RELIGION BRIEFS

Descendant of abolitionist to speak

MADISON — Dr. Don Rankin, a descendant of abolitionist Rev. John Rankin, with biracial family ties, will speak on “Slavery and the Development of the Underground Railroad,” Sunday, Feb. 24, 12:30 — 2 p.m. at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, 297 Boston Post Road, Madison. There is no admission charge.

Dr. Rankin’s presentation will include a slide presentation on the efforts of others who worked to abolish slavery, including John P. Parker and William Lloyd Garrison. Dr. Rankin is a retired physician and surgeon and a Madison resident. A forum for sharing thoughts about racism today and ideas to mitigate the subtle and nonsubtle forms of racist expression in America will follow.

Information is available from www.shorelineunitarian.org or by calling 203-2458720.

Church to hold Open Mic on the Hill

SEYMOUR — Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road, Seymour, will present Open Mic on the Hill, Sunday, Feb. 24, 5-8 p.m.

Performers 18 and under are welcome to share their talents in a judgment-free environment. Performers wanted. Contact Keith at dna942@yahoo.comor 203-5095220. The public is invited to this free event.

Congregation schedules events

WOODBRIDGE — Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, has scheduled the following:

Weekday minion services are held at 7:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Friday night Shabbat Schmooze begins at 6 p.m., followed by a Shabbat service 6:30 p.m.

Saturdays, a Torah study begins at 9 a.m., followed by a Torah service 9:45 a.m.

Feb. 20: A new book club will have its first meeting on Feb 20, 7:30 in the congregation library.

Feb. 23: After Kiddush 12:30 p.m. Yale professor Christine Hayes will speak on “We’re No Angels”: Perfection In Rabbinic Judaism”.

March 3. Showing of movie “Marshall,” followed by discussion. Rescheduled after weather postponement.

Christ Church Ansonia plans events

ANSONIA — Christ Church, 56 S Cliff St., Ansonia, has scheduled the following events.

Friday, March 22: Painting Party fundraiser in the parish hall, 5:30 p.m. $25 per person for a canvas and paint supplies. Learn from an expert as you create your own masterpiece. Email Linda for reservation at lnajda@gmail.com

Saturday, April 6: Bus trip to Mohegan Sun $40 pp/bus leaves church parking lot at 10 AM (plenty of free parking) and bus leaves Mohegan at 6 p.m. to return to Ansonia. All receive food voucher and free slot voucher. Email Sue D for reservations at suedarg@comcast.net

Saturday April 27: Indoor Vendor Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m, Crafters, food court.

Archdiocese to hold Masses of Reparation

In seeking to apply spiritual remedies to the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church and the tragedy it has caused so many victims, Archbishop Leonard P. Blair will be offering three Masses of Reparation at the following parishes on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 26: Our Lady of Hope Parish at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 78 Litchfield Road, Harwinton, 7 p.m.

Scholar in Residence coming to Orange

ORANGE — Temple Emanuel Annual Scholar in Residence weekend of events will be held March 8-10 at 150 Derby Ave., Orange. For details and registration, visit www.tegnh.org or call 203-397-3000.

Friday, March 8: 5:30 p.m.: Tot Shabbat Welcome Shabbat welcomes children under 5 with their families; 6 p.m.: Shabbat dinner. RSVP for dinner or lunch online at www.tegnh.org; 7:30 p.m.: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, with Rabbi Regnev, speaking on ““The Challenge of Pluralism in Israel: Can Israel be Truly Jewish and Democratic?”

Saturday, March 9: 10 a.m.: Parashat Pekude, Torah Study with Rabbi Regev; 11:30 a.m., Dairy lunch. RSVP at www.tegnh.org; 12:30 p.m.: “Kotel, Conversion, and Rabbinic Blacklists: What Are the Effects of the Latest Conflicts on Israel-Diaspora Relations?”

Sunday, March 10: 10:15 —11:45 a.m. “Israel heading to the polls April 9: How will the elections impact Religious Freedom and Israel-US relations?” presented by Rabbi Uri Regev, president of Hiddush, For Religious Freedom and Equality in Israel

Rabbi Regev serves as the President and CEO of the educational and advocacy Israel-Diaspora partnership, “Freedom of Religion for Israel” and of its Israeli counterpart, “Hiddush—For Freedom of Religion and Equality ”. A past President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Regev served as founding chair, and later as executive director and legal counsel, of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), the advocacy group established by the Reform movement in Israel.

Church dinner benefits bell tower fund

NORTH BRANFORD — A corned beef dinner to raise funds for Northford Congregational Church’s Bell Tower Fund will be held March 16, 5 p.m.

Space is limited to 50 people. The dinner will be held in the church’s social hall, 4 Old Post Rd., corner of Rt. 22 and 17 in Northford village in North Branford. Take-out dinners (pickup at 4:15 p.m.) will also be available if ordered in advance.

Reservation/advance payment deadline is March 9. Adults: $18; children under 12: $10. Reservations and questions, call 203-234-7794 or 203-484-0794. Make checks payable to Northford Congregational Church, send to Peter Jenkin, 32 Fieldstone Ct., North Haven CT 064732892. All meals must be paid for in advance.

Temple Beth David schedules events

CHESHIRE — Temple Beth David, 3 Main St., Cheshire, announces the following events and programs.

Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Micah every Thursday at noon in the TBD social hall. Bring your own lunch.

Youth Shabbat Service: First Friday for youth, 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat service: First Friday, 7 p.m. In this musical Shabbat experience, sing though much of the service. Services are participatory, spiritual, and fun.

Torah study: Join Rabbi Micah and a group of adults for Torah Study on Saturdays beginning at 8:45 a.m. and enjoy coffee, bagels, and a discussion about the weekly parsha.

Temple Beth David, 3 Main Street, Cheshire, 203-272-0037; www.tbdcheshire.org

Church to host indoor flea markets

SEYMOUR — The Great Hill United Methodist Church, Seymour, will host an indoor flea market March 23 in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Sellers are invited to participate in this event. Each 10 ft space is $25. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call Pat at 203-888-0489.

Chanticleer to perform at Trinity Church on the Green

NEW HAVEN — Trinity Church on the Green welcomes the Grammy Awardwinning vocal ensemble Chanticleer as part of its Music for Music guest artist series, 7:30 p.m. April 6. The church is located at 203 Temple Street (corner of Chapel Street), New Haven.

Almost from their founding in San Francisco in 1978, Chanticleer has been known around the globe as “an orchestra of voices” for the seamless blend of its 12 male voices. Today one of the world’s preeminent vocal ensembles delights and amazes audiences with its original interpretations of vocal repertory ranging from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to pop.

The Music for Music performance series supports the nationally renowned music programs of Trinity Church on the Green. These include the 134-year-old Choir of Men & Boys, its sister ensemble the Choir of Men & Girls, two annual fellowships for young organ scholars, and other programs. The boy and girl choristers have toured internationally and performed at the White House, the National Cathedral, and Lincoln Center. All revenues over costs from Music for Music events support the more than 40 young singers in Trinity’s historic music program.

Tickets are $60, $50 if purchased online; $40, $30 online for students/ seniors and for balcony seating. For information or to purchased tickets visit http://trinitynewhaven.org/chanticleer/ or call 203-624-3101.

‘Blossom in Faith’ is school theme

HAMDEN — “Blossom in Faith” is the theme of the Mt. Carmel Church, 3284 Whitney Ave., church school, where free activities are open to all children.

For details, call the church office at 203-248-7408.