Mid February Update: ICCCC Upcoming Events

Thursday, February 7th, 2013

Interfaith Council

Contra Costa County

Now Hiring

Dear Friends,

We have been expanding our website offerings, general offerings, and now we are highlighting:

Now Hiring: And, as you can see, our very capable Office Manager Susan Nakashima is moving on. Thanks for holding up the Council so well during Brian’s absence and our transition.

~~~ Interfaith Council of CCC Office Manager

The Interfaith Council is in need of a part-time Office Manager to work (at a flexible schedule) in our Walnut Creek office 12-14 hours per week. Duties include telephone and email communications, trustworthy tracking of donations and sending of thank you letters. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Publisher and WordPress website updates needed. Letter merge and Newsletter editing a must. Bilingual in English and Spanish desired. Compensation based on experience. Email resume’s and salary histories to Interfaithcccc@gmail.com.

For more Job Listings, go to our Now Hiring page.

Also, our printed Winter 2013 Ministering Together Newsletter is on it’s way this week. If you would like to download it, please download here. If we can stop mailing a newsletter to you and email it instead, please let Susan Nakashima know.

Below are some of our upcoming events. See all of our Upcoming Events and Interfaith quotes at our updated Events Page. General Announcements and Job Listings are now on their own separate pages.

“We Belong to Each Other.”

Shalom, Peace, Salaam, Om Shanti, Solh, Amani, Paz, 평화, Ping On…

Rev. Will McGarvey
Interim Executive Director

Did you know there is a “Contribute” button on our website where you can give online?

General Announcements

◊◊◊

Transitions:

We share our warm wishes with Rev. John Weems as he leaves Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church and joins Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco as Pastor/Head of Staff.

◊◊◊ Senior Home Front Foundation Presents Points of Life ®

When three of Richard and Anna Wexler’s parents became very ill at the same time they realized there was no instruction manual for this point in their life. They were living in a maturing family, with two parents, two in-laws, two school aged children and two careers.

Through this experience, Richard founded Points of Life, teaching families through their edutainment® approach about preparing for this point in their life. Their unique methods are important for both the adult child and the older loved one. They teach an important message in an educational and entertaining way, showing folks how to communicate these lessons with other family members.

To bring Points of Life and their edutainment ® approach to your location please call: 925-984-0118. www.pointsoflife.org. Senior Home Front Foundation supports senior care non-profit organizations that focus on senior care and services, senior health education, and gerontology research. The foundation’s Caregiver’s Fund benefits caregivers in need. Fundraising efforts by the Foundation help improve the lives of seniors and those who care for aging loved ones. Through education, service and fundraising events the Foundation’s mission is to help provided needed care for those who are unable to care for themselves. Donations will directly support Senior Home Front Foundation.

◊◊◊ Mt. View House Shelter

has opportunities for Congregations to share meals with their homeless Clients. Please contact Martie Steinmetz, Site Coordinator of the Mt. View House Shelter (1391 Shell Avenue, Martinez, CA 94553) at (925) 228-6920 or maritess@shelterincofccc.org to help.

Thank yous to all who have called, and Sufism Reoriented who covered January 7th to the 11th. If you or a team from your congregation can help in the future, please contact Martie Steinmetz, Site Coordinator of the Mt. View House Shelter at (925) 228-6920 or maritess@shelterincofccc.org. The Shelter for women and children is located at 1391 Shell Avenue in Martinez.

The Shelter has sign-ups through mid-March, when the following weeks are available: 3/25-3/29, 4/1-4/5, 4/22-4/26, 4/29-5/3, 5/6-5/10, 5/13-5/17, 5/20-5/24, 5/27-5/31, 6/10-/14, 6/17-6/21, 7/1-7/5, 7/8-7/12, 7/15-7/19, 7/22-7/26, 8/5-8/9.

Thank you so very much for your assistance!

◊◊◊ Youth and Young Adult Initiative

The Executive Board has approved the creation of an Interfaith Youth Group in our ICCCC! We will be hosting a Game Night at 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 28th at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette and we hope to have a Summer Camp of some sort based on the Youth Leadership’s desires and leadership. If you are a High Schooler or Youth Leader that wants to get involved in this ministry, please contact Rev. Will McGarvey soon.

◊◊◊ Spring ICCCC Concert:

Save the Date: Sunday, March 3rd at 3:00 pm at Christ the King Catholic Church (199 Brandon Road, Pleasant Hill). Free will offering will be received to support the work of ICCCC. Contact our ED Will McGarvey if your group is available to share their musical gifts on that day.

More Announcements, including authors and speakers are available on our General Announcements Page.

There are Job Listings in our Interfaith Circle here.

Calendar Events

+++ Opening our Hearts: Interfaith Truth in ActionSpeaker and Participation Series

Wednesdays Feb. 6, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Feb. 10, 4:00 p.m.
Hillcrest Congregational Church UCC
404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill
hillcrestucc.org – 925-689-8260

Remaining events:
* Feb 6 Presenter: Ejaz Naqvi, Islamic Center of Zahra, Pleasanton (Muslim)
* Feb 10 Next Steps: Discussion and Round Table. Facilitators include Will McGarvey, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County

Towards a Global Ethic – An Initial Declaration contains a searing indictment of the corruption, violence, poverty, and eco-abuse that besiege our world. It also affirms that the many faith traditions of the world contain the seeds for healing: “a common set of core values” and a “truth… already known, but yet to be lived in heart and action.”

OPENING OUR HEARTS: INTERFAITH TRUTH IN ACTION is a series of gatherings devoted to experiencing and sharing from our different traditions to increase respect and understanding, and to open up ways for people of diverse communities and beliefs to move together and put into practice a genuinely global, and healing, ethic. At a concluding gathering on Sunday Feb. 10, we will move from what we’ve learned and experienced together, including discussion of what we’ve discovered about bringing the Global Ethic into our lives and thoughts and strategies about how we might move forward as individuals, as congregations/ communities, and as part of a larger interfaith community. All are welcome at every, or any, session. Come and participate.

+++ VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED: Contra Costa Interfaith Housing needs volunteer tutors at its new Lakeside Apartments location in Concord, along the Monument Corridor.

Training is scheduled on
Wednesday, February 6, 6:00 PM.

Scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30 – 5:30 pm, volunteers will help elementary school children with their math and reading. TB and background tests are required and will be reimbursed. For more information, please contact Belinda at 925.944.2244 or by email at belinda@ccinterfaithhousing.org. Tutoring opportunities are also available in East County.

+++ FRED BURKS: Reasons for Hope and Optimism – The 10 Most Positive Trends Ignored by Commercial Media

United Earth Networks at the Craneway Center
1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 1010, Richmond
Feb 7th – Thu at 6:00 PM

Potluck dinner followed by a presentation by Frederick Burks, who in 2004 quit his high secret clearance U.S. State Department job after 18 years of service, to move to the Bay Area and help our sprouting movement towards openness and transparency. www.peerservice.org.

+++ Creating a Food Oasis in a Food Desert: Inspiring Stories of Self Reliance

Feb. 10, 2013 10 am – 4:30 pm

We will leave from Danville at 10 am and travel to Oakland. We will do a scavenger hunt to try to find fresh produce, and will talk with activists and local business leaders who are creating gardens, building produce distribution and new grocery stores in West Oakland. We will then travel to Richmond to visit leaders from Self-Sustaining Communities who are rebuilding a local food supply and housing to meet the needs of local residents. We will explore how our faith traditions inform our thinking and practices around supporting local food self-sufficiency.

To register for the field trip, please send an email to Rebecca Calahan Klein atRebeccacalahanklein@gmail.com or contact her at 510.612.0547 for the meeting place.

+++ “In What Language Will Our Children and Grandchildren Pray?” A service and workshop with Matthew Fox.

February 10, 2013
Orinda Community Church (UCC)
10 Irwin Way, Orinda
10:00 Sunday Service
11:30 Lunch
12:00-2:00 Workshop

$20.00 Individual/$30.00 Family / Students $5 Donation - Child Care Provided All Are Welcome!

Young people today are growing up in a very different world from their parents and grandparents. Call it the global, postmodern, internet age, call it what you will, the next generation uses new languages and ways to communicate: rap and rave, vj’s and i-phones, the web, facebook and more. There is less attention to printed text, more consciousness of personal context. There is more mixing, less living in a box. Ecumenism among different faith, worship and ethical traditions is a natural worldview for our youth.

The modern era was ushered in by the invention of the printing press and Protestantism; printing and distributing the Bible was revolutionary in its time. In the twenty-first century, global means of expression are at our disposal, and a new Era of Reformation is at hand. We will explore some of the implications for renewing religious practice, whether we are speaking of worship or eco-justice, the balance of the Divine Feminine with the Sacred Masculine, contemplation versus action, deep ecumenism, science and wonder, cosmology, or the Cosmic Christ.

+++ Annual Inter-Faith Memorial Service for the “The Four Chaplains”

Saturday February 11th at 10:00 am.
St. Francis Cabrini
15333 Woodard Rd, San Jose

Hosted by: 13th District, the American legion, Coordinated by Willow Glen Post 318. This service is open to all individuals who want to share in a tribute to four chaplains of differing faiths who, in brotherhood, gave their life so others may have a chance at living theirs. Their act exemplified the meaning of duty to God and Country, and love of their fellow man. They were truly men of God who conscientiously made the ultimate sacrifice serving their fellow troops.

The four chaplains, of Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish faiths were aboard the troopship Dorchester in the North Atlantic, when on February 3, 1943, a torpedo struck at 2:00am. The ship sank within a very short period of time beneath the icy waters along with the majority of those aboard. Many of those who survived attributed their survival directly to the assistance and acts of compassion of the four chaplains aboard that night.

+++ Origins of Catholic-Muslim Dialogue in the United States

Monday, February 11, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology
2301 Vine Street, Berkeley

A Lecture by Archbishop Alexander J. Brunett of the Catholic Diocese of Oakland entitled “Origins of Catholic-Muslim Dialogue in the United States”

+++ Multi-Faith Spiritual Companionship: Advanced Training for Spiritual Directors

February 11-15, 2013
The Chaplaincy Institute for Arts & Interfaith Ministries
2138 Cedar St., Berkeley

This certificate program is designed to inspire, nurture and educate those who are called to serve as Spiritual Directors in an interfaith capacity in our increasingly diverse world. Our innovative program focuses on a combination of the study of world religions, and exploration of personal spirituality, and spiritual direction dkills.. all in a creatively infused context. www.chaplaincyinstitute.org

+++ Wells Fargo Mortgage Home Preservation Event

Wednesday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Oakland Marriott – West Hall 1001 Broadway, Oakland

This regional meeting for Wells Fargo customers who are risk of foreclosure is a “one stop shop” to help them stay in their home. Come to the West Hall of Oakland Marriott (1001 Broadway, Oakland). Sign up at www.wfhmevents.com/leadingthewayhome by Feb. 11th. Downloadable flyers in English and Spanish are here.

+++ Lenten Days of Renewal

San Damiano Retreat Center
710 Highland Drive, Danville
(925) 837-9141

* Ash Wednesday, February 13th – Presenter to be announced
* Thursday, February 21st – Fr. Even Howard, OFM
* Friday, March 8th – Fr. Pat Foley
Each day of renewal incorporates a Lenten theme and will conclude with Mass. Ash Wednesday includes the imposition of ashes. Check in at 9:00 am. Program from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, lunch included. ($30)

+++ ISRV Retreat (Save the Date)

Thursday February 14
San Damiano Retreat Center
More detail to follow
(Lisa Briones, San Damiano Retreat
925-837-9141 ext. 303)

+++ The Integrated Therapy Program for Transforming Stress and Pain: Experience the power within to regain mastery of your life.

Saturday, February 16th 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Awakening Retreat Center
9701 Deer Valley Rd., Brentwood

Ron Valle, Ph.D. and Mary Mohs, L.V.N., M.A., co-directors of the Awakening Center, will be presenting this one-day workshop that offers a variety of interrelated methods that includes: breath awareness techniques, self-guided relaxation, biofeedback, hatha yoga, aerobic exercise, transpersonal counseling, meditation, and recommendations for a natural stimulant-free diet.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

* Nature of pain and stress
* Spiritual aspects of well-being
* Relationship of body, mind, and breath
* Self-empowerment
* Transpersonal applications in therapy
* Chronic pain and stress-management

Participants will learn a practical and progressive program that can be easily individualized to transform the physical and emotional pain in their lives. Therapists will gain valuable new tools to help their clients who are currently experiencing pain and stress-related symptoms.

Cost: $145 ($165 with CE credits). We accept checks or major credit cards. A registration deposit of $50 is requested. To register, please call (925)389-6158 or (925)755-8822, or you can send an email toawakeningctr@aol.com. For further information about the Center, please visit us on the web at:www.awakeningonline.com.

+++ Jazz Church West

Sunday, February 17 at 5:00 pm
Peace Lutheran Church
3201 Camino Tassajara, Danville

Free Jazz concert with Kenny Washington and Marcus Shelby!

+++ PEACEMAKING and HEALING in a BROKEN and DIVIDED WORLD

Sunday Evenings 6:30 Pm Feb. 17th – Mar. 24th.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
5555 Clayton Road, Clayton

An Interfaith presentation by Greek Orthodox, Sikh, Jewish Mysticism, Sufism Reoriented, Tibetan Buddhism, and Baha’i traditions. Speakers from each tradition will discuss how they are involved in peacemaking and healing. Each evening will close with sharing a spiritual practice from their tradition.

+++ Days of Dialogue for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People

Sundays, February 17th & May 5th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
San Damiano Retreat Center
710 Highland Drive, Danville
(925) 837-9141

“You are also a child of God, gifted and called for a purpose in God’s design.” [Always Our Children, USCC, 1997/98, page 4] This is an afternoon for shared stories and community. Family members and friends are welcome. (no cost)

+++ NAMI General Meeting: John Bateson, Author of “The Final Leap,” Will Speak on the Prevention of Suicide.

John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus,
2540 East Street, Concord.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, meetings begin at 7:00 pm.
Thursday, February 21, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Bateson was Executive Director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center for fifteen years, and has served on the steering committee of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. His latest book, “The Final Leap: Suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge,” grew out of his experiences managing our regional crisis center. He has been named a “community hero” by United Way, and chosen to carry the Olympic torch. He and his wife, who is a nonprofit executive, have four adult children and live in northern California.

General Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus. For directions to the medical center call (925) 682-8200. If you would like to have a particular topic or issue covered by a General Meeting, please contact Tom Cloney, 2nd Vice President, NAMI CC, at
tmclone@gmail.com.

+++ Interfaith Story of Courage and Compassion

Come hear an engaging presentation by speaker and author Marty Brounstein on his book Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust. It is a remarkable true story of interfaith courage and compassion, involving a Christian couple in the Netherlands, who despite great risks and dangers, save the lives of two dozen Jews during World War II and the Holocaust. The story also has a meaningful personal connection to the author, which Marty explains in his heartfelt talk.

Marty has two upcoming Contra Costa County events that are open to the public:

Saturday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. ~ St. Ignatius Catholic Church of Antioch
5351 Contra Loma Blvd.
Antioch, CA 94509
(925) 778-0768

Sunday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. ~ Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
500 Fairview Avenue
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 634-4154

+++ Vedanta Society Celebration:L 2013 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda, responsible for bringing Vedanta and the ancient theory and practice of Yoga to the West.

Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to 3.30 pm
Palace of Fine Arts Theater, San Francisco,

MORNING PROGRAM
A lively panel discussion about “Yoga and the American Quest for Freedom”.

The eminent speakers are Michael Krasny (Host of KQED’s Forum), Jacob Needleman (Professor of Philosophy, San Francisco State University), Ann Louise Bardach (Journalist, Writer-at-Large for Newsweek Global/The Daily Beast, currently writing a book about Swami Vivekananda) and Swami Tattwamayananda (Vedic Scholar and Teacher).

AFTERNOON PROGRAM
“Freedom: The Song of the Soul”: A Multimedia Presentation

Discover the fascinating and inspiring life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda in a captivating presentation, weaving together his words, photos and live music. We will watch his emergence from penniless monk to sought-after speaker, as he traverses the United States, overcoming entrenched racial and religious prejudice to bring the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta to the West. Introducing the Vedantic concept of a universal religion that transcended dogma and sects, he sparked a spiritual renaissance in America:

“All religions, under whatever name they may be called, either Hindu, Buddhist, Mohammedan, or Christian, have the same God, and he who derides any one of these derides his own God.”

RSVP or get more information at SFvedanta.org. Please help get the word out by forwarding this to your friends or sharing event info from our (new!) Facebook page at facebook.com/sfvedanta.

+++ Vigil for Newtown massacre and other gun violence victims & Rally in support of White House Task Force Proposals

Monday, February 25, 2013, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Corner of Gregory Lane and Cleaveland Rd. (City Hall), Pleasant Hill

Contra Costa Brady Supporters, welcome to the many new members who have joined us recently. Please mark your calendar for the following event in Pleasant Hill. We look forward to meeting you there. Non-flame candles will be provided. If desired, Bring signs for passing motorists calling for elected officials to “Protect Our Kids” – “Universal Background Checks” “Ban Assault Weapons” “Regulate Firearms Sales”, etc.
Park in Pleasant Hill Park parking lot kitty corner from site.

More Announcements are available on our Calendar Events Page.

There are Job Listings in our Interfaith Circle here.

Change the Date

ICCCC will co-sponsor a special event with the Interfaith Center at the Presidio for Interfaith Clergy in April, 2013. We hoped to offer this in February, but we will need more time to get the right presenters. We are looking for 30-40 clergy and congregational leaders who are interested in learning how to be there for their Veterans returning home.

Save the Date! Embracing Our Veterans

Early to mid April, 2013, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Mt. Diablo UU Church

55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek.

Cost and final times to be announced, veterans free, sliding scale, scholarships available.

The Interfaith Center at the Presidio & ICCCC will hold its second conference on helping religious and spiritual leaders and their communities understand the spiritual needs of veterans returning from war. Details regarding specific topics and registration for this day long conference will follow in the near future. We hope you can join us! To RSVP, please email Rev. Will McGarvey.

Know that our partner Shelter Inc. has a special program for helping homeless Veterans.

Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County
1543 Sunnyvale Ave.
Walnut Creek, California 94597
925-933-6030
interfaithccc.org

Thanks!

Namaste

Aloha

Shukran

Toda!

Thanks to all of the many, varied ministries of the Interfaith Council. We give thanks for the ministry of Rev. Dr. Charles Tinsley at the Juvenile Detention Center, the Singing Messengers, the Social Justice Alliance, the Winter Night’s Rotating Shelter, and our new Youth and Young Adult Leadership Initiative. Go to our Events Page!

How are you making a difference in the world? Let us know by emailing our ED Will McGarvey with upcoming events or reports on special Interfaith moments you have experienced. Please share stories of Interfaith success stories you have experienced so the whole Council can be blessed by the experience. Let us continue to live into the future of greater Interfaith dialogue, polylogue, and understanding. May each of us live fuller into our own faith tradition as we more fully understand our siblings as neighbors.

Make a Difference in the World!

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Bay Area Interfaith Connect – Feb 1 Newsletter – Interfaith Curriculum for Peacemaking and much more

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

February- Where Shall We Meet?

Read the full newsletter online in your browser

Interfaith Center at the Presidio

In last month’s BAIC, we noted the new resource developed by the Abrahamic Faiths Peace Initiative in Los Angeles— the Interfaith Curriculum for Peacemaking. After having a chance to look through it, I’m even more impressed by the thoughtfulness that authors Rev. Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Ph.D., Rabbi Olga Bluman, and Aziza Hasan brought to the guide, and its usefulness for shaping conversations among people of different traditions.

Although specifically writing for the Abrahamic traditions– Judaism, Christianity, and Islam– the authors hope they can serve as a basis for conversation with other traditions as well about one another’s religious experience and the importance of dialogue and peacemaking based in those traditions.

Following an introduction and guidelines for leaders, the curriculum introduces the importance of telling our stories– of encountering one another at the point of our religious experience more than our doctrines and beliefs. They describe the elements of “compassionate listening,” an essential component of dialogue and peacemaking. They follow up with an introduction to skills for dialogue, and suggest four models:

The Dialogue of Life. “This pattern of interfaith dialogue is found through interactions with our neighbors, and in our families, schools, and workplaces. The dialogue of life depends upon cultivating an awareness of persons from other religious groups, and a commitment to welcome the presence of others into our daily lives.”
The Dialogue of Action. “This pattern of dialogue is common among faith communities and focuses on collaborations between persons of different religious traditions in order to address social issues in a local community.”
The Dialogue of Spiritual Experience. “This form of interfaith dialogue is best illustrated through shared rituals, worship, prayer, silence, and retreat experiences.”
The Dialogue of Understanding. “The final pattern of interfaith dialogue relates to exchanging our beliefs, sacred texts, and religious history.”

Each of the forms of dialogue has its place, and different people will find some kinds of interreligious encounter more interesting, engaging, or helpful than others. Tha challenge is to find the kind of encounter that fits your interests and personality best. So we might meet, as I have occasionally suggested, in the library or the prayer hall, on the picket line or over the back fence.

The Interfaith Curriculum for Peacemaking is available both as a pdf file and as a Kindle e-book, and is free of charge. It’s an amazing resource for those who might be just starting out in interfaith dialogue and are looking for some help. Check out the work of the Abrahamic Faiths Peace Initiative at their website, abrahamicfaithspeacemaking.com/. In addition to the book, there are video interviews, dialogues, and interfaith events.

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Marin Interfaith Council – Calendar of Events – Jan 31, 2013

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

Marin Interfaith Council

Calendar of Events

January 31, 2013

Contents:

MIC Events

MIC Co-Sponsored Events

Community Events

Classes and Groups

Announcements

Greetings!

We send you the latest installment of the calendar of events.

For more information about the Marin Interfaith Council and other Community Events, go to www.marinifc.org.

To submit an event for our email and website calenders, please fill out the form here. The deadline for submissions is the 10th and 25th of every month.

MIC Events

The Intra-Faith Education Series: Christianity

Part 1: Orthodox/Roman Catholic/Anglican/Reformed/Anabaptist

Monday, February 11th, 7:00pm-9:00pm

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, San Anselmo

More Information and Registration Here!

This year’s series will delve into the many branches of Christianity. With 79% of the US identifying as Christians, we hear about “Christianity” all the time, but who are the Christians in our midst? What do they believe? Aren’t all Christians the same? Differences between denominations are dramatic, and the more we know, the better we understand the worldview of ourselves, our friends, our neighbors, and our community. $40 for the whole series, $15 for each night. Youth prices and scholarships available. Download Flyer here.

Part 2: Monday, March 11, 7:00 – 9:00pm

Part 3: Monday, April 15, 7:00 – 9:00pm

Part 4: Monday, May 13, 7:00 – 9:00pm

Monthly Contemplative Service

Monday, February 25th, 6:30pm

Location, TBD

Monthly 40-minute services to experience different faith traditions throughout Marin. This month’s service will celebrate the Buddhist tradition. Read more about Buddhist communities in Marin on our Faith Pages.

MIC Co-Sponsored Events

Salaam, Shalom: Speaking of Peace
Delicious Peace – Film & Tastings

Wednesday, February 27th, 7pm

Osher Marin JCC

200 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael

The first of three FREE programs to increase interfaith dialogue and understanding. A collaboration of Jewish, Muslim and Christian congregations across Marin! Explore inspiring stories about people who overcame religious barriers, histories of conflict, or other differences to forge alliances of good will, peace and prosperity

View the documentary “Delicious Peace Grows in a Ugandan Coffee Bean” about Jewish, Christian and Muslim Ugandan coffee farmers who, despite a shared history of conflict, form a fair trade cooperative to build peace and economic prosperity. Living in the lingering wake of the Idi Amin regime of terror and intolerance, these farmers challenged historical and economic hurdles to build harmonious relationships and bring economic development to their region of Africa. Partnering with a Fair Trade US roaster, the farmers’ standard of living continues to improve, peace is flourishing, and their messages of peace and fair wages are spreading to their coffee customers in the US. Hear from the filmmakers, Curt Fissel and Ellen Friedland while tasting fair trade coffee and chocolate from Fair Trade Judaica. For more information view the series website: www.marinjcc.org/peace

Recruiter Rally for the Marin CROP Hunger Walk

Tuesday, March 5, 7:00pm-8:30pm
First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael
1510 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael

Who should come? Everyone interested in being a part of the Marin CROP Hunger Walk which will occur on Sunday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Learn about what other congregations and organizations are doing to promote the walk and increase participation. Meet representatives from organizations sponsoring the walk and also from organizations which will benefit from funds raised by this year’s walk. Information about the walk route, safety, and promotion will be provided. The 2013 Walk will be the second year that a Trophy will be presented to the congregation or organizations raising the most money. Last year, the First Congregational Church of San Rafael team raised the most money of any team and received the Perpetual Trophy. Question? Contact Leslie Purdy, 415-234-6515 or rlpurdy869@gmail.com

The Marin CROP Hunger Walk 2013 is one of ten hunger walks which will be held in Bay Area communities on April 21. For more information, go to www.bayareahungerwalk.org.

Community Events

Transformative Cinema presents “ONE”

Friday, February 1 – 7:00pm – Saturday, February 2 – 7:00am, Unity In Marin, 600 Palm Drive, Novato, CA. Unity In Marin’s Transformative Cinema presents ONE the movie. This inspiring film was created to increase our awareness about the connection we all share. It strives to ask the ultimate questions of life, both to the great masters and to everyday people-then lets the dialog flow. Sparking conversations globally on six continents, ONE reminds us that we are all on a journey to better understand ourselves, our connections with each other, and ultimately, our meaning and destiny. Come share the connection! Suggested Donation: $10

ChantFest San Rafael

Friday, February 1, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. ChantFest San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Avenue. Around the back of the Presbyterian Church, San Rafael. ChantFest San Rafael – a Trans-lineage* Experience. We’re talking rockin’ chant, soulful chant, melodic chant, peaceful chant – come spend an evening immersing yourself in the resonance and unity of the deeper Reality that is always and already there to inspire and support us. Singles Welcome! *Trans-lineage means evolving consciousness by honoring the truths of the spiritual lineages – premodern, modern and postmodern – while at the same time opening to what’s possible in the space created beyond any one path alone. We will draw on the chant resources of several spiritual traditions, and newer offerings that are not identified with a specific tradition.

Israel’s Election: What Now?

Saturday, February 2 – 10:30am – 3:00pm, Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. San Francisco Area Director of AIPAC, Sarah Persitz. Sat, Feb 2, 10:30 AM Drash. 1:15 PM After Kiddush Talk. Now that Israel has had their election what changes will occur? How will we move closer to peace and what is the government doing to solve the religious division? Two discussions – all are welcome.

Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success With Madeline Levine, Ph.D

Sunday, February 3 – 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. Author of The Price of Privilege, Madeline Levine brings together cutting-edge and 30 years clinical experience to explode the myth that good grades, high test scores, and college acceptances should define the parenting endgame. Parents, educators and the media struggle with the soaring rates of emotional problems, limited coping skills and disengagement from learning. Levine intends to give parents a “toolbox” of essential information on how to raise authentic, successful kids. All are welcome! http://kolshofar.org/youth-families/beit-binah#Levine

Spiritual Solutions for Desperate Situations

Sunday, February 3 – 2:30pm – 5:00pm, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St. San Rafael. Lorenzo Rodriguez, a Christian Science healer and teacher, will be giving two talks, first in Spanish from 2:30-3:30 pm and second in English from 4:00-5:00 pm. Discover how God as infinite good brings trust in the power of good to help us overcome worrying and fear. Discover how people from every walk of life have demonstrated this power of God to heal and bring solutions to challenges and worries of every sort. Free child-care will be provided. Sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Rafael.

Taize Healing Service

Sunday, February 3 – 5:00pm – 6:00pm, First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Drawing from ancient Christian traditions of scripture, chanting, laying on of hands, prayer and silence, we open ourselves to God’s embrace. We honor this practice in the other world religions as well, knowing that God heals in a variety of ways: an insight into how one’s life might change; sustenance in a hard time; new or renewed connection with people of faith; the power to forgive another or oneself; the improvement of a medical condition; a sense of sacred wholeness and peace. Music by pianist John Steiner and Cantors Sarah Wolf and Jane Martin. Come to enjoy gentle connection or restorative quiet. People of all faith backgrounds are welcome. Rest in holy silence – Open to sacred healing strength – Trust the encompassing love of God. For more information visit www.fpcsr.org

Wrestling Jerusalem

Wednesday, February 6 – 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Dr., Tiburon. From Socialist summer camp in New York to the Western Wall in Jerusalem to the Separation Barrier in the West Bank, on performer brings together different voices from America, Israel and Palestine to address some of the past provocative issues of our time. Performance reading will be followed by a discussion with Aaron Davidman All are welcome! Reserve a seat contact Hagar Ben-Eliezer hben-eliezer@kolshofar.org or 415 388-1818 ext. 111 Cost: $10 member / $12 Community

Shinran and the Four Types of Buddhism

Thursday, February 7 – 7:30pm – 9:30pm, Buddhist Temple of Marin, 390 Miller Road, Mill Valley. Dr. Nobuo Haneda will explore Shinran Shonin’s view of the four types of Buddhism, and why, after many years experimenting, did Shinran choose the fourth path of Shin Buddhism as the one he would follow to find true fulfillment in a lecture at the Buddhist Temple of Marin on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7:30pm. The talk is free to the public. The Buddhist Temple of Marin is located at 390 Miller Avenue in Mill Valley, one block north of Whole Foods. For more information, go to the events section of the temple’s website at www.buddhisttempleofmarin.org.

United in Jubilation Concert

Friday, February 8 – 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Unity In Marin Church, 600 Palm Drive Hamilton Field. In celebration of black history month Unity in Marin Presents A Concert of Negro Spirituals. Honoring The Fisk Jubilee Singers Friday, February 8th 2013 @ 7:00~9:00PM Featuring: United in Jubilation Mass Choir, Dir. By Deborah R Thomson; Narration; Tribute to The Jubilee Singers; Noah Griffin; Special Musical Guest, Rev. Ann E. Jefferson; United in Jubilation Dancers; Spoken Word; Poetry; and Solos.

Dominican University of California Leadership Lecture Series: Dr. Cecil Williams & Janice Mirikitani “Beyond the Possible”

Friday, February 8 – 7:00pm. Angelico Hall, Dominican University. Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani together have led San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church toward profound social change for the past half-century. In Beyond the Possible: 50 Years of Creating Radical Change in a Community Called Glide, they share stories that reveal how Glide became the spiritual soul of San Francisco-and one of the city’s most generous providers of social services. Williams’ innovations, such as HIV testing during services, have drawn protest from conservative factions within the Methodist Church, while being praised by Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Warren Buffett. Ticketed Event: $30 includes a copy of the book Call (415) 927-0960 ext. 1 to purchase tickets. For more information, visit www.dominican.edu/ils or call 415-485-3202.

Navigating the Emotions of Serious Illness

Saturday, February 9 – 9:30am – 11:00am, First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Joni Metolius, a marriage and family therapist in Novato, will offer guidance to help patients, their families, friends and care givers deal with the emotional trials often associated with life-altering medical conditions. For more information visit www.fpcsr.org

Heart Connections – Valentines Dance

Saturday, February 9 - 7:30pm – 10:30pm. Unity In Marin, Hamilton Center, 600 Palm Drive.

The Second Annual Valentines “Heart Connection” Dance for all the Marin Spiritual Communities.

Advance tickets: $15.00/person or $25.00 couple for sale on Sundays in the Unity Courtyard. Tickets at door: $20.00/person or $35.00/couple Hosted by fabulous DJ Ezra Palmer Person! Information: Pat P – everevolving@earthlink.net

Start the Conversation

Thursday, February 12, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Rafael Theater, 1118 4th Street, San Rafael. Spiritual houses should be a safe place for all youth. A group of youth interns at the Youth Leadership Institute in Marin County examined the challenges and opportunities that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth face when connecting to a faith community.

Through a series of dialogues, community interviews and research, youth identified key themes and are currently producing a video surrounding the relationship between values, acceptance and leadership in faith communities. Our goal is not to have answers to this topic’s complexities, but to simply start a conversation. We are hoping that dialogue will lead to better understanding of how faith communities are and can be more open and inclusive to all. We are hoping that you will attend our screening and panel. MIC’s Rev. Carol Hovis will be part of this panel. This is a free event, but we will be accepting cash donations the evening of the event. 100% of donations will go to the Youth Leadership Institute’s youth programs. More info and registration here…

One Billion Rising – at Dominican University

Thursday, February 14 – 11:50am – 3:00pm, Dominican University Angelico Hall, 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael. Eve Ensler has called for One Billion women to rise, strike, dance on February 14, 2013 and Dominican University is hosting an event for the Marin Community. Join us in Angelico Hall and march with us to the 4th Street Plaza in solidarity with women (and the men who love them) all over the planet.

Live Like a Missionary 52nd Annual Missions Conference

Friday, February 15, 8:00 pm – Friday, February 16, 8:00 pm. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley. The Theme “Live like a Missionary,” is based on the book written by seminary president Jeff Iorg. Dr. Iorg will speak on how to live out a missional life in the place where you live and work. There will also be several breakout sessions with notable speakers presenting on related topics. For more information or questions, call 415-380-1547 or email bekahcrane@ggbts.edu.

Day of Remembrance “The Parallels between Pearl Harbor and 9/11: Lessons from History”

Saturday, February 16 – 1:00pm – 3:00pm. The Memorial Hall at Enmanji Buddhist Temple, 1200 Gravenstein Hwy S., Sebastopol. The 71st anniversary of the 1942 signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Roosevelt is upon us. Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League organizing a workshop to remember it: “Day of Remembrance: the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Roosevelt in 1942. “The Parallels between Pearl Harbor and 9/11: Lessons from the History”" will be discussed. Shedding light on the parallels between two historical events – Pearl Harbor and 9/11 from the perspectives of Japanese Americans and Muslim Americans respectively, how relevant these lessons are today and how we can avoid making similar mistakes in the future by educating ourselves and raising awareness in the community. Our keynote speaker will be Imam Ali Siddiqui, Executive Director of Muslim Institute for Interfaith Studies & Understanding, a nationally known Muslim scholar-activist, will speak about his experiences of living in America as a Muslim particularly after 9/11 and will propose ways and means to defuse Islamophobia from our midst. Sonoma County JACL board member Marie Sugiyama will speak about her experiences in a Japanese American internment camp. Our local filmmaker, Lina Hoshino, who will show her film Caught In Between, which illustrates the power of people coming together to fight for human rights by comparing the two groups’ experiences. She will also facilitate an open discussion to conclude the program. This workshop is open to the public and free of charge. Donations at the door are appreciated. Refreshments will also be served after the program. To find out more, please contact sonomacojacl@yahoo.com. The JACL, founded in 1929, is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. The Sonoma County Chapter was organized in August of 1934. It is dedicated to educating the public about the Japanese American experience, monitoring legislation affecting minority human and civil rights, and fostering Japanese American culture. Please RSVP by February 13, 2013 to reserve your seat. Please visit http://www.sonomacojacl.org for more information. Sonoma County JACL – PO Box 1915 Santa Rosa, CA 95402 – http://www.sonomacojacl.org.

Celebrating Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary

Saturday, February 23 – 10:30am – 3:30pm, Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco. A Message from the San Francisco Vedanta SocietyCelebrate with us! 2013 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda, responsible for bringing Vedanta and the ancient theory and practice of Yoga to the West. We are honoring the founder of our Society with a unique free event at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater, San Francisco, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

MORNING PROGRAM

A lively panel discussion about “Yoga and the American Quest for Freedom”.

The eminent speakers are Michael Krasny (Host of KQED’s Forum). Jacob Needleman (Professor of Philosophy, San Francisco State University), Ann Louise Bardach (Journalist, Writer-at-Large for Newsweek Global/The Daily Beast, currently writing a book about Swami Vivekananda) and Swami Tattwamayananda (Vedic Scholar and Teacher).

AFTERNOON PROGRAM

“Freedom: The Song of the Soul”: A Multimedia Presentation

“All religions, under whatever name they may be called, either Hindu, Buddhist, Mohammedan, or Christian, have the same God, and he who derides any one of these derides his own God.”

RSVP or get more information at SFvedanta.org. Please help get the word out by forwarding this to your friends or sharing event info from our (new!) Facebook page at facebook.com/sfvedanta.

“The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves.”

Annual Crabfeed Mission Trip Fundraiser

Saturday, February 23 – 6:00pm – 9:30pm, First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Everyone is invited to attend the annual First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael Crab Feed on Saturday, February 23. Dinner guests will enjoy a fabulous supper of fresh crab, pasta, salad and dessert. Entertainment will include a cabaret style performance around the theme “Deep in the Heart of Texas” led by house pianist John Steiner and vocalist Deborah Arca. Tickets are $45 each and all money raised from the evening will cover costs of sending the First Presbyterian Mission Team to Smithville, Texas from April 7-13, 2013, as part of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance effort to rebuild homes destroyed by wildfires in 2011. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Contact the church office at 415-456-6760 for more information. For more information visit www.fpcsr.org.

Classes and On-Going Groups

Team Tzedek: A JFCS Service Learning Program for Middle School Youth Open for Registration

Team Tzedek, a highly successful program of Jewish Family and Children’s Services allows 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to participate in community service projects throughout the academic year. Through workshops and community service opportunities, middle school students come together to learn about the Jewish/Humanitarian values that command us to perform acts of social justice, loving kindness, and righteous giving. Registration is now open for this fun and eye-opening mitzvah program. For more information or to sign up, please contact Kylie Gordon, 415.419.3641 or KylieG@jfcs.org

The Next Chapter: A JFCS Holocaust Education Program for Teens Open for Registration

Students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade interview Holocaust survivors about their experiences before, during, and after the war and document the oral histories in written essays. Students attend weekly workshops on topics that include Holocaust history, documenting oral histories, writing and public speaking skills, and learning about the Jewish cultural renaissance. For more information, please contact Morgan Blum at MorganB@jfcs.org or 415-449-1289.

Manovill Holocaust History Fellowship: A JFCS Holocaust Education Program for Teens Open for Registration

Students in high school study the Holocaust at the college level. Each year, eight fellows are selected to conduct in-depth research into the nature of the Holocaust and other genocides and to gain the skills that will allow them to serve as effective advocates for strengthening tolerance in the Bay Area. The fellowship emphasizes experiential learning. Participants hear from local Holocaust survivors, pursue research on a topic of their choice, teach their peers, and participate in community events. For more information, please contact Morgan Blum at MorganB@jfcs.org or 415-449-1289.

LGBTQ Support and Discussion Group

Second and fourth Wednesdays, 5-6:30 PM, 30 North San Pedro Road, Suite 160, San Rafael. Spectrum LGBT Center welcomes young people ages 14-19 to a support and discussion group at our office in San Rafael. Are you questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity? Do you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender and want a safe place to talk and be yourself? This group is for you! Now meeting twice a month. Call for more info and directions 415-472-1945, ext. 273 (24 hour message line).

Attitudinal Healing -North Bay -Support Groups

Our aim is to help ourselves and others achieve a shift a shift in perception from fear to love, with an emphasis on extending love and being of service to others. Everyone is a teacher- and we are all students and teachers to each other. We have free support groups all over Marin, and one in Napa and one in San Francisco. For information call 415-457-1000, e-mail centerforah@gmail.com, or visit www.CAH-NorthBay.com.

Announcements

Are you interested in joining our wonderful crew of volunteers for the Meals on Wheels Program in San Rafael?

We are looking for volunteer drivers to deliver meals to homebound older adult clients. Drivers need proof of insurance, cell phone, car, CA driver’s license, fit into an available timeslot, commit to one 3-hour shift per week and make a 3 month commitment. A GPS is also very helpful. You would make approximately 18 deliveries per shift. Available shifts are: Monday-Wednesday-Friday a.m. 9-12noon and p.m. 1-4pm. Please contact the volunteer services coordinator at Whistlestop, Millie Makarewicz, at 415-456-9062X117 or email: millie@whistlestop.org for more information. We look forward to talking with you!

Homeward Bound is Looking for Volunteers

Homeward Bound of Marin began in 1974 through an interfaith effort and seeks to end homelessness in Marin County. Will you consider joining us in this endeavor? Here are several ways that you might help:

Support Homeward Bound at the Marin Farmer’s Market: Love the Marin Farmers Market? Want to get involved? Homeward Bound seeks outgoing volunteers to help staff our outreach table on Thursday morning’s 9-11 and 11-1 pm at the Farmer’s Market at Marin Civic Center. Our volunteers, who have been present at the market for more than 15 years, answer questions about our programs, hand out newsletters and accept donations. No selling or soliciting is involved. Become a market regular and serve the community at the same time! Any interested volunteers should contact Ashley at 415-382-3363 ext 212 or email akelly@hbofm.org

Attention Chocolate Lovers: Become a Halo Helper! Be a part of our social enterprise team. We need outgoing, sociable people to help package, deliver and sell our delectable Halo Truffles and Halo Homemade products at local craft fairs, schools and businesses. These goods are created by students at the Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, a highly successful program that offers culinary training to formerly homeless individuals beginning a new career. The sales sustain this vital training program which you can support. Volunteers are needed for the main sale seasons in December, around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, but may involve other events throughout the year. This is a great way to get out in the community and benefit Homeward Bound. Any interested volunteers should contact Ashley at 415-382-3363 ext 212 or email akelly@hbofm.org

Help Homeward Bound take a Bite out of Homelessness – Host a Halo Sale!

Halo Truffles and Halo HomeMades let you indulge in a treat while supporting Homeward Bound of Marin in the goal of “ending homelessness through training, housing and hope.” All of our chocolate Halo Truffles and the Halo HomeMades line of jams, preserves, salsas and relishes come from the Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, which offers job training to people moving out of homelessness. Call 415-382-3363 ext 244 to host a sale in your congregation or community gathering!

Need Help with Your Child’s Emotional Difficulties? Matrix Parent & Resource Center Can Help

If you are interested in resources for your child, check out Matrix’s packet called Understanding and Finding Help for Emotional Difficulties, or search for resources in their online resource guide. For more information, go to: www.matrixparents.org.

No Waiting List for Senior Housing

The Ross Valley Ecumenical Housing Association (RVEHA) invites you to tour our Tam Houses in San Anselmo. There are currently openings for independent seniors to live cooperatively at low cost. Please call House Manager Chris Highland at 457-5633 to schedule a tour. To learn more about “the future of community living,” visit http://www.tamhouse.org/ to read the latest newsletter, watch a video and see photos of our unique homes.

Nonprofits Talking Taxes

“Nonprofits Talking Taxes” is a workshop tailored for nonprofit staff and faith communities who seek other solutions to our state’s fiscal crisis besides more budget cuts. Economists tell us that taxes are a mirror of community values. Poor schools, inadequate healthcare, a degraded environment are all reflections on our current tax and budget structure. But these structures can change to reflect the common good! For more information or to schedule a training, go to: www.nonprofitstalkingtaxes.org.

Volunteer Drivers Needed

JFCSNeeds Drivers for Marin Seniors. Help provide Marin County seniors with a life-transporting experience. Become a volunteer driver for seniors who can no longer drive themselves to and from medical appointments, the grocery store, and other vital services. You will be performing a good deed and helping many Marin seniors to remain independent in their own homes. All logistics are coordinated through the JFCS office in San Rafael, and training is provided. Contact Betty Hirschfeld at 419-3661 or BettyH@jfcs.org to volunteer or to receive more information.

Rising Sun Energy Center Green House Calls & Jobs

Looking for employment? Want to be more environmentally friendly for free? Rising Sun would love to help you save money! The Rising Sun Energy Center is an organization that focuses on creating a society that uses energy and water responsibly and equitably and we offer pro-youth programs that hire and train young people from the local community to provide FREE ‘Green House Calls’ in their communities. Whether you’re interested in summer employment with Rising Sun, or would like a FREE Green House Call, contact Taraneh Arhamsadr at arhamsadr@risingsunenergy.org to sign up or for more information!

Need A Handyman?

Endorsed by the Friends of the Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy! Handyman: Drywall, Carpentry, Painting Service. Perfect drywall patch work and drywall installation , taping and texturing.Painting interior and exterior, oil or water-based paint. Carpentry and tile work, bathrooms or kitchens, light electrical work, plumbing. Rental property cleanup and more than 25 years experience. Affordable quality in this recession. Free estimate please call Rudy at 879-0164 or visit our webpage.

Marin Interfaith Council

1510 Fifth Avenue

San Rafael, California 94901

415-456-6957

Rev. Carol Hovis, Executive Director: chovis@marinifc.org

Ms. Allison Kirk, M.A., Administrative Assistant: programs@marinifc.org

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February Update: ICCCC Upcoming Events

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County

Donna Allen Rev. Dr. Donna Allan (center) after the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

February Greetings

Dear Friends,

February 1st marks the beginning of Interfaith Month. As we move into these days, what will do and where will you go in order to learn something new about another Interfaith tradition?

Given the religiously motivated violence we continue to see in the media, how can we reach out to those communities we are not yet as familiar with in order to begin to build bridges – at least within our own heart?

If you have been on our ICCCC Facebook Page you could have seen what other Uniting Religions Initiative circles and Interfaith Councils are doing to mark this month.

Again, what will you do to expand your horizons – just to get to know your own faith tradition in relationship with those of other traditions?

Below are some of our upcoming events. See all of our Upcoming Events and Interfaith quotes at our updated Events Page. General Announcements and Job Listings are now on their own separate pages.

“We Belong to Each Other.”

Shalom, Peace, Salaam, Om Shanti, Solh, Amani, Paz, 평화, Ping On…

Rev. Will McGarvey
Interim Executive Director

Did you know there is a “Contribute” button on our website where you can give online?

General Announcements

◊◊◊ Monthly Baha’i Interfaith Devotional Gathering

is on the first Friday of the month, at the Nours residence, at 7:30 p.m. in Walnut Creek. To go, please call Kamyar Nour at 925-864-4958 and bring prayers from your tradition to share. If there is more demand for it, they will add additional evenings. The Baha’is of Walnut Creek have a website at http://www.bahaifaithofwalnutcreek.org/

◊◊◊ Mt. View House Shelter

Thank you so very much for your assistance!

◊◊◊ Youth and Young Adult Initiative

The Executive Board has approved the creation of an Interfaith Youth Group in our ICCCC! We will be hosting a Game Night on Sunday, April 28th and we hope to have a Summer Camp of some sort based on the Youth Leadership’s desires and leadership. If you are a High Schooler or Youth Leader that wants to get involved in this ministry, please contact Rev. Will McGarvey soon.

◊◊◊ Spring ICCCC Concert:

◊◊◊ Please take the Civil Right’s Survey

Our One Nation Bay Area partners want to hear about your experiences. They would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to fill out this survey on civil rights violations in the community. Our goal is to gain a greater understanding of some of the major civil rights issues that the African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Sikh and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities are facing in a post-9/11 context. All responses are anonymous and confidential.
This survey is a joint project of six Bay Area organizations: Arab Film Festival, Council on American- Islamic Relations, Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, Islamic Networks Group, 3rd I’s South Asian Film Festival and Zawaya, with the support of Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP). It should only take a few minutes and all responses are anonymous.

More Announcements are available on our Calendar Events Page.

There are Job Listings in our Interfaith Circle here.

Calendar Events

+++ Opening our Hearts: Interfaith Truth in ActionSpeaker and Participation Series

Wednesdays Jan. 23, 30, and Feb. 6, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Feb. 10, 4:00 p.m.
Hillcrest Congregational Church UCC
404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill
hillcrestucc.org – 925-689-8260

Remaining events:
* Jan 30 Presenter: Prabha Duneja, Geeta Society, Pleasanton (Hindu)
* Feb 6 Presenter: Ejaz Naqvi, Islamic Center of Zahra, Pleasanton (Muslim)
* Feb 10 Next Steps: Discussion and Round Table. Facilitators include Will McGarvey, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County

+++ The 111th Earl Lectures and Leadership Conference

Earl Lectures and Leadership Conference, January 29-31, Pacific School of Religion.
“We are Family: Real Faith, Real Family in the Real World.”

Featuring Margaret Farley, Stephanie Coontz, Miguel De La Torre and Barbara Essex. Introduce spiritual practices and rituals into your family life, attend a full-sensory worship design workshop with Dr. Marcia McFee, find out ways your church can partner with nonprofit organizations to support social justice work with the San Francisco Foundation, and network with scholars, activists, and other religious organizations.

New this year: workshop tracks for clergy, parents, mental health professionals, and activists – more than 35 options to choose from! Attend a pastoral care roundtable with Dr. Peter Yuichi Clark, get the latest research on families and spirituality with Dr. Annette Mahoney, hear about what churches can do to prevent sexual abuse, learn about spiritual care for returning veterans and their families with Rev. Penny Philips, and find out about intentional retirement communities and building family among diverse senior populations.

Plus: 15 BBS accredited CE contact hours, Theology on Tap, and a special showing of the film “La Mission” featuring a talk with writer/director Peter Bratt. Visit www.psr.edu/earllectures for more information. (Group, student, retired/fixed income discounts available.)

+++ The keynote lecture of the Earl Lectures by Margaret Farley

January 29, 2013 from 7:30 to 9:00 pm
First Congregational Church of Berkeley,
2345 Channing Way, Berkeley.
Tickets for the lecture are $10.

Margaret Farley, author of several books including the award-winning Just Love: A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics, will give a keynote lecture at the Earl Lectures and Leadership Conference, January 29-31, 2013 hosted by Pacific School of Religion.

Dr. Farley has an accomplished history of speaking on women’s rights and public health issues, both within and outside of the church. She has published more than 100 articles and chapters of books on topics of ethical methodology, medical ethics, sexual ethics, social ethics, historical theological ethics, ethics and spirituality, justice and HIV/AIDS. Professor Farley is the recipient of eleven honorary degrees and a variety of fellowships and awards, including the 1992 John Courtney Murray Award for Excellence in Theology and the 2008 Grawemeyer Award in Religion for her book, Just Love. She was Director of Yale Divinity School’s Women’s Initiative: Gender, Faith, and Responses to HIV/AIDS in Africa. She is past president of both the Society of Christian Ethics and the Catholic Theological Society of America.

For more information on this keynote or the conference: www.psr.edu/earllectures or 510-849-8279

+++ Don Huntington of 110 ° Magazine

Wednesday, Jan. 30th from 3:00 to 4:30 pm
Westmont Senior Living
450 John Muir Parkway, Brentwood

Don will be sharing about his book “How to Put Your Whole Self In.” Don’s 101 instructions on becoming good for yourself and good for other are like a one-a-day New Year’s Resolution.

+++ A Sacred Conversation about Systemic Violence Against Families in America: Race and Immigration.

Thursday, January 31, 2013, 5:30 pm

Iglesia ALLEN TEMPLE Baptist Church
Community Outreach Center
8709 International Blvd, Oakland CA 94621
(* 2 blocks south of the main Allen Temple church)

An evening of theological reflection, dinner and dialogue. Main presenter: Rev. Dr. Rev. Dr. Miguel de la Torre -
Professor of Social Ethics at Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado. He is the author of Trail of Hope & Terror: Testimonies on Immigration (2009) Doing Christian Ethics from the Margin (2004), and Latino/a Social Ethics: Moving Beyond Eurocentric Moral Thinking (2010).

Respondents:
* Rev. Dr. James Noel - Professor of American Religion and African American Christianity at San Francisco Theological Seminary. He is the author of The Passion of the Lord: African American Reflections (2005) and Black Religion and the Imagination of Matter in the Atlantic World (2009).
* Janet King – Deputy Director of Children/Youth Trauma project at the Native American Health Center in Oakland.

Please RSVP to Francisco Herrera at 510-893-7106 ext. 302 or Rev. Deborah Lee at ext. 319,dlee@clueca.org. Donations appreciated for dinner. Sponsored by the Pastoral Migration Project – Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice , Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights (CLUE-CA) and Pacific School of Religion, Earl Lectures.

+++ Creating a Peaceful School Conference
Saturday, February 2, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Seven Hills School,
975 North San Carlos Dr. Walnut Creek 94598
(adjacent to Heather Farms)

The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center in Walnut Creek announces its Second Annual conference for anyone who works with young people in K – 12, including Parents, Teachers, Administrators, Classroom Aides, School Personnel and After-School Program Providers . Participants will develop the skills they need to make the classroom, the school and the community a more peaceful place. Educators for grades K – 12 are encouraged to attend.

Workshops and classes will cover a variety of topics. The keynote speaker is Ron Claassen, Professor of Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, School of Education, Fresno Pacific University and Director of the Restorative Discipline Project. The focus of the Conference this year will be the use of restorative justice in the classroom setting.

Workshop presenters and conference organizers include: Congressman George Miller (invited to appear); Ian Harris- Retired Professor of Peace Studies Program, University of Wisconsin; Jeff Porter – San Francisco Friends School; Dan Reynolds – Teacher of the year for Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Michael Nagler and Stephanie Van Hook – Metta Center for Nonviolence; John Marvin – Retired teacher, Pleasant Hill Middle School; Lorin Peters – Retired teacher, Bishop O’Dowd High School, Gandhian Nonviolence; Jill Johnson – Teacher, Freedom High School Peace and Conflict Studies; Chris Giotta – Art Teacher, Walnut Creek Intermediate School; Sherry McCreedy – Teacher and Facilitator, Restorative Practices; Loretta G. Breuning – Professor, Cal State East Bay; Milt Panagotacos – Retired high school counselor; Tina Kauffman – Certified yoga instructor; Marti Roach – Facilitator & Trainer; Margli Auclair – Las Lomas HS Parent & Director, Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center.

Early registration fee of $35 has been extended. Register at http://creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com/. A delicious catered lunch is included. Continuing Education Credit will be available through St. Mary’s College for an additional $25. For full descriptions of presenters and topics go to http://creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com/. Questions, please contact: margli@mtdpc.org or (925) 933-7850.

+++ Holy Names University 3rd Annual Bay Area Social Justice Forum: People of Hope – Agents of Change

Saturday, February 2nd 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
3500 Mountain Blvd. Oakland

This year’s plenary sessions will feature David Batstone, Co-Founder and President of “Not for Sale”, a grassroots organization working to end Human Trafficking, and Rev. Deborah Lee, Director of Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Right. Rev. Lee will facilitate a panel discussion with 4 young adults who will share their experiences around immigration and how it has affected their lives. There will also be morning and afternoon workshop sessions covering the following topics: Human Trafficking, Immigration, Fracking, Poverty, Youth Homelessness, Islamaphobia, Drug War and U.S. Policy in Latin America, Talking Back to Hate, Organizing for Social Change, Restorative Justice and Prison Reform.

This event is Co-Sponsored by: JustFaith, United Religions Initiative (URI) and URI North America, Mercy Sisters West-Midwest Community, Sisters of St. Francis Redwood City, Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Stop Slavery – Northern California Coalition of Catholic Sisters, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, St. Anne Parish Byron, CA, Sisters of the Holy Family and St. Mary’s College Leadership Program.

Online registration is open and you can register at: www.hnu.edu/SocialJustice $40 at the door. Students, $25 at the door. For more information, contact Sister Susan Wells at 510.437.1280 orwells@hnu.edu.

+++ Contra Costa Interfaith Housing’s Fifth Annual RUBY BOOTS 2013 “There’s No Place Like Home!”

Save the Date! Saturday, February 2, 2013 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Contra Costa Country Club
801 Golf Club Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523