Religion Briefs Jan. 9

Western Nevadans are invited to discuss the power of chanting at a worship service at 10 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Carson City Community Center at Roop and William streets. The session is sponsored by ECKANKAR, Religion of the Light and Sound of God.

During this one-hour free service, a skilled facilitator will give a brief talk, followed by readings, a small-group discussion and a short contemplation.

For more information, call Clay Brant at 775-358-9013.

An introduction to Centering Prayer workshop will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Jan. 23 at St. Teresa's of Avila in Carson City.

The Centering Prayer method is ecumenical, with followers from many faiths, said Deacon Dennis Schreiner, who leads the meetings with his wife Patty.

"The Centering Prayer workshop teaches a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, ..." Schreiner said, "This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship."

There will be six follow-up sessions on Mondays from Jan. 25 through March 8.

Call St. Teresa's to reserve a space at 882-1968. There is a $20 registration fee for materials, which includes the book "Open Mind, Open Heart," by Fr. Thomas Keating.

The Dharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community will continue to offer evening meditation on Mondays in 2010, except on major holidays or if weather is very bad.

The group meets at

7 p.m. at the Methodist Church Youth Room, 213 N. Minnesota St., at the corner Proctor Street, in Carson City. It begins promptly with a meditation period, followed by the book discussion. The evening ends at 8:30 p.m..

The first Monday of each month the group offers meditation instruction for beginners, however, beginners are welcome to attend any Monday session.

Dharma Zephyr participants will be reading and discussing "What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula after meditation. Donations are welcome.

For more information, call Kathy Schwerin at 882-4980 or visit the Web site dharmazephyr.org.

The second annual Carson Douglas Interfaith Pro-Life Rally will be at 9 a.m. Jan. 16 at Life Point Church (also known as Carson Valley Christian).

This rally features psychologist and experienced post-abortion counselor Dr. Jay Jeffers, who will speak about the impact of abortion on women, men and others.

Catholic Medical Association's Dr. Keith Shonnard, of Carson City, will share a PowerPoint presentation about life in the womb and other information about abortion.

Many others will share personal stories of abortion's tragic impact, and how ministries of compassion are helping women in crisis, as well as their unborn and newborn children. There will be a review of the progress the pro-life movement is making across America and the challenges ahead. The youth group will present a short skit.

The rally also will include a time of prayer for our nation, those who have had abortions and those who are working to end abortion.

For more Information go to www.nevadalife.org, or contact Don Nelson, Nevada LIFE, at 775-530-0029 or by e-mail at dnelson@nevadalife.org.