Stories inside

XXXXXXX - p. 3

XXXXXX - p. 5

XXXXXXX - p. 6

XXXXXXXX - p. 2

February 2010 [email protected] Micah 4:4 Volume 27 Number 2 (509) 535-1813 Monthly newspaper and website covering faith in action throughout the Inland Northwest online in color at www.thefigtree.org Curiosity about cultures opens eyes By Mary Stamp She also believes Americans While the United States was de- should learn about other countries bating health care reform in Janu- and people. ary, Marilyn Wilson, a registered “Traveling in other countries, nurse and administrator with the we see that people who are not Hyperbaric and Comprehensive Americans or Christians are happy Wound Care unit at Deaconess, and doing well,” Marilyn said. “We participated in a 10-day Witness for can learn from each other. Peace health care research delega- “If we dislike Cuba’s govern- tion to Cuba. ment, we still need to go there and On that trip, she found a third- see what is happening,” she said. world country with a first-world While she is aware the 10-day health care system that challenges trip planned by Cubans with inter- assumptions about U.S. health pretation may have been slanted, care. she still felt organizers at the Martin Three year ago, she had been Luther King Center in Havana pro- surprised to read about the quality vided a broad experience. of Cuban health care outcomes. She On the visit, Marilyn confirmed mentioned her desire to learn more her belief that the United States to former directors of the Peace and should not be afraid of universal, Justice Action League of Spokane single-payer health care. (PJALS). Last year, they told her Growing up in the small wheat- of the Jan. 8 to 18 delegation— farming town of Almira, Wash., eight days in Havana and two in she fed her interest in international La Esperanza. issues by reading National Geo- “We may have the best health graphic. care in the world, but it’s for people After earning her degree in nurs- who have good health insurance,” ing in 1968 at Pacific Lutheran she said. University in Tacoma, she came “I think we have a moral respon- back to Spokane to work, met her sibility to take care of each other husband, Lew, and then spent five and to help those who do not have years in Seattle, while he studied enough,” she said. “We need to at the University of Washington spread the wealth.” Marilyn Wilson stirs a pot of beans, gaining new appreciation for them in Cuba. Continued on page 5

Yom Hashoah service, essay contest Dialogue will uplift media address Holocaust denial and hate Hilary Bernstein, community said Hilary, whose office in Se- “If these opinions are taken as barriers and opportunities director of the Pacific Northwest attle covers Washington, Idaho, facts, it can influence and confuse To discuss barriers to and opportunities for sharing wisdom Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Oregon, Montana and Alaska. people,” she said. “Holocaust through media, The Fig Tree is planning a community dialogue in Seattle, sees Holocaust denial “We see it occurring around the denial is related to hate that de- on “Wisdom and Media” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, at the as one form of hate to confront world—expressed recently by a nies groups their dignity, history, Episcopal Cathedral of St. John, 127 E. 12th. and counter through education. world leader, by white suprema- humanity and rights. Organizers ask congregations, community groups, higher Speaking on “Holocaust Denial cists, at revisionists’ conferences “Hate speech is protected in this education, youth programs and media to recruit groups of in the Northwest” at the Spokane and through internet chatter.” country, even though it is ugly and eight to engage in table discussions in response to a panel Community Observance of the “Some say the Holocaust didn’t hurtful,” Hilary said, pointing out presentation. Holocaust at 7 p.m., Sunday, April happen, and others think it is the need to recognize it and chal- Steve Blewett of The Fig Tree Board and journalism profes- 11, at Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 blown out of proportion or that it lenge it. sor emeritus at Eastern Washington University will give an E. 30th Ave., she will discuss the is used to guilt the world,” Hilary The ADL is concerned about overview of journalism and the faith community. Panelists ADL’s concern about efforts to said in a recent interview. recent efforts to stereotype and will reflect on avenues for sharing information and understand- stereotype, dehumanize or deny The Pacific Northwest Anti- dehumanize Hispanics, immi- ing among groups, and between groups and the media. human rights to any group of Defamation League pays atten- grants, African Americans, Native The panelists are Susan English, associate director of jour- people. tion to pockets of denial in the Americans, gays and lesbians. nalism at Gonzaga University and member of the Northwest “Holocaust denial is real,” region. “Founded in 1913, this civil Alliance for Responsible Media board; the Very Rev. Bill rights organization fights preju- Ellis of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John; the Rev. Scott dice and bigotry of all kinds and Kinder-Pyle of Latah Valley Presbyterian Church; the Rev. securing fair treatment for all Joyce O’Connor Magee of Manito United Methodist Church people in three ways,” Hilary and the Rev. Happy Watkins of New Hope Baptist Church. said. After their presentations, table groups will discuss how me- First, it investigates and moni- dia coverage empowers or disempowers faith communities. tors hate and extremist groups and “In their coverage of issues, few media seek perspectives individuals that deny civil rights. from faith communities,” said Steve. “Media rely on secular Second, it crafts and promotes points of view from politicians, educators, special interest

legislation in the Northwest states groups, interested and affected individuals and professional

Permit No. 1044 No. Permit and the federal government to commentators, except when faith communities politicize their

WA

SPOKANE secure hate crime laws to apply in

Spokane, WA 99202-3571 WA Spokane, agendas or enter into the political or social arena.”

PAID crimes that target people because 1323 S. Perry St. Perry S. 1323

U.S. POSTAGE U.S. Continued on page 3

Organization of their race, religion, gender or The Fig Tree Fig The Non-Profit Continued on page 3 Page 2 - The Fig Tree - February 2010 Religion News Briefs Re g i o n a l Ec u m e n i c a l & In t e r f a i t h Ne w s Around the World World Council of Churches News, PO Box 2100 Easter Sunrise Service begins at 6 a.m. CH - 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland Tel: +41-22 791 6111 The 2010 Community Easter through the Interfaith Council in lished by Chalice. Fax: +41-22 788 7244 www.oikoumene.org Sunrise Service begins at 6 a.m., recent years. She is also on The He is pastor of Country Homes Sunday, April 4, at Greenwood Fig Tree board and is involved Christian Church and an adjunct Memorial Terrace, 211 N. Gov- with the pastors’ coalition. faculty member at Gonzaga Uni- ernment Way, for the Ecumeni- The preacher on the theme, “If versity, teaching the synoptic cal Community Easter Sunrise I Were in Charge of the Resurrec- Gospels—Matthew, Mark and Service. tion,” the Rev. John Temple Bris- Luke. This year, The Fig Tree and tor, who holds doctor of ministry He previously taught at George the Coalition of Progressive and doctor of literature degrees, Fox Evangelical Seminary in Pastors are sponsoring and plan- is the author of two books, What Portland and is a frequent lecturer ning the event, said the Rev. Paul Really Said about Women, on Pauline writings regarding Joyce O’Connor Magee, pastor of published by HarperCollins and women and faith. Manito United Methodist Church What the Bible Really Says about For information, call 535-1813. and primary organizer of the event Love, Marriage and Family, pub- Folksinger, storyteller performs in Spokane Folksinger and storyteller Rosa- pecially when it comes to issues tions of the common folk through lie Sorrells of Boise will perform of sustainability and the environ- music. at 7:3 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, at ment, said organizer Myra St. “She brings a unique voice in Spokane Community College’s Clair Baldwin, program coordina- the world of American folk music, Lair Auditorium as a benefit for tor for the foudation. one that embodies the spirit and the Hagan Foundation Center for Rosalie hails from a long lin- character of living locally here in the Humanities. eage of famed folk song artists, the Northwest,” Myra said. The Grammy nominated folk including Utah Phillips and oth- For information, call 533-8048. singer offers common sense, es- ers, who give voice to the aspira- Second Harvest recruits volunteers Second Harvest is recruiting needed per shift for site workers munity volunteers in sorting and more than 150 volunteers to help at the postal stations, said Julie boxing produce, bagging bulk with Help Stamp out Hunger as Newbitt, coordinator. pasta and frozen vegetables or part of the Letter Carriers Food There are morning and after- sorting food drive items. These Drive to benefit Second Harvest noon shifts. Volunteer driver sort nights take place twice a on Saturday, May 8. and runner teams are needed to week at the Second Harvest ware- Volunteers will help at area collect bags of food from area house at 1234 E. Front Avenue postal stations including Airway neighborhoods and return it to from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Volunteers Heights, Manito, Regal, Valley, your designated postal station. must be 14 and older to participate Sunset, Northpointe, Hillyard and Maps and driver identification are in this event. the Metro postal stations, collect- provided. Morning and afternoon For information, bisit www.2- ing donated food from volunteer shifts are also available. harvest.org and click on Volun- drivers and placing it in totes on Help the Hungry Warehouse teer Your Time or call 252-6242 or trucks. About 10 volunteers are Sort Nights – Join up to 30 com- email [email protected] Dialogue on media opens conversations Continued from page 1 “We hope to start an extended ing of wisdom and public issues As gatekeepers of the public dialogue among communities of and what can be done to more discourse, newspapers, TV and faith in the region to help inter- effectively shape that process in radio can influence conversations ested parties better understand authentic ways,” Steve said. and perceptions, he said. how media shape our understand- For information, call 535-1813. “That environment has changed with the internet,” Steve said. “Now, any person or group can be- come a ‘media’ and promote their own agenda and perspectives. If GU-MATESL anything, that has worsened by this cacophony of voices.” The small group dialogue will explore ways faith communities can break through barriers in traditional and emerging media that prevent sharing the wisdom. They will discuss opportunities in traditional and new media to share wisdom to add constructively to public discourse.

The Fig Tree is published 10 months each year, September through June. Deadlines: COPY - 3rd Fridays ADS - 4th Tuesdays It is published by The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99202, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Fig Tree is Editorial Team Rocks and Ripples Editor/Publisher/Photos - Mary Stamp Inland District Leadership Training & Inspiration Associate Editor - Yvonne Lopez-Morton reader supported Mary Mackay, Nancy Minard, Sara Weaver, Saturday, April 17 Eugenie Alexander, Brenda Velasco 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 2:30 to 7 p.m. Coordinators & Contract Simpson United Methodist Spokane Valley United Methodist BECOME A SPONSOR! Malcolm Haworth - Directory Editor 325 NE Maple - Pullman 115 N. Raymond

Lorna Kropp - Website Developer 509-332-5212 509-924-7262 NAME ______Brenda Velasco - Outreach Coordinator ADDRESS ______Fig Tree Board Adaptive Leadership Steve Blewett, Virginia de Leon, CITY/STATE/ZIP ______Bishop Grant Hagiya Kevin Dow, Bill Ellis, Deidre Jacobson, plus workshop on ‘Disciple Making 101’ PHONE ______Scott Kinder-Pyle, Yvonne Lopez-Morton, Grant Hagiya Mary Mackay, Nancy Minard, Workshops by church leaders on disaster relief, advocacy, administration, youth, ❑ $16, $26, $54, $150, $1,500 Joyce O’Connor Magee, Roger Ross, older adults, technology, engaging others (leadership), church investments, Eunice Snyder, Mary Stamp, church renewal and Volunteers in Mission ❑ $52 for bulk order of 15 Marilyn Stedman, Happy Watkins Emeritus: Jo Hendricks, Carl Milton Registration $15 by April 12 or $20 at the door SEND TO © 2010 (509) 535-1813 For information, email [email protected] The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99202 Email: [email protected] or call 509-838-3085 or 800-549-1945 February 2010 - The Fig Tree - Page 3 Inland NW communities plan celebrations of the 40th Earth Day In Spokane, Earth Day 2010 etable planting, recycled arts and Coordinator Anissa Duwaik said lectures, volunteer projects, veg- Shelter, 11123 E. Mission. For activities will be held from 1 to 6 crafts, films at the Magic Lantern they will promote simple concepts etarian cooking, native gardening, information, call 720-5408. p.m., Saturday, April 17, on Main Theater, a tree-planting outside of reduce, reuse and recycle to a film festival, a tree planting, a The fifth annual Tri-Cities St., which will be closed between Kizuri, and tours of the Main deal with the “throw-away” cul- debate on renewable energy and a Earth Day Celebration will be Browne and Division for booths, Market, the Community Building ture. For information, visit www. wetland benefit concert. an Earth Rock Concert at 7 p.m., vendors and performers, followed and the certified-green Saranac earthdaycda.org. For information, visit uisc. Friday, April 16, at the Fire Barn, by music, performers and vendors Building. The Palouse-Clearwater En- uidaho.edu/earthweek/ or call and an Earth Day Parade and Fair inside the Community Build- On April 12, Mayor Mary vironmental Institute is planning 208-885-0125. from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, at ing, 35 W. Main, from 6 p.m. to Verner will proclaim Earth Day an aspen restoration, trail main- Sandpoint Earth Day Festival, Central Park, with food, games, midnight. Week, April 17 to 24. tenance and weed control day at 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 22 music, folk dancing and booths Organizations with booths will For information, call 879-9337. the Rose Creek Nature Preserve at Sandpoint Events Center (for of environmental organizations, provide earth-friendly activities Other Inland Northwest Earth Day at Albion from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., info call (208) 265-9565); businesses, community and edu- for children. celebrations include: Saturday, April 17. There will be a Spokane Valley cational groups. The program will include the Earth Day Coeur d’Alene on The University of Idaho Sus- celebration, “Spring Into Ac- For information, call 616-842- Procession of the Species with the theme, “Simplify Your Life,” tainability Center in Moscow has tion,” offering interactive ways 6321 or email debriegel. children in costumes, a presen- will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 several events on sustainability to protect the environment from tation by the Washington State p.m., Saturday, April 17 at Hard- the week of April 20 to 25, includ- 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April University Raptor Club, veg- ing Family Center, 411 N. 15th St. ing a Zero Waste Vendor Show, 10, at Valley Mission Park Picnic Emmanuel Family Life Center opens, Fig Tree moves into office there Since a ribbon-cutting ceremo- For information, call 534-1645 ny Feb. 12 opening Emmanuel or visit eflc.org. Family Life Center, nonprofits and community services have been moving into offices. “This is a place for anyone to come to find access to resources that will help build our com- munity in the Liberty Park and East Central neighborhoods,” said Spencer Grainger, executive director of the new community center at 631 S. Richard Allen Court, beside Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and part of the Richard Allen Enter- Imani Green cuts the ribbon to open Emmanuel Center. prises campus of apartments, a day care, Interfaith Hospitality help the neighbors, who are busy News” to raise awareness of and other programs. running their operations, build neighborhood resources and com- The Fig Tree is among the relationships. munity events. CROP Hunger Walk ’10 agencies that have moved in, “We intend to be a hub for con- The Emmanuel Center is owned along with Goodwill Mentor- necting people for community de- and operated by Richard Allen SUNDAY, April 25 ing Children of Promise South velopment,” she said. “There are Enterprises, a volunteer board Noon - entertainment & registration Perry Learning Center, Act Six, 40 businesses and organizations that includes representatives from Martin Centre at Gonzaga University Community Colleges of Spokane- within a mile of the center.” the neighborhood, Bethel African 1:30 p.m. - Walk Running Start and the Inland Space built for the day care, Methodist Episcopal Church and along the Centennial Trail Northwest Counseling Service which will stay in the lower level the Spokane community. o g e t h e r w e c a n m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e (Responsible Renters). of the church, will be used as an The center is sponsoring an T Two offices available for rent, activity center—a location for Earth Day South Perry Spring f o r h u n g e r l o c a l l y a n d g l o b a l l y plus the community can rent the a teen after-school drop in cen- Pickup Day from 2 to 4 p.m., Sign up sponsors now for a 10-K or 2-mile walk recreation center, activity center ter, marshal arts classes, fitness Thursday, April 22, meeting at TO REGISTER: 891-1045 or [email protected] or multipurpose room for events, and conditioning classes, health the center, walking through the A project of said Elisha Mitchell, program screening and other programs run neighborhood to pick up debris Church World Service manager. by neighborhood volunteers. and bringing it back to the center & the Interfaith Council Recently the center held a Center staff and neighbor- for disposal. of the Inland Northwest gathering of the South Perry ser- hood volunteers are producing vice providers and businesses to the “South Perry Neighborhood 2010 Fig Tree Dialogue Easter Sunrise Service Planned by the Coalition of Progressive Pastors and The Fig Tree with Fairmount Memorial Association

6 a.m. Wisdom & the Media Easter Sunday 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 27 April 4 Cathedral of St. John - 127 E. 12h Ave. Overview of Journalism: If I Were in Charge of the Resurrection Steve Blewett PREACHER EWU Journalism Professor Emeritus The Rev. John Temple Bristow As we deal with issues of our time and every time, media often ignore faith Pastor of Country Homes Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) communities are often ignored as potential sources of constructive input. What are avenues and barriers for sharing information? Author and Adjunct faculty at Gonzaga University How can we better address critical issues? CELEBRATION OF SONG & PROCLAMATION Panelists: Freewill offering will be shared by the Fig Tree The Very Rev. Bill Ellis - Episcopal Cathedral of St. John and relief and rebuilding in haiti The Rev. Scott Kinder-Pyle - Latah Valley Presbyterian Church For information, call 535-1813 or 747-4755 The Rev. Joyce O’Connor Magee - Manito United Methodist Church The Rev. Happy Watkins - New Hope Baptist Church at the Lofty Cross of Inspiration Susan English, associate journalism director, Gonzaga University Greenwood Recruit a table to participate in discussion and offer feedback: Memorial Terrace What in media presentation of faith empowers you? 211 N. Government Way What in media presentation of faith disempowers you? For information, call 747-4755 email [email protected] To RSVP, call 535-1813 Page 4 - The Fig Tree - February 2010 Registered nurse finds first-world health care in third-world setting Continued from page 1 or better than here.” rice and beans, which they eat of herbs,” said Marilyn. “Some years, in contrast to 78.11 years in School of Law, and she worked Marilyn found that there is for every meal. For dinner, they people who come to our wound the United States. at Providence Hospital. a primary-care doctor in every also eat meat and salad. They eat clinic here are sometimes on 20 • Cuba spends 9.1 percent of When they returned to Spokane, neighborhood, serving 350 fami- three meals a day, but do not have to 30 medicines.” its budget on education, and the she was a field nurse in home lies. Since the Soviet Union fell access to our sweets and carbohy- She found that the quality of United States, 5.3 percent. health private duty for about six and Cuba lost its oil imports, drate snacks,” she said. care there was a contrast to stark “Growing up, I learned that we years, and later earned a master’s fewer people drive cars. So doc- Fifteen primary care clinics hospital facilities with chipped- have ‘stuff’ in abundance. We in nursing administration at the tors were moved to neighborhood feed into a polyclinic, where enamel crank beds, bare walls and are a rich, wasteful country. The Intercollegiate Nursing Center primary care clinics and live people go for Xrays, MRIs, mam- people bringing their own linen. United States is my home and in 1987. above the clinics. mograms and other tests. In every The rooms needed paint, but were where I want to live, but traveling Marilyn, who attends West- “Preventative care is encour- metropolitan area there is a gen- clean, she said. abroad I learned there are good minster Congregational United aged, because it’s less expensive eral hospital, plus an outpatient The neonatal intensive care unit, things in Cuba, too,” Marilyn Church of Christ, has been in- than illness,” she said. “People psychiatric clinic and outpatient however, had first-rate monitors, said, “just as there are in Japan, volved with PJALS for many die of the same diseases we do: physical rehabilitation. There are drips and lights, she said, noting Turkey and Europe, which I have years. cardiovascular disease and can- also maternity, pediatric and psy- that the latest model of equipment visited.” When she learned about the cers—breast and lung for women, chiatric hospitals, a lepersarium is not necessary to provide good For example, she said there trip to Cuba, Marilyn invited her and prostate and lung for men. and an HIV sanitarium. health care. were some advantages to not be- daughter, Margaret Navarro, a Many smoke.” For leprosy and HIV, which still “Health care here is big busi- ing able to afford to drive cars. registered nurse in Arlington, Va., “I like prevention. In home bear a stigma, health care work- ness,” she said. “There it’s a Cubans have a well-used bus to join her and 25 others. health care, I worked with fami- ers teach people how to live with constitutional right. Because it system, walking more, ride bikes, Witness for Peace, which in- lies to fix the cause of a problem, the diseases so they can be in the is accessible, the Cubans may use horses and carts, and use oxen forms people about Latin Ameri- rather than just fixing a problem,” community, Marilyn learned. overuse it.” to plow and fertilize fields. can affairs related to U.S. poli- she said. She also learned that doctors are Marilyn shared some statis- “It’s idyllic and a paradox. It’s cies, arranged for the health care While people die of malaria a commodity. tics: a beautiful country that takes us delegation to enter Cuba legally, and typhus in nearby Haiti, Cuba Cuba trains many doctors, so • Government health care ex- back in time. Because internet despite the U.S. travel ban, be- prevents those diseases with clean they “export” doctors, trading penditures in Cuba are 10.8 per- and cell-phone access is limited, cause groups can go to there for water and treats them with medi- them for oil. The Latin American cent of their national budget, but I didn’t see people with earphones research. cines. Because of the embargo, Medical School pays for anyone 19.1 percent in the U.S. in their ears. People were talking The schedule was full, meeting Cubans make their own medi- in Latin America to come there to • Infant mortality in Cuba is to each other. The boulevard was with health care workers, judicial cines, Marilyn said, adding that study. Some North Americans are 5.85 per 1,000, compared with full of young people conversing at and education leaders. they also use alternative medi- also trained there for free, so they 6.26 per 1,000 in the United 1 a.m. We could hear the murmur With the health care debate go- cines. For example, a psychiatric are debt free once they graduate. States. of them talking.” ing on in the United States, she clinic uses aromatherapy, essence They are expected in return to go • Life expectancy there is 77.45 For information, call 747-0659. wanted to learn how Cuba could therapy, massage and ballet. to an area of high need. provide health care on limited How do people subsist on $25 “Here we have a pill for every- funding. a month? she wondered. thing, but there the doctors listen, “The average Cuban earns $25 “Education, housing and health and offer prescriptions along with a month, but life expectancy there care are free. Electricity and oil exercise and diet, believing that is just six months less than the are subsidized. Everyone has pills do not cure everyone. They U.S. life expectancy,” she said, access to the arts and baseball. also use herbal medicines, aware “and infant mortality is equal to People receive food vouchers for of proper dosages and the purity

Anti-Defamation League helps people recognize students’, educators’ prejudices Continued from page 1 Washington, D.C., where they met 12 to visit Spokane schools to sexual identity. with students from Denver to dis- discuss bringing ADL workshops Third, it educates students and cuss standing up to prejudice and to the districts. educators as a proactive way to bigotry, and toured the Holocaust As part of the Yom Hashoah fight bias, working with schools Museum. service, Perri Greeley, 10th grader and colleges to give teachers and “We used the lessons of that at Lewis and Clark High School, students tools and strategies to period to talk about what happens will read her essay on “Holocaust stand up against prejudice and to people when they become by- Denial,” which was the winning create school environments that standers and look the other way,” entry in the annual creative writ- are inclusive and safe for learning she said. “We also asked students ing contest. regardless of ethnic background to consider how they can come to Participants in the candle-light- or ability levels. speak out and act, so they do not ing ceremony will include James “We help people recognize become bystanders.” Mohr, interim director of the prejudices of students and educa- When the students return to Gonzaga University Institute for tors who make assumptions about their home communities, they Action Against Hate, lighting the students and help them in non- will continue to meet for at least candle in honor of the righteous threatening ways to examine their six months to develop community among the nations, and Tut Gai, stereotypes and think about how projects that promote diversity a survivor of the Darfur genocide, that affects the learning environ- and convert their ideas into social lighting the candle in memory of ment,” said Hilary. action. victims of other genocides. In late March, she took a group While in Spokane for Yom Has- For information, call 747- of diverse high school students to hoah, Hilary also plans on April 3304.

Building on Faith with SHOP AT The Habitat Stores

Doors, Windows, Appliances Eliminating poverty housing Cabinets, Lighting, Paint, Tile one house at a time. Hardware, Plus Much More HELP BUILD IT! 850 E. Trent • Spokane Interested in 509-535-9517 STORE HOURS: owningyour own home, Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. donating or volunteering? Visit our website 11410 E. Sprague Spokane Valley www.habitat-spokane.org Behind Halpins 509-926-5054 or call 509- 534-2552 STORE HOURS: February 2010 - The Fig Tree - Page 5 High school students learn about Holocaust as they film survivors TV Services producing “Point of View” and “Independent Lens” Media teacher programs for PBS. wants filmmaking When she first came to Spo- students kane, she was a freelance con- sultant until earning her school to understand teaching certificate in 2005 at the power of media Gonzaga University and begin- to shape ning that fall at Ferris. perceptions. For information, call 354-6154 or email joanco@spokaneschools. org. Ferris High School media teacher Joan Conger found in her five years of teaching one student EVERY DAY IS who did not know about the Holo- caust and one student who denied EARTH DAY that it occurred. That student later said his denial was a joke. He at Earthworks knew it happened. She told him Recycling his joking about the Holocaust www.EarthworksRecycling.com trivialized it. Concerned that students take the (509) 534-1638 Holocaust seriously, she agreed ASK ABOUT OUR PICKUP SERVICE when Yom Hashoah organizer 1904 E Broadway-Spokane Hershel Zellman invited her to 2 blks N of Trent/Napa have her students film the April 11 Yom Hashoah observance. She went a step further, encour- aging three of the 22 students in Alex Quine reviews the mini documentary he made of an interview with Carla Peperzak. her advanced filmmaking class to do mini documentaries on the TV network that broadcasts pro- Holocaust. Two are interviewing grams three times a week—to help The Northwest Alliance for local Holocaust survivors, Carla the student body understand about Peperzak and Eva Lassman and the Holocaust. Responsible Media one is interviewing her fifth grade When Joan first began teach- teacher who is Jewish. ing media at Ferris, she offered a 2010 Film Series presents Her assignment was for stu- media literacy class. Because of dents to do something that would limited enrollment, she now in- make someone think or cry. cludes those lessons in her classes h e o d e s o f e n d e r Alan Cerimovic, who was born on TV broadcasting, filmmaking, T C G in Bosnia and left during the war English and cinema studies. Identity and Performance in Pop Culture when he was four years old, had “I encourage students to be Applies sociologist Erving Goffman’s analysis of not yet interviewed Eva, who has aware of the difference between advertising to one of American popular culture’s been a local Holocaust educator their intention and perception, and most influential forms that communicates normative for many years. He was planning what someone else may perceive ideas about masculinity and femininity. to ask her about her significant in what they film,” she said. Explores his claim that gender ideals are the result memories and what happened to She encourages them to look of ritualized cultural performance and her family. at negative content that might looks beyond ads as media that sell products and Alex Quine had already pre- produce stereotypes. beyond analyses of gender that focus on pared a five-minute video of his “Young people tend to see only biological difference or issues of objectification interview with Carla, learning what they perceive,” she said. and beauty to a view of identity and power relations. that she was 16 when Nazis came “A student may say, ‘My Jewish into her hometown, Amsterdam. or Hispanic friend was not of- Monday, April 12 - 7 p.m. Admission Free Although she grew up Jewish, fended.’” Wolff Auditorium - Jepson Hall because her mother was Catho- Joan, who earned a masters in Donations appreciated. lic, she was able to get ID papers filmmaking in 1988 at Stanford, Gonzaga University Discussion will follow. without being marked as Jewish. lets them know that what is true The Northwest Alliance for Responsible Media (NWARM) monitors the impact of media She told Alex of being unable of one friend may not be true for on society, educates the community and works with professionals to influence media to go outside during her teen a broad media audience. to act responsibly. It is part of the Gonzaga Master’s Degree in Communication and Leadership Studies. For information, visit gonzaga.edu/coml years and having her friends “I want them to understand disappear—unsure if they were that media has power and they 313-3578 • [email protected] • www.NWResponsibleMedia.org hiding or picked up. She also need to be careful what percep- said she lived a block from Anne tions they broadcast,” she said. Frank’s house and was a friend of “Every school has issues around her sister, Margo. stereotypes. It’s important to open “I had heard about the Holo- their eyes so they see stereotypes The School of Theology and Ministry caust in school, but this was about are not reality, especially when real life,” Alex said. “I realize what we do in our TV class airs to Shaping Leaders, Transforming Lives that we tend to take our freedom 2,000 people in the school.” as a joke.” Joan worked 18 years in the Hearing about her use of ration San Francisco area as a freelance cards, he realized how comfort- film director and worked from Prepare for able his life with and how much 1999 to 2001 with Independent food he throws away. lay ecclesial ministry. It will air on the Ferris Informa- Retool for tion Network—an internal school Aunt Bea’s reflective leadership. Antiques Work for justice Action We specialize in the church and Recycling in in the community. 911 E. Marietta Estate Sales TOP PRICES Always HONEST WEIGHT Begin graduate studies in summer or fall 2010 aluminum buying brass fine antiques copper stainless LOCATED AT newspapers 5005 N. Market 206-296-5330/800-778-3118 483-4094 Spokane, WA 99207 [email protected] (509) 487-9278 www.seattleu.edu/stm Page 6 - The Fig Tree - February 2010 Pastor stirs thinking about church values, biblical interpretation As a pastor, author and teacher, and Family, published by Chalice “Scriptures are not intended to the Rev. John Bristow appreciates in 1994, which he said was more denigrate others and exalt oneself the opportunities he has had to radical and in print five years. It’s or one’s group, but it happens all challenge people on theology and a biblical study of seven models of the time,” John said. values to stretch their thinking, marriage found in the Bible. To keep people humble about understanding and faith. “Only the model associated biblical interpretation, he summed In a recent interview, the preach- with God’s curse has the husband up stages Scriptures go through: er for the 2010 Ecumenical Easter as boss and the wife having babies • An event happens. It is inter- Sunrise Service, recounted how he and manipulating the husband,” preted, then told and retold with has sought to clarify values, widen he said. “God’s design was interpretation. perspectives and open under- Adam and Eve before the fall as • The event and interpretations standing of biblical interpretation companions.” are written down, copied and in his ministry at Country Homes After retiring from teaching recopied. Christian Church in North Spo- at Gonzaga, John and his wife • Subsequent generations of kane, his two books on biblical Christy plan to move to Bremer- believers interpret the written issues and his teaching Gonzaga ton, where they own a house. material, which is translated into University undergraduate students While he looks forward to scu- various languages. on the synoptic Gospels. ba diving, making custom jewelry • New versions of the Bible are His ministry reaches out to and doing woodworking in retire- printed. people with caring and concepts ment, he’s aware that “telling your • Scriptures are heard, read that drew him into the faith com- plans makes God laugh.” and—in drawings, paintings and munity. He said he has another book movies—seen. John didn’t go to church and brewing on how some American • Individuals interpret Scrip- didn’t like preachers or churches Christians misuse Scriptures to tures by attaching their own defi- during his years growing up in wrap the Bible in the flag or bash nitions, memories and scenarios Oregon. That shifted after he each other for political purposes, to the words in the texts. decided to go to a church camp rather than living a faith that pro- For information, call 466-3414 to meet girls. motes love and democracy. or email [email protected]. At camp, he found that faith of- The Rev. John Bristow is Easter Sunrise preacher. fered meaningful insights for his life and decided to enter ministry. values are: In 2010, John said the church His early alienation gives him • Action centered love; donated enough to “feed the understanding of people outside • Accepting all people, includ- 5,000”—as Jesus’ did—plus an- of churches and people at different ing those who are marginalized; other 4,000. places in their faith journeys. • Healing relationships through John wrote his two books while As he prepares to retire as pas- peacemaking and forgiveness; serving as pastor in Seattle. tor at Country Homes Christian, • Success that is measured by His 1988 book, What Paul Said where he has served since 2002, service, humility, generosity, about Women, published by Har- he hopes he has contributed to compassion and faith; perCollins, is still in print. people finding growth, whole- • Salvation as deliverance from “Evangelical audiences tell me ness, a relationship with “the troubles to be whole persons; the book has helped them move living God and faith that issues • Prayer with sincerity, hon- from understanding Paul saying into action.” esty, brevity, humility and per- women can’t do things, which Although he will retire from the sistence; they know women are capable of church in June, he will continue • Proclaiming the good news doing. Mainline audiences who Fair Trade - Earth Friendly - Local - 35 W. Main to teach the synoptic Gospels— that God’s kingdom—God’s will gave up on Paul have said they Matthew, Mark and Luke—one done on earth—is within reach; would go back and look at what more year at Gonzaga. • Wealth as a means to satisfy Paul said,” John said. In the Gonzaga classes, where stewardship and ministry, and “There’s a disconnection on he teaches 120 Christian, Jewish, • Ministry using stories to teach Scriptures. Mainline Protestants The Ministry Institute Muslim and atheist students each and create a passion for ministry. should rediscover the Bible,” he Mater Dei at Gonzaga University year, he finds some students com- Since the study, church mem- said, “and Evangelical Protestants Wisdom Workshop Series fortably familiar with Scriptures, bers have sent thank you notes need to resist imposing orthodox Sk i l l s f o r Se r v i c e - Sa t u r d a y s some somewhat knowledgeable to businesses that reflect those views on the pages of Scriptures and others considering the Scrip- values, regardless of whether they and read them afresh.” April 10: Justice for All! tures undiscovered territory. are Christian. He began writing the book after Global Awareness After graduating in 1967 from For example, they wrote to a newly elected deaconess asked Father Mike Cook, SJ - Expert on Christology Northwest Christian College in a dentist who did thousands of about the inconsistency of Paul Presider at Spanish Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish on Dean Eugene, Ore., with a major in New dollars of complicated work on telling women to obey their hus- Dominican Sr. Mary Rathert - Women’s Hearth Testament, he earned a master’s in a low-income woman with sinus bands and keep silent in church, director of the program for homeless women for 10 years church history in 1970 and a doc- cancer who couldn’t pay him, and but also saying that in Christ there 405 E. Sinto Ave Price: $35 per workshop - 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - includes lunch tor of ministry in pastoral ministry to a supermarket clerk who went is no male or female. Spokane WA 99202 in 1972 at Lexington Theological out of his way to help mentally John checked it out by translat- RSVP- Call (509) 313-5765 Seminary. disabled customers. ing the English text into Greek, Nate Greene - executive director • Shonna Bartlett - program director He served a church in Louis- Another way the church lives and found it different from the Email: [email protected] • www.gonzaga.edu/ministryinstitute ville two years, Lake City Chris- the values is through its annual original Greek. tian in Seattle, 19 years; Murray “food fight,” in which men and “The translation was techni- The 35th Annual Hills Christian in Beaverton, women of the congregation com- cally correct, but nuances made a Whitworth Institute of Ministry nine years, and Country Homes pete to see who will bring more difference,” he said. Christian Church (Disciples of food. The losing side honors the Then he wrote What the Bible Christ). winning side with a dinner. Really Says about Love, Marriage July 12-16, 2010 “Each congregation has dif- Institute activities feature a morning Bible hour and ferent personalities, traditions convocation hour, afternoon workshops, and an evening and values,” he said, describing Find your "Point of Inspiration" at worship service. Institute speakers include these pastors, Country Homes Christian as “a educators and church leaders: creative, growing and healthy Bible Hour: Andy Dearman, Director of Fuller Seminary Texas congregation.” Regional Campus, and Professor of Old Testament, Fuller John led that congregation Seminary, Houston, Texas through a two-year study of core values Jesus’ followers were to Convocation Hour: Peter Barnes, Senior Pastor, Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas; Kathy Goodrich, Co- embody, and distilled with them Year-round facility—270 acres & 4,800 feet of waterfront nine values he uses as the basis of General Presbyter, Presbytery of Yellowstone, Bozeman, Mont.; on the east shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Jim Singleton, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Colorado his preaching and teaching. Those • Open for non-profit groups from 16 to 160 Springs • Two retreat lodges with all facilities • Fourteen cabins with baths down the trail Evening Worship: Luke Powery, Perry and Georgia Engle Assistant Professor of Homiletics, Princeton Theological • Lake-side chapel Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey • Open-air pavilion for worship, dance or programs • Sheltered cove for swimming and boat moorage Communion and Commissioning Service: Bill Robinson, The Center for • Excellent food service, served family style President, Whitworth University Organizational Reform • Canoes and sailboats available Workshops: Led by keynote speakers and Whitworth Serving those who lead & support others • Hiking trails University faculty and staff Need meeting facilitators? • Adventure challenge course • Volleyball, basketball and horseshoes We can help. Plus special alumni pricing, programs for spouses, children Call 1-800-448-3489 to reserve your date and teens, recreational opportunities and family activities 509-879-9235 www.corhome.org for retreats, seminars, workshops or fellowship! Visit www.whitworth.edu/wim or contact Toni Sutherland Come and catch the spirit! at 509.777.4345 or [email protected]. February 2010 - The Fig Tree - Page 7 Spokane’s Earth Day is on Main St. downtown to reach new people Spokane’s 40th anniversary he said, pointing to challenges of Earth Day celebration will be on global-warming denial and oil Main St. downtown rather than on companies’ readiness to exploit grass at Riverfront Park. reserves in the Arctic after the Co-coordinators Paul Haeder, ice cap melts in 30 years. “We 53, a teacher, must do more than the baby-step Details about journalist and choices between Styrofoam or Earth Day activist who paper cups.” Spokane came to Spo- For information, call 879-9337 on April 17 kane in 2001, or email earthdayspokane@gmail. are in article a n d M o l l y com. about area Earth Callen, 24, Day events a S p o k a n e on page 3. K-12 substi- tute teacher who grew up in Spokane, said they are “takin’ it to the streets” because urban life is 125 S. Arthur expanding and because grass uses Spokane, WA 99202 water, fertilizer and herbicides. (509) 535-0229 Molly was involved last year (800) 753-0229 with a children’s activity, help- • Paper by the ream ing build 350 bird feeders and • Largest selection of colors, wanted to expand the educational designs & weights in the area component. Paul Haeder and Molly Callen stand on Main St., the 2010 venue for Earth Day. • Case discounts “I came to an early planning • Wedding invitations & bulletins meeting. Few came, so I became be inundated in rising sea levels tal and social justice activism communities that are denser, pol- • Preprinted papers including all holiday papers a co-coordinator,” said Molly, and surpass the tipping points into involved him in fighting envi- lute less, have more mass transit • Envelopes in a large variety who attended Spokane Falls Com- a collapse of the eco-systems.” ronmental injustice on the U.S.- and engage people in neighbor- of sizes munity College and graduated in Paul, who teaches English and Mexican border where major U.S. hoods and politics. • Mention this ad and receive 2008 from Eastern Washington journalism at Spokane Falls Com- companies operate sweatshop “There’s so much work to do,” 10% off on Mondays University with a bachelor’s de- munity College, writes a column factories. Those factories, ma- gree in reading and elementary in The Inlander and does the chiadores, pay Mexican workers education. “I want children to “Tipping Points: Voices from the $3 to $4 a day to produce con- SPOKANE JEWISH go home knowing they can grow Edge” show on KYRS Thin Air sumer goods using highly toxic FILM FESTIVAL their own food, plant flowers and Radio, believes the environment substances, he said. Presented by Spokane Area Jewish make bird houses.” is tipping. He is concerned that “many Family Services Along with studies for a mas- “We still have a chance to pull young people today are products Gonzaga University Law School ter’s in special education and her back and take weight off the struc- of the corporate world and do not 721 N. Cincinnati - Tickets at door work substitute teaching, she has ture, but we can’t take for granted know how to live lightly.” volunteered 30 hours a week for that it will not collapse,” he said. “They need to gain a green 7:30 pm 5 pm 7:30 pm Earth Day planning. “Young people need to reverse the sense and need to follow the oper- Saturday, April 24 Sunday, April 25 Monday, April 26 Concerned since her teen years course so the earth will be livable ating instructions of Mother Gaia NOODLE A MATTER OF SIZE FOR MY FATHER about animal rights, environment and equitable. (Earth): We are not to pollute the Call 747-7394 • Tickets $8, Students $6, Midrasha High Students $3 and human rights, Molly wants “Without education and social water or air,” he said. to educate people on these causes justice, we can’t achieve energy Paul wants young people to and finds Earth Day a means to efficiency needed to move into a know that every bite they take, do that. post-carbon world and we can’t everything they do, every breath There will be resources to help have a sustainable economy,” they take and every cell phone call people learn how to live sustain- he said. they make is political. He wants Mind if we have ably, such as alternative ways to Paul lived in Paris, British Co- to stop the slide into “a Holocaust commute without using fossil lumbia, Munich and the Azores of all people and genocide of all a look at your paper? fuels—bikes, skateboards, long growing up, moving with his species.” Oh, and your magazines and catalogs, too. boards and roller skates. father in the military. He earned a He also hopes Earth Day 2010 To help meet a goal of draw degree in biology, journalism and will reignite the interest of colleg- low-income people, Second Har- English in 1979 at the University es, churches, the city and county Newspaper, magazines, vest will be at Earth Day for two of Arizona and a master’s degree to join in planning future Earth catalogs & phone books hours doing a food give-away. in English in 1986 at the Univer- Days, expanding interest beyond Bundle or bag. “All we need to do is care,” sity of Texas. Between degrees, “conservation groups, hybrid-car Molly said. “Then we can live he worked for newspapers in drivers and kayakers.” The cycle starts with you. intentionally and responsibly.” Southern Arizona, Mexico, Cen- Citing projections about global Paul was 14 and lived in Tuscon, tral America, Europe and Texas. trends of population shifts to ur- Partial funding provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Ariz., on the first Earth Day in Influenced by liberation theol- ban areas—59 percent urban in recycling hotline: 625.6800 Spokane Regional 1970. He remembers addressing ogy and the Earth Charter as his 2008 to 65 percent by 2030—he www.solidwaste.org Solid Waste System urban sprawl and organizing the ethos, Paul said his environmen- said sustainability will require religious community to challenge 100_0168_SRSWS_MindIf PAPER | size: 3.78w x 3h in | BW | no bleeds | Fig Tree a law that allowed for unregulated e n e trapping of “God’s creatures”— n r g o · y kit fox, bobcats and coyotes. i t e a · SPOKANE’S He began to advocate for the c c three “E’s”—equity, environment o u and economy. Now the move- n d

o

ment had added two more five e m 40th

“E’s”—energy and education. y

· y

As co-coordinator, he hopes to t

i e earthday

inspire a new “green generation” u

n ·

q

to be active, so the world “will not v

e i Takin’ it to

r

t o

n n e · m the streets Just Trade Aprilprill 171 6 p.m. - Midnight fairly traded Live music, performance, local food and extreme art crafts from 11 a.m. - 6 10all day and into the Community Building Warehouse around on MAIN STREET, 35 W. MAIN 010until midnight! the world Dozens of free family activities, including:201 Performances by: inside The Procession of the Species Big Red Barn Red Sky Brused Books vegetable planting B Radicals Jupiter Effect Lilac City Rollergirls Dead Man's Pants 235 E. Main recycled arts & crafts Nate Greenburg Ashe Pullman, WA and much, much more! Malidoma Belly Dancers The Uncalled Four Band 509-334-7898 street vendors kids’ projects live performances Mon-Fri 11 am-6 pm earth programs

Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 logo & ad design: [email protected] contact: [email protected] http://www.earthdayspokane.org Page 8 - The Fig Tree - February 2010 In and from its green downtown building, market educates about food Farm tours and educational together voluntarily to meet com- diminishes their ability to eat eco- programs connect rural and urban mon goals bigger than the indi- nomically and healthfully.” aspects of food production, mar- vidual. They help meet economic, Quarterly classes help members keting and consumption through social and cultural needs. Both identify, prepare and enjoy sea- the recently opened Main Market have missions and encourage sonal foods under the guidance Co-op, an addition to Spokane’s people to move past selfishness. of “great chefs in the community, Community Building complex, Money spent at the co-op has a who share culinary secrets, ” she across the street at 44 W. Main. positive impact, helping the planet said. The programs help consum- and improving the community, The next class is May 10. ers and co-op members meet the she said. The 1,000 co-op members, who people who supply the food and “Our goal is more than moving invested in the facility as it was see what it takes to produce food things off the shelves,” she said. built, will hold their annual meet- for this “eco-grocery” and deli. Because people are at different ing on April 17—Earth Day—to To minimize the market’s car- points in their attitudes about food vote for board members and bon footprint, a rooftop raised-bed choices, she said the coop is ready policies. They can decide if they garden and greenhouse, plus its to help people improve their diets, want to open a new store or assess “green” architecture make it a eat organic, eat “slow” food, eat a new fee on themselves to raise model of ecological responsibility better quality food for less cost, capital. Members include people and sustainability, said owner- eat food rather than supplements from Idaho, Spokane Valley and manager Jennifer Hall. and choose diets that will help Cheney, as well as Spokane. Green features include solar them recover from illness. The co-op involves voluntary, panels, recycled building mate- “I hope to encourage people open membership with democrat- rials, a system to capture heat to change their diets before they ic control, economic participation, generated by refrigeration to heat become ill,” said Jennifer, telling educational programs, coopera- water and an industrial composter about some of the classes. tion with other cooperatives and to turn waste into compost to fer- One class series includes learn- concern for the community. tilize the rooftop garden and sell ing skills from how to sharpen Anyone can shop at the co-op to farmers. Rainwater, collected At Main Market, Jennifer Hall keeps mission visible. knives, because dull knives are and pay the same prices, regard- on the roof is stored in tanks under more likely to slip, to how to less of whether they are members, the parking lot, irrigates the gar- In addition to the market’s “Chain restaurants can’t sup- take a whole chicken and break it she added. There is also a five den and landscape. Raised beds rooftop garden and greenhouse, port that type of buying unless down, using all parts. percent discount for seniors. help absorb sunlight and keep the where people can see food grow, they have independent units au- “It’s a more economical way For members, there will be building cooler in the summer. she urges people to use vacant thorized to buy locally,” Jennifer to eat, to use the whole chicken. tours, classes, discount shopping Quarterly field trips provide lots and rooftops to grow food in explained. “Chains buy on such a The breast, especially an organic days, monthly emails and a quar- an opportunity for consumer- urban areas. large scale they bring prices down breast, is the most expensive terly newsletter. members to meet local farmers, “While the rural lifestyle at- to the detriment of farmers and part,” she said. “The way many For information, call 458-2667 ranchers and food processors, tracts some, there are opportuni- operations such as ours. Major eat, relying on processed foods, or visit www.mainmarket.coop. who are the sources for products ties to grow food in the urban retailers buy food worldwide.” the market sells. setting,” she said. “Our reality is Her appreciation of sustain- Jennifer said her emerging both urban and rural.” able food comes not only from a Together we can... cook-from-scratch mindset gradu- Jennifer, who grew up in Spo- health-care perspective but also ally led her into this venture, kane, studied finance at the Uni- from her affection for the out- where she can teach people the versity of Washington and earned doors. She knows that poor food A multi-strategy value of buying quality when a master’s degree in health admin- production techniques are hard on community effort to reduce buying food. istration at Cornell University in the whole planet, as well as being “People pay for quality for TVs, Ithaca, N.Y., began to realize her detrimental for individuals. substance abuse & violence clothing, couches or shoes, but interest was in food. Working in “Outdoors is my divining rod in Spokane County want low-cost foods,” she said. health care, she sought to help and where I find rejuvenation. “Fewer think of paying higher physicians take care of people. The first thing every day, I go out www.gssacpreventioncenter.com prices for higher quality with Gradually, her enjoyment of to run or walk my dogs. I relish food, but food is the one thing cooking for dinner parties edged the beauty outside,” she said. that goes in you, not on you,” her into catering and working in While she knows she is not re- Jennifer said. different restaurants in different sponsible for creating the beauty “We operate based on a holistic states, aware that “everyone eats” of nature, she feels responsible to 1 in 6 people living in Spokane approach, providing sustainable and that “food prepared from care for it. will experience crime. food while preserving the envi- scratch makes people happy.” Pesticide and fertilizer runoff The Spokane Crime Victim Service Center ronment, building social capacity She began to realize that cook- has created dead zones in the provides crisis intervention, personal and fostering respect for Earth and ing was more than a hobby. It was Gulf of Mexico and off the Co- support, medical/legal advocacy, systems respect for life,” she said. “While a way to serve people. lumbia River, she said. It will navigation, and information and referral as we don’t promote a full retreat Cooking from scratch led her take hundreds of years to fix the is relates to crime and crime victimization. to the past, it is important to rec- to relationships with local bakers, environment. Free and 100% Confidential for victims of crime. ognize the practices that worked businesses and farmers, “people “I want to help people un- well, combine them with today’s who put their hearts and souls into derstand the environment and If you have any questions or need to speak with a technology where appropriate, producing food.” not take food for granted,” said victim advocate, please call 866-751-7119 and create solutions for the chal- By buying locally from farmers Jennifer, who partners with Jim lenges we face today.” committed to sustainable practices Sheehan, owner of the Commu- The co-op involves farmers in and educating people about food, nity Building, Saranac and Main sharing their ideas on sustainable Jennifer believes she can make a Market. agriculture. difference in the local economy The mission of Main Market Main Market’s mission includes and food system. is to “nourish the community at providing the public “a reliable Cooking from scratch assures the table,” by contributing to a place to learn about food and in- the best flavor, she said. It also healthier and more resilient region tersect their values and health with leads to concern about who grows “one bite at a time.” their food purchases,” she said. the food and how they grow it. “We ask people to change their Jennifer works with farmers, Locally, several restaurants, like habits,” Jennifer continued. ranchers and fishermen who need the co-op, partner with local, She likens the co-op to a faith to know about politics, agriculture small-to-medium farmers. organization: Both bring people and mechanical repairs to make their efforts profitable. With just two percent of the U.S. population raising food, she said there is need for 50 million Choose dignity more farmers. Helping the terminally ill and their families Introducing: fulfill their lives with dignity.

Medical care • Counseling • Spiritual support Full Coffee Bar Helping Women Succeed Serving breakfast and lunch Through Training in M-F 8:00 AM Full– 1:00PM Coffee Food ServiceBar How you live is a choice. Choose Hospice of Spokane. 12Serving E. 5th breakfast & lunch (Catholic Charities Family Services Center) FOOD TO GO 496-7298M-F 8am - 1pmCall 496-0396 for menu www.help4women.org12 E. 5th Hand in hand, we’ll walk with you. Catholic Charities Family Services Center 468-7298 509.456.0438 FOOD TO GO - 496-0396 hospiceofspokane.org www.help4women.org A community-based not–for–profit since 1976 Helping women succeed through training in food services. Celebrating 50 Years February 2010 - The Fig Tree - Page 9 Chin refugees help each other as they adapt to new life in Spokane By Virginia de Leon as a van driver. He also enlisted a finding jobs, adjusting to a new After escaping abuse as a mi- friend, Jerry Deatherage, to drive lifestyle and learning English. nority in Burma and a struggle for a second van owned by Westside The Chin language and its many survival in refugee camps, Chin Church of the Nazarene, where dialects uses a Latin script, like refugees settling in Spokane find Stan was pastor for several years. English, but its structure differs support from World Relief, local They and a few others drive significantly from the language churches and their own commu- to apartment buildings in North they are trying to learn. Because nity in meeting needs of adjusting Spokane to transport members of many have focused on survival to a new way of life here. the Chin community to and from for many years, few have attended Refugees from Burma who have First Church of the Nazarene. school, which makes second lan- formed the Spokane Chin Church “When a church becomes in- guage acquisition more difficult. come from, connect with and volved, it’s usually a process,” However, Duh Ceu and his have been resettled by a variety explains Linda, who spends many wife, Biak, who are expecting of churches, including American hours each week doing volunteer their first child in June, both Baptist, Catholic, Church of the work to support the Chin church. have master of divinity degrees Nazarene and Pentecostal. “We start by seeing what the needs and are leaders in the local Chin Despite their differences, they are and then respond to them.” community. gather weekly for an evangelical- First Church of the Nazarene “We try to help each other,” style worship led by Duh Ceu, the Duh and Biak Ceu both have master of divinity degrees. first offered its children’s ministry said Biak. pastor, and others in the church. room as worship space. Now, a A few months ago, the Chin The Chin community, refugees against the Chin and other ethnic lived in Malaysia two to six years few of its members are bringing community pooled their money to who fled their homeland, support minorities, especially those who after fleeing Burma. Because the groceries, clothing, bedding, coats buy an old van they use to assist each other and find ways to help want democracy. journey to freedom is arduous and other items to help the Chin. new Chin refugees. They use it each other meet their needs. The government’s abuses in- and fraught with danger, only the Some come to the refugees’ to drive to the Spokane Airport to For example, because few clude the killing, disappearances, strongest survive. Often, they are Sunday evening service and par- welcome new arrivals. have cars, they found volunteers rape and torture of citizens, she younger people who leave parents ticipate in their celebrations. Along with volunteers from help transport the 80 members to said. The army attacks villages of and other loved ones behind. “The people at First Church are World Relief, representatives of church Sunday evenings using ethnic minorities—burning down As a result, none of the Chin supportive,” Linda said. the Chin community escort new- two vans and five cars. their homes, destroying their here is over the age of 50. In fact, The Chin are grateful to be here, comers to their apartments and On a recent Sunday, the first farmland and forcing people, in- only four members of the Spokane said Duh Ceu, who moved here provide them with a hot meal of group of families arrived at First cluding children, to labor without Chin Church are over 40, Linda nearly two years ago and works as traditional Chin delicacies and Church of the Nazarene in North pay or join the military. said. The majority are 20 and 33. a caseworker for World Relief. enough food to eat for the com- Spokane about half an hour before Hundreds of thousands of peo- Those who are married but arrived Life in Spokane poses its share ing days. the 7 p.m. service. Gradually, the ple have fled the persecution. alone have filed petitions for visas of new challenges with difficulty For information, call 232-2818. crowd grew as vehicles made their Spokane is now home to more for spouses and children. They rounds. After setting up chairs in than 500—about 340 from the may wait many years, she said. one of the church’s classrooms, Karen ethnic group, two Karenni The Chin community in Spo- the people began to sing and pray families and about 186 Chin, said kane quickly doubled, then tripled. An Ecumenical in their native language. Linda Unseth, director of World Since late 2006, nearly 200 people Festival & Retreat This growing congregation Relief’s Spokane office. from the Chin ethnic group have started out with half a dozen Unlike the Karen, who went to moved here, said Linda. More are of Worship people two years ago. refugee camps in Thailand, the expected in the coming year. & the Arts First, they met at the local office Chin had no place to go when they After a few months, the local July 26-31, 2009 of World Relief, a Christian orga- fled their native home of Chin Chin population could no longer nization that responds to humani- State in Burma. Some sought fit in World Relief’s office. So at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane tarian crises around the globe and safety in India, which shares a Linda and her husband, the Rev. More Information at assists with resettling victims of border with Chin State. Others Stan Unseth, turned to their own Worship www.gbgm-umc.org/jubilate!/ war and persecution as they seek escaped to Malaysia, she said. church community to help the That Transforms! refuge in the United States. There, they spent many years Chin people. OR CONTACT The Chin are among dozens of as urban, undocumented refugees, First Church of the Nazarene Len Hemd Keynoter: The Rev. Ron Davids ethnic groups in Burma, called [email protected] also leading workshop on competing for jobs in poverty- opened its doors to the refugees, Exploration of Liturgical Scripture Myanmar by its military leaders. stricken communities and endur- providing worship space and a Workshops include: Prayer and Personality, Giving Voice to a Congregation, The Chin, who are Christian— ing daily harassment and abuse. church van for transportation. Visuals, Worship Planning, Worship SIGNing, Church Startup, Zen of Socks mostly Baptist—are the second Although unrecognized by the Every Sunday, Stan volunteers Jubilate! Chaplain the Rev. Phil Harrington largest ethnic group in Burma, governments of India and Ma- which is predominantly Buddhist, laysia, some of the Chin in those said Duh Ceu. countries have gained refugee “We have suffered because of status and documents through our religion,” he said, explain- the Office of the United Nations Potential • Purpose • Abundance ing one reason they left their High Commissioner for Refugees, homeland. enabling them to resettle in Spo- According to a 2008 U.S. State kane and other communities in the FREE PUBLIC Department report, the authoritar- United States, she explained. LECTURE SERIES ian regime in Burma has commit- According to Linda and Duh ted severe human rights abuses Ceu, many of the Chin in Spokane May 4-6

presented by Evan Mehlenbacher Whitworth University announces the ‘Realize Your Full Potential’ 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 4 JOHN KNOX SCHOLARSHIP The Spokesman Review Building for 608 Northwest Blvd. - Coeur d’Alene Idaho Graduate Study ‘Find Purposeful Employment’ The John Knox Scholarship is for teachers and noon or 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 5 other employees of Christian schools, Christian Spokane Public Library 906 W. Main Ave. - Spokane churches, and Christian nonprofit organizations.

The scholarship is equal to 25 percent of regular ‘Live in Abundance’ graduate-course tuition and can be applied to all 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 6 Graduate Studies in Education degrees and certi- First Church of Christ, Scientist fication programs, including Community Agency 310 E. 14th Ave. - Spokane Counseling and Administrative Leadership. Evan Mehlenbacher Sponsored by An international speaker on the power For more information, contact The Christian Science of spirituality to help people find their Churches of Spokane and Vernice Hunnicutt, Assistant Director niche, improve their relationships, Coeur d’Alene Graduate Studies in Education • Whitworth University and be healthier and happier. For more information, Email:[email protected] A graduate of Stanford University call 509-624-1637 Phone: 509.777.4398 and a Christian Science practitioner or visit and teacher from Richland. www.fccs-spokane.com Page 10 - The Fig Tree - February 2010 Editorial Reflections

Letter to the Editor Sounding Board Newsletter Excerpts February 2010 - The Fig Tree - Page 11

C & H Foreign Auto Repair E. 620 North Foothills Dr. Spokane, WA 99207 EDWARD W. CUSHMAN 487-9683 OR 484-5221

HERBS & NATURAL FOODS LORIEN Open Tuesday to Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-5 More than 400 organic and wild-crafted bulk herbs and natural foods, supplements, gifts, personal care products, essential oils and friendly service.

1102 S. Perry Street Spokane WA 99202 Phone (509) 456-0702

Maya Earth Coffee Your congregation or nonprofit can raise funds Calendar of Events by co-marketing fair-trade, organic coffee through Coffee with a Cause 509-768-3193 • Toll free: 877-892-3193 April 3 • “Behold Jesus,” Spokane Dream Center’s Easter Drama, INB [email protected] • www.mayaearthcoffee.com Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., 924-2630 April 4 • Ecumenical Community Easter Sunrise Service, “If I Were in Charge of the Resurrection, Rev. John Temple Bristow, Greenwood Moonflower Enterprises Memorial Terrace, 211 N., Government Way, 6:30 a.m., 535-1813 Fair Trade Textiles, Folk Art • Handcrafts April 7 • “Giving Up What I Really Want, So I Can Find What I Really Need: Organic Coffee from Guatemala Following Jesus from the U.S. to Haiti,” Kent Annon, Haiti Partners, Weyerhaeuser Hall, Whitworth University 300 W. Hawthorne Rd., 7 509-768-3193 • Toll free: 877-892-3193 p.m., 777-4263 [email protected] April 8 • “Iceland in the Global Financial Crisis,” Hjalmar Hannesson, Iceland ambassador to the U.S. and past vice president of the United Nations General Assembly, Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth, 300 W. Hawthorne Rd., 7:30 p.m., 777-3270 Hope & Healing April 8 • “The Haunting Realities Women Face in Tlaxcala, Mexico,” Monroe Hall, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, noon, 359-2898 Counseling Services April 10 • Lands Council Dinner and Auction, The Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Marian Beaumier LICSW Lincoln St., 4:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., 838-4912 April 10 • “Spring Into Action! A Celebration of Environmental Awareness, 483 0428 EMDR / Medicare Part B Valley Mission Park Shelter, 11123 E. Mission, 10 a.m., 720-5408 April 11 • MS Walk, Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Fort George Wright Dr., 8:30 a.m. check in, 10 a.m. walk, 482-2022 April 11 • Holocaust Remembrance, Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 E. 30th, 7 Daybreak Youth Services p.m., 747-3304 April 12 • Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Annual Human Chemical dependency treatment Rights Banquet, Coeur d’Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway, Coeur for youth to 18 years old. d’Alene, 5:30 p.m., 208-292-2359 April 14 • Hispanic Business Professional Association, Agave Restaurant, Outpatient and residential treatment 830 W. Sprague Ave., 11:30 a.m., 473-9180 Daybreak relies on financial support from churches, individuals and agencies. April 14 • Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities lecture, “Diet for a 927-1991 • 11711 E. Sprague, D-4 • Spokane, WA 99206 Hot Planet,” Anna Lappe, Spokane Community College Lair, 7 p.m., www.scc.spokane.edu/hfchevents April 17 - 25 • Japan Week, http://www.japanweekspokane.com April 16 • Tri-Cities Earth Day, 616-842-6321 April 17 • Takin’ it to the Streets,” Spokane Earth Day, Main Street between Division and Brown, 11 a.m. to midnight, earthdayspokane.org • United Methodist Inland District Rocks and Ripples leader training, Simpson United Methodist, 325 NE Maple, Pullman, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Spokane Valley United Methodist, 115 N. Raymond Rd., 2:30 to 7 p.m., 838-3085 • Earth Day, “Simplify Your Life,” Harding Family Center, 411 N. 15th, Coeur d’Alene, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., www.earthdaycda.org • Susan Komen Race for the Cure, Convention Center, Spokane Falls Blvd. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20 • Hate/Bias Forum, Spokane Crime Victim Services Center, 1011 W. First Ave., 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., 343-5039 • Northwest Fair Housing Alliance Basic Fair Housing Workshop for Landlords, West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 325-2665, Ext. 4 Connect with the spiritual dimensions April 22 • Sandpoint Earth Day Festival, Sandpoint Events Center, 102 Euclid Ave., 4 – 8 p.m., 208-265-9565 of yoga & get in touch with yourself • “China’s Great Unity: U.S. China Relations on the New Global Horizon, Anthony Clark, Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth, 7:30 p.m., www.wacspokane.org April 27 • Fig Tree 2010 Dialogue in Action, “Wisdom and the Media,” Radha Yoga Center Cathedral of St. John, 127 E. 12th Ave., 7 to 9 p.m., 535-1813 • Northwest Fair Housing Alliance Advanced Fair Housing Workshop www.radhayoga.org for Landlords, West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt, 1:30 [email protected] to 3:30 p.m., 325-2665, Ext. 4 (509) 838-3575 • Evening Prayer & Retreat, “The Church/Four Marks of the Church/ Mary,” Deacon Chalo Martinez, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, Cut out this ad for a free class! 5 to 9 p.m., 448-1224 ✃ April 30 • Catholic Charities Annual Gala, Davenport Hotel, 358-4254

Rockwood Retirement Communities are Located on 52 acres of wildlife – with lake access dedicated to the lifelong vitality and well-being of the whole person. Enhance your Spiritual, Social, Physical, and Intellectual Life on Liberty Lake in a comfortable custom home or apartment, with assisted living and skilled nursing available. Built in 1902, this lodge is only minutes Rockwood South Hill 2903 E. 25th Avenue from Liberty Lake. Rockwood at Hawthorne 101 E. Hawthorne Rd. Great facility for youth camps, retreats or reunions! 536-6650 For a brochure or info, call 255-6122 or email: [email protected] www.zephyrlodge.org Re t r e a t s • Ca m p s • Se m i n a r s Ho l i d a y Pa r t i e s Re u n i o n s a n d Mo r e ! Page 12 - The Fig Tree - February 2010 Furniture warehouse increases success of newly housed families hen a homeless family happy,” said Sheila, who began moves from a shelter to working with homeless families Wan affordable apartment in Spokane when she served or house, having basic household as coordinator for her church, furnishings increases their chance Prince of Peace Lutheran, when of success, said Sheila Morley, they sheltered families through program coordinator at Catholic Interfaith Hospitality. Charities of Spokane. She worked for Interfaith Hos- “We believe everyone deserves pitality from 2002 to 2005, then to have a safe, secure, affordable with Spokane Valley Community home, and part of that is having Center until 2007 when she began furnishings and household items working at Catholic Charities. to make them feel comfortable. Currently, the warehouse has Basic needs such as a couch, use of the SNAP moving van on table, chairs, beds, dishes, appli- Wednesdays, so they schedule ances, bedding and towels make many deliveries and have volun- a difference in people’s lives,” teers all day. said Sheila, who also coordinates It needs volunteers to receive programs and staff at St. Marga- items, clean them and deliver ret’s Shelter. them. Sheila said the warehouse A single disabled person receiv- also needs a truck and a perma- ing $339 a month on General As- nent location. sistance for Unemployed (GAU) For information, call 624-9788 or a family with children living or email spokanecommunityware- on $500 a month on Temporary [email protected]. Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) would not have enough Ashley Sprecher and Sheila Morley show an example of a couch in good condition for families. money to buy furniture. “We found that just putting donations and arrange deliveries The planning group then de- household needs. They fill out a people in housing was sometimes was still their dream. veloped bylaws and policies form and email Ashley, who sets a not enough. If people do not Several agencies had tried to and found a temporary site in a delivery date and arranges volun- have the basic necessities—a bed provide furniture on their own. 2,300-square-foot space through teers to help move the furniture. to sleep on, something to sit on St. Margaret’s kept donated fur- the YWCA, a partner agency. Case managers with the differ- and items for cooking, they are niture in their basement to give to AmeriCorps member Ashley ent agencies follow-up with the not able to retain the housing. If women as they moved out. Sprecher began in September as clientele, who earn from 0 to 30 people come from a shelter where Sheila, whose office is at St. manager of the Spokane Com- percent of area median income. their basic needs are met, it is Margaret’s, said they found many munity Warehouse, working from “When we drop off the fur- not reasonable to expect them to agencies lacked the capacity to an office at St. Margaret’s. niture, people are excited and succeed in housing without those accept donations and deliver them After it opened in mid Novem- basic needs,” she said. to clients because of a lack of stor- ber, the warehouse offered mem- The Buy/Donate Volunteers delivering furniture age, transportation or staffing. bership to other homeless coali- Books to one woman saw a blanket on her Along with St. Margaret’s, tion agencies. Members pay $250 Windfall Clothing floor where she had been sleeping members are the ARC of Spokane, a year and refer clients. Member Thrift Store Collectibles while waiting for furniture. Interfaith Hospitality, Martin Lu- agencies also provide 24 hours of 1024 S. Perry - 534-3888 “For donors, it’s the green thing ther King, Jr., Family Outreach volunteer assistance a year. Monday-Saturday 1-6 p.m. to do to recycle furniture, rather Center, Salem Arms, Spokane So far, the warehouse has set up than having it end up in a landfill,” County Community Services, 38 households, said Sheila. Sheila added. Volunteers of America, Transi- Member agencies send a case A Mo t h e r ’s Da y Lu n c h e o n Seeking both to provide furni- tions, Coalition of Responsible manager for training at the ware- To honor the motherhood of mothers who have ture to people and to help donors Disabled, YWCA and Spokane house, so they know how to placed their children for adoption recycle “gently used” furniture Neighborhood Action Programs. determine a client’s furniture and and household items, 10 agencies In a “leap of faith,” the Spokane 12 noon to 2 p.m., Thursday, May 6 formed the Spokane Community Community Warehouse formed Catholic Charities Family Service Center Warehouse in 2009 as a drop-off under Catholic Charities. Nine 12 E. 5th Ave. - Spokane location, storage space and pickup other agencies have joined the (corner of Division and 5th - parking on street and in lot south of building) site for transporting furnishings to program. Organizational meet- Eu r o p e a n De l i w i t h a Ge r m a n To u c h RSVP by April 30 at (509) 358-4258 their clients. ings began in January 2009, when s a n d w i c h e s • p a r t y t r a y s • h o l i d a y specialties 417 E. Third Ave. • Spokane WA 99202 Sponsored by Catholic Charities Spokane, Children’s Home Society Wash., Until it closed in 2008, St. Vin- participants proposed a budget Owners Werner & Carole Gaubinger Wash. Adoption Reunion Movement, Seattle & Spokane Consultants in Family Living cent de Paul Society provided that and applied for an AmeriCorps service. Since then, St. Margaret’s position. Shelter surveyed Spokane Home- A Jesuit volunteer with St. less Coalition agencies to learn Margaret’s visited the Portland of the need for such a program. Community Warehouse to learn A central warehouse to receive about their operations.

Master of Arts in Religious Studies one day, I’ll Choose Social Work at EWU Concentrations in: . Social Work is a career for those who care about Systematic Theology serve the vulnerable advancing the cause of social justice and promoting Biblical Studies the ideals of a humane society. Social workers are professionals who work to empower individuals, Spirituality relieve suffering and affect change. If you want a career with meaning, diversity and an abundance of options, social work is for you! For further information contact: [email protected] Social Work Programs or visit our web site at: • Bachelor of Social Work http://guweb2.gonzaga.edu/religiousstudies/ contact Diane Somerday, MSW 509.359.6482 Department of Religious Studies • Full-time Master of Social Work Gonzaga University AD Box 57 • Part-time Master of Social Work www.ewu.edu/socialwork Spokane, WA 99258 contact Patricia Valdés, MSW, PhD 509.359.6772 (509) 323-6782