Community events

Blessing of the animals – St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave., will offer its 23rd annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony Sunday during the 10:45 a.m. service. Families are invited to bring their pets, who will sit with them and come forward for a blessing. (509) 747-6677.

Apple Fest 2012 – Green Bluff United Methodist Church, 9908 E. Green Bluff Road, will present Apple Fest 2012 featuring the church’s famous apple dumplings today, Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14, and Oct. 20 and 21. There will be craft vendors, food vendors, face painting and entertainment. The event funds the church’s ministry work throughout the year. The festival will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. (509) 238-9100.

Ministry celebration – The Westminster House of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2705 W. Boone Ave., will celebrate 20 years of ministry Sunday during the 11 a.m. worship service. The service will be followed with dinner, a program and a tour of Westminster House, which serves children and families in the West Central neighborhood. (509) 328-5002.

“A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?” – Congregation Emanu-El will present a series of classes for those interested in learning about Judaism. The three classes will be offered in October and November at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W. Fort George Wright Drive. The classes are free, but the deadline to register is Oct. 15. The classes will be Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8. (509) 835-5050 or barber@spokaneemanu-el.org.

“Bridging the Gap” – Northwood Presbyterian Church, 6721 N. Monroe St., will present a half-day seminar aimed at keeping the conversation going between adult children and aging parents, Oct. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. The seminar will include short sessions about senior nutrition, fall prevention, living safely in your home and more. All adults are invited to attend, with or without your parent or child. The seminar is free, but registration is required by Wednesday. (509) 328-2012.

Rummage sale – Spokane’s First Church of the Nazarene, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd., continues a rummage sale today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items for sale include sports equipment, furniture, housewares, collectibles, office furnishings and infant clothing. (509) 467-8986.

Upcoming

Whitworth Auxiliary luncheon - The Whitworth Auxiliary will present its annual fall luncheon and bazaar, Notes of Fall, Oct. 23 at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St. The event will feature the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble. The bazaar will open at 10:45 a.m.; lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $20. (509) 928-8290.

To include church news in this column, please submit items at least two weeks in advance and include a contact phone number to publish. Send events to Lisa Leinberger at lisal@spokesman.com.