Bratteli to speak
Judy Bratteli, Grand Forks, will talk about how having multiple sclerosis since 1992 has affected her faith in God at 9 a.m. today in the community center in Warren, Minn.
According to a news release, "God has taught Judy that He is in control and she can rest in Him even through the progression of this debilitating disease, which has kept her bound to a wheelchair for several years." Bratteli taught in the Grand Forks Public Schools.
Everyone is welcome. Info:
Judy Schuster at (218) 791-3106.
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Young Artists Series
In the Young Artists Series, Eva Clair and Michael Land will perform on violin and piano the music of Brahms, Franck, Janacek, Telemann and Charlie Chaplin at 5 p.m. May 24 in First Presbyterian Church, 5555 S. Washington St. There is no admission cost; an offering will be taken.
Info: JoAnn Parnell at (701) 775-5545
Vacation Bible School
It's "Experience, Discover God Everywhere" at Vacation Bible School from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 31 to June 4 in Mendenhall Presbyterian Church, 528 10th St. N.W., East Grand Forks, along Gateway Drive. All children in kindergarten through grade six are welcome; it starts each evening with a supper. There is no fee.
Info: the church, (218) 773-2469, or Bev Casmey, (218) 773-0304.
Summer Recital Series
Bemidji Area Church Musicians announced the schedule for their 21st annual Summer Recital Series that begins June 3, giving people a lunchtime concert every week.
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Held in various Bemidji churches at noon Wednesdays, the 30-minute recitals feature handbells, organists, pianists, cello and brass ensembles and other groups. Admission is an offering, and a lunch will be served after each recital.
One goal of the recital series is awarding scholarships to college music students. Allyson White, who received a scholarship in 2008, will perform in recital June 17.
The first recital will be noon June 3 by "The Bells of Bethel" in Bethel Lutheran Church, 5232 Irvine Ave. N.W., Bemidji. Info: Carol Johnson, (218) 751-0415 or Joyce Oberg, (218) 444-3737.
Church anniversary
Trinity Lutheran Church, Sharon, N.D., will mark its 125th anniversary with a festival worship service at 10:30 a.m., followed by a catered dinner.
To reserve $8 tickets, call Sheri Lee (701) 524-2525.
Religious rights
A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of the United Auto Workers in a dispute over dues and the religious objections of a Roman Catholic at an Indiana factory.
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In a 2-1 decision, the court rejected Jeffrey Reed's claim of faith-based discrimination in the amount of money that must go to charity in lieu of paying dues to the UAW.
Reed, who works at a Hummer factory in Mishawaka, Ind., has been forced to pay the equivalent of full dues to a nonprofit group. He said that's unfair, especially when someone who supports the UAW but not its political activities can pay less.
Religious dialogue
The European Union is criticizing the decision of some Jewish leaders to boycott an EU meeting of religious officials, over the inclusion of Muslims whom they consider objectionable.
The World Jewish Congress said some of the Muslim attendees have made anti-Jewish remarks, and some of members don't want to sit with them at the same table.
EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said that in the face of the global economic crisis, "it is time for unity and not for isolation."
This week's meeting was the fifth such annual gathering, but it was the first time that any Jewish representatives had pulled out.
Gay marriage vote
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The spiritual leader of Maine's 200,000 Roman Catholics has pledged his diocese's help in bringing the state's gay marriage law to a vote in November.
Bishop Richard Malone also called the law "a dangerous sociological experiment" that will have negative consequences for society. Malone said marriage as it's been known for millennia "has served as the cornerstone of society."
Gov. John Baldacci signed the same-sex marriage bill last week. Foes then filed a challenge through Maine's people's veto process.
If you have stories or announcements for Faith & Religion, contact Stephen J. Lee at (701) 780-1237; (800) 477-6572, ext. 237; or e-mail slee@gfherald.com ; fax, (701) 780-1123.
