Congregants at First Baptist Church in Clovis are trying to raise $15,000 to buy about 700 pairs of shoes for students at a Fresno elementary school. The school's principal wants the school to remain nameless.
"Sole(d) Out for Kids" began Nov. 1, when the the Rev. Timothy Brown kicked off his shoes at services, put them on the church's altar and asked, "Won't you join us?" Streams of people at three services came forward with their shoes off as a symbolic act of unity.
"It was an incredible response," Brown remembers.
The project ends Sunday, when the congregation of more than 700 people plans to celebrate in an unusual way. Everyone is encouraged to show up barefoot for "Shoeless Sunday" services at 8, 9 and 10:30 a.m.
With the money collected, the church will buy the shoes and deliver them to the school in December as early Christmas presents.
"We have poverty in our own backyard," says Brown, adding he is grateful for his congregants. "They are aware of needs around them -- and want to show radical acts of love."
The church is at 2080 E. Tollhouse Road. Details: (559) 299-6038.
Muslims to unite for Eid al-Adha
Muslims in the central San Joaquin Valley will gather for Eid al-Adha celebrations this weekend.
Known as the Feast of Sacrifice, the events will end the annual observance of the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as hajj. Muslims observe Eid al-Adha worldwide with community prayers and feasts, whether or not they are on pilgrimage.
Among Valley events, the Muslim Society of Central California will present a community celebration at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno, 2111 E. Nees Ave.
Details: (559) 297-9535.
Jews preparing for Hanukkah
The Valley's Jewish community is preparing for Hanukkah next weekend.
Known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, the holiday celebrates the Maccabees' victory over the Syrians in the second-century B.C.
Among the local events, the annual Hanukkah Bazaar will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6 at Temple Beth Israel, 6622 N. Maroa Ave. The event will feature arts and crafts, toys, jewelry and Judaic items for sale. Jewish foods, such as Kosher-style hot dogs, matzoh ball soup, latkes, deli sandwiches and baked goods also will be available.
Details: (559) 432-3600.
Fresno Metro Ministry presents awards
The 39th edition of Fresno Metro Ministry's anniversary dinner and award ceremony will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Hope Lutheran Church, 364 E. Barstow Ave.
The honorees this year will be: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, congregation award; Luke Cole (posthumously) Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, special award; Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life, community award; and Mary Curry, individual community achievement award.
Cost is $40. Music will be provided by the Espacio jazz ensemble featuring Eva Scow.
Reservations are needed. Details: (559) 485-1416.
A concert of Christmas music
The Soli Deo Gloria women's chorale will present a concert of Christmas music at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Ave. Soli Deo Gloria is a Latin term for "glory to God alone."
The program will feature John Rutter's "Dancing Day" with harp, celebrating Christmas with a tapestry of familiar carols and old texts. The music will be conducted by Julie Carter, director of worship and music at First Presbyterian Church.
Cost is $15-$10.
Details: (559) 473-6486.
Seminary offers Advent devotionals
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, which has campuses in southeast Fresno and Canada, will provide an online resource, "2009 Advent Devotions," a collection of daily scriptural passages and special writings for the Advent season.
The devotionals are available on the seminary's Web site, mbseminary.edu, beginning Sunday and running through Dec. 25. The writings are by the seminary's faculty, staff and students.
Details: (559) 251-8628.
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