Churches celebrate racial diversity
Bethel Second Baptist Church, 405 E. Hadley Ave., will be host to Primera Iglesia Bautista, Hill Baptist and Emmanuel Bautista in the 26th annual Race Relations Service, a celebration of racial diversity, at 6 p.m. Sunday. Each congregation will provide music for this year’s setting. A freewill offering will be taken and refreshments served after the service. For more information, call the church at (575) 523-7850, or Andrew L. Trotter (575) 312-3886.
Bishop Ricardo Ramirez receives award
The New Mexico Conference of Churches announce that Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, Diocese of Las Cruces, is the 2011 recipient of the Turquoise Chalice. This award is given annually to persons who best represent the mission, work, progress and support of the Conference. A luncheon in Ramirez’ honor will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s UMC, 225 W. Griggs. All of the public is invited to attend, and a donation of $10 is suggested for the lunch. For information, email Rev. Joe Whitley, pastorjoe@newheightsfaith.org or call (575) 202-9908.
Temple to screen Israel documentary
The Israel Committee and the Mensch Club of Temple Beth El announce the showing of a renowned documentary “Pillar of Fire: A Television History of Israel’s Rebirth” at 2 p.m. Sunday, and Feb. 19 and 26 at the temple, 3980 Sonoma Springs Ave. The documentary is produced by the Israel Broadcast Authority. The series is in English.
Free and open to the public.
Prayer study group planned
“Lord, Teach Us to Pray…” (Luke 11:1-13) is the focus of the new Bible study to be held Sunday at Mission Lutheran Church, 2752 Roadrunner Pkwy. This prayer study will be led by Pastor Glenn Weber, director of prayer renewal ministries and Las Cruces Prayer Network.
For time and information, call (575) 522-0465.
‘Loaves of Love’ set for Monday
LAS CRUCES – A local Jewish congregation is inviting people to make loaves of bread during an event Monday.
Chabad of Las Cruces will host its “Loaves of Love” event, in which participants will make one loaf for themselves and one for a friend.
Men, women and children are welcome, according to an event flier. It will take place at 360 El Prado Ave., Las Cruces. RSVP to Chenchie@ymail.com.
Centro Santa Catalina offers radio play
Centro Santa Catalina will be offering a radio play called “Rooted in Love: The Life and Martyrdom of Sister Dorothy Stang,” as well as a silent auction. The radio play depicts the life and death of Sister Dorothy, a 21st century martyr listed in the martyrs’ book in the Vatican.
Nancy Murray, O.P., actor Bill Murray’s sister, wrote and performs the one-woman play. The performances will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Ysleta Independent School District administration building, 9600 Sims Drive and at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Pius Church Community Parish Hall, 1050 N. Clark Road, both in El Paso.
The radio play is being held as the annual fundraiser for Centro Santa Catalina, a faith-based community for spiritual, educational and economic empowerment of women who are economically poor. Co-sponsred by Holy Cross Catholic Parish, Las Cruces.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for those 16 and under. For information or tickets, call Centro Santa Catalina, (915) 564-9003, email centrosantacatalina1@gmail.com.
Free church weddings offered
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your wedding at Unity of Las Cruces, 125 Wyatt Drive, on Tuesday. This is their love offering to the community. You furnish bride, groom, license; and they furnish minister, church and floral decorations.
For information, call (575) 523-5592 to arrange time. Additional information about Unity, www.unityoflascruces.org.
The poetry of Zelda
Rabbi Gerald Kane will teach “Visionary Wilderness – The Work of the Israeli Poet, Zelda” from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 22 at Temple Beth El, 3980 Sonoma Springs Ave. Despite her Orthodox lifestyle, the Israeli poet Zelda created unique works infused with a “visionary wildness.” Scholars note that her poetry connects to people of all ages, religious orientations and political persuasions.
Over the course of four weeks, they shall search for the economy, subtlety and beauty of Zelda’s language. A careful chronological analysis of a variety of her poems will be presented.
Pre-registration is required. The suggested tuition is $18 and you are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch. Registration or information, call the Temple office, (575) 524-3380.
Methodist Women to meet
United Methodist Women/Mujeres Methodistas Unidas of El Calvario United Methodist Church will host M.M.U. members from Del Valle UMC from Mesquite for fellowship at 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at El Calvario UMC, 300 N. Campo St. All meeting are open to all women from this area as well as UMW members from across the country.
For information, call (575) 647-3155.
New Heights offers BASIC studies
Francis Chan’s BASIC studies will be led by Rev. Joe Whitley of New Heights Faith Community each Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 2425 Jordan Road. BASIC is a seven-part series of short films that challenges us and speaks to those who have questions about the church, and to those who may have lost interest in the church. To register, email Rev. Joe, pastorjoe@newheightsfaith.org. Materials, dinner and beverages will be provided at no cost.
El Calvario seeks bilingual choir
El Calvario United Methodist Church, 300 N. Campo St., invites singers in the community to join their bilingual choir. The choir rehearses at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Marian Smith is the choir director. For information, call (575) 647-3155.
Beyond Limits class offered
Religious Science practitioner Peggy Shinn begins 10 weeks of “Beyond Limits” classes at Wellspring Church, 140 Taylor Road, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday. “Beyond Limits” is a first-level class on spiritual principles, and is a prerequisite for other Science of Mind studies. For information, call Shinn at (575) 650-7344.
Wellspring is an independent, inclusive New Thought spiritual community, offering practical and relevant ways to live a spiritual life.
Peace offers weekly prayer groups
Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 E. Missouri Ave., offers two weekly prayer groups. Centering Prayer meets at 9:30 a.m. for a 20 to 30 minute period on Saturday. Centering Prayer offers a chance for silent prayer and personal reflection with God. Gathering for Prayer meets Monday from 4 to 5 p.m. For information, call the office, (575) 522-7119.
Free English and citizenship classes
Small World Friendship Center offers free English as a second language and citizenship classes for the fall and spring semesters. English is provided on four learning levels. Classes meet from 9 to 11:15 a.m. each Thursday and free preschool childcare is available for students during class time. Enrollment takes place at the center located at First Baptist Church, 106 S. Miranda St. For information, call (575) 526-9635.
Learning center to hold English classes
The International Friendship and Learning Center is offering free English classes from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays at Sierra Vista Community Church, 514 N. Telshor Blvd. English classes at three levels: beginners, intermediate and advance. Refreshments are served and free childcare is available from birth to Pre-K. For information, call Gayla, (575) 526-9535.
Bingo offered every Thursday
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Tortugas will hold bingo every Thursday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Doors open at 4 p.m. Come and meet friends and have fun. For information, call (575) 526-8171.
Legal help for immigrants offered
The Legal Services Program of Catholic Charities DLC provides professional immigration legal services to moderate and low-income residents of the 10 southern counties of New Mexico. The LSP offers assistance with family-based petitions, citizenship and naturalization, and other immigration-related service. For legal services, call (575) 203-1001.
Quakers meet for worship
Las Cruces Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) will meet for worship at 10 a.m. Sundays at 622 N. Mesquite St. Unprogrammed meeting: sit in silence and listen to those who are moved by divine spirit to speak. All are welcome. For information, call (575) 647-1929.
Catholic Charities seeks volunteers
Catholic Charities DLC has volunteer opportunities of various kinds. One of those opportunities is to be a part of the store team. The Catholic Charities Store is located at 2205 S. Main St. Helping at the store is a way to contribute to reduce poverty in our community by making available clothing and household items that can be purchased at low prices or for free through our voucher program managed by the partners. For volunteer opportunities, call (575) 527-0500 or (575) 523-7577.
Cancer Care offers spiritual support group
A new care ministry, Cancer Care, will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Morningstar United Methodist Church, 2941 Morningstar Drive. Designed to be a Christian-centered education and support group, Cancer Care will be facilitated by a team with experience in dealing with cancer on multiple levels – spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional. Anyone in the community whose life has or is being touched by cancer is invited to attend: survivors, those currently being treated, family members, friends, and also those who have lost someone to the disease. For information, call Jackie Sledge, (915) 525-2575 or Cancer Care offers spiritual support group.