Few things seem worse to the human spirit than the feeling of hopelessness.
It's a reason that about 70 local churches will work together to present one of the area's largest community outreach events, Convoy of Hope, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Computech Middle School, 555 E. Belgravia Ave.
More than 1,500 volunteers will distribute 160,000 pounds of groceries to the needy and offer other services such as health screenings and a job fair. Clothing, haircuts, barbecue hot dogs and a kids' zone carnival also will be available.
Event organizers say a lot of people are without hope. They expect 7,000 to 10,000 people in need from around the central San Joaquin Valley will benefit from the groceries and other services.
"We want to give our guests of honor a day of hope," says an event coordinator, Shane Ham, an associate pastor at NorthPointe Community Church in northwest Fresno.
Details: (559) 274-8427.
Multifaith choirs unite
Fresno Metro Ministry will present its annual Thanksgiving Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Hope Lutheran Church, 364 E. Barstow Ave.
About a dozen church choirs, including the Central Valley Seventh-day Adventist Filipino Church, Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno and College Community Mennonite Church, will focus on the event's theme: "We are one voice and we are singing."
Fresno Metro Ministry's special projects coordinator, Tamara Sanders, says, "In our community, we're all one. And when it comes down to it, we're all singing."
The event is free.
Details: (559) 485-1416, ext. 116.
A rabbi returns
Robert Seigel, who retired as rabbi of Temple Beth Israel in June 2001 after nearly 10 years in Fresno, will be in town next week.
He is remembered as a popular rabbi in Fresno.
While living in semi-retirement near family members in Charleston, S.C., Seigel has taught classes at Temple Beth Elohim in Charleston.
He will participate in the family Shabbat service at 7 p.m. Friday at Temple Beth Israel, 6622 N. Maroa Ave.
Details: (559) 432-3600.
Sikhs help homeless
The local Sikh community is pledging to cover the cost of feeding the homeless throughout November at the Poverello House.
So far, Sikhs have committed $17,000.
Their efforts are in collaboration with Sikhcess, a worldwide community service organization.
Members of a Sikh youth organization, the Jakara Movement, also will prepare and distribute food Nov. 29 at the Poverello House
Details: (559) 498-6988.
Bishop retiring in 2011
Bishop John-David Schofield of the breakaway Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin has announced he plans to retire in October 2011.
Schofield, 71, made the announcement at the diocese's recent convention at St. James' Cathedral. He is in the 22nd year of his consecration.
In 2007, Schofield led a secession movement out of the U.S. Episcopal Church over differences such as same-sex blessings and the supreme authority of Scripture. He recently led the Anglican diocese into the new Anglican Church in North America.
Catholics' food drive
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno will hold a food drive 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and next Saturday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15 in the parking lot in front of Borders at River Park.
Canned foods and cash donations will be accepted. The effort is geared toward helping residents in west Fresno County communities such as San Joaquin, Mendota. Firebaugh and Huron, where unemployment rates are especially high.
Details: (559) 237-0851, ext. 1122.
Episcopal celebration
Fresno Pacific University's concert choir will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday at Episcopal Church of the Saviour, 519 N. Douty St., Hanford.
The concert is part of the church's yearlong series of musical events and lectures observing 100 years in its current worship building.
The all-brick church was completed in 1910.
Details: (559) 584-7706.
Seminary installs president
Lynn Jost was installed as president of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary at a recent installation service at North Fresno Mennonite Brethren Church.
The seminary has a southeast Fresno campus and Canadian campuses in Langley, British Columbia, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Details: (559) 251-8628.
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