Christian Science lecture in Batavia
Kevin Graunke, a full-time Christian Science practitioner, will present "Cut Through the Glare: See What's Real" at 3 p.m. April 20 at the Batavia Public Library on Route 31 at Wilson Street. The free lecture is sponsored by the First Church of Christ Scientist in Geneva.
Graunke lives in Oconomowoc, Wis., and is also known as a prayer-based healer using the Christian Science method.
"In Christian Science, the specific term is practitioner, and the generic term is prayer-based healer," Graunke said. "A practitioner is someone who is devoted to helping people find answers and healing through prayer on a full-time basis. In other churches, the practitioner is known as the minister, or priest or rabbi."
Graunke says his lecture will begin with recognizing the "glaring noise and harshness that the world throws at us." He said it may be from the media, the Internet or even the words of family and friends. The harshness may include violence, abuse or victimization.
"Then I'll discuss how Christ saw the perfection of man and all his potential, rather than having a limited view," Graunke said. "Because he plunged beneath the material surface, Christ was able to heal the sick. My lecture will focus on how we're able to follow his example by looking deeply into the spiritual realism."
Graunke will draw on ideas from the Bible and from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. He'll also draw from his own experiences.
Graunke said he believes everyone can benefit from his lecture, including those for whom life is going well.
For information on Graunke's presentation, call (630) 232-2868.
Need to let go?
St. Peter Catholic Church is sponsoring "The Letting Go Retreat" from 7 to 9 p.m. April 18 and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 19. The church is at 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva.
The retreat will focus on how to let go of obsessions, or "false gods," that can hinder a deeper spiritual experience. Obsessions may be with status, wealth, work or relationships.
The retreat will include prayer, reflection and searching for the true God.
There is no cost to register. Donations will be accepted.
Call Kristina Rake at the parish center at (630) 232-0124, ext. 110 to register.
Spring bargains
• Faith Baptist Church (formerly First Baptist Church of Batavia) is having a moving sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18 and from 9 a.m. to noon April 19 at 15 N. Washington Ave., Batavia.
The church is moving to a new building on west Main Street at Mill Creek Drive.
Call the church at (630) 879-1467 or Peggy Leathers at (630) 643-1293.
• The St. Charles Congregational United Church of Christ will have a spring rummage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 24 and from 9 a.m. to noon April 25. The church is at 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd., St. Charles.
Items for sale include clothing, furniture, household goods, books and toys.
Proceeds from the bake sale will be sent to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Miss. Call (630)584-0929.