On Saturday, Oct. 24, congregations around the country, including Chapel Hill's United Church and Chapel of the Cross, will ring their church bell 350 times to draw attention to that important number: 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide.

Over the past several years the scientific community from across the globe has made it clear that 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide is the maximum safe level for carbon in the atmosphere if people want to have a planet "similar to one on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted."

This day is also United Nations Day, a day for supporting cooperative efforts of nations. In 130 countries people will be having events, rallies, demonstrations and public art projects designed to raise awareness of 350 as national leaders prepare for the next round of climate talks set to begin in Copenhagen in December.

In addition to ringing the church bell, members of United Church created a picture of people formed into a "350," and events are planned during the Bolin Creek Festival on that Saturday to raise awareness of the 350 limit and the need for the world to act in Copenhagen.

On the website 350.org, there are many other examples from around the world. For example, on the shores of the fast-drying Dead Sea, Israeli activists will form a giant human "3" on their beach, Palestinians a "5" on theirs and Jordanians a "0," reminding all of the need to unite on this vital issue.

Series to begin on global warming

At United Church of Chapel Hill, Geoff Frank and Deb Gallagher will lead a series using Michael Northcott's "A Moral Climate: The Ethics of Global Warming" as a framework for discussion.

Each session will begin at 10 a.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, the topic will be "What does Jeremiah have to say about Climate Change?" The discussion will center on Jeremiah's role in speaking Truth to Power.

On Nov. 1, the topic will be "Getting Real: Keeping the Sabbath in the context of Climate Change." The class will emphasize keeping holy the Sabbath Day in terms of staying connected with God's creation and abstaining from the addictive rat-race. Northcott's ideas about housing, transportation and food as examples of how we have become entangled in a human environment that is divorced from God's creation.

On Nov. 8, the topic will be "Responding to Climate Change: Mitigating and Adapting." The class will describe ongoing efforts and will relate local efforts to mitigate and adapt back to the Economic Justice Covenant.

On Nov. 15, the topic will be "Making a Difference this December." Opportunities through Church World Service and the Alternative Christmas Market will be discussed.

Conference to explore faith and environment

Also on the subject of faith and the environment, a conference is set for Oct. 30-31 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 3011 Academy Road, in Durham.

The keynote address on Friday, Oct. 30, on "Faith and the Environment" will be given by Dr. Norman Wirzba, research professor of theology, ecology and rural life at Duke Divinity School. The Friday event is from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include dinner.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, the keynote speaker will be the Rev. Michael McClain, a state coordinator for the Climate and Energy Campaign of the National Council of Churches.

The Saturday program begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m. with lunch included. Issue and action workshops include the following topics Global Warming, Water Resources at Risk, Stewardship of Materials and Energy, Land and Agriculture, Conserving Energy, Recycling, Agriculture with Care and What Can Churches Do?

Pre-registration is requested using forms at www.pilgrimucc-durham.org or by call 489-1381. The cost is $5 per day per person. Day of the event registration will be accepted, but meals may not be available.

Christian artwork to be displayed

A nationally acclaimed Christian graphic designer, Michael Podesta, will display his artwork at University United Methodist on Sunday, Oct. 25, in the West Parlor at the church, 150 E. Franklin St. His work will be on display and available for purchase from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.

He also will lead a forum discussing his work in the church chapel from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Based out of Suffolk, Va., Podesta began creating and sharing calligraphic art based on scripture in 1975. When asked "Why so much Scripture?" he replied, "To share a feeling of hope, a belief in God's abiding love and mercy, particularly as expressed through the life of Jesus. Also, to share a sense of the dignity, the mystery and the beauty of the world."

For further information about Podesta, visit www.michaelpodesta.com. For information about the church, call the office at 929-7191.

Fall Bazaar to be held Saturday

Cedar Grove United Methodist on Jones Ferry Road will hold its annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The women of the church will use their skills along with the men in the church to present food and family fare between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., beginning with a light breakfast of sausage biscuits and lunch with barbecued pork and chicken cooked by James Atwater in the churchyard.

The traditional yard sale will include useful household items, fabric remnants, books and home-baked breads, cakes and pies. For the first time this year, the bazaar will sell nursery-quality mums, winter pansies and autumn pumpkins, all at affordable prices.

Church members will begin cooking, chopping and seasoning the pork barbecue on

Friday evening and on Saturday will be cooking barbecued chicken. These entrees will be served at lunch but also will b e available for take-home by the pound and half-chicken.

Plenty of parking is available on the church grounds. The church is located in northeast Chatham County, about 7 miles west of Carrboro and 2 miles west of the Orange County line.

Habitat home to be dedicated

A dedication celebration as Shalena Pugh and her 4-year-old son receive keys to their new Habitat home will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11:30 a.m. in Pittsboro's Chatham Oak Community.

But even as Habitat marks another home completed, others are still being built and workers are needed on this day. Faith groups are invited to join together for a day of fellowship as they work side by side with members of various congregations as well as with future homeowners. The workday begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. No construction experience is required.

Coffee and muffins are served beginning at 8:15 a.m., but workers should bring a bag lunch. Register in advance by emailing bettessen@chathamhabitat.org or by calling 542-0794, ext. 222.

Church program offers free clothing

The Take and Wear Clothes Closet at Lystra Baptist Church in North Chatham has free clothes for those in need. The closet will be open on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 5.

The church is located at 686 Lystra Road, a half mile off U.S. 15-501. To reach the church, send email to lystrabaptist@earthlink.net or phone and leave a message at 933-6812.