany Church: 500 Breakfast Hill Road, Greenland, holds two Sunday worship services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Students and children's programs are offered at all services. 431-3646 or www.bethanychurch.com.
n GREENLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 87 Great Bay Road, holds Sunday school and worship service at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Sang-shin Han. Wednesday Bible study (Korean) is held at 7:30 p.m. Alpha Series (English) is held Wednesdays, 7 p.m. with the Rev. Daniel Weaver. 430-2929 or gumc@hotmail.com.
New Castle
n NEW CASTLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: Worship services are held at 9:45 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Staley. 431-8672.
Newington
n HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH: 22 Fox Run Road, (Exit 2, Spaulding Turnpike) holds Summer Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. only, from June 13 to Sept. 5. 436-1704.
n NEWINGTON TOWN CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL, UCC: 316 Nimble Hill Road, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with Pastor Tom Barker.
North Hampton
n Join UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST: 10 a.m., 295 Atlantic Ave. Sunday school and nursery during worship. No matter who you are or where you are in life's journey, you are welcome at UCC, North Hampton. 964-8687 or www.uccnorthhampton.org.
Rye
n RYE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: 580 Washington Road, holds Sunday worship at 10 a.m., followed by fellowship hour. The Lord's Supper is celebrated monthly on the first Sunday. Church School for children through Grade 5. Childcare available. Junior high youth meet Sundays at 6 p.m. and senior high youth meet Sundays at 7 p.m. Prayer group meets Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m. year-round and Bible study is held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Community Fellowship Night includes a light supper at 5:30 p.m., worship at 6:30 p.m. and small group study and choir rehearsal at 7 p.m., Wednesdays. The church is handicapped-accessible. 964-4061 or www.ryecongregational.com.
Rollinsford
Unity of the Seacoast: 3 Front St., Salmon Falls Lower Mill Building, Rollinsford, 749-0677. Service: 10 a.m. Sunday. Unity of the Seacoast is a welcoming New Thought Christian church and a loving, spiritual center that honors all paths to God. The mission is to be a loving presence in the community, and accept all into our community without judgment.
Eliot, Maine
n First Congregational Church of Eliot UCC: 1361 State Road, Eliot, Maine, will hold Sunday worship service and church school at 9 a.m. with the Rev. Jim Anderson. Monthly activities include Ladies Circle the first Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in McPherson Hall. (207) 439-1105. The Thrift Shop will be open the first and third week of each month on Thursday from 3 to 7 and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. (207) 439-1105. E-mail firstcongchurch@aol.com..
n ELIOT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 238 Harold L. Dow Highway, worship service at 9:45 a.m. with the Rev. Deb Shipp, pastor. Nursery care provided. The church is handicapped-accessible. (207) 439-6593.
n ELIOT ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH: 256 Pleasant St., Sunday worship at 9:45 a.m. The Rev. Gary Havener is pastor. Evening worship service at 6 p.m. Prayer meeting 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Handicapped-accessible. (207) 439-1550.
n CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH: 775 Harold Dow Highway on Route 236 in Eliot, holds Sunday worship services and children's church at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and a special service for the youth after the second service. Youth group meets every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Nursery care provided. Coffee and fellowship after every service. The pastor is Denise Satrape. (207) 439-6571 or info@clifechurch.com.
Kittery, Maine
n ST. MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 60 Government St., holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. Child care available. Prayer meetings are 6 p.m., Wednesdays. (207) 439-9686.
n SECOND CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC: 33 Government St., Kittery, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Brad Hirst. Sunday school for ages pre-K through high school and nursery care for infants and toddlers are provided. Fellowship with coffee hour is at 11:15 a.m. (207) 439-3903 or www.2ccucc.org.
n FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH: 22 Litchfield Road in Kittery. (207) 439-1200.
n The Church at Spruce Creek: 31 Wilson Road in Kittery, holds Sunday Bible School at 9 a.m. and morning worship at 10 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Aldrich. It holds a Wednesday prayer meeting at 7 p.m., and Bible studies and youth groups are held throughout the week. (207) 439-4598, pastor@sprucecreekchurch.org or www.sprucecreekchurch.org.
n Kittery Church of Christ: 48 Love Lane, holds Bible classes for all ages from nursery through adults at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Morning worship is at 11 a.m. and the evening service is at 6 p.m. Mid-week Bible class meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Bernard P. McGrath is the minister. (207) 439-0720.
n St. Raphael's Church: 6 Whipple Road, (207) 363-6791.
Kittery Point, Maine
n FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF KITTERY POINT: 636 Haley Road, holds Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. and worship services at 10:30 a.m. Bible study and prayer is held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The pastor is the Rev. Dr. Wilbert Gough. (207) 363-5185 or www.fbc-kitterypoint.org.
n FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: United Church of Christ, 23 Pepperrell Road, Route 103, holds a service of scripture, prayer, and meditation at 8 a.m. and a full service at 10 a.m., with music added and guest organists all summer and occasional soloists, led by the Rev. Jeffrey Gallagher. Summer Sunday activities are available for children younger than third grade during the 10 a.m. service. Coffee and fellowship are celebrated following the service. (207) 439-0650 or www.kitterypointucc.org.
n FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH: on corner of Haley Road and Crockett Neck Road, holds Sunday school for children and adults at 9:15 a.m. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Ed Whitman. The following groups meet during the week: Women's Bible study, 2 p.m., Tuesdays, at the home of Mickey Cobb; Amicus Club, first and third Mondays at 7 p.m.; Steering Committee, 4:45 p.m.; Wednesdays and House Church, 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, both at South Campus of Meeting House Village. Choir practice and praise team practice are at 9 a.m., Sunday. (207) 439-4021 or www.firstchristianchurchkitterypoint.org.
York, Maine
n ANANDA CENTER: offers chanting, meditation, yoga and healing prayers in the tradition of Paramhansa Yogananda. Nondenominational. The Ananda Center, York Cottage Place, Unit F., Suite 208, 433 U.S. Route 1, York, open Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m. (207) 361-2124.
n FIRST PARISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC: 180 York St., York Village, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Linda Hirst. For information, call (207) 363-3758 or visit www.firstparishyork.org.
n THE YORK/OGUNQUIT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 1026 Route 1, holds Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. and worship service at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Jim Shook. Nursery care provided, coffee and fellowship after worship. Holy Communion on first Sunday of the month. Church is open, affirming and handicapped-accessible. (207) 363-2749 or www.gbgm-umc.org/york-ogunquitumc.
n st. george's episcopal church: 407 York St., York Harbor, Maine, Summer Schedule: June 20-Sept. 5: Sunday at 7:45 a.m., Holy Eucharist; 9 a.m. Family Eucharist service; 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist at Trinity Church. Thursday at 10 a.m. is Holy Eucharist with healing at St. George's. (207) 363-7376, www.stgeorgesyorkharbor.org.
n ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH: 4 Barrell Lane, holds worship services at 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 7:30 and 11 a.m. on Sundays. (207) 363-4177.
n UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: Church Street, York Beach, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Patricia Smith. Fellowship and refreshment follows worship service. (207) 363-4821.
n YORK STREET BAPTIST CHURCH: 61 York St., holds Sunday worship service at 9 a.m. and Sunday school at 10:45 a.m. Prayer meeting is held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (207) 363-2177.
n TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 546 York St., York Harbor, offers Holy Eucharist service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays with visiting clergy from all over the country. (207) 363-5095.
n Living Water Fellowship: 96 Beech Ridge Road, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with Pastor David Ayer. (207) 703-0178.
Cape Neddick, Maine
n THE CAPE NEDDICK BAPTIST CHURCH: 34 River Road, holds Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship services at 10:15 a.m. Nursery and children's church provided during that time. On Wednesdays, prayer service at 7 p.m. (207) 363-3566.
South Berwick, Maine
n FIRST PARISH FEDERATED CHURCH: United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church, is at 150 Main St., South Berwick, Maine, holds Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. The Rev. Donna Lee Muise will deliver the message. (207) 384-4091. All are welcome to attend.
Elsewhere
n st. james episcopal church: 120 Main St., Amesbury, Mass., (978) 388-0030, www.stjamesamesbury.org.
CHURCH suppers
Newington
n Newington Town Church Supper: will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Newington Town Hall, 205 Nimble Hill Road. Adults $7, children $3 (under 5 free). Takeout available. Menu consists of lasagna, casseroles, ham, baked beans, salad, dessert and beverage.
South Berwick, Maine
n The First Parish Federated Church, a United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church: located on the corner of Main and Academy streets in South Berwick, Maine is inviting the public to share in our monthly church supper from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 in the church vestry. A complete turkey dinner with all the fixins' will be served — mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, beverages, and homemade desserts. Adults $8, children 12 and under $5 and ages 5 and under are free.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Portsmouth
n HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP INDOOR YARD SALE: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at corner of State and Summer streets, Portsmouth. Enter at 634 State St. All proceeds will go to the missions. A huge variety of items including household, dishes, hand tools, electronics, furniture, decorations including Christmas, video games, books, costume jewelry and much more. No clothing. 436-7554.
n hope Christian Fellowship: will honor Paul and Helen Andrews at a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29 at the church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have been active in leadership at the Portsmouth church for many years. Mr. Andrews was the driving force behind the development of Meeting House Village, a retirement center in Kittery, Maine operated by the Advent Christian Church. He was the project manager in the purchase of the original property and after several years of expansion became the manager at Meetinghouse, where his wife, Helen also served as bookkeeper and general assistant to the manager. The Andrews will be leaving in September to make their permanent home in Florida. Friends of the Andrews and associates from their Meeting House Village days are invited to join them at the luncheon. Hope Christian Fellowship is located on the corner of Summer and State streets in Portsmouth.
Rollinsford
n Unity of the Seacoast: 3 Front St., Salmon Falls Lower Mill Building, Rollinsford, ongoing Unity of the Seacoast classes: A Course in Miracles, Mondays at 7 p.m. Join with kindred spirits to deepen your practice of living in love and embracing the power of forgiveness. We discuss the teachings of the Course in Miracles and how it can apply to our lives. Donation basis. Call Robin at 801-4539 for directions or more information. www.unityofthesecoast.org.
Kittery, Maine
n The Seacoast Buddhist Meditation Group: will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday at Kittery Art Association, 8 Coleman Ave., Kittery, Maine, off Route 103 just south of Cap'n Simeon's. The group is reading "The Wise Heart," by Jack Kornfield. Beginners and experienced mediators are invited. (207) 676-4022.
Eliot, Maine
n Stepping Up (Beth Moore Bible Study): from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at Christian Life Church, 775 Harold L. Dow Hgwy., Eliot, Maine. A journey through the Psalms of Ascent is an in-depth look at Psalms 120-134. Take the next step of ascent on your journey closer to God. Each week engages you in a unique opportunity for personal reflection and worship while exploring the background/writer of each Psalm. Directions: 96 North to Exit 3 in Maine.Take 236 North, go through 3 sets of lights. We are 0.7 miles on the left after the third light. (207) 439-6571, ext. 212. Cost: $17. E-mail getconnected@clifechurch.com.
n Bahá'Ă Community: of Eliot, Maine offers devotional meetings, study circles, and programs for children. For more information, visit www.bahaisofeliot.org or write Bahá'Ăs of Eliot, PO Box 103, Eliot, Maine 03903. 433-5528 or (800) 228-6483 of secretary@bahaisofeliot.org.
n Snail Puppet wins Peace Award: A celebrated educational entertainer, Sammy Snail wins accolades in Maine Peace Award. Adorable snail is recognized for national and international work with children and educators teaching kindness and skills through bully prevention and conflict resolution programs. From rural schools in New York state to Pakistan teachers, this snail has made a difference. Find out why. Award and performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Green Acre Retreat, 938 Main St., Eliot, Maine and is free and open to the public. Sammy performs with world-class ventriloquist Lesley Smith. Visit http://www.sammysnail.com/.
Elsewhere
n a spiritual retreat: "Recovering Silence: Meditations on Tranquility, the Way to Freedom and a Genuinely Happy Life" will be held Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 25-29 at the Governor's Academy in Byfield, Mass., situated 33 miles north of Boston and 5 miles south of Newburyport. The five-day retreat is tailor-made for anyone who wants to recover a deep and prolonged sense of peace in life. While the content is based on Buddhist principles, everyone is welcome. Daily classes will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will include yoga asana, meditation, Buddhist philosophy, and evening devotional singing. The cost of the retreat is $675, which will include room, all meals and materials. Single and double rooms are available and delicious vegetarian food will be provided for all meals. Early registration is encouraged as enrollment is limited. For more information and to register: http://thesummerretreat.com.
THRIFT SHOPS
Portsmouth
n ST. JOHN'S ECONOMY SHOP: located under St. John's Church at 101 Chapel St. Open Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fitting rooms available as well as ample parking. The shop will be closing for the summer. 436-8283.
n OPERATION BLESSING THRIFT SHOP: Located at 600A Lafayette Road, open on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Thrift Shop is replacing the yard sales that were so popular for 25 years, but ended in 2008. Donations are welcome during business hours. Funds raised will be used toward operating expenses. Items for meeting basic necessities of the Operation Blessing helps ministry are not for sale. Call 430-8561.
n Wentworth Connections: Thrift Store is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It offers new and gently used clothing, household items and books. Located at Wentworth Connections, 127 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth, this is a nonprofit organization where all proceeds support senior programs and activities. For information, call Annie at 430-0070.
n Seacoast Community Thrift Shop is New in Town!: We are located on the corner of I-95 and Market St. in the Connect Community Church building. Our hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We accept donations anytime during operating hours. We are always looking for furniture and we are able to pick up donations as well. All of our proceeds go to Connect Community Church's Adopt-A-Block program and the Seacoast Community Teen Center.
Greenland
n THE SECOND GENERATION THRIFT SHOPPE: & Generation Gap Furniture Barn is located on Tide Mill Road, just off Route 33. The shop offers gently used clothing, housewares, books and furniture. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m. 430-9482. A second location is located at 25 Old Dover Road, Rochester. 994-1500.
Rye
n THE THRIFT SHOP: at Rye Congregational Church, located on Washington Road in the center of Rye, is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The shop has new and gently-used clothing for all ages, household items and books. Seasonal sales, dressing room, and air-conditioning. Donations are accepted on Thursday only. 964-4061.
Eliot, Maine
n First Congregational Church of Eliot UCC: 1361 State Road, Eliot, Maine. McPherson Hall. (207) 439-1105. The Thrift Shop is open the first and third week of each month on Thursday from 3 to 7 and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. E-mail firstcongchurch@aol.com.
n FULL CIRCLE COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE: ("Supporting People Living With Cancer") at 150 Dow Highway (Rte. 236) Eliot, Maine. This store has gently-used clothing for men, women and children, housewares, books, linens and furniture. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are accepted during all business hours. Pick-up is available for large items. (207) 703-0266.
Kittery, Maine
n Fair Tide Thrift Store: 15 State Road, (Route 1), Kittery, Maine. Information at (207) 439-2427 or www.fairtide.org. Expanded hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Friday, May 28.
South Berwick, Maine
n THE YANKEE THRIFT SHOP: located in the basement of the First Parish Federated Church, on the corner of Main and Academy streets (across from Dunkin' Donuts) in South Berwick, Maine. Open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. Donations that are clean and gently used are welcome. No computers or baby car seats. (207) 384-4091.
Lee
n The Nearly New Shop: at the Lee Church Congregational, 17 Mast Road, Route 155. 659-2861.
Portsmouth
n THE SALVATION ARMY: A "Christian Denomination in permanent mission to spiritual growth" church at 15 Middle St., conducts weekly worship services every Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday school at 10 a.m. 436-2606.
North Congregational Church: Of Portsmouth, UCC will hold Summer Sunday worship at 10 a.m. in the Market Square Sanctuary, through August. Childcare provided. For a detailed worship schedule including Parish House worship and select Market Square dates, call the church at 436-9109 or www.northchurchportsmouth.org.
n FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 129 Miller Ave., holds a traditional worship service at 10 a.m. Child care is available for children age 3 and under. Activities for slightly older children available. Refreshments and fellowship in Sanborn Hall. Handicapped-accessible. 436-6038.
n CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: A progressive Christian church on 1035 Lafayette Road, holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays with choir; Rite II, story time for children. Church school at 10 a.m. for ages 4 to Grade 5 and nursery is available (ages 4 and under). 436-8842 or www.christepiscopalchurch.us. The Rev. Daniel Bernier is the vicar.
n THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST: Holds worship services 10 to 11:15 a.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m., Sundays; 7 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Prayer begins 30 minutes before each service. 436-5748.
n Middle Street Baptist Church: will hold worship service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Vivan Martindale. offering the sermon. The Men's Study Group will begin a study of "The Mulligan: A Parable of Second Chances," by Ken Blanchard and Wally Armstrong. Middle Street Baptist Church is located at the intersection of Middle Street and Court Street and is handicapped-accessible, with parking. Call 436-2337 or visit www.middlestreetbaptist.org.
n ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 101 Chapel St., offers the following Sunday worship: 8 a.m. Rite I Holy Eucharist; 9:30 a.m. Rite II Holy Eucharist with hymns. Children welcome. Thursday healing service at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Robert E. Stevens Jr., rector. The Rev. Jeffrey D.S. Thornberg, curate. The Rev. G. Richard Siener, assisting priest. 436-8283 or administrator@stjohnsnh.org.
n FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST: 272 Rockland St., holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday school at 10 a.m. The Reading Room at 558 Islington St. is open to the public Monday through Saturday. A television broadcast of The Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson is available Monday at 7 a.m. on WZMY-TV 50. Call for hours. A testimony meeting is held 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 436-3507.
n ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH: Is located at 40 Andrew Jarvis Drive, Portsmouth. 436-2733. Pastor is the Rev. Angelo Pappas.
n SOUTH CHURCH: Unitarian-Universalist Church, 292 State St., holds Sunday worship and Young Church at 10 a.m., followed by a weekly minister's forum. Nursery care for babies and Young Church for children 3 and over is available on Sunday mornings. Vespers services are at 6 p.m. Thursdays. Interim minister is the Rev. Elaine Peresluha. The church is handicapped-accessible. 436-4762 or www.southchurch-uu.org.
n NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH: 263 Peverly Hill Road, holds Sunday worship service at 10:45 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Arthur L. Hilson, pastor. Sunday school from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m. Bible study at 7 p.m., Wednesday. Handicapped-accessible. 431-7310 or www.newhopenh.com.
n NORTH STAR AME ZION CHURCH: Services at noon Sunday at Newington Town Church, 316 Nimble Hill Road, Newington, NH 03801. Call 312-6644 or visit www.glidesociety.com/nsamez.
n CHURCH ALIVE!: Holds worship services at Seacoast Community Church, 397 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, on Saturday nights. On regular Tuesdays, "Meet 'n' Eat" meets at 6 p.m., youth group meets at 6:30 p.m., Bible study is from 7 to 8 p.m. and prayer meeting is from 8 to 8:30. 433-6639, CAlive@comcast.net or www.church-alive.org.
HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: located on the corner of State and Summer streets, holds Sunday school classes for all ages at 9 a.m. Friendship Coffee hour at 10 and Family Worship at 10:30 a.m. Nursery and Jr. Church provided. Wednesday prayer meeting at 10 a.m. 436-7554 or www.liveforjesus.org.
n CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH: 472 Ocean Road, holds Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays, with Pastor Donald R. Gum. Bible study on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Nursery care provided; church is handicapped-accessible. 436-7736.
n TEMPLE ISRAEL: 200 State St., is a progressive, welcoming conservative Jewish congregation offering religious education from preschool to post-bar/bat mitzvah, Sabbath and holiday services, and social and cultural programs for all ages. Services at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The Rabbi is Barry Krieger. 436-5301, ext. 10 or templeisraelnh.org.
n SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: 861 Middle Road, holds worship service at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sabbath school at 11 a.m. Saturdays. Adult Bible study is held at 11:15 a.m. Pastors are Brenda and Phil Johnson. Prayer meetings 7 p.m. on Thursday. The class is studying Galatians. There are several classes for children from cradle through teens, and a collegerite class. Fellowship meal on the fourth Sabbath. Free and open to the public. 436-1488.
n IMMANUEL APOSTOLIC CHURCH: Inc., 211 Bartlett St., holds Sunday school at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. Elder Phillip Reaves is pastor, and Jessie Mitchell is assistant pastor. 436-7518 or (781) 963-7384.
n ANGLICAN CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION: 1 New Hampshire Ave., 3rd floor, Pease International Tradeport, holds Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Martin Mahoney. A coffee hour follows. Nursery and Sunday school is available. To find out about Bible studies, call 772-4340 or www.acr-nh.org.
n HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Meets for worship on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Chris Robinson is the pastor. Nursery care is provided. Sunday school classes meet at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday Bible study is at 7 to 8:30 p.m. The congregation meets at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 861 Middle Road, Portsmouth. 430-3001 or www.hopeport.org.
n NEW ANTIOCH COMMUNITY CHURCH: 95 Albany St., holds Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. and worship services at 11:45 a.m. with Pastor Thomas Hughes. Prayer and Bible study every Thursday at 7 and 8 p.m. Youth class Bible study every Thursday at 8 p.m. Community Outreach is held from 1 to 3 p.m. every Saturday. 436-2222 or (978) 846-9622 (cell).
n little harbor chapel: 335 Little Harbor Road, holds summer services at 11 a.m. For information, call 436-4902.
Durham
n DURHAM UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP: 20 Madbury Road, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. The Fellowship provides a full range of child care and religious exploration programming for toddlers through senior high youth. www.duuf.net.
n DURHAM EVANGELICAL CHURCH: 114 Dover Road, holds Sunday worship services at 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. www.DurhamE.org.
Greenland
n COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC: Holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. The church is located at 2 Post Road, Route 151 South. The Rev. Robert Fellows is pastor. 436-8336 or www.communitychurchofgreenland.org. On Sundays from 4:30-5 p.m., Community Congregational Church holds a Prayer Meeting which is open to the public. The church is also a founding congregation of the Seacoast Family Promise, operates a food pantry, and is involved in a number of local, national and international mission efforts.
Bethany Church: 500 Breakfast Hill Road, Greenland, holds two Sunday worship services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Students and children's programs are offered at all services. 431-3646 or www.bethanychurch.com.
n GREENLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 87 Great Bay Road, holds Sunday school and worship service at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Sang-shin Han. Wednesday Bible study (Korean) is held at 7:30 p.m. Alpha Series (English) is held Wednesdays, 7 p.m. with the Rev. Daniel Weaver. 430-2929 or gumc@hotmail.com.
New Castle
n NEW CASTLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: Worship services are held at 9:45 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Staley. 431-8672.
Newington
n HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH: 22 Fox Run Road, (Exit 2, Spaulding Turnpike) holds Summer Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. only, from June 13 to Sept. 5. 436-1704.
n NEWINGTON TOWN CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL, UCC: 316 Nimble Hill Road, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with Pastor Tom Barker.
North Hampton
n Join UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST: 10 a.m., 295 Atlantic Ave. Sunday school and nursery during worship. No matter who you are or where you are in life's journey, you are welcome at UCC, North Hampton. 964-8687 or www.uccnorthhampton.org.
Rye
n RYE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: 580 Washington Road, holds Sunday worship at 10 a.m., followed by fellowship hour. The Lord's Supper is celebrated monthly on the first Sunday. Church School for children through Grade 5. Childcare available. Junior high youth meet Sundays at 6 p.m. and senior high youth meet Sundays at 7 p.m. Prayer group meets Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m. year-round and Bible study is held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Community Fellowship Night includes a light supper at 5:30 p.m., worship at 6:30 p.m. and small group study and choir rehearsal at 7 p.m., Wednesdays. The church is handicapped-accessible. 964-4061 or www.ryecongregational.com.
Rollinsford
Unity of the Seacoast: 3 Front St., Salmon Falls Lower Mill Building, Rollinsford, 749-0677. Service: 10 a.m. Sunday. Unity of the Seacoast is a welcoming New Thought Christian church and a loving, spiritual center that honors all paths to God. The mission is to be a loving presence in the community, and accept all into our community without judgment.
Eliot, Maine
n First Congregational Church of Eliot UCC: 1361 State Road, Eliot, Maine, will hold Sunday worship service and church school at 9 a.m. with the Rev. Jim Anderson. Monthly activities include Ladies Circle the first Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in McPherson Hall. (207) 439-1105. The Thrift Shop will be open the first and third week of each month on Thursday from 3 to 7 and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. (207) 439-1105. E-mail firstcongchurch@aol.com..
n ELIOT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 238 Harold L. Dow Highway, worship service at 9:45 a.m. with the Rev. Deb Shipp, pastor. Nursery care provided. The church is handicapped-accessible. (207) 439-6593.
n ELIOT ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH: 256 Pleasant St., Sunday worship at 9:45 a.m. The Rev. Gary Havener is pastor. Evening worship service at 6 p.m. Prayer meeting 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Handicapped-accessible. (207) 439-1550.
n CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH: 775 Harold Dow Highway on Route 236 in Eliot, holds Sunday worship services and children's church at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and a special service for the youth after the second service. Youth group meets every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Nursery care provided. Coffee and fellowship after every service. The pastor is Denise Satrape. (207) 439-6571 or info@clifechurch.com.
Kittery, Maine
n ST. MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 60 Government St., holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. Child care available. Prayer meetings are 6 p.m., Wednesdays. (207) 439-9686.
n SECOND CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC: 33 Government St., Kittery, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Brad Hirst. Sunday school for ages pre-K through high school and nursery care for infants and toddlers are provided. Fellowship with coffee hour is at 11:15 a.m. (207) 439-3903 or www.2ccucc.org.
n FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH: 22 Litchfield Road in Kittery. (207) 439-1200.
n The Church at Spruce Creek: 31 Wilson Road in Kittery, holds Sunday Bible School at 9 a.m. and morning worship at 10 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Aldrich. It holds a Wednesday prayer meeting at 7 p.m., and Bible studies and youth groups are held throughout the week. (207) 439-4598, pastor@sprucecreekchurch.org or www.sprucecreekchurch.org.
n Kittery Church of Christ: 48 Love Lane, holds Bible classes for all ages from nursery through adults at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Morning worship is at 11 a.m. and the evening service is at 6 p.m. Mid-week Bible class meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Bernard P. McGrath is the minister. (207) 439-0720.
n St. Raphael's Church: 6 Whipple Road, (207) 363-6791.
Kittery Point, Maine
n FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF KITTERY POINT: 636 Haley Road, holds Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. and worship services at 10:30 a.m. Bible study and prayer is held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The pastor is the Rev. Dr. Wilbert Gough. (207) 363-5185 or www.fbc-kitterypoint.org.
n FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: United Church of Christ, 23 Pepperrell Road, Route 103, holds a service of scripture, prayer, and meditation at 8 a.m. and a full service at 10 a.m., with music added and guest organists all summer and occasional soloists, led by the Rev. Jeffrey Gallagher. Summer Sunday activities are available for children younger than third grade during the 10 a.m. service. Coffee and fellowship are celebrated following the service. (207) 439-0650 or www.kitterypointucc.org.
n FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH: on corner of Haley Road and Crockett Neck Road, holds Sunday school for children and adults at 9:15 a.m. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Ed Whitman. The following groups meet during the week: Women's Bible study, 2 p.m., Tuesdays, at the home of Mickey Cobb; Amicus Club, first and third Mondays at 7 p.m.; Steering Committee, 4:45 p.m.; Wednesdays and House Church, 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, both at South Campus of Meeting House Village. Choir practice and praise team practice are at 9 a.m., Sunday. (207) 439-4021 or www.firstchristianchurchkitterypoint.org.
York, Maine
n ANANDA CENTER: offers chanting, meditation, yoga and healing prayers in the tradition of Paramhansa Yogananda. Nondenominational. The Ananda Center, York Cottage Place, Unit F., Suite 208, 433 U.S. Route 1, York, open Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m. (207) 361-2124.
n FIRST PARISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC: 180 York St., York Village, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Linda Hirst. For information, call (207) 363-3758 or visit www.firstparishyork.org.
n THE YORK/OGUNQUIT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 1026 Route 1, holds Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. and worship service at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Jim Shook. Nursery care provided, coffee and fellowship after worship. Holy Communion on first Sunday of the month. Church is open, affirming and handicapped-accessible. (207) 363-2749 or www.gbgm-umc.org/york-ogunquitumc.
n st. george's episcopal church: 407 York St., York Harbor, Maine, Summer Schedule: June 20-Sept. 5: Sunday at 7:45 a.m., Holy Eucharist; 9 a.m. Family Eucharist service; 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist at Trinity Church. Thursday at 10 a.m. is Holy Eucharist with healing at St. George's. (207) 363-7376, www.stgeorgesyorkharbor.org.
n ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH: 4 Barrell Lane, holds worship services at 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 7:30 and 11 a.m. on Sundays. (207) 363-4177.
n UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH: Church Street, York Beach, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Patricia Smith. Fellowship and refreshment follows worship service. (207) 363-4821.
n YORK STREET BAPTIST CHURCH: 61 York St., holds Sunday worship service at 9 a.m. and Sunday school at 10:45 a.m. Prayer meeting is held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. (207) 363-2177.
n TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 546 York St., York Harbor, offers Holy Eucharist service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays with visiting clergy from all over the country. (207) 363-5095.
n Living Water Fellowship: 96 Beech Ridge Road, holds Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. with Pastor David Ayer. (207) 703-0178.
Cape Neddick, Maine
n THE CAPE NEDDICK BAPTIST CHURCH: 34 River Road, holds Sunday school at 9 a.m. and worship services at 10:15 a.m. Nursery and children's church provided during that time. On Wednesdays, prayer service at 7 p.m. (207) 363-3566.
South Berwick, Maine
n FIRST PARISH FEDERATED CHURCH: United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church, is at 150 Main St., South Berwick, Maine, holds Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. The Rev. Donna Lee Muise will deliver the message. (207) 384-4091. All are welcome to attend.
Elsewhere
n st. james episcopal church: 120 Main St., Amesbury, Mass., (978) 388-0030, www.stjamesamesbury.org.
CHURCH suppers
Newington
n Newington Town Church Supper: will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Newington Town Hall, 205 Nimble Hill Road. Adults $7, children $3 (under 5 free). Takeout available. Menu consists of lasagna, casseroles, ham, baked beans, salad, dessert and beverage.
South Berwick, Maine
n The First Parish Federated Church, a United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church: located on the corner of Main and Academy streets in South Berwick, Maine is inviting the public to share in our monthly church supper from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 in the church vestry. A complete turkey dinner with all the fixins' will be served — mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, beverages, and homemade desserts. Adults $8, children 12 and under $5 and ages 5 and under are free.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Portsmouth
n HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP INDOOR YARD SALE: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 at corner of State and Summer streets, Portsmouth. Enter at 634 State St. All proceeds will go to the missions. A huge variety of items including household, dishes, hand tools, electronics, furniture, decorations including Christmas, video games, books, costume jewelry and much more. No clothing. 436-7554.
n hope Christian Fellowship: will honor Paul and Helen Andrews at a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29 at the church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have been active in leadership at the Portsmouth church for many years. Mr. Andrews was the driving force behind the development of Meeting House Village, a retirement center in Kittery, Maine operated by the Advent Christian Church. He was the project manager in the purchase of the original property and after several years of expansion became the manager at Meetinghouse, where his wife, Helen also served as bookkeeper and general assistant to the manager. The Andrews will be leaving in September to make their permanent home in Florida. Friends of the Andrews and associates from their Meeting House Village days are invited to join them at the luncheon. Hope Christian Fellowship is located on the corner of Summer and State streets in Portsmouth.
Rollinsford
n Unity of the Seacoast: 3 Front St., Salmon Falls Lower Mill Building, Rollinsford, ongoing Unity of the Seacoast classes: A Course in Miracles, Mondays at 7 p.m. Join with kindred spirits to deepen your practice of living in love and embracing the power of forgiveness. We discuss the teachings of the Course in Miracles and how it can apply to our lives. Donation basis. Call Robin at 801-4539 for directions or more information. www.unityofthesecoast.org.
Kittery, Maine
n The Seacoast Buddhist Meditation Group: will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday at Kittery Art Association, 8 Coleman Ave., Kittery, Maine, off Route 103 just south of Cap'n Simeon's. The group is reading "The Wise Heart," by Jack Kornfield. Beginners and experienced mediators are invited. (207) 676-4022.
Eliot, Maine
n Stepping Up (Beth Moore Bible Study): from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at Christian Life Church, 775 Harold L. Dow Hgwy., Eliot, Maine. A journey through the Psalms of Ascent is an in-depth look at Psalms 120-134. Take the next step of ascent on your journey closer to God. Each week engages you in a unique opportunity for personal reflection and worship while exploring the background/writer of each Psalm. Directions: 96 North to Exit 3 in Maine.Take 236 North, go through 3 sets of lights. We are 0.7 miles on the left after the third light. (207) 439-6571, ext. 212. Cost: $17. E-mail getconnected@clifechurch.com.
n Bahá'Ă Community: of Eliot, Maine offers devotional meetings, study circles, and programs for children. For more information, visit www.bahaisofeliot.org or write Bahá'Ăs of Eliot, PO Box 103, Eliot, Maine 03903. 433-5528 or (800) 228-6483 of secretary@bahaisofeliot.org.
n Snail Puppet wins Peace Award: A celebrated educational entertainer, Sammy Snail wins accolades in Maine Peace Award. Adorable snail is recognized for national and international work with children and educators teaching kindness and skills through bully prevention and conflict resolution programs. From rural schools in New York state to Pakistan teachers, this snail has made a difference. Find out why. Award and performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Green Acre Retreat, 938 Main St., Eliot, Maine and is free and open to the public. Sammy performs with world-class ventriloquist Lesley Smith. Visit http://www.sammysnail.com/.
Elsewhere
n a spiritual retreat: "Recovering Silence: Meditations on Tranquility, the Way to Freedom and a Genuinely Happy Life" will be held Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 25-29 at the Governor's Academy in Byfield, Mass., situated 33 miles north of Boston and 5 miles south of Newburyport. The five-day retreat is tailor-made for anyone who wants to recover a deep and prolonged sense of peace in life. While the content is based on Buddhist principles, everyone is welcome. Daily classes will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will include yoga asana, meditation, Buddhist philosophy, and evening devotional singing. The cost of the retreat is $675, which will include room, all meals and materials. Single and double rooms are available and delicious vegetarian food will be provided for all meals. Early registration is encouraged as enrollment is limited. For more information and to register: http://thesummerretreat.com.
THRIFT SHOPS
Portsmouth
n ST. JOHN'S ECONOMY SHOP: located under St. John's Church at 101 Chapel St. Open Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fitting rooms available as well as ample parking. The shop will be closing for the summer. 436-8283.
n OPERATION BLESSING THRIFT SHOP: Located at 600A Lafayette Road, open on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Thrift Shop is replacing the yard sales that were so popular for 25 years, but ended in 2008. Donations are welcome during business hours. Funds raised will be used toward operating expenses. Items for meeting basic necessities of the Operation Blessing helps ministry are not for sale. Call 430-8561.
n Wentworth Connections: Thrift Store is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It offers new and gently used clothing, household items and books. Located at Wentworth Connections, 127 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth, this is a nonprofit organization where all proceeds support senior programs and activities. For information, call Annie at 430-0070.
n Seacoast Community Thrift Shop is New in Town!: We are located on the corner of I-95 and Market St. in the Connect Community Church building. Our hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We accept donations anytime during operating hours. We are always looking for furniture and we are able to pick up donations as well. All of our proceeds go to Connect Community Church's Adopt-A-Block program and the Seacoast Community Teen Center.
Greenland
n THE SECOND GENERATION THRIFT SHOPPE: & Generation Gap Furniture Barn is located on Tide Mill Road, just off Route 33. The shop offers gently used clothing, housewares, books and furniture. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m. 430-9482. A second location is located at 25 Old Dover Road, Rochester. 994-1500.
Rye
n THE THRIFT SHOP: at Rye Congregational Church, located on Washington Road in the center of Rye, is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The shop has new and gently-used clothing for all ages, household items and books. Seasonal sales, dressing room, and air-conditioning. Donations are accepted on Thursday only. 964-4061.
Eliot, Maine
n First Congregational Church of Eliot UCC: 1361 State Road, Eliot, Maine. McPherson Hall. (207) 439-1105. The Thrift Shop is open the first and third week of each month on Thursday from 3 to 7 and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. E-mail firstcongchurch@aol.com.
n FULL CIRCLE COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE: ("Supporting People Living With Cancer") at 150 Dow Highway (Rte. 236) Eliot, Maine. This store has gently-used clothing for men, women and children, housewares, books, linens and furniture. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are accepted during all business hours. Pick-up is available for large items. (207) 703-0266.
Kittery, Maine
n Fair Tide Thrift Store: 15 State Road, (Route 1), Kittery, Maine. Information at (207) 439-2427 or www.fairtide.org. Expanded hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Friday, May 28.
South Berwick, Maine
n THE YANKEE THRIFT SHOP: located in the basement of the First Parish Federated Church, on the corner of Main and Academy streets (across from Dunkin' Donuts) in South Berwick, Maine. Open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. Donations that are clean and gently used are welcome. No computers or baby car seats. (207) 384-4091.
Lee
n The Nearly New Shop: at the Lee Church Congregational, 17 Mast Road, Route 155. 659-2861.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Dalai Lama is in India
Dharamsala, August 19 – His Holiness the Dalai Lama had called on the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during the Tibetan leader’s visit to the Indian capital for a series of lecture at the Delhi University last week.
Talking to Voice of Tibet radio service, Kalon Tenpa Tsering, the Tibetan leader’s representative in New Delhi confirmed the meeting between the two leaders.
“His Holiness is an important guest of India, and he has met with all the Prime Ministers and Presidents of India in the past. So like that, His Holiness met the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too.”
The two leaders discussed various issues including Tibet and international issues during the 45 minute meeting, said Tenpa Tsering without elaborating.
This is the Dalai Lama's first meeting with Dr. Manmohan Singh after the latter became the Prime Minister for the second time.
China regularly warns world leaders against meeting the Tibetan leader whom it reviles as “separatist”. From Dharamsala, his exile home in the northern India, the Dalai Lama travels extensively around the world promoting human values, teaching Buddhism and, advocating for Tibetan rights and their struggle for greater autonomy for the Himalayan country. He often meets with world leaders to present the case of Tibet.
Beijing however accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to split Tibet from China, which sent military troops to occupy the predominantly Buddhist Himalayan country in 1949, and has regularly protested against countries that agree to visits by him.
The Dalai Lama says he is only seeking a “real and meaningful” autonomy for Tibetan people within China and opposes the use of violence.
Talking to Voice of Tibet radio service, Kalon Tenpa Tsering, the Tibetan leader’s representative in New Delhi confirmed the meeting between the two leaders.
“His Holiness is an important guest of India, and he has met with all the Prime Ministers and Presidents of India in the past. So like that, His Holiness met the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too.”
The two leaders discussed various issues including Tibet and international issues during the 45 minute meeting, said Tenpa Tsering without elaborating.
This is the Dalai Lama's first meeting with Dr. Manmohan Singh after the latter became the Prime Minister for the second time.
China regularly warns world leaders against meeting the Tibetan leader whom it reviles as “separatist”. From Dharamsala, his exile home in the northern India, the Dalai Lama travels extensively around the world promoting human values, teaching Buddhism and, advocating for Tibetan rights and their struggle for greater autonomy for the Himalayan country. He often meets with world leaders to present the case of Tibet.
Beijing however accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to split Tibet from China, which sent military troops to occupy the predominantly Buddhist Himalayan country in 1949, and has regularly protested against countries that agree to visits by him.
The Dalai Lama says he is only seeking a “real and meaningful” autonomy for Tibetan people within China and opposes the use of violence.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Cross Sparks Political Debate in Poland
A simple wooden cross honouring victims of a plane crash that killed Poland's president in April has spurred demands that the influence of the powerful Roman Catholic Church be pared back to forge a more secular Poland.
The Roman Catholic Church was a focus of Polish national resistance over centuries of foreign occupation. Most recently, it provided protection for the Solidarity trade union in its battles with Soviet-backed communist rule in the 1980s.
Churches were packed after an air crash on April 10 killed conservative President Lech Kaczynski and 95 other people, mostly senior state figures. Many Poles gathered spontaneously to honor, and often pray for, those who died.
A scout group set a crucifix outside the presidential palace in Warsaw, which turned into a shrine for the victims.
Four months later, the three-meter-high cross is still there, festooned with candles and flowers despite attempts by the state and some clergy to move it to a nearby church. The "cross defenders" stood their ground, squabbling with police.
The cross debate reflects political divisions. It has become a rallying point for radical rightists backed by the main opposition, the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party led by Kaczynski's twin brother, Jaroslaw.
"The problem of too close links between church and politics exists here for so long that many people don't even see it," said Jacek Kucharczyk, head of the Institute of Public Affairs.
Poland, a country of 38 million people, is one of the few strongholds of Catholicism in a largely secular European Union.
A 2009 survey by the Polish episcopate's statistics body showed 41.5 percent of Poles attended Sunday mass, a number that has been gradually falling since the survey started three decades ago, but still much higher than elsewhere in the 27-nation EU.
PROBLEMS WITH SECULARISM
For many Poles, the cross is as much a cultural and traditionally Polish symbol as it is a religious one.
"At times of occupation, this symbol of Polish identity was relatively safe. And by some strange paradox, this habit from times of oppression is approved today in a free country as a symbol of a free nation," said Zbigniew Mikolejko, philosopher of religion at Poland's Academy of Sciences.
Crosses hang on the walls of schools, hospitals and state buildings throughout Poland as well as in parliament, something many Poles find natural despite the fact that the constitution guarantees the separation of church and state.
The Polish Church itself is deeply split between a moderate clergy and a more nationalist-minded hierarchy. Many from the latter group openly backed Jaroslaw Kaczynski in this year's presidential election triggered by his brother's death and now call on their supporters to prevent the removal of the cross.
"This is an absolutely unacceptable role of church in a democracy. It damages the state as much as the church," said Marcin Krol, political philosopher at Warsaw University.
Kaczynski polled 47 percent in losing the presidential poll to Bronislaw Komorowski, the candidate of Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pragmatist Civic Platform (PO). Analysts said the "cross wars" could drive PiS support back down to levels seen before the crash, which occurred in Smolensk, western Russia.
"Now he can only come down toward some 25-35 percent of society constituting his core supporters," Kucharczyk said.
Analysts saw the PO's rating as stable, despite the row.
Adam Boniecki, a priest and a leading Catholic intellectual, said the cross had split Poles along political lines of PO versus PiS.
"There is a difference between fighting for a cross and fighting with it. This row has started a reflection about the role of the church," he added.
SECULAR STATE
The raised voices of the "cross defenders" have led to calls for a more secular state and the elimination of religious symbols from public life.
In an interview with the weekly Polityka published on Wednesday, Komorowski said he still hoped the cross would be moved.
"The current situation is politically risky and difficult for everybody. It is particularly so for the Church, I believe, which is already paying a price for this conflict and will continue paying it in the longer term."
A survey by the ARC institute showed in July nearly 60 percent of Poles believed no religious symbols should be shown in public places, while about 30 percent took the opposite view.
About 63 percent believed religions other than Catholicism were getting worse treatment in Poland, it showed.
"The cross row unblocked a discussion that has been a taboo -- the fact that a large part of the society is tired with the Church's permanent political engagement," Kucharczyk said.
Poland's leftist opposition, the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD), is drafting proposals to entrench secular standards and analysts say it may win political points in this.
"We must hold a discussion in Poland, which many other European countries already have behind them," SLD spokesman, Tomasz Kalita, said. "We care for the Polish constitution to be respected. At present, it's not."
The Roman Catholic Church was a focus of Polish national resistance over centuries of foreign occupation. Most recently, it provided protection for the Solidarity trade union in its battles with Soviet-backed communist rule in the 1980s.
Churches were packed after an air crash on April 10 killed conservative President Lech Kaczynski and 95 other people, mostly senior state figures. Many Poles gathered spontaneously to honor, and often pray for, those who died.
A scout group set a crucifix outside the presidential palace in Warsaw, which turned into a shrine for the victims.
Four months later, the three-meter-high cross is still there, festooned with candles and flowers despite attempts by the state and some clergy to move it to a nearby church. The "cross defenders" stood their ground, squabbling with police.
The cross debate reflects political divisions. It has become a rallying point for radical rightists backed by the main opposition, the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party led by Kaczynski's twin brother, Jaroslaw.
"The problem of too close links between church and politics exists here for so long that many people don't even see it," said Jacek Kucharczyk, head of the Institute of Public Affairs.
Poland, a country of 38 million people, is one of the few strongholds of Catholicism in a largely secular European Union.
A 2009 survey by the Polish episcopate's statistics body showed 41.5 percent of Poles attended Sunday mass, a number that has been gradually falling since the survey started three decades ago, but still much higher than elsewhere in the 27-nation EU.
PROBLEMS WITH SECULARISM
For many Poles, the cross is as much a cultural and traditionally Polish symbol as it is a religious one.
"At times of occupation, this symbol of Polish identity was relatively safe. And by some strange paradox, this habit from times of oppression is approved today in a free country as a symbol of a free nation," said Zbigniew Mikolejko, philosopher of religion at Poland's Academy of Sciences.
Crosses hang on the walls of schools, hospitals and state buildings throughout Poland as well as in parliament, something many Poles find natural despite the fact that the constitution guarantees the separation of church and state.
The Polish Church itself is deeply split between a moderate clergy and a more nationalist-minded hierarchy. Many from the latter group openly backed Jaroslaw Kaczynski in this year's presidential election triggered by his brother's death and now call on their supporters to prevent the removal of the cross.
"This is an absolutely unacceptable role of church in a democracy. It damages the state as much as the church," said Marcin Krol, political philosopher at Warsaw University.
Kaczynski polled 47 percent in losing the presidential poll to Bronislaw Komorowski, the candidate of Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pragmatist Civic Platform (PO). Analysts said the "cross wars" could drive PiS support back down to levels seen before the crash, which occurred in Smolensk, western Russia.
"Now he can only come down toward some 25-35 percent of society constituting his core supporters," Kucharczyk said.
Analysts saw the PO's rating as stable, despite the row.
Adam Boniecki, a priest and a leading Catholic intellectual, said the cross had split Poles along political lines of PO versus PiS.
"There is a difference between fighting for a cross and fighting with it. This row has started a reflection about the role of the church," he added.
SECULAR STATE
The raised voices of the "cross defenders" have led to calls for a more secular state and the elimination of religious symbols from public life.
In an interview with the weekly Polityka published on Wednesday, Komorowski said he still hoped the cross would be moved.
"The current situation is politically risky and difficult for everybody. It is particularly so for the Church, I believe, which is already paying a price for this conflict and will continue paying it in the longer term."
A survey by the ARC institute showed in July nearly 60 percent of Poles believed no religious symbols should be shown in public places, while about 30 percent took the opposite view.
About 63 percent believed religions other than Catholicism were getting worse treatment in Poland, it showed.
"The cross row unblocked a discussion that has been a taboo -- the fact that a large part of the society is tired with the Church's permanent political engagement," Kucharczyk said.
Poland's leftist opposition, the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD), is drafting proposals to entrench secular standards and analysts say it may win political points in this.
"We must hold a discussion in Poland, which many other European countries already have behind them," SLD spokesman, Tomasz Kalita, said. "We care for the Polish constitution to be respected. At present, it's not."
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Learning House Online Education Partners with Schools
Aug 17, 2010 – The Learning House, Inc., an online education solutions partner, has been able to capitalize on the growth in online education by offering schools all the resources and knowledge to design and customize every aspect of effective online education programs. In the second quarter of 2010, Learning House signed seven new partner schools, adding to the nine partners signed in the first quarter.
“We are dedicated to helping our partner schools offer online education to students who may not have the opportunity to earn a degree in a traditional setting,” said David T. Richardson, president and chief executive officer of Learning House.
The following schools have recently partnered with Learning House: Beckfield College, a career college located in Florence, KY. Beckfield will kick off its online program by launching a Diploma in Medical Assisting program this fall.
• Bethel College, the oldest Mennonite college in North America located in North Newton, KS. With the assistance of Learning House, Bethel will offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) online.
• Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a school of theology located in Pittsburgh, PA. The school will make its first trek in online education by launching a Certificate in Eastern Christian Studies program in October.
• Lambuth University, an independent undergraduate institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church located in Jackson, TN. Lambuth’s online courses are in the planning stage.
• MidAmerica Nazarene University, a school sponsored by the North Central Region of the International Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, KS. The university will launch its first two online programs – a Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) – this fall.
• Salem College, the oldest educational institution for women in the United States located in Winston-Salem, NC. Salem’s online courses are in the planning stage.
• Washington Adventist University, a Christ-centered higher education institution located in Takoma Park, MD. With the help of Learning House, the university will launch several online degree programs, including a Master in Business Administration (MBA); Master of Education – Early Childhood Development; a Master of Health Care Administration; and a Master of Nursing this fall.
“We are dedicated to helping our partner schools offer online education to students who may not have the opportunity to earn a degree in a traditional setting,” said David T. Richardson, president and chief executive officer of Learning House.
The following schools have recently partnered with Learning House: Beckfield College, a career college located in Florence, KY. Beckfield will kick off its online program by launching a Diploma in Medical Assisting program this fall.
• Bethel College, the oldest Mennonite college in North America located in North Newton, KS. With the assistance of Learning House, Bethel will offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) online.
• Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a school of theology located in Pittsburgh, PA. The school will make its first trek in online education by launching a Certificate in Eastern Christian Studies program in October.
• Lambuth University, an independent undergraduate institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church located in Jackson, TN. Lambuth’s online courses are in the planning stage.
• MidAmerica Nazarene University, a school sponsored by the North Central Region of the International Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, KS. The university will launch its first two online programs – a Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) – this fall.
• Salem College, the oldest educational institution for women in the United States located in Winston-Salem, NC. Salem’s online courses are in the planning stage.
• Washington Adventist University, a Christ-centered higher education institution located in Takoma Park, MD. With the help of Learning House, the university will launch several online degree programs, including a Master in Business Administration (MBA); Master of Education – Early Childhood Development; a Master of Health Care Administration; and a Master of Nursing this fall.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Buddhism Has its Missionaries
THE Buddhist Association for the Promotion of Theravada Buddhism in Border Regions earlier this month launched missionary projects in Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin and Mon states, the group’s chairman said last week.
Chairman Dr Khin Shwe said the association’s projects aim to support Buddhist monks in the regions and help smooth their missionary works.
“We will conduct our missionary activities in the farthest corners of the hilly and border regions because we want all Myanmar citizens to come into contact with the teachings of the Buddha,” he said.
“A missionary’s task is not to enlarge the Buddhist community but to help people seek peace and tranquillity. I will join missionaries in Mon State and help them carry out their activities.”
The Yangon-based association was formed earlier this year and works closely with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to implement the programs. The Minister for Religious Affairs, Thura U Myint Maung, is the association’s patron.
The organisation received more than K1.4 billion (about US$1.4 million) from 35 well-connected well-wishers at its first donation ceremony, held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Nay Pyi Taw on July 17, including two individual cash donations of K360,000 ($360,000).
Donors included Dr Khin Shwe himself, who is the chairman of construction company Zaykabar, as well U Win Myint, president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, U Htay Myint from Yuzana Construction and many other prominent businessmen.
The money will be used to establish monasteries, religious teams and Buddhist monks to conduct missionary activities in border regions, where a large percentage of residents are Christian or Animist.
Dr Khin Shwe said the association also provides monastic education in remote areas, as residents in villages with 30 households usually do not have access to primary school education.
“We will provide teachers, monthly provisions, stationery or money for those monastic education schools,” the chairman said.
He said teams from the association are conducting fact-finding missions to ascertain the needs of monasteries in border regions and would respond accordingly with funding or other assistance.
The association will also send non-Bamar who have converted to Buddhism and been trained at the Kalewa Buddhist Missionary School in Kalewa township, Sagaing Division, to their respective regions to operate as missionaries.
He said these missionaries would be “more effective … because they have better access to their own” ethnic group.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs website, more than 450 missionary centres had been established “in border and hilly regions” to 2005 and the efforts of missionary workers “have borne fruit in the form of 144,054 persons becoming Buddhists”.
Chairman Dr Khin Shwe said the association’s projects aim to support Buddhist monks in the regions and help smooth their missionary works.
“We will conduct our missionary activities in the farthest corners of the hilly and border regions because we want all Myanmar citizens to come into contact with the teachings of the Buddha,” he said.
“A missionary’s task is not to enlarge the Buddhist community but to help people seek peace and tranquillity. I will join missionaries in Mon State and help them carry out their activities.”
The Yangon-based association was formed earlier this year and works closely with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to implement the programs. The Minister for Religious Affairs, Thura U Myint Maung, is the association’s patron.
The organisation received more than K1.4 billion (about US$1.4 million) from 35 well-connected well-wishers at its first donation ceremony, held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Nay Pyi Taw on July 17, including two individual cash donations of K360,000 ($360,000).
Donors included Dr Khin Shwe himself, who is the chairman of construction company Zaykabar, as well U Win Myint, president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, U Htay Myint from Yuzana Construction and many other prominent businessmen.
The money will be used to establish monasteries, religious teams and Buddhist monks to conduct missionary activities in border regions, where a large percentage of residents are Christian or Animist.
Dr Khin Shwe said the association also provides monastic education in remote areas, as residents in villages with 30 households usually do not have access to primary school education.
“We will provide teachers, monthly provisions, stationery or money for those monastic education schools,” the chairman said.
He said teams from the association are conducting fact-finding missions to ascertain the needs of monasteries in border regions and would respond accordingly with funding or other assistance.
The association will also send non-Bamar who have converted to Buddhism and been trained at the Kalewa Buddhist Missionary School in Kalewa township, Sagaing Division, to their respective regions to operate as missionaries.
He said these missionaries would be “more effective … because they have better access to their own” ethnic group.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs website, more than 450 missionary centres had been established “in border and hilly regions” to 2005 and the efforts of missionary workers “have borne fruit in the form of 144,054 persons becoming Buddhists”.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sri Lanka Committed to Buddhism
Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne says the government has arranged a wider programme to propagate Buddhism throughout the world from Sri Lanka in the same manner Buddhism was propagated by India in the history. Under this programme an international Buddhist Congress will be held in Sri Lanka in line with the 2,600th Sambuddha Anniversary next year. Representatives from all Buddhist countries have been invited for this congress. The Prime Minister made these observations at a ceremony held in Mavita Temple in Neluwa in the Galle District today. The Prime Minister further said that government has already finalized measures to commemorate the Sambuddha Jayanthi Anniversary in a grand scale. Accordingly, various programmes are already in progress at regional level throughout the island.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday Schedule for Church
Worship, 11:30 a.m. Sunday at The Citadel, 140 W. Church St., Newark. Day of prayer for students and teachers, Wednesday; dinner and swimming at the Roth's home, 553 Mount Vernon Road, Newark, 6 p.m. Wednesday (adults $2, kids $1); Breakfast Club, 9 a.m. Wednesdays at Tee Jaye's Restaurant in Newark. (740) 364-8963.
Blessed Sacrament Parish Festival, 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 27-28 at 394 E. Main St., Newark. Featuring games, raffles, food, live music, kids inflatable games, cornhole tournament, book sale, Chinese raffle, Bid 'n Buy booth and spinning wheel games. Music by The Classics Singing Quartet, Friday. Acoustic guitarist Matthew Taylor Frampton will perform Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. DJ Jay Productions will take place both nights. For more informatio, call (740) 929-9903, (614) 774-5876 or visit www.blasc.net. The Blessed Sacrament Crusaders 5K and Fun Run will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 27. Contact Melissa at (740) 323-3209. The Craft Show & Expo will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 28. Contact Bonny at (740) 207-6329.
The message for 9 a.m. Sunday is "Got Gout?"
Sunday services, 8, 9:20 and 11 a.m. Steve Cramer will share the message "The Armor of God;" Acolyte training, 12:30 p.m. Sunday; Transformation Small Group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday; study, 7 p.m. Tuesday; Quilters, 9 a.m. Wednesday; study, 9 a.m. Thursday; Care Partner quarterly meeting, 7 p.m. Thursday.
Worship Team practice, 8 a.m. Aug. 21
The Rev. Rick Rintamaa will share the message "Peace or Division?" at the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship services. Angel Food orders, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon Sunday. Community Medical Loan Closet, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Book Club, 7 p.m. Monday; scripture study, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; Weight Watchers, 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Angel Food pick-up, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 21.
Worship, 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday, with fellowship time between services; Sunday school teacher's meeting after second service; Mental Health Support Group, 7 p.m. Tuesday; Shine On! youth ministry, with games and study for age 7 and older, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with an outdoor worship service at 7 p.m.; blood drive, 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, walk-ins welcome. (740) 522-4505 or www.christ-in-heath.org.
Pastor Skaggs will share the message "The Victorious Church" at 10 a.m. Sunday. Evening service at 6 p.m. Study, 7 p.m. Wednesday. (740) 345-6993.
On Sunday, Pastor Kenneth E. Brown will share the message "There's a Great Day Coming." Scripture: Luke 12: 49-56. David Place will lead the worship service with the residents of Goosepond at 2 p.m. Sunday. All-church bowling at 5 p.m. at Park Lanes in Heath. Teen meeting, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the home of Jonathan and Sarah Harper (for directions, call (740) 344-2351); study, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; praise and worship team practice, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"Made New" will sing during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service. The Rev. Terry Muncy will share the message.
Aerobics, 9:30 a.m. today. At the 10:30 a.m. Sunday contemporary service, missionaries Tom and Karen Asher will be the guest speakers. Weight Watchers, 6 p.m. Tuesday; youth group, 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, with Financial Peace University and "The Truth Project" film study series at 7 p.m. www.cwcnewark.org or (740) 366-4220.
Free community breakfast, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 21.
School supplies giveaway, noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 21.
Church-wide picnic, Aug. 29 at Dawes Arboretum.
Blessed Sacrament Parish Festival, 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 27-28 at 394 E. Main St., Newark. Featuring games, raffles, food, live music, kids inflatable games, cornhole tournament, book sale, Chinese raffle, Bid 'n Buy booth and spinning wheel games. Music by The Classics Singing Quartet, Friday. Acoustic guitarist Matthew Taylor Frampton will perform Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. DJ Jay Productions will take place both nights. For more informatio, call (740) 929-9903, (614) 774-5876 or visit www.blasc.net. The Blessed Sacrament Crusaders 5K and Fun Run will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 27. Contact Melissa at (740) 323-3209. The Craft Show & Expo will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 28. Contact Bonny at (740) 207-6329.
The message for 9 a.m. Sunday is "Got Gout?"
Sunday services, 8, 9:20 and 11 a.m. Steve Cramer will share the message "The Armor of God;" Acolyte training, 12:30 p.m. Sunday; Transformation Small Group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday; study, 7 p.m. Tuesday; Quilters, 9 a.m. Wednesday; study, 9 a.m. Thursday; Care Partner quarterly meeting, 7 p.m. Thursday.
Worship Team practice, 8 a.m. Aug. 21
The Rev. Rick Rintamaa will share the message "Peace or Division?" at the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship services. Angel Food orders, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon Sunday. Community Medical Loan Closet, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Book Club, 7 p.m. Monday; scripture study, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; Weight Watchers, 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Angel Food pick-up, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 21.
Worship, 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday, with fellowship time between services; Sunday school teacher's meeting after second service; Mental Health Support Group, 7 p.m. Tuesday; Shine On! youth ministry, with games and study for age 7 and older, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with an outdoor worship service at 7 p.m.; blood drive, 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, walk-ins welcome. (740) 522-4505 or www.christ-in-heath.org.
Pastor Skaggs will share the message "The Victorious Church" at 10 a.m. Sunday. Evening service at 6 p.m. Study, 7 p.m. Wednesday. (740) 345-6993.
On Sunday, Pastor Kenneth E. Brown will share the message "There's a Great Day Coming." Scripture: Luke 12: 49-56. David Place will lead the worship service with the residents of Goosepond at 2 p.m. Sunday. All-church bowling at 5 p.m. at Park Lanes in Heath. Teen meeting, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the home of Jonathan and Sarah Harper (for directions, call (740) 344-2351); study, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; praise and worship team practice, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"Made New" will sing during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service. The Rev. Terry Muncy will share the message.
Aerobics, 9:30 a.m. today. At the 10:30 a.m. Sunday contemporary service, missionaries Tom and Karen Asher will be the guest speakers. Weight Watchers, 6 p.m. Tuesday; youth group, 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, with Financial Peace University and "The Truth Project" film study series at 7 p.m. www.cwcnewark.org or (740) 366-4220.
Free community breakfast, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 21.
School supplies giveaway, noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 21.
Church-wide picnic, Aug. 29 at Dawes Arboretum.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
New Youth Education Building at United Methodist Church
Aug 12, 2010 – SAN DIEGO – A new youth/education building was dedicated July 18 at the San Carlos United Methodist Church in San Diego. The project represents Phase 1A of a multi-phase master plan designed by leading church architects domusstudio architecture. General contractor on the project was Zigman/Shields General Contractors, Inc.
“A building dedication is a gratifying time for architects because we see years of drawings, ideas and planning come alive with people,” said Wayne Holtan, a principal at domusstudio architecture. The San Diego-based firm specializes in church-related building projects, including more than 25 currently in process. “We are honored to be part of the San Carlos United Methodist Church team/family.”“Now that construction is completed, we start the real work of Christian education for youth and adults,” said the Rev. Sue Farley, senior pastor. “We go forward now with creating new ministries to meet our church goals and vision.”
The next phase of the master plan at San Carlos United Methodist Church will be an addition to the just completed single-story youth/education building, replacing the church’s existing preschool building. Timing for the addition, as well as other phases, will be announced as needed by the growing ministry and services of the church.
Spanning 1,600 square feet, the new youth/education building at San Carlos United Methodist Church consists of one large room, an office, bathrooms and kitchen. The multipurpose space incorporates a courtyard area and entry porch. The education building sets the tone for the other phases in the master plan, all of which match the architectural style and earth tone color palette of the existing Sanctuary. Sustainable concepts are incorporated throughout the master plan, including the use of a non-combustible composite roofing material for the youth/education building.
domusstudio architecture is a 24-year-old award-winning architectural design firm specializing in religious facilities, fire stations, educational buildings, senior housing and custom residential projects. Founded in 1986 as Dominy + Associates, the firm strives to enhance the lives of people through architecture, interiors, planning and service. For more information about its projects and services, call 619-692-9393 or visit www.domusstudio.com.
“A building dedication is a gratifying time for architects because we see years of drawings, ideas and planning come alive with people,” said Wayne Holtan, a principal at domusstudio architecture. The San Diego-based firm specializes in church-related building projects, including more than 25 currently in process. “We are honored to be part of the San Carlos United Methodist Church team/family.”“Now that construction is completed, we start the real work of Christian education for youth and adults,” said the Rev. Sue Farley, senior pastor. “We go forward now with creating new ministries to meet our church goals and vision.”
The next phase of the master plan at San Carlos United Methodist Church will be an addition to the just completed single-story youth/education building, replacing the church’s existing preschool building. Timing for the addition, as well as other phases, will be announced as needed by the growing ministry and services of the church.
Spanning 1,600 square feet, the new youth/education building at San Carlos United Methodist Church consists of one large room, an office, bathrooms and kitchen. The multipurpose space incorporates a courtyard area and entry porch. The education building sets the tone for the other phases in the master plan, all of which match the architectural style and earth tone color palette of the existing Sanctuary. Sustainable concepts are incorporated throughout the master plan, including the use of a non-combustible composite roofing material for the youth/education building.
domusstudio architecture is a 24-year-old award-winning architectural design firm specializing in religious facilities, fire stations, educational buildings, senior housing and custom residential projects. Founded in 1986 as Dominy + Associates, the firm strives to enhance the lives of people through architecture, interiors, planning and service. For more information about its projects and services, call 619-692-9393 or visit www.domusstudio.com.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Religious Items for Sale
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Aug 10, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Eternal Image, Inc. (the "Company") (ETNL 0.01, +0.00, +33.33%) , a public company engaged in the design, manufacturing and marketing of officially licensed memorial products such as caskets, urns, monuments and vaults, today released the following Letter to Shareholders on its website:
Dear Shareholders:
Eternal Image is preparing for what will be our busiest fall season to date. In September we will be launching our first cremation urn for Star Trek. The design is brand-new and has never been shown to the public before. Details about this launch will be available shortly, and will instruct people how and when to view the urn on the date of the official launch. We have a very unique rollout planned.
Also in September, some prototypes of Eternal Image's product line for the Vatican Observatory will be on display at the Catholic Cemetery Conference and Expo in Omaha, Nebraska. This show is the premier venue for Catholic cemeterians nationwide, and the perfect opportunity for getting feedback on the product. Following the show, the feedback that we have garnered will be implemented into the final production designs.
The Vatican Observatory line is proving to be our most expansive ever. In addition to caskets, urns, and memorials, Frank Colapinto (President of our New World Gift Company division) is overseeing designs for liturgical candles, retail candles, and candles for the South American market, specifically a line for Brazilian Catholics. We also have a line of memorial prayer cards, thank you cards, and registry books that is nearing completion, and our distributor of those has told us the Vatican Observatory line could very likely dominate the memorial card and registry book market among U.S. Catholics.
Some of you may have seen the announcement that we recently sold our 2,000th baseball urn in July. That number is already approaching 2,200 and we anticipate expanding the line from the 13-teams currently available to all 30-teams later this year. Also, our infant and youth casket sales are exceeding expectations and are moving an average of 5-10 units monthly--respectable numbers for a product with less than a 2% share of the casket market and not quite one year of market exposure.
While too preliminary for this Letter, be assured Eternal Image is also diligently working on two other projects mentioned earlier this year: a non-equity/non-dilutive funding deal; and a new license to add to our portfolio. Details about these projects are forthcoming.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Eternal Image Management Team
About Eternal Image
Eternal Image, incorporated in 2006, is headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI. The company is the first and only manufacturer and marketer of licensed brand image memorial products. Currently, the company offers urns and caskets that feature licensed images from Major League Baseball(TM), STAR TREK(R), Precious Moments(TM), the Vatican Observatory Foundation(R), and the Collegiate Licensing Company, as well as pet urns featuring the American Kennel Club(TM), and Cat Fanciers'(TM) Association. In 2010, Eternal Image formed a new division called the New World Gift Company. New World manages the design, manufacturing, and marketing of ancillary products such as liturgical candles, retail memorial candles, registry books, memorial prayer cards, and other gift items. For more information about Eternal Image or New World Gift Company, visit www.eternalimage.net, www.newworldgiftcompany.com, or call 1-888-6-CASKET.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Statements in this news release relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends, projections of results of specific activities or investments, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include but are not limited to risk factors inherent in doing business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as "may", "will," "should," "could," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "forecasts," "potential" or "continue" or similar terms or the negative of these terms.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, such factors, including risk factors, discussed in the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, as amended on Form S-1, See www.sec.gov. Except as required by the Federal Securities law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this report.
The company has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: Eternal Image, Inc.
CONTACT: Cambridge Investor Relations
Investor Relations Contact:
Tony Fazio
781/214-9038
(C) Copyright 2010 GlobeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved.
Dear Shareholders:
Eternal Image is preparing for what will be our busiest fall season to date. In September we will be launching our first cremation urn for Star Trek. The design is brand-new and has never been shown to the public before. Details about this launch will be available shortly, and will instruct people how and when to view the urn on the date of the official launch. We have a very unique rollout planned.
Also in September, some prototypes of Eternal Image's product line for the Vatican Observatory will be on display at the Catholic Cemetery Conference and Expo in Omaha, Nebraska. This show is the premier venue for Catholic cemeterians nationwide, and the perfect opportunity for getting feedback on the product. Following the show, the feedback that we have garnered will be implemented into the final production designs.
The Vatican Observatory line is proving to be our most expansive ever. In addition to caskets, urns, and memorials, Frank Colapinto (President of our New World Gift Company division) is overseeing designs for liturgical candles, retail candles, and candles for the South American market, specifically a line for Brazilian Catholics. We also have a line of memorial prayer cards, thank you cards, and registry books that is nearing completion, and our distributor of those has told us the Vatican Observatory line could very likely dominate the memorial card and registry book market among U.S. Catholics.
Some of you may have seen the announcement that we recently sold our 2,000th baseball urn in July. That number is already approaching 2,200 and we anticipate expanding the line from the 13-teams currently available to all 30-teams later this year. Also, our infant and youth casket sales are exceeding expectations and are moving an average of 5-10 units monthly--respectable numbers for a product with less than a 2% share of the casket market and not quite one year of market exposure.
While too preliminary for this Letter, be assured Eternal Image is also diligently working on two other projects mentioned earlier this year: a non-equity/non-dilutive funding deal; and a new license to add to our portfolio. Details about these projects are forthcoming.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Eternal Image Management Team
About Eternal Image
Eternal Image, incorporated in 2006, is headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI. The company is the first and only manufacturer and marketer of licensed brand image memorial products. Currently, the company offers urns and caskets that feature licensed images from Major League Baseball(TM), STAR TREK(R), Precious Moments(TM), the Vatican Observatory Foundation(R), and the Collegiate Licensing Company, as well as pet urns featuring the American Kennel Club(TM), and Cat Fanciers'(TM) Association. In 2010, Eternal Image formed a new division called the New World Gift Company. New World manages the design, manufacturing, and marketing of ancillary products such as liturgical candles, retail memorial candles, registry books, memorial prayer cards, and other gift items. For more information about Eternal Image or New World Gift Company, visit www.eternalimage.net, www.newworldgiftcompany.com, or call 1-888-6-CASKET.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Statements in this news release relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends, projections of results of specific activities or investments, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Hindu Civilisation Book for Sale
he miracle of Hindu civilization
By Manju Gupta
The Hindu Civilisation: A Miracle of History, Shashi B Sahai, Gyan Publishing House, Pp 282 (HB), Rs 650.00
THE fact that Hinduism has existed for about 6,000 years is a wonder of history. But that is only one fringe attribute of Hinduism which is too wide a religious phenomenon to be identified with it. From the ancient Vedic religion of worship of Nature-gods and sacrificial rituals through the Upanishadic concept of the atman, Vedantic philosophy of integral unity of human soul with the Ultimate Reality, epic or Puranic Hinduism of Ramayana and Mahabharata, to post-epic devotional cults of Vaishnavism and Shaivism, Hinduism is a big umbrella which shelters a large number of faiths, philosophies and cults rooted in the soil of India. "It is like a vast ocean with diverse forms of worship, beliefs and philosophies flowing and mingling into it as its tributaries. And it is continually developing and regenerating itself," says the author.
She explains that Hinduism is not only a religious faith "in the narrow sense of the term" but a way of life and "a view of the cosmos or cosmology, a philosophy of Oneness of the atman with the Brahman, and, of course, an umbrella of religion embracing all other faiths emerging in the land of India." It is this wide sweep and vastness of Hinduism which has prevented it from being swept off by such overpowering religions like Christianity and Islam through thousands of years of its existence, that is, on tracing its origin to the composition of the Rig Veda, the oldest religious scripture.
The author has extensively quoted Sri Aurobindo, Vivekananda, S Radhakrishnan, Jawaharlal Nehru in the context of their views on Hinduism but it is Sri Aurobindo who sums up Hinduism best: "The religious culture, which now goes by the name of Hinduism...gave itself no name, because it set itself no sectarian limits; it claimed no universal adhesion; asserted no sole infallible dogma; set up no single narrow path or gate of salvation; it was less a creed or cult than continuously enlarging tradition of the God-ward endeavour of the human spirit. As a many-sided and many-staged provision for spiritual self-building and self-finding, it had some right to speak of itself by the only name I knew, the eternal religion."
Apart from describing the growth of Hinduism, the author talks of the Bhakti movement, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Dr Hedgewar, Guruji (M.S. Golwalkar) and how their contributions and love led to the growth of Hinduism.
(Gyan Publishing House, 23, Main Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110 002; www.gyanbooks.com)
By Manju Gupta
The Hindu Civilisation: A Miracle of History, Shashi B Sahai, Gyan Publishing House, Pp 282 (HB), Rs 650.00
THE fact that Hinduism has existed for about 6,000 years is a wonder of history. But that is only one fringe attribute of Hinduism which is too wide a religious phenomenon to be identified with it. From the ancient Vedic religion of worship of Nature-gods and sacrificial rituals through the Upanishadic concept of the atman, Vedantic philosophy of integral unity of human soul with the Ultimate Reality, epic or Puranic Hinduism of Ramayana and Mahabharata, to post-epic devotional cults of Vaishnavism and Shaivism, Hinduism is a big umbrella which shelters a large number of faiths, philosophies and cults rooted in the soil of India. "It is like a vast ocean with diverse forms of worship, beliefs and philosophies flowing and mingling into it as its tributaries. And it is continually developing and regenerating itself," says the author.
She explains that Hinduism is not only a religious faith "in the narrow sense of the term" but a way of life and "a view of the cosmos or cosmology, a philosophy of Oneness of the atman with the Brahman, and, of course, an umbrella of religion embracing all other faiths emerging in the land of India." It is this wide sweep and vastness of Hinduism which has prevented it from being swept off by such overpowering religions like Christianity and Islam through thousands of years of its existence, that is, on tracing its origin to the composition of the Rig Veda, the oldest religious scripture.
The author has extensively quoted Sri Aurobindo, Vivekananda, S Radhakrishnan, Jawaharlal Nehru in the context of their views on Hinduism but it is Sri Aurobindo who sums up Hinduism best: "The religious culture, which now goes by the name of Hinduism...gave itself no name, because it set itself no sectarian limits; it claimed no universal adhesion; asserted no sole infallible dogma; set up no single narrow path or gate of salvation; it was less a creed or cult than continuously enlarging tradition of the God-ward endeavour of the human spirit. As a many-sided and many-staged provision for spiritual self-building and self-finding, it had some right to speak of itself by the only name I knew, the eternal religion."
Apart from describing the growth of Hinduism, the author talks of the Bhakti movement, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Dr Hedgewar, Guruji (M.S. Golwalkar) and how their contributions and love led to the growth of Hinduism.
(Gyan Publishing House, 23, Main Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110 002; www.gyanbooks.com)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Zen Peacemakers Gathering
The Zen Peacemakers are hosting a 6-day Symposium for Western Socially Engaged Buddhism from August 9 to August 14, 2010. They are gathering leading Western activist practitioners, academics and sponsors of Socially Engaged Buddhism. The daily schedule includes: meditation, a key note address, 2 plenary panels, discussion groups, brain storming groups and evening entertainment. The Symposium is being organized to promote the practice of Socially Engaged Buddhism, to inspire and encourage members of the Western Buddhist community to join this worldwide movement and to bring together the leading practitioners and theorists in this movement.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Julia Roberts Practicing Hinduism
Hollywood star Julia Roberts has converted to Hinduism after discovering all about the religion while filming new movie Eat Pray Love in India.
The Pretty Woman actress stars in the big screen adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's travel memoir, which sees her travel to India as part of a spiritual pilgrimage to learn about yoga, meditation and life in an ashram.
Roberts, whose parents are Baptist and Catholic, was so captivated by the ancient religion, she experienced her own spiritual awakening during the shoot and returned home as a Hindu.
She tells Elle magazine, "I'm definitely a practising Hindu."
The actress reveals she regularly goes to temple to "chant, pray and celebrate" and even takes her husband Danny Moder and their three kids, three-year-old Henry and five-year-old twins Phinnaeus and Hazel, with her.
Roberts has also adopted the belief in reincarnation and she hopes her next life will be a "quiet" one.
She says, "Golly, I've been so spoiled with my friends and family in this life. Next time I want to be just something quiet and supporting."
The Pretty Woman actress stars in the big screen adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's travel memoir, which sees her travel to India as part of a spiritual pilgrimage to learn about yoga, meditation and life in an ashram.
Roberts, whose parents are Baptist and Catholic, was so captivated by the ancient religion, she experienced her own spiritual awakening during the shoot and returned home as a Hindu.
She tells Elle magazine, "I'm definitely a practising Hindu."
The actress reveals she regularly goes to temple to "chant, pray and celebrate" and even takes her husband Danny Moder and their three kids, three-year-old Henry and five-year-old twins Phinnaeus and Hazel, with her.
Roberts has also adopted the belief in reincarnation and she hopes her next life will be a "quiet" one.
She says, "Golly, I've been so spoiled with my friends and family in this life. Next time I want to be just something quiet and supporting."
Bhutan Fights the World for Its Buddhism
Impressively, Bhutan, a devoutly Buddhist country, is determined to preserve its traditional way of life in the face of globalisation.
The surprises began the moment my friend and I landed in Bhutan’s Paro airport.
The fresh, soothing air lifted my spirits. I felt light-hearted. Whisked through immigration by a government official dressed in traditional gho, we were in the backseat of a Hyundai 4WD within minutes and on our way to the capital, Thimphu.
As the vehicle wound its way through the mountain passes, past lush valleys, streams and terraces planted with rice, barley, potatoes, mustard, chillies and vegetables, I felt relaxed.The blue skies and natural greens exuded a calming and soothing effect. The brown made me feel warm and grounded. The furry threads of parasitical plants blowing in the wind and clinging to the pine trees, forming a mesh web, reminded me of the interdependence between man and nature and how our sanity could be destroyed by clinging to samsara’s (earthly life) delights.
A snow-capped peak loomed in the horizon, and we saw a family of very rare vultures, the Himalayan Griffons, appear out of nowhere to feast on the carcass of a horse — a stark reminder of life’s impermanence.
Bhutan, a small independent Buddhist kingdom about the size of Switzerland, sits on the roof of the world. It has a population of around 670,000 who mainly live in remote villages inland. The government adopts a policy of high-value and low-volume tourism to safeguard the country’s environment and way of life.
Visitors have to pay a minimum tariff of US$200 (RM632) per day to cover meals, accommodation, guide and travel.
Shambala — pure land
As I travelled though this land of deep contrasts, I felt myself going back in time to the legendary kingdom of Shambala — a pure land ruled by benevolent Buddhist kings. I was captivated by the majestic dzong or fortresses, which are stunning examples of Bhutanese architecture.
Numerous monasteries, stupa and temples built centuries ago dot the landscape, inspiring and titillating the imagination of the spiritual seeker. The prayer flags fluttering in the wind on trees, stupa and many a roof-top sent forth messages of hope and peace.
One of Bhutan’s national treasures, which is also a World Heritage Site, is the famous Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest. This Buddhist monastery is perched precariously on the sheer craggy cliff of a copper-coloured mountain 900m above the Paro valley. The hermitages built into the cliff faces here provide shelter for meditation practitioners who come to contemplate life’s meaning on top of the world.
Taktsang blew my mind when I finally got there after an arduous three-hour climb on foot and horseback. The cooling sprays of a breathtaking waterfall cascading down the hidden mountainside welcomed me to the tiger’s lair.
What an awesome sight to behold!
The surprises began the moment my friend and I landed in Bhutan’s Paro airport.
The fresh, soothing air lifted my spirits. I felt light-hearted. Whisked through immigration by a government official dressed in traditional gho, we were in the backseat of a Hyundai 4WD within minutes and on our way to the capital, Thimphu.
As the vehicle wound its way through the mountain passes, past lush valleys, streams and terraces planted with rice, barley, potatoes, mustard, chillies and vegetables, I felt relaxed.The blue skies and natural greens exuded a calming and soothing effect. The brown made me feel warm and grounded. The furry threads of parasitical plants blowing in the wind and clinging to the pine trees, forming a mesh web, reminded me of the interdependence between man and nature and how our sanity could be destroyed by clinging to samsara’s (earthly life) delights.
A snow-capped peak loomed in the horizon, and we saw a family of very rare vultures, the Himalayan Griffons, appear out of nowhere to feast on the carcass of a horse — a stark reminder of life’s impermanence.
Bhutan, a small independent Buddhist kingdom about the size of Switzerland, sits on the roof of the world. It has a population of around 670,000 who mainly live in remote villages inland. The government adopts a policy of high-value and low-volume tourism to safeguard the country’s environment and way of life.
Visitors have to pay a minimum tariff of US$200 (RM632) per day to cover meals, accommodation, guide and travel.
Shambala — pure land
As I travelled though this land of deep contrasts, I felt myself going back in time to the legendary kingdom of Shambala — a pure land ruled by benevolent Buddhist kings. I was captivated by the majestic dzong or fortresses, which are stunning examples of Bhutanese architecture.
Numerous monasteries, stupa and temples built centuries ago dot the landscape, inspiring and titillating the imagination of the spiritual seeker. The prayer flags fluttering in the wind on trees, stupa and many a roof-top sent forth messages of hope and peace.
One of Bhutan’s national treasures, which is also a World Heritage Site, is the famous Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest. This Buddhist monastery is perched precariously on the sheer craggy cliff of a copper-coloured mountain 900m above the Paro valley. The hermitages built into the cliff faces here provide shelter for meditation practitioners who come to contemplate life’s meaning on top of the world.
Taktsang blew my mind when I finally got there after an arduous three-hour climb on foot and horseback. The cooling sprays of a breathtaking waterfall cascading down the hidden mountainside welcomed me to the tiger’s lair.
What an awesome sight to behold!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Buddhists Hip to the Technology
In their traditional grey monk suits with shaved heads and wearing iPods, they've walked Park Avenue, listened to the concerts in Lincoln Park and played football in Lyndhurst—a part of their introduction in the Western world. The monks are a group of three Korean monks and four nuns from Donguk University in South Korea, and are staying at Felician College in Rutherford while studying English as a Second Language and learning about Buddhism in the Western world.They live under a rule of 250 precepts. And on a typical day, they're up at 4 a.m. for meditation, have breakfast at 6 a.m., and have university studies, chant three times a day and do agricultural work until sundown. While staying mentally and spiritually active, they also stay physically active and technologically savvy.
"I like football and soccer," says Sung Cheol Lee a.k.a. "Great Wisdom." Their trip to the fields in Lyndhurst was also their introduction to the American game of football.
"And I use Twitter for journals and chants. I have iPhone apps for chanting, 'I Need Coffee,' painting and a dictionary," says Heyjun Changeon Kim, a.k.a. "Blue River."
Lee, 19, and Blue River, 42, noted that it is customary in Korea not to use your birth name when you become a monk. At times, they spoke through a translator. Blue River has been a monk for 12 years. Lee is two years into the five-year journey.
"I like football and soccer," says Sung Cheol Lee a.k.a. "Great Wisdom." Their trip to the fields in Lyndhurst was also their introduction to the American game of football.
"And I use Twitter for journals and chants. I have iPhone apps for chanting, 'I Need Coffee,' painting and a dictionary," says Heyjun Changeon Kim, a.k.a. "Blue River."
Lee, 19, and Blue River, 42, noted that it is customary in Korea not to use your birth name when you become a monk. At times, they spoke through a translator. Blue River has been a monk for 12 years. Lee is two years into the five-year journey.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Vietnam and their Buddhist Temples
HCM CITY — Ha Noi has the largest number of Buddhist pagodas and temples in Viet Nam.
This and six other new records related to Buddhism and the capital city have been listed in the Viet Nam Book of Records (Vietbooks) on the occasion of a celebration last week by Buddhists to mark the 1,000th founding anniversary of the city.
The capital, which was recently expanded and now includes Ha Tay Province and some districts of Hoa Binh Province, has 2,050 pagodas and temples.
Others include the largest bronze Buddha statue – made in 1952 – at Ngu Xa Pagoda, Ba Dinh District and the tower decorated with the most Buddha statues at Bang Pagoda, Hoang Mai District.
The 10-tonne statue is 3.95m high and 3.6m wide, and sits on a 3.9-tonne, 1.45m lotus-shaped Pedestal.
The 54m Bao An Tower in Bang Pagoda has 104 bronze Buddha statues, 40 of them 1.55m tall.
Vietbooks lists Huong Hai Pagoda as Viet Nam's first Buddhism institute for nuns while Nguyen Van Yen of Hoai Duc District is credited with making the largest incense roll, one measuring 2.1m in diameter.
Vietbooks co-operated with the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha to create the list. — VNS
This and six other new records related to Buddhism and the capital city have been listed in the Viet Nam Book of Records (Vietbooks) on the occasion of a celebration last week by Buddhists to mark the 1,000th founding anniversary of the city.
The capital, which was recently expanded and now includes Ha Tay Province and some districts of Hoa Binh Province, has 2,050 pagodas and temples.
Others include the largest bronze Buddha statue – made in 1952 – at Ngu Xa Pagoda, Ba Dinh District and the tower decorated with the most Buddha statues at Bang Pagoda, Hoang Mai District.
The 10-tonne statue is 3.95m high and 3.6m wide, and sits on a 3.9-tonne, 1.45m lotus-shaped Pedestal.
The 54m Bao An Tower in Bang Pagoda has 104 bronze Buddha statues, 40 of them 1.55m tall.
Vietbooks lists Huong Hai Pagoda as Viet Nam's first Buddhism institute for nuns while Nguyen Van Yen of Hoai Duc District is credited with making the largest incense roll, one measuring 2.1m in diameter.
Vietbooks co-operated with the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha to create the list. — VNS
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
August 24 is Hindu Celebration Day
Noted Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has sent greetings to Hindu communities world over on upcoming Raksha Bandhan festival, which falls on August 24 this year.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a release in Nevada (USA) today, expressed warmest greetings on this festival; when sisters tie a sacramental thread on the wrist of their brothers; wishing happiness, peace, love and joy to all the Hindus.
Rajan Zed urged Hindus to try to do some charity on this day as charity was a duty in Hinduism.
Raksha Bandhan festival, whose legends go as far back as Indra (first among the Vedic deities), is a celebration of sacred bond of love between a brother and a sister. It is held on the full-moon day in the month of Shravan. "Raksha" means "protection" and "Bandhan" means "bond".
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a release in Nevada (USA) today, expressed warmest greetings on this festival; when sisters tie a sacramental thread on the wrist of their brothers; wishing happiness, peace, love and joy to all the Hindus.
Rajan Zed urged Hindus to try to do some charity on this day as charity was a duty in Hinduism.
Raksha Bandhan festival, whose legends go as far back as Indra (first among the Vedic deities), is a celebration of sacred bond of love between a brother and a sister. It is held on the full-moon day in the month of Shravan. "Raksha" means "protection" and "Bandhan" means "bond".
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Kung Fu Temple Honored by United Nations
Shaolin temple, the Buddhist monastery that’s also the birthplace of kung fu, has been added to the United Nations’ list of World Heritage Sites.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization named historical monuments near Dengfeng city, including the Shaolin, to its list of heritage sites yesterday, according to a statement on the group’s website.
Dengfeng is the 40th site in China to be added to the Unesco heritage list, which may help boost tourism to the city in Henan province. Local authorities had applied for the Unesco designation for nine years, Xinhua News Agency reported. China is also ‘ready’ to apply next year for West Lake in the eastern city of Hangzhou to be added, according to Xinhua.
The Dengfeng site in central China includes eight clusters of structures at the foot of the 1,500 meter-high Songshan mountain. In addition to Shaolin temple, the site also includes three Han Que gates, which are the remains of the oldest religious edifices in China, according to Unesco.
Unesco has named 910 locations to its World Heritage Sites list, which includes 704 cultural sites, 179 natural heritage sites and 27 mixed properties.
--Penny Peng in Beijing. Editors: John Liu, Eugene Tang.
To contact Bloomberg News staff on this story: Penny Peng in Beijing at +86-10-6649-7504 or ppeng14@bloomberg.net
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization named historical monuments near Dengfeng city, including the Shaolin, to its list of heritage sites yesterday, according to a statement on the group’s website.
Dengfeng is the 40th site in China to be added to the Unesco heritage list, which may help boost tourism to the city in Henan province. Local authorities had applied for the Unesco designation for nine years, Xinhua News Agency reported. China is also ‘ready’ to apply next year for West Lake in the eastern city of Hangzhou to be added, according to Xinhua.
The Dengfeng site in central China includes eight clusters of structures at the foot of the 1,500 meter-high Songshan mountain. In addition to Shaolin temple, the site also includes three Han Que gates, which are the remains of the oldest religious edifices in China, according to Unesco.
Unesco has named 910 locations to its World Heritage Sites list, which includes 704 cultural sites, 179 natural heritage sites and 27 mixed properties.
--Penny Peng in Beijing. Editors: John Liu, Eugene Tang.
To contact Bloomberg News staff on this story: Penny Peng in Beijing at +86-10-6649-7504 or ppeng14@bloomberg.net
Monday, August 2, 2010
Obon Festival Coming to Palo Alto
Japanese culture will be celebrated and explored through food, music and dance at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple's 62nd annual Obon Festival this weekend.
Obon commemorates ancestors and deceased loved ones, and takes place during July or August in towns and cities throughout Japan. Palo Alto's annual celebration, which started in 1948, will be held Saturday and Sunday; festivities begin at 5 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. Thousands of people are expected at the temple at 2751 Louis Road.
"It's gotten bigger, bigger and bigger," said temple member Sally Barlow-Perez, adding that the festival originally involved just members of the temple community.
Attendees can expect a variety of music and dance performances by groups from throughout the Bay Area, and a wide selection of Japanese cuisine. The event kicks off with the tolling of the temple's giant bell and a performance by the temple's taiko drum group.
The free event features carnival booths for children, vendors, speeches and martial arts performances. Visitors are invited to learn about Buddhism by touring and meeting with guides inside the temple's Hondo, or sanctuary.
The festival will end with Bon Odori, a participatory circular folk dance.
Traditionally, at the end of Obon, floating lanterns are released into rivers or other bodies of water to symbolically guide spirits back to their world. Palo Alto's celebration does not involve a lantern release; instead,hey are hung inside the sanctuary.
"We're more Americanized," Barlow-Perez said, adding that there are "not too many rivers nearby."
For more information about the festival, call the temple at 650-856-0123 between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on weekdays or visit www.pabt.org.
Obon commemorates ancestors and deceased loved ones, and takes place during July or August in towns and cities throughout Japan. Palo Alto's annual celebration, which started in 1948, will be held Saturday and Sunday; festivities begin at 5 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. Thousands of people are expected at the temple at 2751 Louis Road.
"It's gotten bigger, bigger and bigger," said temple member Sally Barlow-Perez, adding that the festival originally involved just members of the temple community.
Attendees can expect a variety of music and dance performances by groups from throughout the Bay Area, and a wide selection of Japanese cuisine. The event kicks off with the tolling of the temple's giant bell and a performance by the temple's taiko drum group.
The free event features carnival booths for children, vendors, speeches and martial arts performances. Visitors are invited to learn about Buddhism by touring and meeting with guides inside the temple's Hondo, or sanctuary.
The festival will end with Bon Odori, a participatory circular folk dance.
Traditionally, at the end of Obon, floating lanterns are released into rivers or other bodies of water to symbolically guide spirits back to their world. Palo Alto's celebration does not involve a lantern release; instead,hey are hung inside the sanctuary.
"We're more Americanized," Barlow-Perez said, adding that there are "not too many rivers nearby."
For more information about the festival, call the temple at 650-856-0123 between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on weekdays or visit www.pabt.org.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Enlightenment in a Book
NORFOLK, Va., July 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The research article "Privatizing Enlightenment in the Re-Emergence of Religion" and studies exploring similarities between writings of Eckhart Tolle (2005) and Belzebuub (2001, 2002) reveal new insights about contemporary spirituality. Author, Dr. Gabrielle Wood will release the research online starting today July 30.
"Privatizing Enlightenment in the Re-Emergence of Religion" was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Dharma (Dec.2009, 431-444). It will be available online for the first time on July 30. The article explores the impact of spiritual leaders regulating access to spiritual teachings and guidance.
"It is increasingly common for spiritual leaders to charge money for teachings or to reserve special teachings for the elite," explains Dr. Wood. "Interestingly, this international trend is occurring during a time in which progressively more people are seeking spiritual guidance."
The implications of privatization are illustrated through in-depth comparisons of Eckhart Tolle and Mark H. Pritchard "Belzebuub." "The two were chosen because one could argue that they have strikingly similar teachings, but that they differ with regard to privatization," explains Dr. Wood in the article.
Readers will also be able to view the studies, which were cited in the article, on the similarities between Eckhart Tolle's (2005) "A New Earth" and Belzebuub's (2001, 2002) "Searching Within: A Nine Week Course" and "The Journey to Enlightenment: A Nine Week Course."
In addition to the contemporary examples of Tolle and Belzebuub, the article examines examples from Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and other religions. "Examples of well-known figures such as Jesus Christ and Buddha indicate that spiritual teachings are divinely inspired, given for the sake of all humanity, rather than for just the wealthy or elite," says Dr. Wood.
The article concludes by considering the practical implications of this trend and by addressing questions such as the following:
* Is there justification for privatizing spiritual teachings?
* Does the choice to privatize affect how spiritual leaders present their teachings?
* Is it accurate to call privatized teachings "spiritual?"
Starting July 30, 2010 the full-text article will be available online, courtesy of the Journal of Dharma. Readers can also view the studies comparing Tolle and Belzebuub on the website: sites.google.com/a/cnu.edu/gabrielle-wood/.
More Information:
Dr. Gabrielle Wood, psychologist, lectures on leadership studies at Christopher Newport University. Her research focuses on positive leadership approaches, with an emphasis on authentic and spiritual leadership. More information can be found here: sites.google.com/a/cnu.edu/gabrielle-wood/researcherprofile.
The Journal of Dharma is an international, peer-reviewed Journal of Religions and Philosophies, published by the Centre for the Study of World Religions of the Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore, India.
NEWS SOURCE: Dr. Gabrielle M. Wood
"Privatizing Enlightenment in the Re-Emergence of Religion" was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Dharma (Dec.2009, 431-444). It will be available online for the first time on July 30. The article explores the impact of spiritual leaders regulating access to spiritual teachings and guidance.
"It is increasingly common for spiritual leaders to charge money for teachings or to reserve special teachings for the elite," explains Dr. Wood. "Interestingly, this international trend is occurring during a time in which progressively more people are seeking spiritual guidance."
The implications of privatization are illustrated through in-depth comparisons of Eckhart Tolle and Mark H. Pritchard "Belzebuub." "The two were chosen because one could argue that they have strikingly similar teachings, but that they differ with regard to privatization," explains Dr. Wood in the article.
Readers will also be able to view the studies, which were cited in the article, on the similarities between Eckhart Tolle's (2005) "A New Earth" and Belzebuub's (2001, 2002) "Searching Within: A Nine Week Course" and "The Journey to Enlightenment: A Nine Week Course."
In addition to the contemporary examples of Tolle and Belzebuub, the article examines examples from Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and other religions. "Examples of well-known figures such as Jesus Christ and Buddha indicate that spiritual teachings are divinely inspired, given for the sake of all humanity, rather than for just the wealthy or elite," says Dr. Wood.
The article concludes by considering the practical implications of this trend and by addressing questions such as the following:
* Is there justification for privatizing spiritual teachings?
* Does the choice to privatize affect how spiritual leaders present their teachings?
* Is it accurate to call privatized teachings "spiritual?"
Starting July 30, 2010 the full-text article will be available online, courtesy of the Journal of Dharma. Readers can also view the studies comparing Tolle and Belzebuub on the website: sites.google.com/a/cnu.edu/gabrielle-wood/.
More Information:
Dr. Gabrielle Wood, psychologist, lectures on leadership studies at Christopher Newport University. Her research focuses on positive leadership approaches, with an emphasis on authentic and spiritual leadership. More information can be found here: sites.google.com/a/cnu.edu/gabrielle-wood/researcherprofile.
The Journal of Dharma is an international, peer-reviewed Journal of Religions and Philosophies, published by the Centre for the Study of World Religions of the Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore, India.
NEWS SOURCE: Dr. Gabrielle M. Wood
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