Religion News Briefs

LR Buddhist group lists talk schedule

The Ecumenical Buddhist Society of Little Rock will host a talk on American Buddhism, 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 26. The talk, “Reflections on Two Decades of Studying and Teaching About American Buddhism,” will be presented by Jim Deitrick.

Deitrick, associate professor of comparative philosophy and religion at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, will discuss the changing character and significance of Buddhism in the United States. He will also talk about what he has learned in teaching college students about Buddhism and how those experiences have shaped his thoughts on Buddhism in America.

The society will host another public talk, 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 14. “The Self Cannot Be Improved: The Buddha’s Self-Help Program,” will be presented by Hun Lye, who earned a doctorate in Buddhist studies from the University of Virginia and is the founder and spiritual director of Urban Dharma North Carolina in Asheville.

In addition to the public talk, Lye will lead a retreat Oct. 15-16 on “Contemplating the Heart Sutra.” The retreat will consist of three sessions — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Oct. 15 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 16.

Cost is $100 for both days of the retreat, or $60 for Oct. 15 and $40 for Oct. 16.

All events will be at 1516 W. Third St. Information is available online at ebslr.org or by calling (501) 376-7056.

Trinity Episcopal adds Evensong on Sundays

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock is offering the Anglican service of Evensong at 4 p.m. Sundays.

Evensong services are evening prayer services that are mostly sung. The services will begin with an organ prelude and continue with prayers, psalms, readings, canticles and a hymn. A time of fellowship will follow Evensong and will include British tea and light refreshments.

A short service with Holy Communion will also be offered after Evensong in the chapel.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is at 310 W. 17th St. Information is available online at trinitylittlerock.org or by calling (501) 372-0294.

— Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Arkansas Mormons help out in Louisiana

Mormon Helping Hands volunteers from Arkansas joined fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from across the country in helping Louisiana residents affected by recent flooding.

Members from the North Little Rock Stake went to Louisiana twice in late August to assist, with 211 volunteers participating. The stake consists of the Choctaw, Conway First and Second, Danville, Morrilton, North Little Rock, Russellville and Russellville Spanish congregations.

The Little Rock Stake sent 174 volunteers. It consists of Benton, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Pinnacle Mountain, Arkadelphia, Camden, Glenwood, Hope, Monticello and Pinnacle Mountain Spanish congregations.

One hundred forty-nine volunteers from the Searcy Stake also participated. The stake’s congregations are in Cabot, Jacksonville, Jonesboro, Quitman, Searcy, Batesville, Lonoke, Mountain View, Paragould and Pocahontas.

In all, Mormon Helping Hands from these Arkansas stakes contributed more than 6,000 hours, helping out in homes and churches, said George Wing, director of public affairs for the North Little Rock stake.

— Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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