Religion almanac

Religion Almanac, a roundup of local religious events open to the public, is published weekly in Faith & Values. Deadline for news releases is noon Monday for the Saturday edition. Send them to Faith & Values, Bradenton Herald, P.O. Box 921, Bradenton, FL 34206, fax them to 745-7097 or e-mail to jajones1@bradenton.com.

@BR LabelBW:UPCOMING EVENTS

White elephant sale: Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will have a white elephant sale 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. today, with housewares, jewelry, books, collectibles and small appliances for sale.

Casino Night: Temple Beth El and Unity Church in the Woods will host Casino Night 7-10:45 p.m. today at Unity Church Community Center, 4200 32nd St. W., Bradenton. Tickets: 755-4900.

Religious studies: Reuven Firestone, professor of Medieval Studies of Jewish and Islamic Studies at the Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, is Temple Beth Israel’s Scholar-in-Residence through Feb. 7. His theme is “The issues that link us and the issues that divide us — a program on Jews and Muslims/Judaism and Islam.” Temple Beth Israel is at 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Information: 383-3428.

Winter clearance: The Congregational United Church of Christ Thrift Shop, 5426 26th St. W., Bradenton, will have a winter clearance on furniture and winter clothing today through Feb. 15. Hours: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday- Friday and 11 am.- 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday. Information: 739-1018.

Dog lovers: The community is invited to bring their dogs to join Temple Emanu-El members and guests st 4 p.m. today at Sarasota’s Paw Park, 4570 17th St. between Honore and Beneva, for a Shabbat afternoon of fun and relaxed socializing with Jewish and interfaith dog owners. Doggie treats and tennis balls will be provided. Information: 379-1997.

Gospel meetings: The East Bradenton Church of Christ, 1835 Manatee Ave. E., will conduct a series of gospel meetings Feb. 7-10. Guest speaker will be Glenn B. Ramsey, vice president of Tennessee Bible College. Services are 11 a.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. the following days.

Bagels and lox: Congregation Ner Tamid hosts “Brunch with Rabbi Barbara Aiello,” a traditional “bagels and lox” brunch, at 10 a.m. Feb. 7 at Lakeside South Clubhouse, 3817 40th Ave. W. This will be a lively question-and answer program with a discussion of Jewish-Christian relations, Jewish denominational differences, and how a pluralistic approach to Judaism can bring unity to the Jewish religion. Details and reservations: www.nertamidflorida.org or call 755-1231.

Jazz concert: First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple St., Sarasota, will have a free concert by its jazz trio of Johnny Moore on drums, Dominic Mancini on bass and Charlie Prawdzik on piano, with Terry Myers joining on clarinet and saxophone, 4-5 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 7. A free will offering will be taken. Information: (941) 955-0935.

Collingsworth concert: The Collingsworth Family will appear in concert at 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th St. W., Bradenton. Doors open at 3 p.m. with open seating. No charge, but an offering will be taken. Information: 794-1685.