Need a reason to root for a runner in this year's New York City Marathon? We're cheering for Jim Margard of Seattle to finish strong. Jim plans to run the 26.2-mile course on Nov. 7 and has pledged $40 per mile ($1,040) to support LCSNW's Afghan refugee resettlement programs, regardless of whether he crosses the finish line.

He invites the community to join him (in pledging, not running in the world's largest marathon) to the tune of $1 per mile or more. Here's how: queenannelutheran.org/897new/running-for-afghan-refugees-pledge-page/

Go, Jim, go! ... See MoreSee Less

An arson fire that left the Islamic Center of Tacoma indefinitely homeless has stirred up sparks of interfaith solidarity. And they're already burning brighter than Monday's act of intolerance.https://komonews.com/news/local/after-arsonist-targets-islamic-center-of-tacoma-its-leaders-call-for-unity

St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows offered space for the mosque's daily and weekly prayers. It also hosted a meeting Tuesday where the community could begin to discuss next steps, such as a rebuild/remodel of the only mosque in Pierce County.

“We’ve been saying all along that if it happens to any of us, it happens to all of us," St. Mark's Pastor Jan Ruud told KOMO News.

Amen to that. ʾĀmīn, as well.

On its Facebook page, the Islamic Center thanked St. Mark's and many others in the community for their support. www.facebook.com/theislamiccenteroftacoma/

This sudden displacement of local Muslims is a microcosm of what's playing out on the world stage, in places such as Afghanistan. May all people of faith similarly rise to the occasion. Let's carry out the mission of #HealthJusticeHope for refugees, immigrants and others who feel like strangers in a strange land. ... See MoreSee Less