By Myles Werntz

Christianity Today

"Violence, we are told, followed so closely the origin of human evil as to be almost indistinguishable. For soon after Adam’s sin, violence appears—first in the skin taken from animals (Gen. 3:21), then in the murder of a brother (4:8), and finally over the whole of the earth (6:11). Violence follows humanity through the Flood and into the world beyond it, taking root in generational fights of the tribes of Isaac versus Ishmael and Jacob versus Esau. Nations that bear so much in common, divided by that very common history: This is the story of Scripture and of our own world." Read more.

By Bob Smietana

Religion News Service

"A new report from Gallup finds that religious people around the world report being more positive, have more social support, and are more involved in their communities than those who are not religious.

The study, based on 10 years of data, also finds the well-being of religious people varies from country to country and is often hard to measure. Even if researchers find that religion is good for you, people who are not religious may not care about its benefits or want anything to do with it." Read more.

Friday, October 20, 5:00 - 7:30 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

You're invited to the Washington County Black Professionals Network (WCBPN) Event. This month's meeting will have a rodeo theme. Wear your favorite rodeo/cowboy/cowgirl gear! Please join WCBPN for hors d'oeuvres and an opportunity to connect with others in their network. If you are a black professional or business owner, you don't want to miss this opportunity to meet and connect with other professionals and entrepreneurs cross-disciplines. In addition to RSVPing here, please send your RSVP to: tanderson@harccoalition.org. For more information about the WCBPN, visit https://harccoalition.org/black-professionals-network/

Sunday, November 5, 5:30 pm

Islamic Society of Western Maryland

2036 Day Road, Hagerstown

A panel of interfaith leaders will discuss the biggest challenges to religion in our society today. Join us for dinner and fellowship. Thanks to the Islamic Society of Western Maryland for hosting and providing the meal. Contributions toward the meal can be made via a free-will offering basket. RSVP requested by Wednesday, November 1 at noon so we can get a count for seating and the meal.

Starts Wednesday, October 25, 3:00 pm

Panera, 17772 Garland Groh Blvd, Hagerstown

Discussion group for clergy and spiritual leaders. Ministry can be challenging, isolating and befuddling. Let’s gather together to share what’s going on in our spiritual community, what’s working as well as the areas that are calling for something more, knowing that together we are better. If interested, contact Rev. Sandy Boyer at sandy.boyer@gmail.com or just show up.

Sunday, November 19, 4:00 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 Randolph Ave. (at Potomac St.), Hagerstown

Please join us for this unique and uplifting interfaith service. We invite all members of the community to come together in giving thanks! You are invited to stay for a reception following the service. Faith Leaders: Please arrive at 3:30 pm dressed in your traditional liturgical attire, if applicable, to prepare for the service. Community Choir: Anyone who would like to participate in a community choir for this service, please arrive at 2:30 for a rehearsal prior to the service. A free will offering will be taken of shelf-stable food for a local food pantry or monetary donations (checks made payable to HARC). Please publicize in your congregation/bulletins/newsletters! Flyer (updated!) Bulletin inserts

The Cold Weather Shelter has 4 unfilled weeks for the upcoming shelter season. Please contact Liz at Reach (Liz@reachofwc.org or 301-733-2371 X-114) if you are interested in hosting a week, a partial week, one evening and/or preparing a meal with your house of worship, work, friends, and family. Please visit their website www.reachofwc.org/volunteer for more information about the various volunteer positions that help run the shelter every night. These are the vacant weeks: 26 November-3 December * 17-26 December * 31 December- 7 January * 31 March-7 April

Meritus Medical Center has a patient who is homeless and whose mode of transportation is a bike. He has sustained multiple injuries due to using his feet as brakes and really needs a new (new to him - used is fine) adult bike with good brakes. If you can help with this need, please contact Haley at 301-790-8934.

The Hagerstown Housing Authority is currently in need of volunteer groups to help provide lunches to low-income seniors and disabled residents residing at Potomac Towers in Hagerstown. The Potomac Towers Lunch Program operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteer groups assist by providing either grab and go bagged lunches, serving a hot meal onsite, or providing donations of items for the lunches. The volunteers normally provide meals or drop them off at the Towers around 11:30 am. The Lunch Program currently has several days each month without volunteer groups. Open days of the month are the 1st Tuesday, 2nd Thursday, 3rd Thursday and the 4th Thursday. If interested in assisting, please contact Deena Holder via email at dholder@hagerstownha.com or via phone at 301-733-6911 x163. 

Sunday, October 22, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

601 Washington Avenue, Hagerstown

Join the AGO for a haunting evening of organ music performed by local musicians! A reception of light refreshments will follow the concert. St. Mark’s Church parking lot is on Washington Ave, across the street from the church and adjacent to Girls Inc. Download a flyer here.

Monday, October 23, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Fanny gives her father - Bill Crawford - center stage, introducing the Crawford family with 150 years of family photographs – and some seasonal scary family stories. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader. Payment in advance must be received before Monday, October 23. Cash or check accepted. Please make check payable to Fanny Crawford. If mailing, the address is 20011 Cherry Hill Circle, Hagerstown, MD 21742. Questions? You can email fanitsky@hotmail.com or call 301-730-1638.

Friday, October 27, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Robinwood Professional Center, Suite 122 A

11110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown

(Parking in Yellow or Green Entrance)

You're Invited! The Meritus Health Spiritual Care Department invites you to celebrate Spiritual Care Week as a community with a Symposium. Lunch will be provided. This year's theme is: Chaplaincy and Mental Health: It’s Healthy to Get Help. Please RSVP here. Questions contact Kathleen.Kelly@meritushealth.com or 301-790-8716. Flyer.

Saturday, October 28, 6:00 pm

John Wesley United Methodist Church

129 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Parade Seats for the 96th Annual Alsatia Mummers Parade. Don't forget to reserve your spot in front of John Wesley United Methodist Church for some of the best seats in town! Call the church office at 301-733-0391 to reserve chairs for you and your family. Seats are only $6 each. Concessions and restroom will be available. And ask about our new VIP seating! Flyer.

Sunday, October 29, 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Unity of Hagerstown (at St. Mark’s Episcopal)

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD

Bring your book recommendation. Is there a book you’ve read that’s inspired you? The Interfaith Team of the Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) is offering “Print & Potluck,” a book club with NO REQUIRED READING! We’ll gather for light refreshments and share what book—prose or poetry, fiction or nonfiction, faith-based or secular—has inspired us individually. Bring a book (or title of one) that has moved YOU to think, learn, feel, relax, or do, and with finger food to share. Inspire others to read your book and come away with a new list of books you might want to read! Please RSVP by Thursday, October 26 to communicator07@yahoo.com or call 301-842-4272. Updated Flyer.

Sunday, October 29, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene

141 N. Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown

Join Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene for their Annual Trunk or Treat! For more information call 301-797-4524. Church Website.

Friday, November 3, 7:00 pm

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

601 Washington Avenue, Hagerstown

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church would like to invite all in the community to a recital featuring the Borowsky Trio. The recital is titled America’s Music and will include conversation and performances of American composers Florence Price, Amy Beach, Undine Smith Moore, and William Grant Still. There will be light refreshments following the recital. This recital is introducing a new recital series sponsored by St. Mark’s. There is no fee for this event. A free-will offering will help defray the recital's costs and plan future classical music possibilities for the community. Please forward the enclosed flier to the appropriate personnel of your congregation. Learn more about the Trio. Flyer.

Wednesday, November 15, 3:00 - 5:00 pm

WMD Regional Library

100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Improve how individuals with autism are served in the state. What works, What is needed, What can be improved! For more information contact: Victoria M. Rodriguez-Roldan, J.D., Coordinator for State Autism Strategy, Victoria.Rodriguez-Roldan@maryland.gov

Tuesday, December 26 from 3-7 pm (snow date December 27)

11 participating houses of worship in downtown Hagerstown

This annual event is FREE and open to the public, and back for the first time since COVID. A wonderful opportunity to see the interiors of historic downtown Hagerstown houses of worship. Learn about the architecture and ecumenical heritage from docents and guides. Music, refreshments and local art will be featured at some locations. This is a self-guided walking/driving tour and can be started and ended at the house of worship of your choice. Learn more Poster