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November 2025 Newsbriefs

2025 Fall Fund Drive invites more donations

The Fig Tree 2025 Fall Fund Drive is appealing through letters, Facebook, emails and the website donor page, seeking to raise a goal of at least $16,000 to support the newspaper and directory. Bulletin inserts and fliers are available to spread the word and invite donations from faith communities and their members. Anyone can make a fundraiser for The Fig Tree on Facebook or at secure.givelively.org/donate/the-fig-tree/fall-fund-drive.

The Fig Tree Board has offered to match the first $4,125 of donations. As of Oct. 31, The Fig Tree had raised about $4,650, including some of the matched funds.

"The Fig Tree provides coverage of stories that matter about local faith communities, nonprofits, agencies, individuals and movements," said Marijke Fakasiieiki, development and editorial associate, who is available to speak to groups. "We seek to challenge people and expand their world awareness."

Along with financial assistance that supports the mission of building understanding among diverse people and sharing resources to improve lives, volunteers do many of the tasks like writing, editing, mailing, delivering, planning, connecting, researching, archiving and sharing The Fig Tree stories. Their labor of love supplements staff efforts.

Board member David Gortner, priest at St. Luke's Episcopal in Coeur d'Alene, said: "The Fig Tree has touched lives, empowered people and connected them with life-saving resources."

Recent columnist Cameron Conner commented: "Beyond the incredible stories of inspiration that The Fig Tree lifts up and informing us of amazing things going on right down the street, it weaves us together into community striving towards a collective vision of the world."

To donate, visit https://www.thefigtree.org/donate.html

Conference theme is 'We Shall Overcome'

The Eastern Washington Legislative Conference Planning Team has been meeting to organize the 2026 conference around the theme, "We Shall Overcome: Building the Beloved Community Today." The program will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond.

The opening will include several musicians and singers sharing a song and the impact of music on movements.

The keynote plenary will be faith leaders sharing on "Spiritual Ramifications of Persistence," followed by a youth/young adult panel and briefings on legislation by Kristin Ang of the Faith Action Network and Jean Welch Hill of the Washington State Catholic Conference.

Workshops after lunch will include faithful education, faithful protest, art expressing advocacy, media literacy, faithful advocacy and community organizing for session one.

In the second session, there will be sessions on issues, including human rights, racial equity, food security, affordable housing, environmental issues, Indigenous issues and refugees/immigrants.

The planning team includes representatives of Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, The Fig Tree, Faith Action Network, NAACP Spokane, Nuestras Raices, 350 Spokane and others.

For information, call 535-4112, email kaye@thefigtree.org or visit secure.givelively.org/donate/the-fig-tree/2026-legislative-conference

FAN plans dinner in Spokane, Seattle

"A Night of Unbreakable Spirit," the Annual Dinner of the Faith Action Network (FAN), will begin with receptions at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinners at 5:30 p.m. and a program at 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16, at Gonzaga University's Hemmingson Center, 702 E. Desmet Ave., Spokane, and at SeaTac in Seattle.

The program, which will also be livestreamed—to Spokane and to people who sign up but cannot come in person—from the gathering at SeaTac. The keynote speaker, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and songs from the Tacoma Refugee Choir will be shared online at both locations.

"The gathering will include inspiring stories, delicious food and music to celebrate achievements of multi-faith advocacy," said Joyce Del Rosario, executive director of FAN.

There are individual tickets, table hosts and sponsorships.

"Together, we can ensure that we can continue the increasingly important work of promoting justice, compassion, and sustainability in the halls of power," said Joyce.

For information, email fan@fanwa.org or visit fanwa.ejoinme.org/spokane-tickets

IHRC fundraiser features Spokane bishop

Immaculate Heart Retreat Center's "Hope, Peace and Healing" Fundraising Dinner will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, at 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd.

The featured speaker is Bishop Thomas Daly, who was appointed to lead the Diocese of Spokane by Pope Francis.

The bishop has served on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, and Home Missions committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was chair of the Committee on Catholic Education for three years until November 2024 and continues to serve as a committee member. In addition, he is also the Bishop Advisor to Serra International in the United States.

Funds raised will support the retreat center as it provides a quiet place for people to pray, ponder and rejuvenate, so they may leave energized to impact the community as God calls them to serve.

For information, call 448-1224 or visit ihrc.net

Eastside Gladiators and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane Social Justice Council are sponsoring "Understanding and Challenging Right-Wing Movements Against Democracy" with Joan Braune, 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at 4340 W. Whistalks Way, in person and on Zoom.

There will be time for questions and interactive small group exercises.

Joan is a Gonzaga University professor and scholar of far-right movements, including racist hate groups and Christian nationalist movements from a "social movement approach."

She is author of Understanding and Countering Fascist Movements: From Void to Hope and is co-editor of The Ethics of Researching the Far Right and forthcoming, On Christian Nationalism: Critical and Theological Perspectives, coming out in December.

Joan has studied fascism and the far-right for eight years and presents to activist groups, faith communities, educators, labor unions and others. She views fascism as a social movement seeking power and connected to sources of power. She helps communities understand its dangers and build effective social movements and boundaries to counter it.

For information, email sunbunny737@gmail.com

Spoken River will be held on Nov. 13

Spoken River, Spokane Riverkeeper's primary fundraiser, will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, in Ballroom 300 BCD.

Spokane Riverkeeper invites attendees to "Be a voice for the river," as the Spokane River "speaks in current and quiet pools, in the laughter of children wading and the hush of herons lifting into dusk. It holds histories, hopes and chapters still unwritten – stories of connection, resilience and renewal," said Katie Thompson, Spokane Riverkeeper managing director.

Spoken River is "a night of storytelling, reflection and action to protect the river that connects people in the region, an evening of local food, inspired voices and shared purpose," she added.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with silent auction and time to meet and mingle. At 6:30 p.m., the program begins. It includes a year in review report, a paddle raise for the river, voices from the watershed and closing remarks.

For information, visit event.gives/spokenriver25

NAACP Freedom Fund Gala raises funds

The NAACP Spokane Chapter celebrates its Freedom Fund Gala from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Spokane Convention Center, Jr. Ballroom 300. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The evening of elegance, unity and purpose celebrate progress and raise funds to continue its work for justice and scholarships.

This is a formal affair featuring speakers, awards and moments that remind attendees why community matters.

For information, visit naacpspokane.com/freedom-fund-gala-2025.

Cathedral of St. John presents 'Messiah'

Handel's Messiah returns at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Nov. 21 and 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 E. 12th Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Performance is by the Spokane Symphony, conducted by James Lowe, with Spokane Symphony Chorale and Chamber Singers, directed by Meg Stohlmann, choral director.

The program will include Handel's most outstanding work with joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic Hallelujah Chorus, in this powerful presentation of the greatest story ever told.

For information, call 624-1200, visit foxtheaterspokane.org/event/handels-messiah-4

First Presbyterian signs up singers, audience Sing-Along

First Presbyterian Church in Spokane will present its annual Handel's Messiah Sing-Along with Derrick Parker conducting at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20, at the church, 318 S. Cedar, and also livestream on the church's YouTube channel. Reservations for singers and audience listeners opens on Nov. 1.

The church has presented the sing-along Messiah since 1910.

For information, visit spokanefpc.org/messiah

Human Rights Champions named

Human Right Spokane's Annual Human Rights Champions Award banquet will be held 5 to 8 p.m., Nov. 6 at the Spokane Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

The event opens with a silent auction and no host bar starting at 5 p.m. with Dinner and Awards at 6 p.m.

This year's awardees include Ian Sullivan, Inga Laurent, Patricia Castaneda, Pingala Dhital, and Sydney Krebsbach.

At the time of publication, ticket sales are closed.

For information, visit humanrightspokane.org

Region gears up to feed more people

In the season of thanks, many know their neighbors—including 41,697,000 or 12 percent of the U.S. population, 888,300 Washington State residents or 11 percent of the population and 130,900 Idaho residents or 7 percent of the state population—will be affected by SNAP benefits being suspended.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is redirecting $2.2 million per week to support food banks during this time. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has issued an emergency, as one in five Spokane County residents receive SNAP benefits.

Grocery prices have increased, but U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding and donations to food pantries are down.

There is urgent need for people concerned about the welfare of their neighbors to donate to food banks and pantries, including Little Food Pantries.

Second Harvest continues providing food through 26 counties of Eastern Washington and North Idaho with the assistance of its donors and volunteers.

Given that thousands of local families rely on SNAP to buy groceries, Second Harvest expects it may see more people coming to local food banks and its Mobile Market.

The Second Harvest Foundation will match every dollar donated up to $10,000 to help keep food moving to people.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 40,000 pounds of shelf-stable food—pasta, beans, peanut butter, dry milk, flour, canned goods—on Oct. 28, to the GreenHouse Food Bank and Resource Center in Deer Park, North County Food Pantry in Elk and Fairchild Air Force Base Food Pantry in Airway Heights.

"Our food pantry is in a low-income area. Some clients live in the outer reaches of the county and have obstacles to obtaining food for themselves," said Lora Benzinger, director of the North County Food Pantry. "This food donation helps cover some needed nutrition for our families. It is a godsend."

"Our members are humbled to provide food for our neighbors in need," said Ryan Bates, president of the Colville Stake of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "By working together with the Deer Park and North County food banks, we hope to ease burdens and bring a little light and hope to local families this season."

The Fig Tree connects people with food resources through its annual Resource Directory, with several sections specifically listing Food and Clothing Banks in the region. Those listings are at thefigtree.org/connections/resources/humanresources/Food&Clothing.pdf

In addition, The Fig Tree has been working with volunteers from Spokane Helpers Network to create the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals lists, which will be available through the Spokane Homeless Coalition, on its Facebook page and group, through Spokane Helper's Network and as a pdf on our website at thefigtree.org.

For information, call 534-6678 or visit 2-harvest.org

Fair Trade Festival features a Black Santa

The 40th Festival of Fair Trade will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28 and 29, at the Community Building, 35 W. Main.

The first one was held 40 years ago in the basement of the parents of Denise Attwood, retired co-owner of Ganesh Himal Trading Co.

"We've come a long way," said Jillian Joseph, owner of Kizuri, the fair-trade shop that is open year-round in the Community Building.

A new feature for the Festival of Fair Trade is that Northwest Mediation Center (NMC) will host a Black Santa with Bob Bartlett dressing up as Santa for photos.

"Black Santas first started appearing in the U.S. during the "Black is Beautiful" and Civil Rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s," said Bob.

Erin Lipsker, his daughter, serves on the board for NMC and wanted NMC as one nonprofit in the Community Building to be supportive of the event.

"We thought having a Santa will make families feel like it is a family event," said Erin.

Given that Santas and angels in her home growing up were black, as well as one white one, she suggested having a Black Santa for the Festival of Fair Trade and invited her father, Bob, to do that.

"He embodies the joy, laughter, happiness and peace of the season," she said.

Bob, who was ready to step up to the role, noted that "the original Santa was from Turkey and probably more my color." Then he added that the Indigenous folks who live near the North Pole region are too.

"We hope to foster deeper community within the building and beyond through this collaboration with NMC," said Austin Zimmerman, co-owner of Ganesh Himal. "We feel that now more than ever is the time to nurture that."

For information, call 464-7677 or visit kizuri.com

Disability Collaborative offers Pop-Ups

The Spokane Disability Collaborative, which offers monthly Disability Pop-Up events at various locations in the county, will hold the November Pop-Up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, at Joya, 1016 N. Superior St.

There, families, caregivers and community professionals gather to share support and resources.

The events are designed to help parents of children with disabilities connect with people who understand their experiences and can offer practical guidance.

Whether parents are seeking help with school services, early intervention, transition planning or connecting with others who understand them, each Pop-Up offers a caring environment where attendees ask questions, explore options and find the next step that fits their family, said Kristin Lester of the Spokane Regional Health District.

In addition, the Spokane Disability Collaborative and Spokane County Community Services has organized a Family Support Conference from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14, at Spokane Community College, The Lair, Building 6, 1810 N. Greene St.

It is for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, as well as professionals who walk with them.

There will be speakers, breakout sessions and

 a resource fair with local groups sharing practical tools, strategies and community connections.

For information, call 362-4911, email klester@srhd.org or visit spokanedisabilitycollab.com/family-support-conference

Indigenous voices play key role in COP 30

(WCC News) Faith leaders at a pre-COP30—UN Climate Change Conference—press conference called the summit in Brazil's Amazon an opportunity to put Indigenous voices and grassroots communities at the heart of global climate negotiations. From Nov. 10 to 21 in Belém, north Brazil, it has been called the "People's COP" because of its Amazon location and the prominent role expected for Indigenous communities.

Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee moderator, told journalists that WCC launched the "Ecumenical Decade for Climate Justice Action" at its central committee meeting in Johannesburg in June. The 356 churches across 120 countries with 600 million members will prioritize climate action over the next 10 years. "We have very deliberately called it the Climate Justice Action Decade because climate change, dealing with climate change, is a question of justice," he said. "We all know that those who have contributed the least to climate change are the first victims, and that is a justice question."

Jocabed Solano, an Indigenous leader from the Guandule Nation in Panama and member of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, stressed how vital Indigenous peoples are to climate solutions. "There is no climate justice without justice for Indigenous peoples," he said. "Indigenous peoples in the Amazon—including those in initial contact, whom many people do not even know about—are fighting with their very lives to maintain the balance of the Earth."

Organists set performances at St. Mark's Lutheran

American Guild of Organists (AGO), Spokane Chapter offers a "King of Instruments" concert of meditative, festive organ music, presented by AGO members on a W. Zimmer and Sons Organ at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 316 E 24th Ave.

Henry Bauer, director of music at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, will perform Marcel and Bach works. He is artistic director of the Sacred Music Series. His doctorate in sacred music and choral conducting and master's in liturgical music and organ are from The Catholic University of America.

Floyd Czoski, who will play Lefébure-Wély and Dale Wood, has bachelor's and master's degrees of music in organ from Roosevelt University Chicago, where he was church musician for 24 years. He has served as church musician in several Spokane congregations—Messiah Lutheran, Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Francis Xavier and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. He is currently organist at Central Lutheran.

Mark Haberman, who shares a John Hughes set by Paul Manz and a Henry Lyte set by David Dahl, has been a church musician for nearly 50 years. A resident of Kootenai county, he holds a bachelor of music education from Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, and a master of music degree in organ performance with Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. An ordained United Methodist deacon, he was on the music and program staff of Community United Methodist Church in Coeur d'Alene for 20 years.

Phineas Pope, who offers a John Rosamond Johnson set and a William Croft set, is the Weekend Edition host at Northwest Public Broadcasting in Pullman. A producer and reporter, he covers nonprofits in the region. He graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he studied piano, organ and law.

Joseph Schubert offers Jeanne Demessieux, Gaston Litaize and Jean-Jacques Grunenwald. He retired in 2020 from teaching after 36 years teaching choral music in public schools from junior high to university levels. He taught music theory, choral literature and academic research and writing from 2009 to 2023 in the "Three-Summer Master of Music in Choral Conducting" program at California State University in Los Angeles. He has been a church organist since he was 18 and is organist at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Spokane.

For information, visit spokaneago.org/king-of-instruments

MOW sets 5-K Feed Our Veterans race

The Annual Race to Feed Our Veterans 5K sponsored by Meals on Wheels in partnership with Fairmount Memorial Association will take place 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, at Fairmount Memorial Association, 508 N. Government Way.

The fought for our freedom. They should not have to battle hunger.

For information, call 232-0864, email gail.golden@MOWSpokane.org or register at mowspokane.org/event/veterans-5k

GU Climate Institute offers two events

Gonzaga University's Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment has announced two upcoming programs.

Kyle Shimabuku, associate professor in civil engineering at GU, will speak at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Hemmingson Auditorium and on livestream about "Safeguarding Our Drinking Water in the Pacific Northwest in an Era of Megafires."

An environmental engineer specializing in drinking water treatment, Kyle will discuss risks wildfires pose to health with air pollution and drinking water contamination. Rainstorms after wildfires can wash partially combusted materials into rivers and lakes, releasing pollutants that can challenge downstream facilities.

He will tell how an interdisciplinary team of forestry hydrologists, watershed modelers, analytical chemists and drinking water engineers are tackling the issue and developing science-based recommendations to guide policymakers, water system managers and individuals to mitigate health risks from wildfire contamination of drinking water to ensure safer water supplies.

For information, visit gonzaga.edu/climate-institute/events#November4

The institute's December speaker is Shamyra Lavigne-Davey, a third-generation environmental justice activist and executive assistant for RISE from St. James, La., presenting at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2 on Zoom.

Shamyra will share how her faith-based grassroots nonprofit fights to eradicate petrochemical emissions in parishes along a river in an area known as "Cancer Alley," the heavy-industry corridor from New Orleans to Baton Rouge with 150 petro chemical plants, oil refineries and fertilizer manufacturers that emit toxic pollutants. The area has the nation's second-highest cancer rate.

For information, visit gonzaga.edu/climate-institute/events#December2

Whitworth hosts Weyerhaeuser speaker on Suffering and Hope

The November Weyerhaeuser Speaker Series at Whitworth University highlights Curt Thompson, in a presentation "On Suffering and the Formation of Hope" at 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at Weyerhaeuser Hall's Robinson teaching theatre at Whitworth.

Curt, a psychiatrist in private practice in Falls Church, Va., founded Being Known to develop teaching programs, seminars and resource materials to help people explore the connection between interpersonal neurobiology and Christian spirituality.

He is the author of Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections Between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices that Can Transform Your Life and Relationships, a book that demonstrates how insights from interpersonal neurobiology resonate with biblical truths about God and creation, validating the human need for meaningful relationships as a key to a life of hope and fulfillment. He also produced a video series called "Knowing and Being Known."

For information, email adempsen@whitworth.edu or visit whitworth.edu/cms/administration/weyerhaeuser-center-christian-faith-and-learning/upcoming-events

Église Maranatha celebrates unity and love

To celebrate the God of love, and the eighth anniversary of Église Maranatha, the church will gather choirs of seven African American churches for a celebration of love, acceptance, music and fellowship from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, at Cowles Auditorium at Whitworth University to sing worship songs, and songs of love and acceptance.

"It is an opportunity for the community to gather for music and fellowship to counter the division the media are portraying about Christianity," said Luc Jasmin III, organizer.

"We want to pack the house to show unity and the centrality of love," he said. "This is a first step for us to come together."

For information, call 981-9209 or email luc.jasmin@gmail.com

Two events support work of Manzanita House

Manzanita House is offering two fundraising events in November.

Trackside Studio Ceramic Art Gallery will have its annual Coaster Sale from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, at 115 S. Adams. Local artists and community members have crafted individual, uniquely designed coasters for the sale. They will donate the proceeds to Manzanita House.

For information, visit mhspokane.org and tracksidestudio.net

From 9 to 11 a.m., Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, Diane Sherman, a local Spokane artist and yoga instructor, is hosting a Thanksgiving Day Spirit of Generosity Virtual Yoga Workshop.

Ticket sales will support Manzanita House's work.

For information, visit manzanitahousespokane.networkforgood.com/events/92933-thanksgiving-day-spirit-of-generosity-2025

Fall Folk Festival announces performances

The 30th Annual Fall Folk Festival is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, with doors opening at 10 a.m., at Spokane Community College, The Lair, 1810 N. Greene St.

Saturday programs include Scottish Pipes, Musha Marimba, Tako, Madrigals, Blues and Folk, Cowboy, Dulcimer, Storytelling, Raging Grannies, Folkabilly, Grant Drummers and Dancers, Bon Odori, Marimba from Southern Africa, and dancers including Highland and Scottish Country, Filipino, Hula, Cloggers, South Indian, Silver Spurs Youth Bulgarian, Swing, Irish, Contra and Argentine Tango/Milonga.

Sunday's performers are Haran Irish, Appalachian, Ballet Folklorico – Mexican, Chinese, Indian You, Filipino American and English Country dancers, acapella and barbershop, Chinese zither, Celtic, folk, klezmer, storytellers, PJAMRS, and Arabic and Middle Eastern music.

For information, call 828-3683, email director@spokanefolkfestival.org or visit spokanefolkfestival.org

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