Tag: religion

The large sign in Detroit Metropolitan Airport reads: “Religious Reflections Room.” Noted religion scholar Diana Butler Bass used this sign as her starting point while presenting a talk to a recent adult forum at San Jose's Good Samaritan Episcopal Church.

On March 14, members of Congregation Emeth (South Valley's Jewish Community) celebrated a holiday quite unlike any other. Although Jewish holidays tend to be somewhat somber, Purim is marked by revelry and merry-making.

South Valley residents are invited to an important event at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22. Morgan Hill's Advent Lutheran Church (16870 Murphy Ave.) is hosting a concert to benefit Reach Out, the local food pantry affiliated with the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Pastor Shalea Adams has a strong connection with Morgan Hill, where she has been involved in ministry for 17 years. In 2002, she was director of the Lighthouse Outreach Center, a facility on Main Street housing an amazing array of free services for adolescents, including refreshments, tutoring, a pool and video games. As teens and their families came to know the Lord Jesus Christ, Adams planted Lighthouse Christian Church in 2003 to accommodate the socio-economically and ethnically diverse surrounding neighborhoods.

I recently reviewed a book by scholar Reza Aslan that attempted to prove the orthodox view of Jesus of Nazareth is mistaken. Indeed, he says church officials repackaged Jesus’ story to make it more appealing to first century gentiles and Roman authorities.

Easter is the most important day of the year for Christians, and it arrives relatively late this year: April 20. However, it is preceded by the preparatory season of Lent, which begins on March 5 for most Christians (and March 3 for those following the traditional Eastern Orthodox calendar).

San Jose First United Methodist Church (24 N. Fifth St.) held an exciting event last month. Members, government officials and visitors attended a worship service marking the “grand opening” of the congregation's new building, which is located directly across from San Jose City Hall.

Well, it could be merely a coincidence, but the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose has chosen Feb. 15 for its annual Wedding Anniversary Celebration. San Jose's St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica (880 S. Market St.) will host a special Mass for all couples observing their fifth (or less), 25th, 40th and 50th (or more) years of marriage. Couples will renew wedding vows, receive a blessing from Bishop Patrick McGrath, get a certificate marking the occasion and enjoy a reception afterward. All of this occurs on the day after Valentine's Day.

Many people share a common stereotype about motorcyclists. They hear the roar of an engine on their peaceful street or see a two-wheeler looming in the sideview mirror, splitting lanes in heavy traffic. Thoughts about these riders are often not pleasant.

The congregations of two historic South Valley churches are engaged in an exciting experiment. The Gilroy United Methodist Church (7600 Church St.) and Morgan Hill United Methodist Church (17175 Monterey St.) have shared co-pastors since July. Even more intriguing is the fact that the ministers involved are married to each other.