By FāVS News Staff
‘Out in the Park’ is back
Spectrum Center and Inland Northwest Business Alliance will host their 2nd Annual “Out in the Park” Saturday (Sept. 13), from noon-4 p.m. at Mission Park, 1208 E. Mission Ave. This “Queer Family Fun Day” is meant for the whole family and all ages. Onsite there will be queer and allied community organizations, businesses, artists and crafters along with food trucks. The day will also host a bounce house and other kids activities, kickball and more! Kickball games will be scrimmage style from 1-3 p.m. and organized by All Out Sports. More information can be found online.
Conversation with Palestinian Christian and peace educator at First Presbyterian Sunday
On Sunday, Sept. 14 at noon, First Presbyterian Church will host “Peacebuilding Behind the Wall,” a conversation with Milad Vosgueritchian, a Palestinian Christian and peace educator. As co-founder of House of Hope Vision School in the West Bank, Milad will share stories and insights from his work in trauma-informed peace education for children living under Occupation. He will speak about the growing challenges faced by Palestinian families and the role of education in fostering resilience and healing. Participants can join in person over lunch or virtually via Zoom. Milad will join the event live from the West Bank. To register visit here.
Spokane prepares for World River Cleanup Day on Sept. 20
The Spokane community is once again joining the global effort to protect waterways during “World River Cleanup Day,” taking place on Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local organizations Spokane Riverkeeper and the Spokane River Forum are leading the charge, inviting volunteers to help clean up stretches of the Spokane River through the Valley and near downtown.
Participants can choose from several designated cleanup locations, including Islands Trailhead, Mirabeau Trailhead, Sullivan Park, Barker Road Trailhead and Harvard Road Trailhead in the Spokane Valley, or High Bridge Park closer to downtown. Cleanup supplies will be provided at each site — all volunteers need to bring is their time and energy. Organizers encourage individuals, families, and groups to sign up in advance and help spread the word. Those interested in participating can register through the official Sign-Up Form.
Virtual Humanist Spark Summit returns Sept. 27–28
Humanists, secularists and atheists in the Inland Northwest will have access to the second annual Humanist Spark Summit Sept. 27–28. Led by Anthony Cruz Pantojas (Tufts University) and Evan Clark (Atheists United), the event aims to cultivate a growing community of emerging Humanist leaders and professionals. This year’s virtual format allows broader participation and centers on the theme of “building better worlds,” focusing on inclusive narratives and pluralistic approaches to meaning-making, activism and advocacy.
The event was particularly geared toward those under 35. All attendees under 35 will gain special access to a unique VIP experience where they can directly interact with speakers, organizers and other youth attendees throughout the summit. Featured speakers include Sikivu Hutchinson, Debbie Goddard, Chelsea Lee Byers and other leading voices in secular activism, justice and public engagement. Organized by Atheists United and the Tufts Humanist Chaplaincy, the summit promises deep inquiry, creative visioning and dialogue on ethics, aesthetics, and interdependence. To register or find out more information, visit here.
Texas woman sentenced to 6 years for arson attack that destroyed Washington church
Natasha Marie O’Dell, 38, from Texas, was sentenced Sept. 4 to six years in prison for a 2023 arson attack on Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church in Snohomish County. She pleaded guilty to arson, damaging religious property and obstructing religious freedom. O’Dell, who was visiting family, intentionally set fire to the church on Aug. 25, 2023, using over a gallon of gasoline. Surveillance footage showed her pouring fuel around the building before igniting it.
Her actions caused over $3.2 million in damages and injured a firefighter. Cell phone, credit card and video evidence linked her to the crime. O’Dell admitted being angry at churches and had previously expressed plans to target another. U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead called the attack “devastating and dangerous,” emphasizing the lasting harm to the congregation. Restitution will be determined later, and the church now rents a school for services while recovering from the destruction.
Survivors share powerful stories of forgiveness at Idaho church event
Forgiveness and healing were at the heart of a powerful gathering Saturday night, Sept. 6, at the Altar Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Pastor Tim Remington, who survived being shot six times in 2016, shared that he forgives his shooter, Kyle Odom, and even visits him in prison. Sara Weaver, a survivor of the deadly 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff, recalled the trauma of losing her mother and brother, but credited her faith in Jesus for helping her forgive those responsible.
Cara Northington, mother of Xana Kernodle — murdered in the 2022 University of Idaho stabbings — also expressed forgiveness toward Bryan Kohberger, her daughter’s killer. All three speakers emphasized how faith and forgiveness transformed their grief and suffering. Northington, who overcame drug addiction after the murders, said, “The Lord just had me surrender it all.” The event, titled “Journey of Forgiveness,” drew a crowd moved by each story of resilience and redemption. More reporting of the event can be found on The Spokesman-Review.
Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
