Religion
Keep holiday decorations
Q: I am president of the board of directors for a private gated community where a substantial number of Christians and Jews reside. Our clubhouse is decorated each year to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. However, a few residents feel there should be no decorations so no one will be offended. In the past, we’ve had a Christmas tree, menorahs and a creche. How can we satisfy all of our residents?— J., via
godsquadquestion@aol.com
(Updated: 11/07/09 8:38 AM )
Religion Notes /News of area faith groups
Holocaust Memorial ceremony (Updated: 11/07/09 8:38 AM )
Five miniature Episcopal churches joining history center’s collection
LOCKPORT — It will be the cat’s meow — the ecclesiastical cat’s meow. (Updated: 11/01/09 6:45 AM )
Nov. 1 to 8 Niagara County faith-related events
Following is a weekly listing of upcoming faith-related events held around Niagara County. (Updated: 11/01/09 6:45 AM )
Sign of Peace spreads germs
Q: I’m not germ-o-phobic, but I do have an issue with receiving the Eucharist these days. As I witness Eucharistic ministers at the altar preparing the gifts, I often see eye-rubbing, hands covering mouths for coughs, and fingers blotting runny noses. Then, these ministers hand out the Eucharist. (Updated: 10/31/09 7:50 AM )
Religion Notes /News of area faith groups
World Unity Day (Updated: 10/31/09 7:50 AM )
Translator, artist shed new light on sacred texts
Here, from the same publisher and officially published a week apart, are two of the most important books of 2009. Willis Barnstone’s “Restored New Testament” is the Samson attempt of one great scholar and translator to knock down ancient pillars of error, injustice and persecution. In that endeavor alone, it may be the most important book of the year. (Updated: 10/26/09 2:47 PM )
Does God answer prayers?
Q: As a Catholic (and general optimist), I’m inclined to believe that God indeed listens to our prayers and intervenes in earthly affairs when and if he sees fit. At the same time, I find it hard to reconcile this belief with my general understanding of God as a perfect and sinless entity. There are sins of omission as well as commission, and so to me the thought of his coming to the aid of some but not others equally suffering is incompatible with this understanding. Einstein is quoted as saying, “I, at any rate, am convinced that he does not throw dice.” But how could it be otherwise?— T., via
godsquadquestion@aol.com
(Updated: 10/24/09 8:24 AM )
Religion Notes /News of area faith groups
Professor to speak (Updated: 10/24/09 8:24 AM )
Chaplain brings Good News to those behind bars
LOCKPORT—He leads chapel services and Bible classes, and offers counseling — behind the locked doors at the Niagara County Jail, where thousands of prisoners stream through each year. (Updated: 10/18/09 6:43 AM )
Made in the image of God?
Q: Scientific articles describe the universe as comprised of 100 billion galaxies, of which the Milky Way, our galaxy, is just one. The Milky Way is comprised of 100 billion stars, of which our sun is just one. I agree with Einstein’s comment (paraphrasing now) that there must be a creator who formed and is directing this finely-tuned orchestra. (Updated: 10/17/09 6:51 AM )
Installation
Temple Beth Tzedek, 621 Getzville Road, Getzville, will install Rabbi Perry Netter as the new permanent rabbi during a ceremony at 7:30 p. m. Sunday. The keynote address will be given by Rabbi Steven C. Wernick, executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, a national umbrella group of Conservative synagogues to which Temple Beth Tzedek belongs. (Updated: 10/17/09 6:51 AM )
Keep the focus on doing good
Q: Is it true that there are good and evil spirits of the deceased around us regularly, as well as good and evil spirits from heaven andhell?— M., via e-mail (Updated: 10/10/09 7:09 AM )
Religion Notes /News of area faith groups
Youth, adult retreats (Updated: 10/10/09 7:09 AM )
Immersed in his new faith, Lockport student is born again
WHEATFIELD—Brian Wilson may have the same name as one of the Beach Boys—and he was seen in the water last month — but this local Brian Wilson gets his “good vibrations” from his faith. (Updated: 10/04/09 7:14 AM )
