Religion Notes

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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:25AM

Ekklesia: a Christian adult education organization, will present “Jerusalem: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” at 9:15 a.m. Feb. 29 at St. Giles’ McDonough Hall, 1101 N. Columbian Ave., Oak Park. The Rev. Leslie Hoppe, OFM, of the Catholic Theological Union, will discuss the origins and status of Jerusalem, a city sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He will speak on the present situation in the Middle East and hopes for the future centered on this holy city. The lecture fee is $6. Free coffee for attendees. The hall is wheelchair accessible.

Faith Introduction: Unitarian Universalism, 1-3 p.m. March 4 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. This two-hour class is offered once a month and is taught by Unity Temple’s senior minister the Rev. Alan Taylor. Unitarian Universalim’s principles, values, beliefs and practices will be addressed. In addition, learn more about the history of Unitarian Universalism’s faith tradition, the history of the congregation and congregational life today. To register for this free class e-mail tlewis@unitytemple.org.

Lenten Morning Prayer: 7-7:15 a.m. short morning prayer service Wednedays during Lent, from Feb. 29-April 4, at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 545 S. East Ave., in Oak Park, for walkers, commuters or those just seeking a prayerful ways to start their day. For dog walkers, pets are also welcome. For more information contact the parish office at (708) 386-5613.

Lenten Stations and Suppers: 6 p.m. Fridays in Lent the Stations of the Cross, following in the steps of Jesus as he carried His cross to His crucifixion, will be prayed, followed by a community supper in Waldron Hall at St. Luke’s Church, River Forest. A simple meatless dish, vegetable and fruit trays and bread and water. Each week the meal will be prepared and served by a different parish organization. To make a reservation contact the rectory office at stlukeparish@stlukeparish.org or (708) 771-8250 by the Wednesday before the supper. If you forget to make a reservation you should still come anyway. Basket for freewill offerings at supper. Any excess funds collected will be donated to the John Clark Haitian Project.

St. Giles Parish: invites all to a Lenten Parish Mission, “Walking with Jesus in the Gospel of Mark,” 7 p.m. Feb. 26-28 in St. Giles Church, corner of Greenfield Street and Columbian Avenue, Oak Park. Megan McKenna, well-known author, theologian, storyteller and lecturer, will lead participants through the Sunday Gospels of Lent. Learn what these gospel stories have to say about conversion, morality, economics, service, compassion and living an authentic life today. (708) 383-3430.

Zen Life & Meditation Center: New location at 38 Lake St., in Oak Park. Intro Primer Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and 10-11:30 a.m. March 3. Living a Zen-Inspired Life. This series of four Tuesday night and now Saturday morning classes will ground you in the fundamentals. Also: Two-Day Silent Meditation Retreat: Call for time. March 2-4. Two-day residential meditation retreat is conducted in silence. Includes meditation, daily Zen talks, private interviews with the teacher, work practice, light body work, three meals a day and a room. Prerequisite: meditation practice. Cost: $150/$100 for members. Also: Fridays with Roshi: 7-8:30 p.m. March 9. Monthly, Zen teacher Robert Joshin Althouse Roshi gathers with friends and students to facilitate a public exploration of how to live a Zen-inspired life. The theme for March is “Living a Life that Makes a Difference.” Bring a friend. Cost: $15/free for members. Also: Day of Mindfulness: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 10. Conducted in silence. Includes meditation (seated and walking), a talk, optional private interviews with teacher, work practice, light body work, a homemade Zen lunch and a closing council circle. Informal and open retreat ideal for beginners wanting to strengthen their mindfulness practice. Everyone is welcome. Cost: $65/$50 for members. Also: Moment of Zen: 1-2 p.m. March 25. Free open house and introduction to the Zen Life & Meditation Center. Meet co-founders Robert Althouse and June Tanoue and key members of the community. To register call (708) 689-1220 or www.zlmc.org.