An anniversary gala event, "The Path Home," is set today from 7 to 10 p.m. in Bay 7 at the American Tobacco Historic District, 318 Blackwell St.

The event will feature past and present staff, a new mini-documentary about Genesis Home's history and growth and representatives from the 350 families that have received help from the nonprofit organization.

"We're calling this event 'The Path Home' because we want to show hundreds of people in Durham how their contributions to Genesis Home are helping our neighbors overcome problems and obstacles and get on the path to a place they can call home," said Bryan Gilmer, president of Genesis Home. "When a family graduates from Genesis Home to its own apartment, it's a powerful transformation. Finally, they are truly home."

Durham restaurants, Pop's and Rue Cler, will cater the event with entertainment by Stella, an all-female a capella group. The evening will include silent and live auctions with all proceeds benefiting Genesis Home.

Tickets are $50 for a sponsor and $75 for a patron.

Auschwitz survivor speaks

The keynote speaker for the fall conference of the local chapter of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), meeting Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, at the N.C. Biotechnology Center, will be Eva Mozes Kor. She is a Holocaust survivor, educator and founder of the CANDLES organization and Holocaust Museum.

Kor will speak on "Ethics in Medicine and Research: Lessons from Dr. Mengele" on Friday at 8:45 a.m. This will be followed by a Meet and Greet book signing session at 10 a.m. Her book is titled, "Echoes from Auschwitz: Dr. Mengele's Twins: The Story of Eva and Miriam Mozes."

She will also speak at a public venue on the University of North Carolina campus at the MBRB building in room 202 at 12:30 p.m.

Kor, who as a twin, survived the genetic experiments of the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele in the concentration camp. She founded CANDLES, an acronym for "Child of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiment Survivors" in 1984.

About 1,500 sets of twins or 3,000 children were used as human guinea pigs in the Auschwitz experiments. When Auschwitz was liberated in 1945, only about 200 children were found alive. Most of them were Mengele twins.

Those who want to hear Kor's presentation should contact lkarolak@aol.com for further details.

God and your brain

Dr. Andrew Newberg, associate professor in the Department of Radiology and Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, will be speaking on "How God Changes Your Brain" during a seminar on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Duke University Medical Center.

Drawing from studies of meditation, prayer, the Rosary and a survey of spiritual experiences, his talk will consider ways in which the brain is changed by religion, with additional focus on the practical applications obtained from this data. How can spiritual practices help to enhance the brain? What practices work best for improving how the brain works? Also, the practice of religion has implications for improving mood, memory and one's spiritual self.

The seminar, sponsored by the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health, is offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the School of Nursing Auditorium Room 1014. Lunch is provided for those who register and are included in the count. To register or for more information, e-mail elizabeth.alford@duke.edu or call 660-7556. Visit www.spiritualityandhealth,duke.edu/

Spiritual enrichment weekend

Rodger Nishioka, a professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary, will lead a spiritual enrichment weekend at Westminster Presbyterian today and Sunday, Sept. 26-27.

The Saturday program "What's Happening with Young People Today" is at 11 a.m. Nishioka will share some of the most current research on this topic and will explore how young people tell the church how they grow best as faithful disciples in a complex and fast-paced world.

On Sunday, he will preach at both Sunday worship services, 8:30 and 11 a.m. He will address the topic "21^st Century Reformation" at 7 p.m. during which he will explore trends that are shaping ministry in this century.

The church is at 3639 Old Chapel Hill Road. The public is welcome.

Author to preach at Duke

The preacher for the ecumenical worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday at Duke Chapel will be Timothy Tyson, author and visiting professor of American Christianity and Southern Culture at Duke Divinity School. Convenient parking is available in the Bryan Center parking deck off Science Drive. For more information, call 681-9488.

Wednesday suppers

Epworth United Methodist at 3002 Hope Valley Road is bringing back its Wednesday night suppers.

"Our whole thing with these suppers is to let the community know that we are still open for business," said Todd Benware, chairman of the church's Witness Committee.

Open to the community, these suppers are being hosted each week as a fundraiser by a different committee in the church. Meals will vary from week to week.

This week's meal will feature chicken, tossed salad, desserts and other kid-friendly fare. The fee for adults is $4 and $2 for students. No charge for children 4 and under.

Classes are being offered for adults after supper. There will also be activities for children and youth. The first adult class is titled "Christianity's Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe and Why," led by Pastor Hope Vickers.

A second class on the topic "A Healthier You" will be taught by Leslie Davis, an adult nurse practitioner in cardiology. Her subject will be on the warning signs of heart attack and what every person should know.

No fee is charged for classes. Those interested should call the church office at 489-6557 to confirm attendance and to request child care in the church nursery.

Supper starts at 5:30 p.m. with classes beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Pilgrim UCC milestone

Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 3011 Academy Road, will celebrate 10 years as an opening and affirming congregation on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4.

"Open and affirming" is the designation for congregations, campus ministries and other bodies in the UCC that make public statements of welcome into full life and ministry of the church to persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

"All people of faith are called to be open and affirming whenever we proclaim 'All are welcome,'" said senior pastor, the Rev. Ginger Brasher-Cunningham. "Yet those who identify as GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) have not always felt welcome or safe in a place of worship. Pilgrim cherishes the designation of 'open and affirming.'"

The celebration on Saturday begins at 10 a.m. and will include a time for food and fellowship, the shower of stoles display and the creation of wind chimes. In addition, Pilgrim will host a display of the AIDS quilt in collaboration with Partners in Caring, the component of Duke University's pastoral services that works to provide substance abuse and HIV prevention as well as spiritual care for those affected by HIV.

The formal part of the Saturday program begins at 10:30 a.m. with music from Durham's Common Woman Chorus followed by a message from the Rev. Yvette Flunder, senior pastor of City Refuge UCC in San Francisco. A nationally recognized and much sought after preacher, teacher and speaker, Bishop Flunder will bring a message of God's radical inclusion.

The Sunday celebration will begin with the worship service at 10:30 a.m., which will include the sacrament of Holy Communion and preaching by Brasher-Cunningham. All are welcome to these events.

Islam, Christianity talk

Islam and Christianity (in their own words) is an ongoing course offered at Parkwood United Methodist, 5123 Revere Road, on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Each class will stand on its own so folks can attend as they are able.

The purpose of the course is to help interested people compare and contrast Islam and Christianity within a church setting. In order to accomplish this, subjects will be covered in pairs like Koran and Bible; Mohammed and Jesus; Allah and Yahweh; Ishmael and Issac.

"Dialogue is encouraged," said the Rev. Bob Kretzu, pastor. "The search for truth requires an open and respectful attitude toward our own beliefs and those of others," he said. "I understand that there are Christians who may take offense at what they see as disrespectful conversation about Yahweh, Jesus and the Bible. I understand that there are Muslims who may take offense at what they see as disrespectful conversation about Allah, Mohammed and the Koran. We do not intend to give offense or to be blasphemous."

Kretzu suggests that participants bring to class a notebook and translations of both the Bible and the Koran. He will also use books published by both Muslim and Christian authors whose purpose is to help Christians understand Islam.

'A Different Conversation'

"A Different Conversation," a documentary created by Duke seniors Lindsay Emery and Jonathan Cross, explores the experiences of a group of Duke University students and chaplains on a trip to Israel in May 2008 sponsored by Duke Chapel's Faith Council.

It will be shown on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. in the Levenson-Lerner Sanctuary at the Freeman Center on the Duke campus. The event is free and open to all.

The 50-minute film will be followed by discussion and refreshments.

The documentary approaches Jerusalem from a different perspective, one focused not on politics or violence, but on religion and the people it affects.

Family and Friends Day

Family and Friends Day will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Emmanuel AME Church, 2018 Riddle Road.

Fall revival is set for Monday, Sept. 28, through Friday, Oct. 2, at the church.

Services each night at 7:30 p.m. will feature the Revs. Norman Umstead, Philip R. Cousin Jr., Thomas Nixon, Johnnie Bethea and Richard McMillan.

Blessing of the animals

St. Joseph's Episcopal, 1902 W. Main St., the church with the red door, will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Friday, Oct. 2, with the Blessing of the Animals at 6 p.m.

All animals, leashed or otherwise that are under control are welcome to be blessed at this brief service by Vicar Rhonda Lee. Shy animals may send a photograph or a toy to be blessed in their absence.

Biscuits and treats for all will follow the service. All are welcome.

Concert for Urban Ministries

Acclaimed artist Greg Greenway will perform a benefit for Durham Urban Ministries on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. at St. Philip's Episcopal, 403 E. Main St., as part of the church's Strings Attached concert series.

Originally from Richmond, Greenway found Boston, Mass., with its rich folk tradition and support of folk musicians, suited to his emerging sound and artistry. Inspired after his father's death in 1990, he left his rock band to pursue a now-storied solo career. He draws inspiration from blues, gospel, jazz, rock and world music.

The concert will be held in the church parish hall with entry from Queen Street. Tickets are $15 in advance but $20 on the day of the show; $8 for ages 6 to 12. Childcare for those five and under is available on-site.

Refreshments, including beer, wine, sodas and water along with sweet and savory snacks will be available. All profits from the concert benefits the work of Urban Ministries. Visit www.stphilipsdurham.org for more information and to purchase advance tickets.