Longtime assistant pastor at LC Presbyterian to move on

After 15 years with the Lake City Presbyterian Church, Kerry Kino is resigning his position as assistant pastor to become the new pastor at the Japanese Presbyterian Church, located at1801 24th S.

Kino, who is a third generation Japanese American, will be replacing Pastor Dick Nishioka, who is retiring. However, Kino is not sure who will be replacing him at Lake City Presbyterian. "It could be an associate pastor or multiple people," said Kino, who also serves in the Naval Reserves as a chaplin.

Kino sees his departure as a time for Lake City Presbyterian to grow. "We become better," Kino said. "We continue to be effective and to grow in a new way."

Kino said he is leaving on good terms and that he had accomplished what he believes God had intended for him to do at Lake City Presbyterian. "I can leave with confidence and gratitude and thanksgiving that things are better now," Kino said.

Kino said he will continue to live in North Seattle. Hallack Greider serves as head pastor at Lake City Presbyterian, which is located at 3841 NE 123rd.

Jewish Community Center events

The Jewish Community Center's Northend facility, located at 8606 35th Ave. NE in the Wedgwood neighborhood, will host a coffeehouse/open mic on Saturday, Feb. 5, featuring music, poetry, storytelling, comedy and other artistic expression by local Jewish artists, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $3 at the door. For details, call 368-0493.

On Sunday, Feb. 6, the center will host a free discussion group on contemporary Jewish life, beginning at 7 p.m. (RSVP: 425-557-0377).

On Saturday, Feb. 26, the center will hold a "Krazy for Klezmer" night, featuring Klezmer music by the Kosher Red Hots and Shawn's Kugel. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For details, call 526-8073.

Christian Science church to offer talk on stopping violence

Concerned about violence in today's world? Ron Ballard of San Francisco, Calif., and Ashland, Ore., will present a talk on how to control violence in our communities. He will speak on Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. in the Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave. N, one block off Aurora. His talk, which is sponsored by 13th Church of Christ, Scientist, in Seattle, is titled: "Stop the Violence: Pray!" There is no charge for the presentation, and free child care and parking are available.

"Learning how to control the factors that affect our lives is a perennial challenge," says Ballard, "but experiences by those relying on an understanding of God's presence in our lives proves that anyone can learn how to take control of those factors and stop the violence." He will present contemporary examples of overcoming various kinds of violence, including attempted rape, robbery and threats to life, as well as threats of fire and financial disaster.

"People are often skeptical about the power of spiritual means to stop violence," says Ballard, "but for centuries many have proved the effectiveness of prayer. No matter what one's faith, the same God provides the basis for our security."

Ballard, who has a degree in political science, entered the full-time healing ministry of Christian Science in 1969. As a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, he has traveled widely, giving presentations at colleges and universities, branch Christian Science churches and media outlets.