october 2010 interfaith connection newsletter, interfaith works

8/8/2019 October 2010 Interfaith Connection Newsletter, Interfaith Works

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IINTERFAITHNTERFAITH CCONNECTIONONNECTION

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, P.O. Box 1221, Olympia, WA 98507 [email protected] (360) 357-7224 www.Interfaith-Works.org

Interfaith Works is an association of congregations, affiliated non-profit organizations and individuals. Our purpose is to promote interfaith understanding, and serve the community through

charitable, social and educational endeavors.OCTOBER 2010

9/11 INTERFAITH EVENT FILLS CONGREGATION

3,019 Miles & a World Away…

Scott Stevens

Gainesville, Florida, is 3,019 miles away from where I sitas I write this. And it seems at least 3,000 miles awayspiritually, at least in the kind of spirituality promoted by acertain "Christian" pastor there, who we'll leave unnamed.

I was thinking earlier about what to post on this loadeddate, nine years after the attacks by terrorists in Washing-ton DC, New York, and Pennsylvania. I could post music

(Continued on page 2)

Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper

Olympia Responds

Danny Kadden, Executive Director On September 11, a day of solemnmemories was clouded this year bythreats from a Florida-based pastor to

publicly burn copies of the Qur'an. InOlympia, Interfaith Works membersand friends responded by coming to-gether to sit as friends and neighborsfrom across faith traditions, to hear readings and teachings from theQur'an given by Imam Nabil,

leaders and clergy from the localBuddhist, Christian, Jewish, andinterfaith communities, and other leaders of the Islamic Center of Olympia (a member of InterfaithWorks), and to express our shared commitment to religious

freedom for all people.

We were not alone. Similar inter-faith gatherings were held in theSeattle area, Tacoma, and in adiverse set of cities from Beverly

(continued on page 3) Imam Nabil addresses 9/11 gathering



October 2010, p. 2

showing the peaceful side of Islam, or something

about the folly of the misguided rush to war that fol-lowed 9/11.

Instead I baked oatmeal cookies. Lots of oatmealcookies. And then I went to a local interfaith eventbilled as "An interfaith response to anti-Islamic hate."

My community has some strong interfaith credentials,with the roots of the most prominent interfaith organi-zation dating back to 1969. So I wasn't surprised tohear about this event, a response to the Florida flare-up and a positive, neighborly way to observe the an-niversary of a dark day. Though I was a little sur-prised to arrive near the Unitarian Universalist con-

gregation where the event was being held -- in aquiet residential neighborhood -- and find so manycars there I had to park two blocks away.

The place was packed. I recognized some faces, and

learned who others were as they spoke. The mainportion of the program was in the hands of local Mus-lims, who talked about the Qur’an, aspects of faith,

and how some Arabs were essentially going back topre-Islamic traditions of vengeful violence, which findno support in Islam. The new Imam of the local

mosque, a Moroccan, was charming and self-effacing, and recited beautifully a passage from theQuran, with others translating.

Equally moving were the comments by other localfaith community leaders. One after another, Chris-tians, Jews, Bahais, Buddhists, and others stood to

support local Muslims and denounce intolerance,violence, and "them vs. us"-ness.

And it wasn't just the rabbis and ministers andmonks. As I mentioned, the place was packed. Whichmeant that here, more than three thousand milesaway from this week's center of controversy, we had

a gathering of two or three times more people thanare members in that tiny Gainsville church.

I can only imagine what kind of gatherings happenedin larger cities around the USA. And I hope Muslimsabroad will see some images of these kind of gather-ings, and realize that most Americans do not hate

them, and do not wish to desecrate their scriptures.Instead we want to live in a world where people of faith (and even of no particular faith) can share thequalities of respect, tolerance, gratitude, and com-passion. We want to live in a world where a tiny mes-sage of hate cannot be louder than the voices of themany seeking peace.

Every religion, every nation has its crazies. It's up tothe rest of us to not allow them to set the agenda for everyone.

I suppose that's my 9/11 message. Goes well withoatmeal cookies.

Scott Stevens is a delegate for Interfaith Works, and Direc-tor of the World Sacred Music Festival. He blogs atSoundRoots World Music & Global Culture,www.soundroots.org. Reprinted by permission.

3,019 Miles Away (Continued from page 1)

Abubaker Rony from the Islamic Center of Olympia,

Interfaith Works Executive Director Danny Kadden, and

Mustafa Mohamedali, member of the Islamic Center of Olym-

pia and Interfaith Works Board Member prepare for the

Qur’an reading at the 9/11 interfaith event.



October 2010, p. 3

One of the most significant insights coming to usfrom our spiritual traditions, from indigenous peo-ples and from science, is the notion that there isonly one Earth community, there is only one sacredcommunity and that is "The Community of Life".Virtually everything that exists is part of this inter connected, interdependent, and living system.

We see this web of interconnectedness every-where when we look at the natural world, and if wewant to unlock the meaning of life, we must try tounderstand this way in which all of reality is inter-linked. As one living and closed system, the wholeearth community is organized and structured insuch a way that all members of this sacred commu-nity of life depend on, and feed off of, each other

for their existence. Thus, eating and being eaten is...at its basic and literal reality, a deeply mysticalmatter. When we eat, we not only take into our-selves another being, but that being becomespart of us, those molecules become part of our human tissue. The metaphor for food here isless that of fuel than that of communion. Eating

and being eaten incarnates one of the centralmysteries of life: each life at some point becom-ing food for other life, in an on-going chain of life, death, and mutual sustenance.(Carla Berkedal, “Earth Letter”, Nov. 1996, p. 10).

It is for this reason that Wendell Berry says, “Howwe eat will determine to a considerable extent how

the world is used.”Eating then, is a profoundly spiritual, religious andethical act, for what we eat, where our food comesfrom, and how we eat are all expressions of our how we are embedded in this sacred Community of Life and as such, can be seen as a sacrament.

I do not mean to suggest we can live harmlesslyor strictly at our own expense; we depend uponother creatures and survive by their deaths. Tolive, we must daily break the body and shed theblood of creation. The point is, when we do thisknowingly, lovingly, skillfully, reverently, it is asacrament. When we do it ignorantly, greedily,clumsily, destructively, it is a desecration…in

such desecration we condemn ourselves tospiritual and moral loneliness, and others towant. (Wendell Berry, “The Gift of Good Land”,1983, p. 272)

In our series, Ethical Eating: Healthy Planet,Healthy Food, Healthy People, we will exploreways to eat well in the community of life. Please

join us for the whole series or for any part of this

series.

Event flyer on next page.

Olympia Responds(continued from page 1)

Hills to Hoboken, from Atlanta to Cheyenne.

Our 9/11 program provided a powerful public fo-rum to discuss our reactions to what has beengoing on, and what steps we might take to keepour community a safe and welcoming place for allfaiths.

This has been one of Interfaith Works core mis-

sions through the years, one that now takes onnew urgency and meaning, and one that we willcontinue to support.

Thank you to Rev. Art Vaeni and the

Olympia Unitarian Univer-

salist Congregation for hosting Interfaith Works

9/11 Response to Anti-Muslim Bigotry.

EATING ETHICALLY IN THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE

Sr. Mimi Maloney, SNJM, Interfaith Works Earth Stewards Committee



EARTH CARE Series: Videos, Presentations, Conversations 2010-2011

Oct.

13

“Hands-on Earth Care with Children” What’s happening in local

schools that could serve as models for gardening and waste reduction

(recycling, composting) in other local schools?

A panel discussion with Karen Ray (Thurston Co. Food Bank School

Gardens Coordinator), Rob Cahill (Lakes Elementary Teacher), and PeterGuttchen (Thurston Co. Solid Waste Food to Flowers Coordinator).

Nov.

10

“Earth Care Goes Poetic: Poetry and Sustainability Workshop forYouth and the Young at Heart” Dr. Don Foran will help fledgling and future

poets of all ages focus on images from our bruised but brilliant world and show how

poetry truly can save our world .

Jan.

12

“Food, Inc.” (DVD) lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing

the highly mechanized underbelly that has been largely hidden from the

American consumer. We are a nation riddled with widespread obesity,

particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes.

Feb.

9

“Hidden Dangers in Kids Meals: Genetically Engineered

Foods” (DVD). In this video, shocking research results, inadequate

regulations, and warnings from eminent scientists explain why

Genetically Modified Foods are dangerous and should be removed from

kids' meals, and why GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) threatenyour health, the environment and future generations.

Mar.

9

“Good Food” (DVD) offers an intimate look at the farmers, ranchers,

and businesses that are creating a more sustainable food system in the Pacific

Northwest.

E E E T T T H H H I I I C C C AAAL L L E E E AAAT T T I I I N N N G G G : : :

H H H e e e a a a l l l t t t h h h y y y P P P l l l a a a n n n e e e t t t ,,,

H H H e e e a a a l l l t t t h h h y y y

F F F o o o o o o d d d ,,, H H H e e e a a a l l l t t t h h h y y y

P P P e e e o o o p p p l l l e e e Sat.

Apr.

9

“Discover the Wonders of Nature at the Nisqually National

Wildlife Refuge”* Aimed especially at families and educators, this

program includes a tour of the Education Center, Nature Explore Area, and

information about the Refuge’s environmental education programs.*Note: Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, 10 am to noon, Saturday, April 9

Where: Traditions Café 300 5th

Ave SW, Olympia Time: 7‐9 pm

Events are on Wednesdays (except Apr. 9), followed by discussion. For information call 459‐5825.

All Events are Free. Donations Accepted.

We’ve got the

wholeworld

in our hands. Now what?



COMMUNITY CALENDAR A listing of some of the activities and events of Interfaith Works members, affiliated organizations, and of general interest.

IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details and events at www.Interfaith-Works.org.

October 2010, p. 5

October 7

Thursday7—8:45 pm

The Union of Two Paths: Wisdom & Its Methods Determining the effectiveness and

achievements of one's practice on these paths in the journey of personal and social trans-formation. 1211 Wilson Street NE, Olympia, WA. Nalanda Institute, www.nalandaolywa.org

October 9Saturday9:30-3:30

Moving with Jesus We will adapt and modify yoga and tai chi movements to depict Jesus’life story. Cost: $50. Facilitated by Roy DeLeon. Register by 10/5. Priory Spirituality Center,500 College St. NE, Lacey, 98516. www.stplacid.org; 438-2595

October 10

Sunday8,10:30 am

Liturgical Dance in Memory of John Twelves In a dance tribute to John’s long, active,

and god-centered, Mary Alice Olson and Meri Russell will perform at both services. St.John’s Episcopal Church, 114 20th Ave SE, (at Capitol Way). All are Welcome!

October 13Wednesday7:00 pm

Hands-On Earth Care with Children - Earth Care Series on Ethical Eating, #1.What’s happening in local schools that could serve as models for gardening and waste

reduction? A panel discussion at Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia. Free.

October 14

Thursday6:30 pm

Conversation with Muslim Americans: “How does it feel to be Muslim in America today?”

with members of the Lacey Islamic Center. Potluck desserts and tea. Sponsored by Com-mon Bread (TESC Interfaith Student Group) The Longhouse. http://Cbread.blogspot.com

Oct.14-23Thur-Satvarious

40-hour Professional Mediation Training. Learn powerful skills for helping people tosolve conflict with the Dispute Resolution Center. 2 consecutive weekends. Fee: $625. Pre-registration required. www.mediatethurston.com; 956-1155

Nov. 10

Wednesday7:00 pm

Earth Care Goes Poetic - Earth Care Series on Ethical Eating, #2.

Dr. Don Foran will help fledgling and future poets of all ages, and show how poetrytruly can save our world. Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia. Free.

Nov. 13Saturday9—3 pm

Winter Wonderland Bazaar - Bakery and Candy, Silent Auction, Nuts, Cookie Walk, Quilt-ing & Gift, Children’s & Household, Outdoor & Go-Green. Spaghetti luncheon 11:30-1. FirstUnited Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia, 98501; 943-2661

November 21

Sunday2:30 pm

27th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving: A Celebration of the Whole Human Family.

Join us for music, words and songs of many faiths. Reception following.Tumwater United Methodist Church, 1401 Lake Park Dr. SW, Tumwater 98512.

Oct. 28-Nov. 12varies

Hospice Training. Volunteers provide support to families/caregivers and those who aredying by offering respite for a caregiver, running errands, being a loving presence. 30-hour training. Call Debe Edden, SoundHome & Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, 493-4689.

October 16

Saturday6:30—8:30 pm

Introduct ion to the Enneagram. Learn nine distinct worldviews that make up Enneagram,

gain tools for recognizing habits of thinking, feeling, acting. Cost: $60. Register by 10/8.Priory Spirituality Center, 500 College St. NE, Lacey, 98516. www.stplacid.org; 438-2595



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Non-Profit Org.

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Permit No. 325Olympia, WA 98501

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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T u e s d a y

www.interfaith-works.org

“A Wintery Wonderland Bazaar”

Saturday, November 13, 9 - 3 p.m.First United Methodist Church

1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia; 943-2661

Spaghetti Luncheon, 11:30 am–1:00 pm

OneOneOne---of of of ---aaa---Kind Silent AuctionKind Silent AuctionKind Silent Auction Varieties of Nuts Cookie Walk Bakery and Candy boothsBakery and Candy boothsBakery and Candy booths Christmas items

Quilting and Gift items Children’s & Household itemsChildren’s & Household itemsChildren’s & Household items Outdoor boothOutdoor boothOutdoor booth “Go Green” booth

27TH ANNUAL IIINTERFAITHNTERFAITHNTERFAITH

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Sunday,

November 21, 2:30 pm

Tumwater United Methodist Church

1401 Lake Park Dr. SW,

Tumwater, 98512

Music, words & songs of many faiths

Children welcome

Reception with light refreshments following

All are welcome

Thank you for supporting Interfaith Worksthrough the Combined Fund Drive (CFD) —the Wash-

ington State public employee giving program. We were gladto meet some of you at the recent Charity Fairs.

OUR CFD CHARITY CODE IS: 316251

october 2010 interfaith connection newsletter, interfaith works

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