Church's Friday Flicks mean to get you thinking

If you're looking to see a movie that will get your mind off the world's problems, don't go to the Unitarian Universalist Society in Geneva.

Their "Friday Flick" series is sponsored by the church's social justice committee and is meant to inspire serious discussion.

"The committee screens and selects films that represent social justice issues," said Jean Pierce, chair of the committee. "The films are not intended to depict one side or the other. The goal is to promote communication and discussion, which is equally important as seeing the film."

The series usually takes place on the third Friday of the month, but the next presentation will be "What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire" at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9. The church is at Second and James streets.

The film's producer, Sally Erickson, will be on hand to lead discussion after the film.

There should be a lot to talk about.

According to the film's Web site, it's about "a middle class white guy" who comes to grips with peak oil, climate, change, mass extinction, population overshoot and the "demise of the American lifestyle."

According to a press release from the church, the documentary takes a look at climate change, resource shortages, degraded ecosystems and a rapidly increasing global population.

It includes interviews with authors Daniel Quinn, Derrick Jensen and Richard Heinberg and scientists William Schlesinger and Stuart Pimm.

For information about the film series, contact Jean Pierce at (630) 232-2350 or at uusg_office@sbcglobal.net.

For more about the film, visit www.whatawaytogomovie.com.

For body, mind and soul: St. Peter Catholic Church is hosting a health fair for body, mind and soul from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 3. The event will be in the multipurpose room in the church at 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva.

There will be screenings for glucose tolerance (an 8-hour fast is required); diabetic retinopathy/macular degeneration and depression.

Flu shots will be available. Those who have Medicare should bring the Medicare part B card.

There will be information on various issues, and you can purchase talking books, enjoy a chair massage or have a healthy snack. There is no entry charge and most services are free. Call (630) 232-0124.

Temple to host lecture: Temple B'nai Israel will host a lecture by Richard Benkin on the case of Muslim journalist Salah Uddin Shoarb at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 4 at the temple, 400 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora.

Benkin, a Jewish activist, became interested in the plight of Shoarb, of Bangladesh, after Shoarb was arrested, tried and sentenced to death for criticizing the radical agenda of some Muslim factions as anti-Islamic. Benkin has been pleading Shoarb's case to the international community.

The lecture is preceded by a brunch at 10 a.m.; suggested donation is $6. For reservations, call the temple office at (630) 892-2450. Information is also available at www.temple-bnai-israel.org.