Tag: religion

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the country's most respected institutions. While nearly everyone is familiar with its work, far fewer are aware of its long history.

Many of Hollister's churches share a unique ecumenical tradition, participation in a worship experience called “Holy Stir.” Several times a year members of a variety of congregations gather together to share a common liturgy of prayers, message and music.

Morgan Hill is a very different place today than it was 50 years ago. Then it was a farming community with a population of some 4,000 residents. The sick were treated in 50-bed Wheeler Hospital in Gilroy; north-south traffic passed directly through downtown on Monterey Highway; the largest employers were a signal flare maker, a travel trailer builder and animal feed processors.

Halloween is fast-approaching, much to the pleasure of candy-loving children. The ancient Celts, who inhabited the area now occupied by Great Britain, Ireland and Normandy, believed that on this night, called “Samhain,” the spirits of the dead returned to earth, and they welcomed them with food and bonfires.

The holiday season is quickly approaching, as is witnessed by the many displays already appearing in stores. One of the features of the fall season is a multiplicity of craft fairs, bazaars, boutiques or similar events. Worthy of special note is one held annually at a church in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood.

South Valley residents will have a unique opportunity next week when Morgan Hill's Advent Lutheran Church (16870 Murphy Avenue) will host a performance of the Diyar Dance Theatre on Tuesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. Admission to “Room for Hope” will be by donation.

Sometimes an occasion comes along that is particularly fortuitous. Here is such an opportunity: a chance to enjoy a fun activity while contributing to children's education.

The focus currently in the news seems to be on war and violence. A civil war in Syria during which the Syrian government used poison gas against its own citizens has brought the United States to the brink of entering that conflict.

Two news stories caught my attention recently: one local, one far away. Both seem to say something about history's impact on the present.

Although there are many mental health care providers in the South Valley, one of them may be unique. Besides the individual and couples therapy provided, Discovery Counseling Center (16275 Monterey Road, suite C) reaches out to the community through many free programs.