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Religion Notes

Compiled by Shorelines

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN NOTES 175TH

First Presbyterian Church in downtown Jacksonville will celebrate 175 years in Jacksonville on Sunday, Nov. 15. This milestone event will commemorate the church founding in 1840 with the annual Kirkin' O' the Tartan service beginning at 10 a.m. The public opening of the 175 Years True Historical Exhibit and tour will offer a chance to enjoy the architecture and beauty of First Presbyterian, view artifacts, and learn about the church history at the exhibit.

The special Kirkin' O' the Tartan Service will begin at 10 a.m. with a concert by the Highland Bagpipe and Drum Corps in the sanctuary prior to the 10:30 a.m. worship service. They are the official Pipe and Drum Band of the Northeast Florida Highland Games.

The Chancel Choir will be singing "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," accompanied by other musicians. The new timpani drums will also be played for the first time. The Honor Guard will present the colors at the beginning of the service.

Concerts after the worship service will be presented by the Young Adult Ensemble, Ron Allen and the Youth Instrumental Ensemble. These concerts will begin at noon in Covenant Hall. New songs as well as old favorites will be part of this afternoon concert.

A traditional Scottish lunch of Shepherd's Pie, with Green Peas and Mashed Potatoes, will be served. Short Bread will be offered for dessert. The cost for lunch will be $7 for adults and $4 for children. Children's activities are ongoing during the event.

All are welcome and encouraged to enjoy this historic day at First Presbyterian. Registration for the tour and lunch reservations can be completed online or by calling the church office at (904) 354-8439.

For more information, please visit www.fpcjax.org.

'THE JOURNEY OF THE SOUL'

Some questions are universal to the human experience. Is there life after death? What happens to the soul after we die? What is it like for those who have traveled over to the Great Beyond? These are but a few of the questions addressed in the newest course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI).

Beginning Oct. 28 in Ponte Vedra Beach, JLI is presenting "The Journey of the Soul," the institute's new six-session fall 2015 course.

Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky of Chabad at the Beaches will conduct the six-session course at 7 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays at the Aaron and Blanche Scharf Chabad Center, 521 A1A N. in Ponte Vedra.

"There's a significant amount of confusion in the Jewish community about what happens to us when we die," explains Rabbi Naftali Silberberg, the lead editor for the course from JLI's headquarters in New York. "Many ideas that originate in other religions and belief systems have been popularized in the media and are taken for granted by unassuming Jews. In Journey of the Soul, we clear up these misconceptions and introduce an authentically Jewish approach which is both surprising and refreshing."

Journey of the Soul provides spiritual insight into the soul's journey through life, death, and beyond, as well as ancient Jewish wisdom that sheds light on the philosophical, emotional, and practical aspects of coping with death and mourning.

"Science knows very little about the soul and what happens to it post mortem," said Kurinsky, JLI instructor. "It's about what is truly valuable and meaningful in life, which is relevant to everyone. Many in area have expressed their curiosity to learn about the topic, so we're expecting a good turnout."

Professor Sheldon Solomon of Skidmore College, who co-authored the book "The Worm at the Core: On the Role of Death in Life," commented about the JLI course: "This course strikes me as a very fine juxtaposition of ancient theological wisdom with contemporary empirical science. My sense is that this will be an interesting and rewarding educational and personal experience."

Like all previous JLI programs, Journey of the Soul is designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple, or other house of worship.

Interested students - regardless of their level of Jewish knowledge - may call (904) 543-9301 or visit www.myJLI.com for registration and more information. JLI courses are presented in Ponte Vedra in conjunction with Chabad at the Beaches.

JLI, the adult education branch of Chabad Lubavitch, offers programs in more than 350 U.S. cities and in numerous foreign locations. More than 260,000 students have attended JLI classes since the organization was founded in 1998.

ST. ANDREW'S BY-THE-SEA

St. Andrew's By-The-Sea Lutheran Church in Jacksonville Beach is holding its 17th annual Craft Show and Bake Sale, sponsored by the women of the church.

The event is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, rain or shine.

The church is at 1801 Beach Blvd. There will be crafters inside and outside the church with plenty of food for lunch and baked items to sell. There will be crafters with jewelry, holiday ornaments, scarves, stoles, crocheted and knit items, candles, music boxes, ceramics, wreaths, quilts, table runners, and a children's craft table. There will be raffle items as well.

Space is still available outside for crafters. If you would like to participate, the cost is $20. Please call (904) 221-1763 to reserve your space.

HIGHLANDS UNITED

A craft show and bake sale will be offered Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, at Highlands United Presbyterian Church, 10900 McCormick Road (just east of St. Johns Bluff Road).

Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Quilts, fall and Christmas decorations and gifts, linens, jewelry, kitchen items, wall hangings and more. All items are handmade by church members.

Proceeds benefit missions and the church. For more information, call (904) 641-9622 or visit hupcjax.org.

COPING WITH LOSS

A grief support group meets the third Thursday of every month at St. Paul's Catholic Church in the library of the Family Life Center, 578 First Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach. The group is open to men and women who are grieving the death of a family member or friend. For more information, call Kathy at (904) 553-8933 or Catherine at (904) 247-0665.