St. Lucy / Lucia (patron Saint of Sweden) -- night is Dec. 13 annually

Around Christmas time in Sweden, one of the biggest celebrations is St. Lucia's Day (or St. Lucy's Day) on December 13th. The celebration comes from stories that were told by Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden. St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304 A.D.

www.google.com [source of this paragraph]

"Medieval Society and the Environment" workshop - Medieval institute, Notre Dame

Nov. 30, 2018 (Friday)

10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
715 Hesburgh Library (Campus of Univ. of Notre Dame)

Three lecture leaders for the First Annual Byzantium Postdoctoral Fellowship Workshop

Lee Mordechai: "Cities and Disaster in the Early Medieval Eastern Mediterranean"

A. Asa Eger "The Swamps of Home"

Timothy P. Newfield: "Climate, Disease, and Famine in Frankish History"

Lunch Provided; RSVP by Nov. 28 at
http://bit.ly/BYZ2018

Sunday Dec. 2, 2018 - Yiddish art song (Sinai Synagogue, South Bend, IN)

Concert at 1102 LaSalle Avenue, South Bend, IN -- Tickets in advance or at the door

Four years after his San Francisco Opera Company debut, Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell decided to devote himself to the music of Sidor Belarsky (1898-1975) one of the twentieth century's most prolific performers of chazzanut, Chassidic nigunim and Yiddish art song. In The Sidor Belarsky Songbook, Anthony delves into the rich, vibrant world of Ashkenazi Jewish culture and song with a performance of selections from the Sidor Belarsky Songbook. 

https://www.sinaisynagogue.org/

Winter Weather Advisory - Nov. 26, 2018 -- Midnight to 1 p.m. (Monday)

Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches expected with isolated higher amounts across Berrien and northern Cass Counties. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph along the lakeshore with gusts up to 35 mph away from the lake.

* WHERE... In Michigan, Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph MI Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight EST   to 1 PM EST /noon CST/ Monday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

Southwest Michigan (Berrien County) -- also called "Cyber Monday"

Rain with some snow mixing in overnight. Low 29F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. 

Chance of precipitation is 100%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. 

Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tuesday Nov. 27 - Lecture at Notre Dame (DeBartolo Hall) "Defining Love for Interdisciplinary Research on Human Flourishing"

Free and open to the Public -- 5:15 - 6:45 p.m.

Most people today affirm the central role of love for human flourishing. But what is love? Love can be defined variously in terms of desire, feelings, relationships, sex or romance, or as whatever produces well-being. Moreover, different disciplines provide their own often conflicting perspectives on love. Without a definition applicable across disciplines, it is difficult to see how significant progress can be made in understanding and promoting love research for human flourishing. Thomas Jay Oord offers and defends a definition of love he believes can propel love research across theological, scientific, and philosophical disciplines. 

Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord is an award-winning author, having written or edited more than twenty books. A twelve-time faculty award-winning professor, he teaches at institutions around the globe. A gifted speaker, Oord is known for his contributions to research on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation. 

Christmas 1914 Truce -- all sides work out their cease-fire -- Dec. 3 evening presentation

Monday Dec. 3, 2018 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Rotunda (Niles District Library, Michigan)

Presenter: Jason Kuntz, Buchanan Schools

The WWI Christmas Truce Between Britain & Germany
“No-Man’s Land,” December 24, 1914. With World War 1 raging in its first year across Europe, two opposing forces manage to put their differences aside and come together on a common ground of faith. Little did they know at the time, British and German soldiers set a true example for future generations around the world as to what it means to look past their differences, and have PEACE. As we prepare to celebrate this coming Christmas, let us never forget the WWI Christmas Truce!

Niles District Library -
620 East Main, Niles, MI 49120        (Entrance on Cedar. St)
(269) 683-8545

25th Annual Sweet Potato Pie contest - Nov. 22, 2018

from ABC 57 (Local station) news story - www.abc57.com/

Community members in South Bend, IN came together Thursday to give thanks by reading a proclamation during the celebration of their 25th Sweet Potato Pie Contest.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Regina Williams-Preston, South Bend Common Councilwoman for District 2,  highlighted how people in in the area come together to give back to their community.

“We are here today to give thanks to all of the magnificent progress being made this year here in the city of South Bend. We've made some pretty important investments right here on the west side," said Williams-Preston.

Williams-Preston focused on the strides made to invest in the repairs of legacy home owners and added that there is still work to be done for the homeless in South Bend.

"Just to come back and remember the importance of sharing together. In spite of all the things. We just came from a really important election. Our country has been divided. There's a lot of angst and frustration but we also have to remember the good things, " said Williams- Preston.

The Sweet Potato Pie Contest also had an offering table for anyone to donate food items to those in need.

November 21 (First UMC, South Bend, IN) - Thanksgiving Dinner for 300+

In 2018 -- Wednesday before Thanksgiving Thursday is Nov. 21 -- The midday meal is at the Church

333 N. Main Street in downtown South Bend, IN - - (574) - 233 - 9463

ALL ARE WELCOME: The Downtown Soup Kitchen, in South Bend, operates out of First United Methodist Church’s large restaurant-quality kitchen. Volunteers serve 200-300 guests each week, and assist with special holiday meal days for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, which average 300 guests per celebration. 

We are proud to celebrate diversity. We welcome people of every age, race, gender identity and orientation; nationality and ethnicity. We welcome any family structure, economic reality, physical and mental ability, education and faith history.

• If you are looking for a church that will accept you as you are, then come on in.
• If you want to discover God’s calling for your life and deepen your faith in Christ, then visit us.
• If you wish to connect with friendly, welcoming people, then give us a try.

First Church celebrates with Open Minds, Open Hearts and Open Doors. We’re pleased you’re here.

The First United Methodist Church of South Bend is a Reconciling Church and we Worship together as a community of believers.

https://firstmethodistsb.org/welcome/

Free Thanksgiving Dinner - Niles, Michigan -- Noon

How we share our gifts

Wesley is very active in community ministry. We offer free Holiday meals to the community on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

http://www.umc.org/find-a-church/church/53618

Parking is conveniently located next to the building, on the street, and across the street in the public parking lot. Handicap parking spaces are in the parking lot next to the church.

302 Cedar Street, Niles, MI 49120

phone (269) - 683-7250

"Remembering Leonard Nimoy" 6 - 8 p.m. today at Harper Cancer Research Institute

The Smoke Free St. Joe coalition (South Bend, IN) is celebrating American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout by showing the film "Remembering Leonard Nimoy."

Beginning at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. the free showing is hosted at Harper Cancer Search Institute, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN (near one of the campus entrance areas for the University of Notre Dame -- the building is also affiliated with the IUSB Medical School. . .

The film documents the life and career of Leonard Nimoy and culminates with his passionate plea to educate fans about the dangers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Nimoy passed away from COPD in 2015.

All smokers can receive free tobacco cassation services through the Indiana Tobacco Quit-Line (1-800-QuitNow).  and free tobacco cessation classes hosted by St. Joseph Health System - Community Health & Well-Being.

"Bob Seger Day" -- Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA -- November 21 (same day as Farewell Concert tour date)

from Michigan Live! http://www.mlive.com/

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - An entire day has now been set aside in Grand Rapids to celebrate Michigan living legend Bob Seger, via a proclamation from the mayor.

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss has declared Nov. 21, 2018 as Bob Seger Day. This comes ahead of Seger's upcoming concerts on his farewell tour at Van Andel Arena on Nov. 21, 2018 and January 5, 2019.

These are expected to be the final two Seger concerts ever in Grand Rapids and are currently the last two concerts he has scheduled in Michigan.

The new holiday will be celebrated next Wednesday as banners will be put up backstage to welcome Seger to Grand Rapids, including a thank-you banner signed by the mayor and fans. Banners will also be placed in Van Andel Arena's main concourse, and Fulton Street will be renamed "Mainstreet" for the day.

"Caroline or Change" - Tony Kushner musical -- Performing Arts Dept., LMC, Benton Harbor, MI

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Nov. 16 - 17, 2018 also 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday 11/18/2018

WHERE: Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI

Written by Tony Kushner, the musical is set against the background of the American Civil Rights movement and the assassination of JFK with a score that blends gospel, blues, Motown, classical music and traditional Jewish melodies.

TICKETS: at box office cost $18 - $12 free for all Lake Michigan College students and staff as well as other students (with I.D.) who are age 18 and younger.
INFORMATION call (269)-927-8700

Benefit Chicken and Noodle Dinner and Silent Auction -- Winamac IN Fire Department - Saturday Nov. 18, 2018

WVFD event to benefit families of Rochester area school bus mishap

Monday, 12 November 2018 17:34

The Winamac Indiana Volunteer Fire Department will hold a benefit chicken-noodle dinner,  bake sale and auction from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Winamac, IN. The auction will begin at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the families of the children who were killed and injured  last month in the school bus accident north of Rochester. Two six-year-old twin boys and their nine-year-old sister were killed, and a fourth unrelated child was airlifted  to a Fort Wayne hospital, in the early morning of Oct. 30 after they were struck by a vehicle while preparing to board a  school bus north of Rochester. The children who died were Alivia Stahl, 9, and her six-year-old twin brothers Xzavier and Mason Ingle.  The injured child is Maverick Lowe, 11. The father of Alivia Stahl is Michael Stahl, who is a firefighter with the WVFD. Pulaski POST (website article) = http://pulaskipost.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6003:wvfd-event-to-benefit-families-of-rochester-area-school-bus-mishap&catid=24:local-news-briefs

Theologian, Poet Rowan Williams (former Archbishop of Canterbury) - Lecture at ND Forum "Relieved by Prayer" - Nov. 26, 2018 - Public invited

Keynote Lecture: "Relieved by Prayer: Power, Shame and Redemption in Shakespeare's Drama" (Part of Forum 2018-19: The Catholic Artistic Heritage)

Time: Monday November 26, 2018, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Dahnke Ballroom, Duncan Student Center, near Football Stadium, campus of Notre Dame

 

Rowan Williams, renowned theologian and former Archbishop of Canterbury, will deliver a keynote lecture as part of the 2018-19 Notre Dame Forum.

Co-sponsored by “Religion & Literature,” a Notre Dame journal housed in the Department of English, Williams will present a talk titled, “Relieved by Prayer: Power, Shame and Redemption in Shakespeare’s Drama.” A reception will follow the lecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Winter Weather Advisory - Nov. 15, 2018 - North Indiana counties

Posted at WNDU-TV website (NBC affiliate for SW Michigan and N. Indiana):

REVISED (later on Thursday morning) =

Indiana Counties include St. Joseph; Starke; Steuben

NWS NorthernIndiana (Northern Indiana and Northeastern Ohio)

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST  THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow mixed at times with sleet and freezing rain. Additional snow accumulations of up to 2 inches possible. Total accumulations of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts and ice accumulations of a light glaze expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and northwest Ohio.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM EST  this afternoon.

NWS Northern Indiana (Northern Indiana and Northeastern Ohio)

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM EST  EARLY Thursday Nov. 15, 2018 MORNING TO NOON EST  TODAY...

* WHAT...Snow, possibly mixed with sleet at times. Total accumulations of 1 to 3 inches expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and northwest Ohio.

* WHEN...From 5 AM EST  to noon EST  today.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute. Conditions will improve this afternoon.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Use caution while driving.

Wind Ensemble -- Nov. 15, Bethel College, Mishawaka, IN - Tribute piece for Rosa Parks

Information at http://www.bethelcollege.edu/

Bethel College Music Department presents Fall Instrumental Concerts, Nov. 15 and 16, 2018 in the Everest-Rhorer Auditorium.

The Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble will perform Thursday evening, Nov. 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will open with the Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Vicky Warkentien, D.M.M. They will perform a number of exciting works, including "Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual" by Robert W. Smith, Frank Ticheli's arrangement of "Amazing Grace," and "A Movement for Rosa" by Mark Camphouse, written to honor civil rights activist Rosa Parks. The Jazz Ensemble will follow, under the direction of Wade Armentrout. They will perform jazz standards, both familiar and new.

On Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., the Percussion Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra will perform. Under the direction of Reg Klopfenstein, D.M., the Percussion Ensemble's repertoire includes pieces for Brazilian percussion instruments and a novelty composition that uses music stands as instruments. Music for mallet instruments includes an exciting arrangement of Kabalevsky's "Galloping Comedians." Warkentien will direct the Chamber Orchestra in performances of "Overture to Coriolanus" by Ludwig Van Beethoven, Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite," and "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Modest Mussorgsky.

The cost for each concert is $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets online at BethelCollege.edu/Tickets or call (574).807.7080, Mondays to Fridays, 1-5 p.m.  

Traffic at this web blog

Thanks for visiting this website and Google Blog = "Seeking Faith and Understanding" [ http://faithfor2008.blogspot.com/ ]  Here is a statistic for Monday Nov. 12, 2018

_Page views today 171

Page Views (Sunday November 25, 2018) = 280

Monday 11/26/2018 = 184 page views

(Sunday December 2, 2018) =

791 Page Views (Dec. 10) = 157

Tuesday presentation by Kevin Wood, Abraham Lincoln re-enactor

Harris Branch in Granger (near South Bend, IN) of the Mishawaka - Penn - Harris Public Library -- 51446 Elm Road, Granger, IN

Teens and adults are invited to a Nov.13, 2018 (Tuesday) presentation from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. by Professional historian Kevin Wood who will bring history to life in performance as the 16th POTUS (Abraham Lincoln).  He has further information at his website www.MrLincoln.com/

No registration required -- Free to the public

Berrien County Weather Advisory (Nov. 13, 2018) - SW Michigan

from National Weather service (www.weather.com/ ):

Tuesday Nov. 13, 2018 [ 12:01 a.m. until 11 a.m. ]
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TO 11 AM EST TUESDAY... * 

WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches expected with locally higher amounts possible. * WHERE...Berrien County. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM EST Tuesday. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities

Archaeology and Prehistory of Southwest Michigan - Bill Mangold, Lecturer

Lecture and chance to bring artifacts from SW Michigan for identification --

Berrien County has a rich and deep archaeological history over the last 15,000 years.

Bill Mangold has documented more than 100 sites in our county and conducted research
along the route of the U.S. 31 Bypass before it was constructed

Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve
13988 Range Line Road, Niles, MI 49120   Phone (269)-695-6491

http://www.fernwoodbotanical.org/

Cost for the November 11, 2018 from 2 - 3 p.m. Talk and Q/A as well as Artifact show-n-learn

is $10 (for Fernwood Members $8); children ages 10 and under are free.

11th Hour, 11th day, 11th month

Veterans Day observance: Speaker who is a World War II Veteran Walter Stitt

PLACE: Buchanan Legion, Main Street, Buchanan, MI
TIME: 11 a.m. public is invited

Mr. Stitt will also speak to an assembly of the Buchanan High School student body
Monday Nov. 12, 2018 at 9 a.m.

The speaker has also been invited for Monday night (7 p.m. Nov. 12) at
Michigan Lutheran High School in St. Joseph, MI

Weather Statement - Nov. 6 afternoon: High Winds (gusting to 45 mph)

posted at Weather dot-com (2 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 6, 2018):

US, National Weather Service, for Berrien County, MI

Strong Winds Today... West winds will gust to around 35 to 40 mph through mid afternoon, with occasional gusts to 45 mph. Winds this strong may result in difficult travel for high profile vehicles, especially on north to south oriented roads. Lightweight objects may blow around if not secured. Use caution if traveling today and secure any outdoor objects. Winds will gradually subside after 4 PM EST

World War One: Testament of Youth (film)

1 p.m. showing of this film is a free event - open to the public

WHERE: Elkhart County Historical Museum, 304 W. Vistula Street, Bristol, IN

Saturday Nov. 10, 2018

The film is based on the memoir of Vera Brittain, a British W.W. I nurse

Elkhart county men and women who fought and served in W.W. I will also be remembered.

Election Day 2018

It is every citizen's right and privilege and duty to vote!  Please take part and follow what are the national, state, and local outcomes; we can make a difference since every vote counts.

Interfaith Service in response to "Tree of Life Synagogue" Shootings -- the Citadel, 91 Hinkley St., Benton Harbor, MI - Nov. 5, 2018

An interfaith prayer service will take place this Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at 8 p.m. in The Oak Room at The Citadel, 91 Hinkley Street, Benton Harbor, Michigan (in the Arts District).

PRESS RELEASE - Website article = www.andrews.edu/ 

Following the Oct. 27, 2018 tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Interfaith Committee of the Andrews University Community Engagement Council expressed solidarity with leaders in the local Michiana Jewish community as they mourn the unprecedented loss of life last weekend. The committee began to work together with Temple B’nai Shalom to plan a prayer service. Southwest Michigan’s Interfaith Peace & Justice Collaborative and The First Hebrew Congregation of South Haven, MI joined the effort as co-sponsors.

The resulting prayer service seeks to promote solidarity and healing and to stand up against all religious hatred and prejudice. The program will begin with a welcome from Marcus Muhammad, Benton Harbor mayor. Reflections, Scripture readings and prayers will be shared by local faith leaders, and a “Ceremony of Light” will honor the victims of the Pittsburgh shooting.

“We have all been touched and deeply saddened by the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue last weekend,” says Teresa Reeve, chair of the Interfaith Committee (Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI). “Hatred against those who differ from us has become an epidemic, formed out of fear and healed only by insistent love. If there ever was a time for silence in the face of such hatred, that moment is gone. For all who seek God, prayer is the eternal starting place.”