Before this morning, I didn’t know much about Christ Kitchen. All I knew was that it was an organization designed to helpSpokane women who are living in poverty. I didn’t know that it was a quaint shop and small restaurant that was operated by 30 women trying to climb their way out ofimpoverishment. I was right about its mission, “to help women in poverty become employable and self/Christ sufficient.” But I didn’t know the store shelves were stocked with tasty treats, like Obedient Oatmeal Cookies, Mercy Mints, Joyous Gingersnaps, and my favorite, Exalted Espresso Beans. Director Jan Bowes Martinez, who create the program in 1998, said by giving these women a paycheck, a purpose and friendship she sees “transformations happen.” Some of the women have worked there for several years, others for only a few months. They cook, make gift baskets, package items, seal baggies, decorate packaging, cater, etc. “You see their stability grow and grow,” Martinez said. The problem? Except for nearby businesses, most of Spokane doesn’t know about Christ Kitchen. If they could make more sales, Martinez said, she could hire more women. You can help Martinez with this mission. Stop in weekdays anytime between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or Saturdays between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The store/restaurant is located at 2410 North Monroe St. Or, you can be lazy like me and do your shopping online here. See Flickr photos of Christ Kitchen here.

Here’s another Sept. 11 memorial event for you to take note of. From Pastor Liv Larson-Andrews:

It’s been a decade since those planes crashed into the Twin Towers and Spokane’s faith community is honoring the anniversary with solemn services and prayers. Colville United Church of Christ is organizing a community-wide remembrance. In a press release Rev. Jim CastroLang wrote, ” So much has been said about the impact of 9/11 upon us in the past 10 years. The tragedy of almost 3,000 lives lost would be enough to overwhelm. In additional 9/11 was an attack on our country that shook our sense of security and was an affront to our core values as a society. Our world is a different place because of 9/11. There is much to grieve. There is much to reflect upon in this different world.” The church, at 205 N Maple, will host a candlelight service at 5 p.m. ” We cannot forget the impact of this event that brought tragedy to many and touched the depths of our being. The nature of God and the human spirit that comes from God calls us to renew our commitment to work together to overcome our fears and accomplish the best hopes for all humanity. Let us come together on this anniversary,” CastroLang wrote. St. John’s Cathedral in Spokane will also host a special Sept. 11 service. An Evensong service will be at 7 p.m. Spokane’s first responders have been invited to the event. According to the church website, “Oboist Gary Plowman will play the opening Voluntary and accompany the choir in John Rutter’s”The Lord Is My Shepherd” from the Requiem. Trumpeter Larry Jess will add to the strength of the hymn singing, and will premier a piece written by DavidAsplin for this service, “Letter to the World.” The Very Rev. Bill Ellis will preside, as well as offer the Meditation. In addition to the aforementioned piece by John Rutter, the Choir will sing Howells’ “O, Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem,” and “The Mansions of the Lord” by Glennie-Smith/ Wallace/Irwin. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis will be settings by Philip Moore of Yorkminster, and the closing blessing will be John Rutter’s “A Gaelic Blessing.” The Junior Choir will enhance the service with a chanted version of the Lord’s Prayer.” St. John’s is located at 127 E 12th Ave. The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane has more Sept. 11 memorials listed here. To get your event listed on Spokane Religion News, e-mail tracy.simmons@favs.news.

Church isn’t for everyone. Getting up early, singing songs and being preached at may not be your idea of an enjoyable day off. Rev. Deb Conklin of Liberty Park and St. Paul’s United Methodist Churches knows that (she pastors two churches). For many people, including herself, faith grows out of dialogue, not lectures. That’s why last year she started Faith Conversations, a weekly meetup group. It’s held every week at the Lantern Tavern and anyone of any faith can come. Sometimes it’s an intimate meeting, just her and one or two other people, other days a dozen people may pack the tiny bar for this chat. There is no agenda, the conversation can go in any direction. This week, for example, we intended to talk about Rachel Maddow’s “Day of Destruction, Decade of War” program. We chatted briefly about terrorism and the wars that have emerged since Sept. 11. But, as we sipped our brews, we also chatted about our experiences in foreign countries, sexuality, church growth (or lack thereof), education, politics and family. If you’re like me, you’re usually itching to talk about theology but have learned that’s not necessarily what your friends want to converse about on a Friday night. If so, you should join the meetup group and check out Faith Conversations. The group usually meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. However, there won’t be a meeting this week. The next one will be Sept. 15.

Moving to a new city isn’t easy. Trust me, I know. You have to learn your way around, learn new policies and meet new people. It takes awhile to adjust. But moving to a whole new country, that’s another story. Where do you start? How do you find work? Learn the language? Spokane has a rather large immigrant population and if it wasn’t for World Relief Spokane, I’m not sure what these folks would do. Don’t confuse World Relief with Catholic Relief Services or World Vision. This group isn’t designed to respond to natural disasters or sponsor a child. It’s here to help people start a new life. It’s a nonprofit refugeeresettlementagency that depends on the big hearts of volunteers. I met with Director Mark Kadel yesterday and he explained that refugees bring cultural and religious diversity to Spokane. World Relief is an evangelical organization, but it’s ecumenical in its services. Sitting in the waiting room yesterday I saw Christians and Muslims sitting side by side. “We serve everybody the same,” Kadel said. Staff from World Relief Spokane will likely blog for Religion News Spokane come January. They’re eager to bring awareness to the community anddispel the wrong ideas many have about immigrants. They also want to address human trafficking. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in helping this organization there is a volunteer orientation later this month. And mark Oct. 22 on your calendar. As a fundraiser, World Relief is hosting an art and fashion show that I know will be awesome.

I spent the weekend in Pullman and came up with a great story idea! Have you heard of the Interfaith House at Washington State University? It used to be called the “K-House”, or Koinonia House, but changed its name last year to show its new ecumenical focus. From the ministry’s website, “The Common Ministry at Washington State University begins the new school year with increased visibility on campus. The building has been renamedInterfaith Houseto reflect the more global nature of the campus and the current needs of students, faculty, and staff. The new vision statement is “a safe place for spiritual development.” We hope these changes will provide a more inviting and open nature to our campus ministry, one with central programming for Christian students as well as hosting persons from many faiths and service traditions.” They have great programs, including a weekly Interfaith Mythbusters, Taize Worship services, and of course they have free food! I wonder if this is evidence of how more student ministries are changing as interfaith work becomes more and more important. Hmm, could be a good story for this writer to explore!