UVU event theme: Mormonism, Islam
OREM —Titled "Mormonism and Islam: Commonality and Cooperation Between Abrahamic Faiths," the 11th annual Utah Valley University Mormon Studies Conference will be held Thursday and Friday at the UVU Student Center.
Scholars and practitioners will look at the points of connection and contrast between two religious traditions that face challenges related to public awareness and social inclusion. Conference topics will include religious freedom and public perception, mutual goals and cooperative endeavors, areas of theological connection and divergence, and efforts in dialogue and bridge-building.
Within a year of the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, detractors of Mormonism began to compare this new religious movement to Islam. Referring to Joseph Smith as "the modern Mahomet," the early comparisons reflected religious prejudices of the day and were intended to marginalize Mormons and Muslims.
For more information, visit www.uvu.edu
Westminster to host Jewish Hillel group
SALT LAKE CITY — Westminster College has been selected to become Utah's only Hillel, The Foundation for a Jewish Campus Life affiliate.
Hillel is the world's largest Jewish campus organization, serving students at more than 550 colleges and communities throughout North America and the world.
For Hillel at Westminster, membership is open to Jewish college students from any school in the state. Currently, 35 students who attend Westminster, Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah are part of Hillel, which is student-run with support from faculty advisers.
"The student and community support for a Hillel chapter at Westminster is tremendous," said Joel Bauman, vice president for enrollment at the college. "Westminster College and The United Jewish Federation of Utah, with Utah's rabbis and Jewish congregations, are committed to the effort to strengthen a Jewish presence for college students in Utah."
"The establishment of a Hillel at Westminster College is a milestone event for our community," said Rabbi Joshua Aaronson, Saidye Rosner Bronfman Rabbinic Chair at Temple Har Shalom in Park City. "I look forward to assisting in any way possible to make the Westminster Hillel one of the finest small-college Hillels in the country."
Temple Har Shalom is offering Hillel at Westminster students' complimentary membership.
Annual fundraiser set for Salt Lake Mission
SALT LAKE CITY — For the 14th consecutive year, American philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide $1 million among hunger-fighting agencies nationwide in an effort to help those agencies raise funds in March and April.
And for the 14th consecutive year, the Salt Lake City Mission will participate in the spring challenge, which has resulted in more than $1 billion raised among the more than 2,000 agencies and houses of worship in helping the needy.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the Salt Lake community to partner with the Salt Lake City Mission in making this campaign a success in fighting hunger — right here in our own community," said Rev. Wayne Wilson, executive director of The Salt Lake City Mission. "This is something we can get excited about and challenge everyone to consider matching gifts."
The $1 million is divided evenly among all agencies meeting Feinstein Foundation guidelines.
Established in 1993, the Salt Lake City Mission helps the homeless and poor become independent, productive members of society through a life centered in Jesus Christ with a series of aids ranging from emergency services to long-term recovery programs.
For more information, call 801-355-6310 or visit online at saltlakecitymission.org
Ushers day planned for Calgary Baptist
SALT LAKE CITY — The Calgary Baptist Church will conduct its 2011 Ushers and First Aid Annual Day Sunday, March 13, at 3:30 p.m. at 1090 South State.
The theme will be "Serve the Lord with Gladness," based on Romans 12:10-11 and 1 Corinthians 12:12. Pastor Elwood Stewart of the New Hope Baptist Church of Rock Springs, Wyo., will be the guest speaker. The event is free and open to the public.
Sunday sermon: men, women, Spirit
OREM — Rev. Kevin Miller will conduct Sunday's sermon — "Men and Women Moved by the Holy Spirit," based on 2 Peter 1:16-21 — at the Orem Community Church, United Church of Christ, 130 N. 400 East.
Services begin at 10:30 a.m., with a nursery and Sunday School provided. A coffee hour with refreshments will follow.
Wanting to submit information about local religious news, events or activities? E-mail: religioneditor@desnews.com or fax: 801-237-2121 or mail: Religion Editor, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.