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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 14, 2009 www.oakvillebeaver.com St. Jude's the stage for fundraising concert Continued from page 13 predicament do not need condemnation, it's help they need." Russell's natural curiosity, among other things, has also led him to explore people of other faiths. He noted many fine people believe in different faiths and practices and while he holds to his own faith and customs, he embraces the opportunity to explore other people's lives and beliefs. To that end he represents St. Jude's on Oakville's Interfaith Council, born in the wake of 9/11 as a means of bringing people together in the community through A NEW SERIES FROM THE PRODUCERS OF HOLMES ON HOMESTM ARE YOU THE VICTIM OF A BAD HOME INSPECTION? We are looking for homeowners in the GTA with a story to tell for a new television series. If you've recently purchased a home - based on a positive home inspection - and found hidden problems after you moved in please send us your story. TO QUALIFY, HOMEOWNERS MUST HAVE: · Purchased a home in the past 18 months in the Toronto area · Used a Home Inspection Service before purchase · A written Home Inspection Report · Found issues with their home that were not accounted for in the Inspection Report SEND YOUR STORY TO: inspection.tv@gmail.com understanding and breaking down barriers that may lead to isolation. His own interest in singing led him to attend Rabbi Bernard Baskin's synagogue where he linked up for voice training with the synagogue's talented cantor. "While you remain true to your own religion's beliefs and your own personal beliefs, you find a way of incorporating an acceptance of people with other religious beliefs than your own," said Russell. That philosophy has carried over to his work with the OCCPEHR where he is chair of the board. OCCPEHR recently hosted its 22nd annual Words and Music for Peace that focused on the defence of human rights of Muslims in Canada and featured two keynote speakers from the Canadian Islamic Congress. "It seems to me that some of "I've always said to my congregation, if the day comes when I hear, `You can't say that from the pulpit,' that is the day I will hand in my resignation." The Rev. Dr. Mervyn Russell the most significant issues in recent years in Canada all had Islamic people at the heart of them," said Russell. On a couple of occasions, Russell said Thompson may have been "a bit surprised" by the content of one of Russell's sermons -- once asking for a copy of it to clarify what had been said when it sparked "significant feedback." "If you're not going to say anything, if anyone isn't going to go home and think about what came from the pulpit, why bother to open your mouth?" asked Russell. "I've always enjoyed what I call the freedom of the pulpit. It's one of the places where you can speak freely and not be constrained by political loyalties, where you can say what you conscientiously think and feel," said Russell. "I've always said to my congregation, if the day comes when I hear `You can't say that from the pulpit,' that is the day I will hand in my resignation," said Russell, noting obviously that comes with the responsibility of not going out of your way to offend anyone and to try to put things such that it makes people think or gain understanding. As for those who attend the Jan. 24 concert, a varied program is in the works. The first half will be classical fare while the second half, will celebrate the 250th birthday of Robbie Burns with Scottish and some Broadway-inspired, lighthearted duets. Tickets are available at St. Jude's at 905-844-3972 or $Million or More Oakville at millionormoreslf@sympatico.ca or 905-469-6415. Lawrence Hill speaks to Shaarei-Beth El congregation Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Oakville is hosting award-winning Canadian author Lawrence Hill on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. The community is invited to meet Hill and hear him share his thoughts about his Canadian bestseller The Book of Negroes, a masterpiece of historical fiction in which heroine Aminata Diallo who evolves from an abducted African village child to the conscience of Abolition. The novel won the 2008 Commonwealth Writer's Prize for Best Book and the 2007 Roger's Writer's Trust Fiction Prize. Hill is the son of American immigrants, a black father and white mother. His brother is singer/songwriter Dan Hill. For more information, call 905-849-6000. Happily Ever After...Begins Now! VOTED FAVOURITE BANQUET CENTRE FOR THE 8TH YEAR! Gourmet To Go ALL OCCASION PACKAGE Package Includes Rolls, Pizza, Penne, Potato Choice of 2 meats Choice of 2 sides (based on minimum numbers of 15 guests) 2009 DINNER THEATRE 2009 - 2010 ABBAMANIA RED SKELTON WEDDING SPECIALS January 23 February 25 $54.95 starting from * p.p. DINNER/SHOW $50 LUNCH/SHOW $45 DINNER/SHOW $50 ZAPPACOSTA CELEBRITIES April 1 April 22 DINNER/SHOW $50 LUNCH/SHOW $45 *All inclusive PST, GST, food, bar, service, gratuity, décor & hall rentals. ELVIS $12.99 p.p. +taxes www.carmens.com Visit our website for more details DINNER/SHOW $50 LUNCH/SHOW $40 DINNER/SHOW $45 *All shows subject to service charge. THE WAY IT WAS SINATRA May 20 May 7 ABSOLUTELY Located Just One Minute From THE NEW RED HILL PARKWAY! 12 minutes from Burlington 18 minutes from Oakville 1520 Stonechurch Road East Hamilton, Ontario Main Line: 905-387-9490 Box Office: 905-387-0007