Sharing the peace or passing of the peace in the liturgy of Christian worship is a common practice in area congregations. But with increasing awareness regarding the spread of the H1N1 virus, some congregations have modified the way this is being practiced.

Shaking hands is the usual gesture as one addresses another with the words, "Peace be with you" or "Peace of Christ." In most congregations the practice is continuing but with some alternative procedures that do not involve shaking hands or touching.

St. Paul's Lutheran on Cornwallis Road has three suggestions for its congregation.

Continue to verbally share the peace of the Lord, making eye contact but not extending a hand.

{foliobull}Fold your hands in a prayer position as you share the peace.

{foliobull}A slight bowing of the head or a wave are good substitutes for a handshake or a hug.

During a recent visit to Binkley Baptist in Chapel Hill, I extended my hand to a very handsome young man sitting behind me in the service. He told me that the church was using the hands in a prayer position as a substitute for shaking hands, but he offered to give me a hug, which I accepted with great enthusiasm.

Mayan Weaving Sale

The 23^rd annual Mayan Weaving Sale at Church of Reconciliation, 110 N. Elliott Road in Chapel Hill, is going on today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Over the years this event has become a special one in the Triangle because of the work of Bill and Joyce Peck, both now in their 80s, who began the annual event, and who with members of the congregation travel to Guatemala every year to buy the items made from colorful woven fabrics on back-strap looms by Mayan Indian women. Among the items offered this year are vests, bags, table cloths, children's clothing, vintage rugs, blankets and wall hangings made on larger stationary looms. Also available will be Christmas crèches, toys, dolls and jewelry.

A Panaderia y Café will offer coffee and tea along with small condiments.

The proceeds support a clinic and a preventive medicine program in the Highlands of Guatemala.

Male choir to perform

The Male Chorus of Emmanuel AME Church will celebrate its 30^th choir anniversary with a special program on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. Several area choirs have been invited as well.

The church is located at 2018 Riddle Road and all are welcome.

Buddhist teacher to speak

The Buddhist Community at Duke University is hosting a discussion titled "Living in a World of Uncertainty" with Dr. Joan Halifax, Buddhist teacher and Zen priest, on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. in Griffith Theater at the Bryan Center on Duke's West Campus.

After speaking, Halifax will respond to questions from Rabbi Michael Goldman, Jewish rabbi for Jewish life at Duke; and Dr. Paul Griffiths, Warren Professor of Catholic Theology at Duke Divinity School.

In addition to being a Buddhist teacher and Zen priest, Halifax is an anthropologist and founder, abbot and head teacher of Upaya Zen Center, a Buddhist monastery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The event is free and open to the public.

Handel's 'Messiah' at Duke

Tickets for the Duke Chapel Choir and Orchestra's performances of Handel's "Messiah" under the direction of Rodney Wynkoop are now on sale. General admission is $15 and admission is free to Duke students.

Performances are on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 684-4444 or at www.tickets.duke.edu.

'Pass the Peas' ministry

Reality Ministries, a community-based, inter-church youth ministry with a center at the corner of Gregson Street and Lamond Avenue, has begun a new gathering called "Pass the Peas."

Once a month adult and teen groups spend an evening together, enjoying food and good company. These suppers are held in the fellowship hall at Blacknall Presbyterian Church, 1902 Perry St. The groups sit around tables and enjoy a home-style meal cooked and served by volunteers from Blacknall's congregation.

The Reality Center opened its doors more than a year ago and seeks to be a safe place where all people are valued and accepted and the reality of God's love is expressed in Jesus Christ, said Susan McSwain, of the special needs ministry.

The center also offers a variety of opportunities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities, including a weekly time of eating, singing, playing and interacting called "Tuesday Night Live." All activities are free of charge. Contact the center at 688-7776 or by e-mail at realityministriesinc@gmail.com.

Asbury yard sale

Asbury Temple United Methodist, 201 S. Alston Ave., is sponsoring a church-wide yard sale today from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clothing, household goods and furniture will be available.

Duke Divinity Women's Center anniversary

The Duke Divinity School Women's Center is celebrating its 35^th anniversary with a two-day event on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12-13, at the Divinity School.

Former students, current students and friends are invited to mark this historic anniversary, which will highlight the work of the center, honor Dr. Jill Raitt, the first woman Divinity School faculty member, and provide an opportunity to reflect on the center's role in the future.

Some Nov. 12 events

Chapel worship at 11:20 a.m. with Elizabeth Clift preaching in Goodson Chapel.

Celebration and fundraising dinner at 6 p.m. honoring Dr. Raitt, who is Missouri University Emerita Professor of Religious Studies. Cost for the dinner in the school refectory is $35, and reservations may be made by e-mailing brandydaniels@gmail.com.

Friday, Nov. 13:

Brown bag panel discussion from 12:20 to 1:20 p.m. with female faculty on "What does it mean to be an educated woman of faith?" Panel will include Raitt, Berger and Mary McClintock Fulkerson, and will be moderated by Dr. Kristin Herzog in room 0012 Westbrook.

Can faith make you well?

"Can Your Faith Make You Well?" is the question to be raised at a free empowerment lunch on Thursday, Nov. 12, at Trinity United Methodist in downtown. Dr. Harold G. Koenig, who is in the Department of Psychiatry at Duke Medical Center, will speak on "Spirituality Meets Science."

These empowerment lunches target folks working in the central city and are offered from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. to accommodate lunch schedules. A box lunch is provided so participants can take advantage of the full hour with the leader of the session.

Call the church at 683-1386 to get your name in the pot for lunch. Or visit www.trinitydurham.org. The church is located at 215 N. Church St.

End-of-life talk

In conjunction with its "Wonderful Wednesday" suppers, Epworth United Methodist, 3002 Hope Valley Road, is providing a free presentation on "Extraordinary Care: What is it and when should we choose to use it?" on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m.

The community is invited. Call 489-6557 to reserve a spot no later than Monday, Nov. 9.

Supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. Prices are $4 for adults and $2 for students and children. Children 4 and under are free.