Weekly Vipassana mediation sessions are held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sundays at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. This type of meditation encourages self-observation by focusing on the inner self in a non-judgmental way. There's a $1 to $10 suggested donation to participate but no one will be turned away.

Gathering Place Church, 2500 N.E. 78th St, Vancouver, will host a 15-session "Perspectives" course exploring different aspects of God’s global purpose. The course, 5 to 8 p.m. every Sunday from Aug. 27 to Dec. 3, examines the story from four vantage points or “perspectives" -- biblical, historical, cultural and strategic. Learn more at gatheringchurch.com.

St. Paul Lutheran Church on the corner of 13th and Franklin Street in downtown Vancouver offers a contemplative prayer service from 12:20 to 12:40 p.m. every Wednesday. This is a quiet prayer session with soft music in the back ground. Call 360-693-3531 with questions.  

The community is invited to a free, all-ages Chanukah celebration at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver. The family-friendly event includes a menorah lighting ceremony, LED light dance presentation and a gelt drop, where children will catch chocolate coins as they rain down. Attendees should bring canned goods to donate […]

St. Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., will offer an evening Vesper service at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 with jazz music featuring the Mike Horsfall Trio and Paul Mazzio on trumpet and flugelhorn. The service is free to attend though donations are welcome.

The Vancouver chapter of Point Man International Ministries meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Friday in the Education Module at Church on the Rock, 500 S.W. Eaton Blvd., Battle Ground. Pointman International was started by a Seattle police officer and veteran and the faith-based, non-denominational support group is open to all veterans and first […]

Salmon Creek Church will present an evening of holiday lessons and carols from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Ring in the season with the Exultation Ringers handbell choir and Salmon Creek Choir and accompanied by stringed instruments and handbells.