Religion Digest: Big Memorial Day celebration today

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Many churches will honor veterans and others this Memorial Day weekend. Neighborhood at River Ranch Church will go a few steps beyond and offer a Memorial extravaganza today.

The 10:45 a.m. church service includes a flag ceremony for fallen soldiers, a 21-gun salute, an honor guard and bagpipes playing taps, and special recognition for military and law enforcement individuals and families.

After the service are more activities, including a Chinook helicopter landing at 12:15 p.m. and an afternoon of food, games and a display of military and emergency service vehicles from noon to 3 p.m.

A special display, "Freedom Isn't Free," has 2,300 white crosses and seven billboards with the names of all military victims from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. It is open 24 hours a day through May 31.

The church meets on the campus of Modesto Christian School, 5755 Sisk Road, Modesto. Call 402-6991.

Here are more faith-based activities:

MUSIC AND ARTS

MUSIC FESTIVAL -- 3 p.m. today, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto. Choir and handbell group that toured England last summer will hold a reunion concert including music, photos and video. Free. 529-3228.

CHRISTIAN CONCERT -- 5 p.m. Monday, Mistlin Park Amphitheater, 1000 River Road, Ripon. Memorial Day concert features Kutless, BarlowGirl, Big Daddy Weave, Stellar Kart and Radio Friendly. Concert benefits Youth for Christ. Gates open at 4 p.m. and each band will perform for about an hour. Food vendors; bring lawn chairs or blankets. Tickets: $35 in advance from www.standoutforchrist.com or $40 at gate.

GOSPEL FEST -- 1-5:30 p.m. Monday, Turlock Community Theater, 1574 E. Canal Drive. Annual Memorial weekend concert includes Richland Trio, Eternal Praise, Sons of Light, Chordsmen, Roberts, River Boys, Debt Free, Dartts and Brian Cogburn. $12 advance from Beardsley's Book & Bible in McHenry Village, Modesto, or Family Bible Center, Turlock; $15 at door. 538-3838.

COUNTRY CONCERT -- 6 p.m. May 31, Escalon First Baptist Church, 1511 Catherine Way. Roger Tripp & The Christian Country Band in concert. Offering. 838-3213.

CLASSES

FINANCIAL PEACE --

6:30-8:15 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning June 2, Redeemer Church, 14th and H streets, Modesto. Classes include video presentations by financial expert Dave Ramsey on topics such as budgeting, emergency funds, getting out of debt and understanding mortgages and insurance. The $93 cost includes book, workbook and other materials. 324-9530

FORGIVENESS -- 6:45- 8:15 p.m. Mondays, beginning June 1, Modesto Covenant Church, 913 Floyd Ave. "Developing a Lifestyle of Forgiveness" includes workbook and discussion. Child care available if registered by June 1. $10. 527-4110.

MISCELLANEOUS

MAKEUP AUDITIONS -- 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, The Carpenter's House, 1105 S. Carpenter Road, Modesto. Auditions for teens wishing to be part of Youth for Christ's singing, dance and drama teams that perform in Bay area and locally this summer. 522-9568, ext. 19.

SINGLES TAILGATE PARTY -- 7 p.m. Friday, Big Valley Grace Community Church's west lawn, 4040 Tully Road, Modesto. Barbecue hot dogs ($1 each) with potluck for side dishes, dessert. Volleyball, football, Frisbee, checkers, chess and dominos. Bring lawn chair. Free. 571-4341.

BACCALAUREATE -- 2-3 p.m. May 31 in the Enochs High School gym, Sylvan Avenue, Modesto. Citywide Christian service, sponsored by the Bible clubs at Modesto's six high school campuses, will include worship music and testimonies from graduates and guest speakers, including keynoter Marvin Jacobo from Youth for Christ. Free, but pre-register at www.bac09.com. 545-5530.

YOUTH EXPLOSION -- 2-6 p.m. June 6, Fun Works, 4307 Coffee Road, Modesto. Sponsored by Carry the Cross, event for all ages includes music, dance teams and testimonies. Free entrance; must pay regular fees for rides or games if desired. 544-3002.

Submit items by noon Tuesday to Sue Nowicki at snowicki@modbee.com, fax to 578-2207 or mail to The Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352-5256.