HARVEST DINNER | Cedar Lake

A Harvest Dinner will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Cedar Lake United Methodist Church, 7124 W. 137th Place. A traditional turkey dinner will be served with mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, salad, rolls and butter, dessert and a beverage. Carry-outs will be available. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3.50 for children 4 to 9; younger children eat free.

FYI: Call (219) 374-7312.

COATS FOR KIDS | Merrillville

Merrillville United Methodist Church is sponsoring the fifth annual Coats for Kids distribution event from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 3. New and gently used coats for children, as well as coats for adults, will be distributed in a giveaway at the church, 305 E. 68th Place.

FYI: Call (219) 769-4101.

HOSTAGE SPEAKS | Hammond

Garcia Burnham will speak at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 4 in the main auditorium at First Baptist Church of Hammond, 473 Sibley St. In 2001, Martin and Gracia Burnham lived a year-long nightmare in the Philippine jungles as captives of the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group with ties to al-queda. During rescue efforts, Martin was shot and killed, along with one other hostage. The Burnhams befriended their guards, comforted fellow hostages and kept their faith. The public is invited to hear Gracia Burnham's story. Every guest 18 and older will receive a free copy her book, "In the Presence of My Enemies!"

FYI: Call (219) 932.0711 or visit www.fbchammond.com.

ADULT EDUCATION | Munster

"Calumet and Munster Beginnings" is an adult education program from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 5 to 26, at Temple Beth-El, 10001 Columbia Ave. Dr. Kenneth Schoon of Indiana University Northwest will be the presenter.

FYI: Call (219) 922-0101.

COFFEE BREAK | Crown Point

Women are invited to join other women for fellowship and Bible study from 9:30 to 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday at First Christian Reformed Church, 909 E. Greenwood Ave. Child care is free, and Walk With Me children's program is provided for ages 3 to 5.

FYI: Call (219) 663-3643 or visit www.CPCRC.org.

CATECHISM FOR ADULTS | Whiting

The Faith Enrichment Committee of the Whiting Cluster facilitates discussion of the U.S. Catholic catechism for adults from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays in November at the Sacred Heart Rose Room,1731 LaPorte Ave. Register.

FYI: Call (219) 659-4138.

OPEN HOUSE | Gary

Northwest Indiana Empowerment Center, a satellite of Christ Universal Temple, Chicago, is hosting an Open House Reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov 6 in the Library Conference Center at Indiana University Northwest,

35th Avenue between Adams and Washington streets.Learn about the many activities, workshops and seminars available. Enjoy good fellowship, good singing, and refreshments.

FYI: Call (219) 886-1261.

CHICKEN DINNER | Merrillville

Good Shepherd Council of the Knights of Columbus are serving a roast chicken dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at Our Lady of Consolation Parish Hall, 8303 Taft St. Menu includes roast chicken, mostaccioli, cabbage and sausage soup, vegetable, salad, bread, dessert and a beverage. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for preteen children; preschoolers eat free.

FYI: Call (219) 769-5523.

SONGS & SNACKS | St. John

Young At Heart group at Suncrest Christian Church will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the church, 10009 Parrish St., on the east side of St. John.This month's entertainment will be Jan & Gary Ruhs, aka 'The Two of Us,' performing songs ranging from the Big Band era to rock & roll. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone 51 and older is invited to attend.

FYI: Call (219) 365-9000

GLORY CELEBRATION | E.C.

Mighty Voices of Grace present the first Shekinah Glory Celebration Nov. 9 at Grace Missionary Baptist Church, 3602 Ivy St. Prayer will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. with the celebration starting at 7 p.m. The title is Let the Glory of the Lord Rest On Me. The Rev. Robert Johnson is pastor.

FYI: Call (219) 398-3063.

CRAFTERS NEEDED | South Haven

Our Lady of Sorrows Altar and Rosary Society is seeking crafters for its annual holiday bazaar to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at the church, 356 W. County Road 700 North. Table rental is $20 and $25. The sale will include craft items, bake sale and free pictures with Santa.

FYI: Call (219) 759-1169.

SOUP BUFFET | Lake Station

Altar and Rosary Sodality of St. Francis Xavier Church is sponsoring "Soup-er" Soup Buffet #3 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Nov. 10 at St. Francis Xavier Church Hall, 2447 Putnam St. Enjoy a menu of more than 16 soups, with a sandwich,

dessert and coffee included. Tickets, $6 for adults and $3 for children 10 and younger, can be purchased at the door.

FYI: Call (219) 947-9297.

OUTREACH TO BLIND | Munster

Munster Christian Outreach Center to the Blind holds free monthly luncheons on the second Saturday of each month to share and gather information with other sight-impaired people. The next luncheon is from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in the multipurpose room of the Early Childhood Center (use entrance 'F' on Briar Lane) at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 8601 Harrison Ave. Call for more information and to RSVP.

FYI: Call (219) 836-6270, ext. 221 or visit www.stplmunster.com.

WOMEN'S DAY | Gary

First Baptist Church celebrates Women's Day starting with a prayer breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at 626 W. 21st Ave. Tickets cost $5 and can be bought at the church. The service is at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 11. The theme is "Women of Strength Rejoicing in Salvation." The Rev. Rebecca Fisher will speak, and refreshments will be served after the service. The Rev. Bernie Hanson Sr. is pastor.

FYI: Call (219) 883-3216.

ORGAN RECITAL | Crown Point

Mark Sudeith, professor of music at Chicago State University, will present at organ recital at 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 321 E. Joliet St. Admission is free. Dr. Sudeith is the dean of the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The program will consist of works associated with Virgil Fox, including "Trio Sonata in G" by Bach, "Come Sweet Death" by Bach-Fox, "Fantasy" by Mozart and "Fantasy and Fugue on "How Brightly Shines the Morning Star" by Reger. This program will be the first concert presented on the new Rodgers Trillium 957, a three manual organ was installed in August, 2006.

FYI: Call (219) 663-0044.

MARCH FOR LIFE | Washington, DC

The Rev. Theodore J. Mens and the Office of Pro-Life Activities for the Diocese of Gary is accepting reservations for its annual trip to the March For Life 2008, from January 21 to 23, 2008 in Washington DC. Seats are limited, first come first serve basis with reservations due by Nov. 30. The cost is $300 per person, which includes air fare and hotel accommodations. in the trip are the National Prayer Vigil For Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, "Rally For Life" Youth Rally and Mass at the Verizon Center, and March For Life on Capitol Hill.

FYI: Call the Rev. Mens or Barbara Kolisz at (219) 924-4163.

BOOK OF GOLD | Northwest Indiana

The Catholic Diocese of Gary has published a full-color, hard-cover, 192-page commemorative book, "In The Presence of Angels," in honor of the diocese's golden anniversary this year. The history of the diocese, its parishes and its people, is detailed in photos and stories. Cost is $25 per copy, and they are available from parishes in the diocese.

FYI: Call St. Edward Parish at (219) 696-7307 to order.

DRIVERS AND COOKS | Munster

Volunteer drivers and cooks are needed at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 8955 Columbia Ave., to help prepare and/or deliver food to the Hammond Warming Shelter. The time commitment is about one hour per week. Drivers must provide their own vehicle.

FYI: Call Sally at (219) 838-3131.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY | Cedar Lake

Join Celebrate Recovery at Community Bible Church, 13620 Wicker Ave., at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the lower level of the church. A Christ-centered recovery program for those struggling with a hurt, habit or hang up, those interested are invited to and evening of worship, fellowship and healing. Child care is provided. Cafe time is 8:45 p.m.

FYI: Call (219) 374-6478.

LADIES AUXILIARY | Cedar Lake

A monthly Ladies Auxiliary meeting is at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month in the fellowship hall at The Apostolic Fellowship, 6715 W. 141st Ave. This is a free social and spiritual gathering for women 18 and older. Attire is casual.

FYI: Call (219) 374-5185.

ETHNIC DINNERS | Schererville

Ethnic dinners and fish fries are held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Friday at Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 545 - 77th Ave. The church is also taking orders for many varieties of pierogi as well as stuffed cabbage and haluski.

FYI: Call (219) 864-1529.