| Events & News | |
JUNE 2004
Back in Business!
We were unable to publish E-News in May due to technical difficulties. Thanks for your patience!
IN THIS ISSUE:
MONTH OF REMEMBRANCE COMING SOON!
After much planning and preparation the time is nearing for the first annual Month of Remembrance. In addition to the Remembrance Service we have hosted since September 11, 2001, we are partnering with Faith Beyond Walls to create additional opportunities for reflection, dialogue and service between August 15 and September 14. Below is a listing of events:
Sunday, August 15
Dialogue Group Picnic and Food Drive Kick-Off
Des Peres Park Pavillion
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.This event will bring together all current dialogue group members and their families for an afternoon of food and fun. Activities will include a clown, games and prizes. Newcomers interested in learning about dialogue groups are welcome to attend. Attendees are asked to bring food for themselves as well as a loaf of a type of bread symbolic of their religious tradition to share with others. Beverages will be provided. R.S.V.P. to Irene Randall at (314) 531-4787 or e-mail.by Friday, August 6.
We will also kick off the first annual ICAN (Interfaith Communities and Neighborhoods) Food Drive. We are asking all picnic attendees to bring a canned food item.
Sunday, August 15 through Sunday, September 5
ICAN! (Interfaith Communities and Neighborhoods) Food DriveProceeds from the Food Drive benefit the St. Louis Area Food Bank. You can drop off your canned goods at the locations listed below. The St. Louis Area Foodbank is a non-profit food distribution center for organizations that feed hungry people in 14 counties in eastern Missouri and 12 counties in southwestern Illinois. Contact Leslie Garvin at (314) 531-4787 or e-mail with any questions.
Locations:
Bahá'í Information Center
30 W. Lockwood Ave.
Webster Groves, MO 63119
(314) 963-1415Central Reform Congregation
5020 Waterman Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-3919
Drop-off hours between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Missouri Zen Center
220 Spring Ave.
Webster Groves, MO 63119
(314) 961-6138
Drop-off hours 24 hours (barrel on enclosed front porch)Immanuel United Church of Chirst
221 Church Street
Ferguson, MO 63135
(314) 521-7324
Drop-off hours between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Thursday, September 9
Interfaith Panel Discussion, Remembrance Service and Soup Supper
5:30 p.m. - Supper
6:00 p.m. - Panel
7:00 p.m. - Service
The Ethical Society
9001 Clayton Rd.
Clayton, MO 63117 (three blocks west of the Galleria)The evening begins with a shared soup supper followed by a panel composed of interfaith leaders from the St. Louis region responding to the question, "What is the State of Interfaith Relations Since 9-11?" The third annual IP Remembrance Service, involving interfaith prayers of peace, will immediately follow. Contact Beth Damsgaard-Rodriguez at (314) 531-4787 or e-mail.
Saturday, September 11
Interfaith Youth Community Service Day
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Shift #1
12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. Shift #2
St. Louis Area Foodbank Repackaging Center
1451 Page Industrial Court
St. Louis, MO 63132
We invite local interfaith youth to join us for a service project to package the food collected during the interfaith food drive in preparation for distribution to local families in need. Volunteers will work in two shifts. This project is for youth ages 12-18. When you call to register please indicate your preferred shift. Contact Leslie Garvin at (314) 531-4787 or e-mail to register.
Tuesday, September 14
YADA, YADA, YADA (Young Adult Dialogue Action) Gathering
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Commonspace
615 N. Grand Blvd. (1 block north of the Fox Theater)We invite young adults (18-35) to join us for an evening of interfaith dialogue and reflection. Free beverages (non-alcoholic) and food! Contact Beth Damsgaard-Rodriguez for more info at (314) 531-4787 or e-mail.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE FOR PEACE IN IRAQ
On Tuesday, June 29 the Interfaith Partnership in collaboration with Christ Church Cathedral sponsored an Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace in Iraq to commemorate the transition of power that took place on Monday, June 28. The program began with the reading, by a group of interfaith leaders, of the names of all documented deaths associated with the current conflict in Iraq.
The reading was followed by a prayer service during which interfaith leaders offered prayers of peace and hope. Thanks to all who participated and attended. May Peace prevail! Click below to read remarks and prayers from the speakers:
Welcome - Orvin T. Kimbrough, Executive Director
Muslim - Imam Muhammad Hasic (remarks coming soon)
Bahá'í - Ms. Billie Mayo (remarks coming soon)
Jewish - Rabbi Mark Shook (remarks coming soon) Hindu - Dr. Rao Ayyagari Christian - Rev. Dorcas Wilkerson Reflection for Peace and Hope - Rev. Dr. Warren Crews, President of the Interfaith Partnership Board Closing Prayer - Imam Nur Abdullah ANNUAL MEETING BIGGEST YEAR EVER!
Nearly 170 people representing the Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Bahá'í and other faith communities were in attendance at the Interfaith Partnership 2004 Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, held on May 19 at the Sheraton West Port Chalet. Winners of the Msgr. John A. Shocklee Interfaith Social Justice Award were Sarah Holtz, a senior at Washington University, and Candace Nicole Parker, a senior at Webster University. Abraham's Children presented it's Congregational Award to Pastor Jerry Keeney of Union Avenue Christian Church and to Health Advocate Gayle Mason, RN. The William D. Chapman Faith in Action Award was given to Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation, who delivered the keynote speech. Thanks to all who participated in the program and to all attendees for making this our biggest year ever!
Wise Steps
Abraham's Children is partnering with Faith Beyond Walls on the Wise Steps health initiative. This is a project funded through the Strong Partner's project of Emory University and the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis to address infant mortality. On Saturday, July 24, IP and FBW will sponsor a seminar for workers from three faith-based daycare centers in North County: New Northside Child Development Center, Mt. Beulah Christian Academy and Greater St. Mark Child Development Center. The seminar will focus on SIDS and lead poisoning awareness and prevention. On Saturday, August 14 students who attend these Centers and their families are invited to a Health Fair involving information on health, lead testing, free back to school materials, door prizes from the St. Louis Rams and St. Louis Cardinals, clowns, games and food.Garden of Eden
Come visit the Garden of Eden, a local produce market, which provides fresh produce, dietary advice and healthy recipes, prepared by nutritionists. The market can be found at Union Memorial Church, 1141 Belt Ave. and is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Garden of Eden is a joint effort of IP, four local churches and St. Louis University School of Public Health. All are welcome!
Healthy Mind, Body, Spirit
Healthy Mind, Body, Spirit is an initiative that seeks to provide resources and health education to members of congregations served by Abraham's Children.
Flu Awareness Initiative
Abraham's Children has partnered with MissouriPRO on an exciting new initiative! MissouriPRO is a non-profit healthcare consulting firm whose goal is to ensure quality care for seniors age 65 and over. AC's role will be to provide flu presentation within various community settings to promote awareness among African-American seniors regarding the importance of influenza (flu) immunizations. Preventative health is the best medicine so the goal is to help St. Louis residents live healthier this winter.Health Fairs
Saturday, August 28, 2004, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Community Festival at Barrett Brother's Park (St. Louis Ave. & Goodfellow Blvd.)
Music, games, car show, giveaways & more
$1.00 per family (parent must be present for children to enter)Hosted by 10 area congregations (New Emmanuel MBC, St. James MBC, Willing Workers Christian Redeeming Spiritual Church, Siloam MBC, New City Fellowship, New Canaan MBC, Zion Travelers MBC, Solomon's Temple COGIC, Mt. Bethel MBC, Friendly Temple MBC) and the 22nd Ward.
Saturday, August 28, 2004, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lane Tabernacle Health Fair, 910 Newstead Ave.FREE Mammograms (8:30-10am only), FREE School Supplies, FREE Food and FREE screeningsThe Fire Dept is coming to burn a house down. Come and see fire escape safety techniques!On Sunday August 29th, Lane will offer blessings for a safe and prosperous school year during 10:00 am worship service.
KIMBROUGH DELIVERS OPENING REMARKS AT BAHAI RACE UNITY DAY CELEBRATION
On Sunday, June 13, Executive Director, Orvin Kimbrough delivered the opening remarks for the annual Race Unity Day event sponsored by the Greater St. Louis Bahá'ís and organized by the Board of Directors of the Bahá'í Information Center. Below is a portion of Kimbrough's remarks. To learn more about the event click here.
"...I think it is an occupational hazard, but I am always inclined to view topics and social issues through the lens of my work with congregations, and ask the question what are we as people of faith doing to impact that issue or to advance that cause. Better yet, is it an appropriate issue for us to mobilize around?
The issue of race and all of the isms that flow from it, that make it necessary for us to have a day to refocus our energy and thoughts on the beauty of racial diversity—still stains our country. And yes, it is my belief that congregations should play a role in moving our society to a point of healing and accepting racial and religious diversity as a matter of fact…which we have yet to do.
But it is oftentimes difficult for faith leaders to carry the banner of healing, when they themselves harbor great anxiety with working with people from different racial backgrounds. It is often times difficult for faith communities to be the moral voice, when they themselves are racially polarized and refuse to acknowledge and deal with the historical hurt and pain that perpetuates more hurt and pain..."
Celebrating 20 Years of Strengthening Faith, Sharing Faith, and Serving Faithfully