Looking Ahead

Oct. 13

How might someone mark Clergy Appreciation Day? Lifeway, the Christian retailer, suggests parishioners make kitschy greeting cards, custom bookmarks, or even buy full Bible commentary sets for their pastors. The day set aside to honor pastors arrives during Clergy Appreciation Month (October).

Oct. 15

After a two-year run in Atlanta, the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards returns to Nashville tonight. Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin will host festivities while the Gaither Vocal Band, Michael W. Smith, Tamela Mann, and others are set to perform. The broadcast of the awards show won’t take place until Oct. 21 on the UP network.

Oct. 16

Newark, N.J., Mayor Corey Booker is a heavy favorite to replace deceased Sen. Frank Lautenberg in a special election today. Booker’s Republican opponent, Steve Lonegan, has raised only a fraction of the cash Booker has in the deep-blue state. And though Lonegan trimmed Booker’s massive lead in polls in September, most consider the Republican as the longest of long shots.

Oct. 20

Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House will ring in its 40th anniversary with guided tours of the performance hall all October. Its survival uncertain only five years ago, the Opera House has undertaken costly repairs, and patrons who arrive for the official 40th anniversary celebrations on Oct. 20 can expect many more years of performances in the Southern Hemisphere’s most iconic venue.

Oct. 23

Baseball’s 109th World Series begins today in an American League city. Joe Buck will cover the play-by-play for the Fox network while Tim McCarver handles the color commentary. The championship series will be McCarver’s farewell from baseball after 55 years in the game, including 33 as a broadcaster. McCarver, 71, will retire from broadcasting at the conclusion of the series.