| Events & News | |
- IP Mourns the Loss of Stephanie Stanley
- Interfaith Partnership E-News Moves to Quarterly Format
- Register Today for the IP Annual Meeting in May
- Religious Perspectives on Stem Cell Research
- 14th Annual Interfaith Music Event Highlights
- IP Rallies Against Proposed Medicaid Cuts
- Quadir's Host April 3rd Fundraiser to Support IP Dialogue Groups
- Understanding Our Neighbors
- HEALTH INITIATIVES NEWS
Board Member Stephanie Stanley, a strong advocate for inter-religious dialogue and a great friend to Interfaith Partnership, passed away on April 28. Stephanie's funeral and burial will take place in New Orleans. A commemoration service will take place in St. Louis at a later date.The entire IP family will miss Stephanie tremendously. Please pray that the Stanley family finds strength during this very difficult time.
Interfaith Partnership E-News Moves to Quarterly Format
UPCOMING EVENTS
Interfaith Partnership E-News will now post quarterly (January, April, July and October). Stay posted to the website or register to receive E-News via e-mail.
Register Today for the IP Annual Meeting in May
2005 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon is being held May 18, 11:45am (registration begins 11:00am) at the Sheraton Lakeside Chalet in Westport. Awards to be presented at the event are:
- William D. Chapman Faith in Action Award - recipient is The Rev. Dr. Paul Reiter
- Msgr. John A. Shocklee Social Justice Awards - recipients to be determined
- Abraham's Children Awards - recipient congregation is New Sunnymount Missionary Baptist Church; recipient health advocates are RubyJones & Michell Nickerson
Tickets are $25.00 each. For additional information or registration for, contact Irene Randall at 531-4787 or e-mail.
PROGRAM & EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Religious Perspectives on Stem Cell Research
On April 14, IP and the Center for the Study of Ethics and Human Values at Washington University hosted the forum "Religious Perspectives on Stem Cell Research" at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Over 100 people attended this fascinating event as speakers representing five different faith groups shared their perspectives on issues related to stem cell research. The esteemed panelists were: Rabbi Mark Shook (Jewish), Ms. Barbara Quigley (Evangelical Christian), Ms. Maryl Walters (Christian Science), Dr. Ahmet Karamustafa (Islamic) Father Charles Bouchard (Catholic). Dr.Tina Hesman, Medical Science Reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch was the moderator for the evening. Prior to the panel discussion, Dr. Ira Kodner, Director of the Center for the Study of Ethics and Human Values, set the stage by explaining the terminology that is often used on this topic. After all the panelists concluded, the audience participated in a question and answer session.14TH ANNUAL INTERFAITH MUSIC EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
On Sunday, April 10th, Temple Israel hosted Interfaith Partnership's 14th Annual Interfaith Music Festival. This year's delightful event offered a wide variety of musical talents performed by diverse participants focusing on the theme of "Harmony."The program began with a responsive reading to bring together the audience and performers. The Genesis Ringers I from Ladue Chapel, a group of talented young students from 4th to 6th grade, followed, playing two beautiful pieces with their three octaves of handbells and chimes. Dr. Waheed Rana then shared a reading from the Qur'an in Arabic and in English regarding peace and harmony among all people. Next the Voices of CRC (Central Reform Congregation) sang three beautiful songs in Hebrew accompanied by a drum and guitar. Sangeetha followed with a mesmerizing classical Hindu tune that was an invocation for peace and harmony. Visions Gospel Choir of Washington University filled the sanctuary with sound as they sang three upbeat, lively songs that left everyone clapping and swaying in their seats. The final group was Temple Israel's own Shira Adult Choir sharing four praise songs in Hebrew. Shira then lead everyone in the closing song, "Shalom Chaverim."
This wonderful performance was followed by a delicious reception created by Temple Israel. Thanks to the Music Planning Committee for their help. Special thanks to Leslie Limbaugh, Linda Blumenthal and the staff at Temple Israel for helping us put it all together. Click here for pictures
IP RALLIES AGAINST PROPOSED MEDICAID CUTS
On April 6, IP helped facilitate a rally in Jefferson City with Jobs for Justice and GRO to protest the Governor's proposed cuts in Medicaid. Approximately 1000 people, from all over the state, gathered at the court house steps to hear speeches made by doctors, clergy and those who will be personally impacted by the cuts. Afterwards, the crowd was broken down into smaller groups to speak to representatives. Board member Rev. James Morris and several others had the chance to share their concerns with the Governor's Chief of Staff.QUADIR'S HOST APRIL 3RD FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT IP DIALOGUE GROUPS
Sharing Food and Faith Traditions was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. H. Quadir, April 3. Over 60 people attended and were treated to an abundance of delicious ethnic foods, ably prepared by Mrs. H. Quadir and Mrs. S. Raziq. A program followed during which members of four faith groups--Muslim, Baha'i, Christian, Jewish--presented their perspectives on four different topics. Question and answers followed the presentations. The event benefited Interfaith Partnership's dialogue and education activites.
UNDERSTANDING OUR NEIGHBORS
From February through April 2005, IP partnered with the Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) to co-facilitate a lecture series on the JCCA campus entitled "Religions of the World: Understanding Our Neighbors." Each class of the series focused on Christianity, Islam, Bahá'í, Hinduism, or Buddhism. Speakers from each faith group shared basic tenets, origins, sacred texts, rituals performed and the various worship styles of their faith group. The class participants enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the speakers for a better understanding of how the different religions inter-relate. Special thanks to Esther Zimand from CAJE and to our speakers; Rev. Vince Heier, Rev. Dr. Barbara Willock, Dr. Waheed Rana, Mr. Omid Ghaemmaghami and Mr. Mike Gaillard.HEALTH INITIATIVES NEWS
Abraham's Children
As a resource network for congregations, one of the goals of Abraham's Children (AC) is to form lasting partnerships with other organizations and groups. To that end, we have been strategically aligning ourselves with potential long-term partners. We are partnering with the American Heart Association to bring the Go Red for Women heart health campaign to congregations on Mother's Day. Participating congregations will receive free Red Dress pins and educational materials for each female (age 13 and older) within the congregation. Contact Kassandra at the IP office by April 25 for more information.
We are also collaborating with the YMCA of St. Louis to launch Activate America, a senior health and fitness initiative funded by the CDC and Kimberly Clark. This incentive-based group walking program will be officially launched in South St. Louis City during National Older Americans Month in May. Contact the IP office for more information.
IP/AC has been selected to receive the 2005 Health Advocacy Organization of the Year Award given by the St. Louis American Foundation. The award will be presented on Saturday, May 7 during the fifth annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Luncheon at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. The Mound City Medical Forum and a committee of local health care professionals chose us to receive the award. IP/AC will also be featured in a special health edition of the St. Louis American’s Salute to Excellence section.
Healthy Mind-Body-Spirit
Angel McCormick Franks has been hired as a part-time project coordinator for the Healthy Mind, Body, Spirit (HMBS) project. Angel was recruited for her background in event planning and working with seniors as a gerontologist. Welcome Angel!
An eight-hour training for HMBS health advocates will be held on Saturday, May 7 at Eden Seminary. Other upcoming HMBS events include a senior fair (5/15), a men's sports and fitness clinic (6/12) and a community wellness fair (7/23), all at Lane Tabernacle. Additional events are being planned with a cluster of churches in North County. Remember to check our calendar of events for upcoming activities and dates.
Celebrating 20 Years of Strengthening Faith, Sharing Faith, and Serving Faithfully