Around Phoenixville

Iron Works Church and the Bertrand Russell Society have partnered to host “Saints and Skeptics”, a moderated debate and open forum on faith and skepticism, taking place on December 13th at 6:30pm at Franklin Commons. The evening will include an unscripted debate between two scholars, followed by an open forum where the audience may ask questions of the presenters. Carl Trueman of Westminster Seminary will represent Historic Christianity as espoused by Saint Augustine and Chad Trainer of the Bertrand Russell Society will represent skepticism/atheism as espoused by Philosopher Bertrand Russell. Tickets are on sale now and are discounted to $12 if purchased before November 30th. To purchase tickets or to find more information, visit the Saints and Skeptics website . Ticket price includes complimentary wine and cheese.

Grace Valley Fellowship, which meets at the National Christian Conference Center (1485 Valley Forge Road), will be offering two special holiday programs. The Promise: The Epic Story of an Ancient Hope featuring the Elegance String Quartet Join us at 10:30am on Sunday, December 18th as we celebrate Christmas with carols and a story of hope for every person. The Promise traces God’s first word of hope to humanity across the pages of history, unfolding the hope of Christmas found in a child lying in a manger. The narration will be accompanied with dramatic visuals and music from special guests, The Elegant Quartet. We also have a fun, age-appropriate program available for your kids. Christmas Eve Service 5:30 pm This is a fun, family-friendly service designed to help busy families experience the joy, mystery, and hope of Christmas. You will get a chance to catch your breath and remember what Christmas is all about. Your kids will get some goodies & a chance to hear the Christma...

Congregation B'nai Jacob is hosting several events over the next few months. December 9, February 24, and March 23 - Join CBJ for a special kid-friendly family Shabbat service, followed by a buffet-style dinner. Services start at 6:30pm and are free of charge. Hanukkah Class December 18th - Are you the parent of preschoolers who want to learn more about the Festival of Lights? Join CBJ for a parent/child Hanukkah class filled with crafts, stories, and songs. 9:00-10:30am. Cost is $10. Please RSVP to the synagogue office ( cbjoffice@verizon.net ) Women's Spirituality Group December 18th - Come mingle with Jewish women of all ages and discuss issues of faith. Explore different ways to tap into our spiritual selves. 7-9pm. Bring a candle and small snack to share (dairy/parve). January 8 'Fiddler on the Roof' - In honor of the synagogue's 100th year celebration, Congregation B'nai Jacob is sponsoring a special screening of the classic "Fiddler on the Roof...

In time for the Jewish High Holidays -- Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Congregation B'nai Jacob is hosting two events that are open to the public. Both will be held on Sunday, September 25. 9-10:30 AM: Parent/Child class on Rosh Hashanah. Join us for music, stories and a craft designed for preschoolers and their parents. $10 for non-members, $7 for members 10 AM - 12 PM: Who doesn't need a good laugh these days? Join us as "The Laughing Maggidah (storyteller)" Irene Chaya Doniger presents stories, psalms, and jokes to get us in the mood for a happy and healthy new year. All are welcome, free. Congregation B'nai Jacob, Starr and Manavon Streets, 610-933-5550, www.congbj.org .

On Sat., April 2nd, from 10am to 2pm, St. John’s United Church of Christ , 315 Gay St., Phoenixville, PA, is hosting its annual craft show featuring lots of beautiful homemade items from local crafters. Gift baskets will be raffled off. Baked goods, hotdogs and beverages to be sold with 20% of the proceeds from the sale of the food and drink being split between St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter and One Great Hour of Sharing offering which will possibly go to help the Japanese earthquake/Tsunami victims).

St. Basil's the Great is hosting a Fall Festival on October 20th-24th. The festival schedule is as follows: Wed. October 20th: 5-10pm Thu. October 21st: 5-10pm Fri. October 22nd: 12-11pm Sat. October 23: 5-11pm, ride matinee from 12-5pm, rides will be paused from 5-6pm during 5:00 mass Sun. Octber 24: 2-8pm The fair will feature Bingo on Wedensday and Thursday nights, kids games, American, Italian and Polish foods and Casino Nights on Friday and Saturday. For more information, including a presale for wrist bands for the week, visit www.stbasilsfair.org .

Starting on Sunday, June 20th, Reeves Park will host 'Church in the Park': Do you have Obstacles to Faith? Church in the Park is a casual series of church services held outdoors in beautiful Reeves Park of Phoenixville. We welcome people from all religious backgrounds to come, listen, interact, object, or just hang out with us as we discuss some of the common obstacles (intellectual, experiential, etc.) people encounter as they consider the claims of Christianity. Services will feature music, activities for children, refreshments, and a Q/A time after the service where guests can interact with the speaker. Church in the Park will take place Sunday evenings at 6pm from June 20th through July 18th at Reeves Park. July 4th will feature a free concert instead of the usual church service. For more information, please call (484) 393-4845 or e-mail info@thechurchintehpark.org .

On Sunday evenings from June 14th through July 19th, Reeves Park Bandshell will be hosting Church in the Park , "an outdoor, casual series of church services." Each week, starting at 6pm, Church in the Park will feature passionate music (from a live band), bible teaching, and an open forum for audience members to interact with the speaker. Church in the Park also offers free refreshments and a craft table for children. All are invited to attend! For more information, please visit www.thechurchinthepark.org .