Religion Briefs

Filipino bishop to appear in Lodi, Stockton

The general secretary for the United Church of Christ of the Philippines will discuss political and religious persecution in his homeland during upcoming appearances in Lodi and Stockton.

Bishop Eliezer Pascua will speak at 5 p.m. Friday in George Wilson Hall at the University of the Pacific's School of International Studies, located off Baxter Way in Stockton. The event is open to the public at no charge. Parking is free beginning at 5 p.m.

Pascua will also kick off Ash Wednesday at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10 N. Mills Ave., Lodi, and make a private appearance the same day at Jim Elliot Christian High School in Lodi.

For more information on the event at Pacific, call For more information, please call 951-0881. For information on his appearance in Lodi, call 369-1062.

'Stringin' Along' at St. John's

Stringin' Along, a blend of acoustic instrumentation and vocals, will appear in concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at St. John's Episcopal Church, 1055 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi.

The six-piece ensemble has entertained audiences for the last 13 years with its acoustic instrumentation and vocals. The group will employ a repertoire that ranges from blues to Bluegrass and everything in between.

Bill Ferrero's blend of guitar and vocals will reflect the many styles of music he has played over the years. Mark Giuseponi's mandolin playing and soulful trumpet solos along with his vocal harmonies add to the group's sound. Debby Keene-Ferrero's diverse vocal talent is an integral part of the music. Rod Inn is the bass player and carries the bottom end with acoustic and electric bass. Lodi resident Tim O'Connor, with his classical background, is as comfortable with the violin as he is with the fiddle. Drummer Phil Munsey is the newest member of the group.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for children under 12, with an adult. Tickets may be purchased by calling 369-3381 or by visiting The Music Box, 730 W. Lodi Avenue, or at the door.

To hear selections from Stringin' Along visit www.stjohnsoflodi.org.

Renowned organist to perform in Lodi

Lodi native Melvin West, an expert organist for more than a half-century, will present a hymn festival at 10:45 a.m. Feb. 17 at Fairmont Seventh-day Adventist Church, 730 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi.

At 5 p.m. the same day, West will play an Evensong of his own organ arrangements of well-known hymns on the church's Moller organ.

West, who attended Lodi Academy, has been a minister of music, choir director and organist for 57 years in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and 47 years in the Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran and Congregational churches.

He has taught at Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts, Walla Walla College in Washington and Union College in Nebraska.

Both programs are free, and the community is invited. For more information, call 334-1844.

Torah study for men

Beth Hallel Messianic Fellowship, also known as Jews for Jesus, will present a discussion of Exodus 18:1-20:23, "Shadows of the Mashiach" from 1 to 3 p.m. today in the small conference room at the Lodi Public Library, 201 W. Locust St.

For more information, call 365-1125 or 981-1478.

Bible story to begin

The women's group at First Missionary Baptist Church in Woodbridge will host a Beth Moore Bible study— "Living Beyond Yourself" — each Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The church is at 673 E. Woodbridge Road. To enroll and reserve a workbook, call Fran at 745-2711.

'Morning of Reflection' at St. Anne's

Father Harmon Skillin, a former priest at St. Anne's Catholic Church, will speak on how to prepare for Lent on Feb. 17 during a "Morning of Reflection" hosted by the church's Daughters of Isabella.

The day will begin with an 8 a.m. Mass with a continental breakfast until noon. Then lunch will be served.

Skillin was pastor at St. Anne's from 1983 to 1993. He has served in the Stockton Diocese since 1962.

The church is at 215 W. Walnut St., Lodi. The community is welcome. For more information, call 369-5935.

Gospel concert coming to the Square

A community gospel concert featuring The Salt Co., Kenny Munds and local musicians Bob and the Backside Kickers will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in the Hutchins Street Square theater, 125 S. Hutchins St.

The free concert is sponsored by the San Joaquin Valley Men's Ministry. For more information, call 333-5550, or visit the Web site, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com.

Day-long women's conference scheduled

Women from throughout the community are invited to participate in a conference featuring Bible teacher and author Beth Moore on Feb. 24.

Moore will talk about how to get out of being emotionally down in her talk, called "Straight Talk About God's Deliverance."

The simulcast will be shown from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Calvary Bible Church, 18621 N. Highway 99, west of the freeway between Turner and Woodbridge roads, in Acampo.

Tickets may be purchased for $20 in advance at the church or at Vine & Branches Christian Bookstore, 110 W. Oak St., Lodi, or for $25 at the door. For more information, call 367-7940.

Women's retreat planned

A Christian women's day retreat to bring hope to the hurting will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at New Hope Community Church, 330 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi.

The retreat is for people who are tired, hurting, hopeless, unfulfilled, searching for a purpose and seeking a closer relationship with God.

Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Reservations are required. For more information, call 366-3493.

First published: Saturday, February 10, 2007