Critical thinking

An informational meeting for anyone interested in or considering joining the Education for Ministry Group at St. Stephen’s Church in Coconut Grove, will be 7 p.m. Monday at St. Stephen’s, 2750 MacFarland Rd. in Coconut Grove.

The Education for Ministry group is a four-year program of study with an aim of developing critical thinking regarding church teachings. There is an emphasis on applying everyday observations and experiences to your understanding of matters of faith.

Interested persons should contact Kris-An Lamberti at 305-962-1450 or see Ralph Moffett after the 10 a.m. worship service at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 464 NE 16th St.

Wedding day

He may be the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, but on Saturday the Rev. Dr. David Imhoff will simply be "Dad," as he walks his daughter Natalie down the aisle to become the bride of Richard Spires. Imhoff’s former colleague Pastor John Gallo, will o officiate.

Natalie is the sixth of the Imhoff’s seven children. All her siblings — Andrew, Sarah, James, Carl, Michael and Shawn — will be in the wedding, while Jeanne Imhoff has the best seat in the house as "mother-of-the-bride."

Grace Lutheran is at 254 Curtiss Pkwy. in Miami Springs.

Concert

The Arts at St. Johns program at St. Johns on the Lake United Methodist Church, 4760 Pine Tree Dr. in Miami Beach, will present the Amazonia Vocal ensemble in concert at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The ensemble was organized to educate and promote music, traditions and culture from Latin America and the Caribbean through musical ensembles, in order to preserve the cultural heritage.

The group is directed by Betzabet Consuegra, associate conductor, who was born in Camaquey, Cuba. Tickets are $20 at the door; $15 for seniors and $5 at the door for students with ID’s. Military with family and IDs are admitted free.

Peace Day in Pinecrest

From 6-9 p.m. Friday the village of Pinecrest will host a United Nations International Day of Peace with a free community "Peace in the Gardens," evening at Pinecrest Gardens, at 112th St. SW 57th Ave.

The program will include performances by Karen Peterson and Dancers, a dance troupe that is inclusive of people with disabilities, along with student ensembles from all six Pinecrest schools.

In addition, the Hibiscus Gallery will exhibit the artistic work of Phil Fung, and student works of art with the theme of peace. Fung’s signature T-shirts with the drawing of the faces of the purchasers on the design, will be for sale.

There will also be food, arts and crafts related to peace themes, and a grand finale drumming circle by Matt Smith. Smith will provide the drums and participants will provide the rhythm.

The event kicks off Pinecrest’s campaign to become a Community of Respect, a designation conferred by the Anti-Defamation League. All Pinecrest schools will be striving for the honor of becoming a "No Place for Hate" school, also conferred by the ADL.

Call Pinecrest Gardens at 305-669-6990 (cq) for more information.

Against gun violence

"The community is invited to the newly renovated Gibson Park to take a stand against gun violence after last week's shooting.

The rally will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the park, 401 NW 12th St. in Overtown, and is being held to protest gun violence in the community. Neighbors surrounding the park fear the violence will keep them from enjoying the new facilities, which include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a baseball and football field and playground.

All churches, clubs, organizations, fraternities, sororities and concerned citizens are invited to the rally.