October 2009 Interfaith Connection Newsletter, Interfaith Works

8/8/2019 October 2009 Interfaith Connection Newsletter, Interfaith Works

1/8

INTERFAITH CONNECTION

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

Interfaith Works is an association of congregations, affiliatednon-profit organizations and individuals. Our purpose is topromote interfaith understanding, and serve the community through

charitable, social and educational endeavors.

RAMADAN,

MONTH OF THE QURAN

Adapted from www.whyislam.org by MustafaMohamedali, Interfaith Coordinator, Islamic Center

of Olympia and Interfaith Works Board Member

(This is the second of a two-part article on Ramadan,which began on August 22 and ends September 20.Part one was printed in the September issue).

God began revealing the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) during Ramadan in the year 610 C.E.The Holy Quran is one of the most-read books in the worldfor it is often read, re-read and memorized in its originallanguage, Arabic. In Ramadan, in addition to fasting,Muslims are encouraged to focus as much time as possible

on reading, listening to and understanding the teachings ofthe Quran. One of the ways Muslims get closer to the Quranduring Ramadan is through a long congregational prayeroffered in the late evening. During this prayer it is customarythat the entire Quran is recited over the course of the entiremonth, led by a Hafiz Imam.

God says in the Holy Quran: O ye who believe!Fasting is prescribed to you as it wasprescribed to those before you, that ye may(learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the(month) in which was sent down theQuran, as a guide to mankind, also clear(Signs) for guidance and judgment

(Continued on page 2)

OCTOBER 2009

A TASTEFUL AUCTION:

FUNdraiser for Interfaith Works

Youre sure to be licking your lips and tapping yourtoes at this fun event. Make some new friends.Taste some amazing desserts. Hear some awe-some music! Oh yeah, and help raise some fundsfor Interfaith Works at the same time!

Live music by Artesian Rumble Arkestra (ARA),includes former IW board member Richard Lopez.Folks from many local faith communities will bethere for the fun. And you will be HAPPY to spendyour money on delicious desserts and some veryinteresting, even unique items.

Marvelous and mouth-watering desserts will beavailable for tasting as well as auctioned. Just someof the other items available include a hand-craftedquilt, handmade scarves, a gift basket of local foods,harmonica lessons, and an authentic Stumpf Fiddlethat must be seen to be believed.

Who says fundraising has to be intimidating? We

are going to have a blast at Interfaith Works firsteverTasteful Auction. Bring your family and friendsfor an entertaining and tasty evening as we supportthe mission and goals of Interfaith Works. Admissionis free; Saturday, October 10, 7 p.m. at First Chris-tian Church (7th& Franklin) in downtown Olympia.



2/8

(between right and wrong). So every oneof you who is present (at his home) duringthat month should spend it in fasting...

(Al-Quran 2:183,185).Benefits Of Fasting

Fasting makes the individual more aware of the many

bounties of God. The hunger and thirst remind thefasting person of the poor who may seldom eat well.Fasting reinforces the concept that wasting theCreators bounties is a sign of ingratitude to Him.

Muslims are reminded to be extra-generous duringthe month of Ramadan and to share the bounties thatGod has provided them, giving generously in charity.

Wealth is regarded as a trust from God, not really ourown; will we be greedy with it and spend it only onourselves, or will we strive to please Him by sharing itwith others?

A person who carefully observes the month ofRamadan becomes closer to God. The self-restraint

of Ramadan makes the heart and mind accustomedto the remembrance and praise of God and to theobedience of His commandments. It is therefore aspiritual regimen and a re-orientation process for thebody and mind.

Eid-ul Fitr

The end of Ramadan is marked by the new moon,which is followed by a day of celebration known asEid-ul-Fitr or the festival of fast-breaking, which takesplace on September 20 this year. Families wake upearly in the morning, put on their best clothes and goto the mosque for the Eid sermon and congregationalprayers. They thank the Merciful God for having given

them the opportunity to experience the blessed monthof Ramadan. The day is accompanied by celebration,socializing, festive meals and modest gift-givingespecially to children. But before the

festivities begin, every person, adult and child, musthave already contributed towards Zakat-ul-Fitra. Thisis a meal or alms to the needy to make sure nobody

is excluded from this happy occasion.The Eid celebration is not merely about feasting andsocializing. There is a deep significance for those whotruly observed the holy month with their fasting,abstaining from all bad habits and striving hard toearn the pleasure of God. For the observant, theMerciful Allah has granted Eid as a day for

forgiveness of sins. The Muslim is left with a feeling ofhappiness and joy and a renewed energy to face therest of the year with faith and determination. Islamteaches that the objective of life is to earn thepleasure of God. The spiritual closeness that can beachieved during the month of Ramadan serves thispurpose for those who truly work hard to benefit from

it.

Ramadan (Continued from page 1)

2

Donations are appreciated!

Desserts:We'll need TWO of each dessert, one for

tasting and one for the auction winner tobring home.

Please write a very brief description of youroffering (name of dessert; is it vegan, gluten-free or contain highly allergenic ingredients,

such as dairy or nuts). If you wish, includethe recipe too!

Other Items for Auction: art, gift certificates, andother "tasteful" items.

Bring to the auction or drop them off that day atKathleen Peppard's house, 504 17th Ave. S.E., at

Jefferson. Or, request a pick-up at 705-2527, e-mail [email protected].

A Tasteful Auction(Continued from page 1)


3/8

3

The otherworldliness of our journey to Indiabegan on the airplane. Many hours into the flight,I glanced up at the video display showing the pathof the plane. We were flying directly aboveAfghanistan. We were thousands of feet up, ofcourse, and well out of harms way, but down onthe ground some people

were planting bombs andshooting at each other,while many more peopletried to avoid gettingcaught in the fighting.Around me, most of thepeople were sleeping.

Friends who have been toIndia are nearly universalin describing it as a landof contradictions. Toprepare for the trip, Idread a number of books,most of which served to further confound my

expectations. Would we find ourselves in thehigh-tech India, or the India of limbless, leprousbeggars? Would we find peace and harmonybased on Indias rich spiritual traditions, or conflictand danger from the tension with Pakistan andrecent bombings in Mumbai?

In truth, Indias contradictions turned out to besubtler. We stayed in a spacious, upscale private

home but our bathroom didnt have hot water.And we struggled to find Indian food better than or even as good as our favorite restaurant athome. And we attended amazing performances ofsacred music and dance, but relatively fewIndians showed up.

These performances

were the reason we hadcome to India. AtOlympias 2008 WorldSacred Music Festival,two Indians inattendance had come totalk with me about the

organization of ourmodest festival. Butbefore I had even metthem, they had alreadytaken in the performanceby my wife, LaVon

Hardison, and on the spot had invited her to

participate in the first International Festival ofSacred Arts in Delhi.

Preminder Singh and his business partner MinaVahie were planning an ambitious week-longfestival, bringing together musicians, dancers,and academics from all around the world for film,lectures, dance, and musical performances. The


THE SACRED WAS NEVER FAR AWAY

Scott Allan Stevens is a freelance writer and photographer and one of the foundingorganizers of IWs World Sacred Music Festival. He and his wife, performer LaVonHardison, and her accompanist Darriel Menefee, traveled to India in February to partici-pate in the first International Festival of Sacred Arts in Delhi. He is a member of FirstChurch of Christ, Scientist, Olympia. Scott also hosts the world music radio show SpinThe Globe on KAOS 89.3 FM (heard Friday mornings at 10 a.m.) and writes theglobal-culture blog SoundRoots.org.

LaVon Hardison performs at the InternationalFestival of Sacred Arts in Delhi, India.


4/8

4

Thurston County faith communities are invited toBike and Walk for Climate Change Awareness onOctober 24, 2009, a worldwide day of action forpeople who see the climate crisis as a spiritualand moral issue, and are committed to workingtogether to find solutions.

Inspired by the work of environmentalist and

author Bill McKibben, the Planetary Day of Actionis an international campaign calling the world torise to the challenge of the climate crisis bycreating a new sense of urgency and possibilityfor our planet. October 24 events will focus on thenumber 350: 350 parts of carbon dioxide permillion is the level scientists have identified as the

safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere.Timing of the call for awareness is critical: thisDecember, world leaders meet in Copenhagen tocraft a new global treaty on carbon dioxideemissions.

Thurston Countys October 24 climate actionevent, Bike and Walk for Climate ChangeAwareness, begins at 10 a.m. Three hundred fiftyfamilies all ages are welcome! will bike orwalk a short section of the Chehalis-WesternTrail, ending at a park where information onclimate change, refreshments, and music will

greet riders and walkers.Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee,Washington State Unitarian Universalist Voicesfor Justice, and Earth Care Catholics aresponsors of the October 24 Day of Awareness;they invite all faith communities and organizationsto join them.

Learn more about the international campaign atwww.350.org, and about Thurston Countys eventby contacting Rev. Carol McKinley at 360 786-8074, or [email protected].

FAITH COMMUNITIES BIKE & WALK FOR CLIMATE OCT. 24The Rev. Carol McKinley, Interfaith Earth Stewardship Committee

Appreciative Living for the Individual

Saturday, October 17, 9:15 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

How can we live with a mindset that looks at Whatis going well? How do we nourish and appreciatelife in a positive way, construct questions from a

positive perspective? How do we live out of hope,inspiration and joy with one anotherbecome thechange we want to see? If these questions are yourquestions, join us for a workshop using the Appre-ciative Inquiry model that flows from a scripturalcontext.

Led by Sue Schneider and Lucy Wynkoop, OSB

Register by October 9. Cost: $50. Bring a lunch.

Other upcoming workshops include:

Forgiveness: Portal to Wisdom, October 24Nightmares as Spiritual Resources, October 31Felting: A Way of God, 6 Sessions begin Nov. 3Gregorian Chant as Spiritual Practice, Nov. 7Centering Prayer Retreat, November 13-15Spiritual Companionship: Journeying To-

gether Toward Fullness of Li fe, November 14

The Priory also offers Individual and Group Re-treats, Spiritual Direction, Healing Touch. For moreinformation, visit the website: www.stplacid.org.

To register for classes, call St. Placid Priory Spiritu-ality Center at (360) 438-2595 or e-mail: [email protected].

CLASSES ON APPRECIATIVE LIVING AND MORE AT PRIORY


5/8

5

main evening shows at one of the largest venues inthe city consisted of one Indian group and oneforeign group, in some cases collaborating togetherafter their separate performances.

Magical interactions sprung up as the festivalbrought together cultures from across India withthose from Burkina Faso, Tuva, the U.S.A., Syria,

Bulgaria, and beyond. A group of Buddhist monkscreated an elaborate sand mandala in the theaterslobby over the course of the week, a work of both artand meditation.

We had some time away from the festival, and eventhen the sacred was never far away. Temples,mosques, and tiny shrines were everywhere. Wevisited a meticulously kept Jain temple, a bustlingKrishna temple with a high-tech walk-throughdiorama, and the stunning and peaceful BahaiLotus Temple. Less serene were the chaotic streetsof Old Delhi near the Jama Masjid (the World-reflecting Mosque) and the narrow lanes of thetown of Vrindavan, the birthplace of Krishna, chokedwith tourists, cows, monkeys, and vendors of allmanner of edibles and trinkets.

The festival organizers had arranged severalperformances at sacred sites around the city. Oneevening we negotiated our way through a dense,

dizzying marketplace to sit on the ground under anincense-infused tent outside the mausoleum of Sufisaint Nizamuddin Auliya and listen to a praise-singing qawwali group. Another evening we listenedto the ethereal songs of the Cosmic Voices fromBulgaria echoing throughout the Cathedral Churchof the Redemption.

The intentional destruction of the Buddhist sandmandala marked the end of the festival. The monkswiped away their colorful, detailed patterns before ahushed crowd of people from all over the planet.Their exercise in impermanent beauty touched usdeeply, and many people took home a small bag ofsand to pour into a body of water near their home.

We came home with full spirits and deepinspirations.

Links:

To see more of Scotts photos from their trip toIndia, visit http://tinyurl.com/sas-india.

The International Festival of Sacred Arts, Delhiwww.sacredartsfestivaldelhi.org

The Sacred (Continued from page 3)

In spite of all our efforts to help the homeless of our community, there are still far more homeless thanthere are available shelter beds. Many people are forced to live outside. THOSEPEOPLE NEED SLEEPING BAGS and TENTS. Some are needed right now. Your

help in finding folks willing to donate a warm sleeping bag or a tentwould be greatly appreciated! Bring them to:

The Family Support Center108 State Ave, 2nd floor

(at the corner of State and Capital in downtown Olympia)

For qquestions phone Interfaith Works, 357-7224 or Family Support Center, 754-9297 ext.209. Thanks for your help in this matter!

A PLEA FOR TENTS AND SLEEPING BAGS


6/8

6

Forty-two children, at first unknown to one another,formed a community for five days in August. Theyare boys and girls from 12 to 15 years old. Theireconomic, social and racial backgrounds are widelydiverse. They come from 18 faith traditions. Theycame to summer camp, most as strangers, and leftas friends and feeling like family. The adults wholived with them that week left camp changed,touched, enlightened by the many small acts oftolerance, patience, kindness and compassion theywitnessed by the campers.

Rachel Clark, a 9th grade camperwrote, My timeat Interfaith Youth Camp was extraordinary. Fromthe faith teachings brought by campers, staff and

faith leaders, to the wonderful people you are 'livingwith' for a week interfaith camp [was] superawesome. Not only was it so much fun, but it wasreally powerful. To see so many kids just like youcome together to talk and share different faiths thatyou didn't realize was so closely related to your own;to see that there are kids out there who believe

differently, yet are so close; so many kids are veryproud of their religion and glad to tell you all about itand welcome you into learning. At this camp, no onejudged you, and by the end of the week you had somany best friends and amazing friendships and itfelt so amazing said Rachel.

Staff members were frequently astonished by the

support and acceptance campers demonstrated foreach other. When a camper made a blunder thatwould commonly win jeers, taunts and laughter fromhis/her peers, these kids were enthusiasticallyencouraging and supportive. In one instance,Muslim faith leader Zak Dehlawi commented thatmiddle school girls are often vicious to each other,

but these kids aren't treating each other that way.These kids are different.

Certainly, Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp is not

the only reason these kids are different, but it hasundoubtedly made a difference in their lives. Thetime they spend together at camp listening andsharing about their faith, doubts, hopes and fearscreates a very special bond. Sessions aboutstereotypes, compassionate listening and conflictresolution help these kids look more deeply andcompassionately at each other. Silently meditatingtogether, sharing in each other's blessings at meals,and even maneuvering a canoe or sailboat togetherbuilds uncommon connections.

At camp, we did all your typical canoeing/capture-the-flag/friendship-bracelet-making activities, saidcamper Caroline Allen, but everything was in a

new context--What are the ways other peopleworship God? Or, sometimes, What are the waysthat I worship God? . There was a sticker that wewere given to wear: "BPM", which stood for BestPossible Motive. When two people were wearingthat sticker, that showed that it was okay to askanything about the other's faith--that the questions

were being asked with the Best Possible Motive.Yes, Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp is a realsummer camp, with archery, wild (but supervised),games in the woods, water sports and campfires;but it is much more than that. It is a seed of peace,planted in a group of young people; our hope for thefuture.

WHAT I LEARNED AT CAMP THIS SUMMERKathy Erlandson, Camp Nurse (and IWs Executive Director)

Come enjoy the Jewish High Holy Days

of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with

Congregation B'nai Torah of Olympia

3437 Libby Road NE

Olympia, WA 98506

For more information, contact

Lowell at 360-356-7367


7/8

COMMUNITY CALENDARA 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.

7

September 25

Friday + moreCall for times

30-hour Hospice Volunteer Training offered by Providence SoundHomeCare and Hos-

pice The training takes place over three days and two evenings. For information and toregister, call Volunteer Coordinator Debe Edden at 360-493-4689.

September 26Saturday10 am

19th Annual Thurston County AIDS Walk. Approximately 2 miles, begins at SylvesterPark. Registration begins at 10 am; Walk begins at 11 am. Proceeds support AIDS/HIVprevention and care programs. Info and registration: www.olyaidswalk.com, 352-2375.

September 27

Sunday3:30-5 pm

South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship Open Meeting. SSBPF includes members of

the local Buddhist community engaging in the Buddhist path of right action in regard toworking for peace, justice and social change. Location and info: Robert 357-2825.

October 7WednesdayNoon

Interfaith Works Earth Stewards Meeting. All are invited to become part of a groupworking to link faith and earth stewardship. The monthly meetings are at

First Christian Church, 7th and Franklin. For info contact [email protected].

October 10

Saturday79 pm

A Tasteful Auction. A silent auction of exquisite desserts & other wondrous things.

Light refreshments. Live music. Scintillating conversation. Come, invite friends! FirstChristian Church (7th & Franklin).All proceeds to benefit Interfaith Works .

October 11Sunday3:00 pm

St. Johns Concert Series opens with The Esoterics, an innovative Seattle vocal ensem-ble dedicated to performing contemporary choral settings of poetry, philosophy, and spiri-tual writings from around the world. Free-will offering accepted.114 20th Ave SE, Olympia.

October 11Sunday6:00 pm

Celebration: Interfaith. Building bridges of peace through understanding using music,message and meditation. 2nd Sunday of the month. Unity of Tacoma, 2102 S. 23rd St,Tacoma, WA 98405. Info 253-383-2684 or 253-226-1635.

October 14Wednesday7:00 pm

EARTH CARE SERIES #2. Thurs ton County Climate Act ion: Whats HappeningLocally? Tom Crawford, Thurston County Climate Team Board member will speak.

Discussion follows. Free admission. Traditions Caf, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia.

October 15Thursday10 am2 pm

Clergy and Lay Leader Training to Help Returning Veterans. Freeworkshop aboutissues facing our military families, such as TBI, suicide, drug abuse, divorce, PTSD. At St.Matthews Lutheran Church, Renton. Lunch included. Contact [email protected].

October 15-17and 22-24.5-9; 8:30-5:30

40-Hour Mediation Training with the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County;training to be held in Downtown Olympia. For more information see http://www.mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155.

October 17Saturday9:15 am-3 pm

Appreciative Living for the Individual. How can we live with a mindset that looks atWhat is going well? How do we nourish life in a positive way? Cost: $50. Register byOct. 9. St. Placid Priory Spirituality Center, 360-438-2595; [email protected]


8/8

Interfaith WorksPO Box 1221Olympia WA 98507

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 325Olympia, WA 98501

RETURNSERVICEREQUESTED

SUPPORT THE INTERFAITH WORKWEAPPRECIATEYOURONE-TIMEGIFTORMONTHLYCONTRIBUTION, NOMATTERTHEAMOUNT.

I would like to support the programs and activities of Interfaith Works

Amount of Gift: $_______ ( ) one-time ( ) monthly

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________State: ______________Zip: _________________

Phone: _____________________ E-mail:___________________________________________________

Send this form and make checks payable to Interfaith Works, PO Box 1221, Olympia WA 98507.360-357-7224 www.Interfaith-Works.org [email protected]

Your gift to Interfaith Works, a 501(c)3 organization, is deductible as allowed under federal tax law.

Support Interfaith Works with a Paid Ad $10

Donate on-linewith PayPal!

See our website.

Saturday, October 10,7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

First Christian Church (7th and Franklin)

Whats happening?

A silent auction of exquisitedesserts

and otherwondrousthings Light refreshments Livemusic

Scintillating conversation

Please come,and invite your friends!

All proceeds to benefit Interfaith Works

Another WayFair Trade Gifts and Foods

Open Saturdays 10:00 3:00

Supporting global artisans

and localhunger relief

Lacey Community Church4501 19th Ave SE, Lacey

360-491-1741

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (S.A.D.)Symptoms Causes Treatments

Do you experience lethargy, fatigue, or eat and sleepmore when the temperature drops and darkness falls

earlier?Pacific Pastoral Counseling presents amini-workshop. Fee: $25, Scholarships available.

RSVP to Carol Sorenson at 360-790-3286

Friday, October 2, 12:30-3:30 pmFirst United Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia

October 2009 Interfaith Connection Newsletter, Interfaith Works

Documents

Transcript of October 2009 Interfaith Connection Newsletter, Interfaith Works