VT Faith Community's Online News - July 2011

Other Faith Common Articles

Faith Common is the email newsletter of the Vermont Ecumenical Council & Bible Society (VEC). PLEASE POST IT in your house of worship. To be added to this newsletter mailing list or to submit news, please send an email to the VEC office at info@vecbs.org.

PRAYER by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Bless our beautiful land, O Lord, with its wonderful variety of people, of races, cultures and languages. May we be a nation of laughter and joy, of justice and reconciliation, of peace and unity, of compassion, caring and sharing. We pray this prayer for a true patriotism, in the powerful name of Jesus our Lord.

FACING ISLAMOPHOBIA WORKSHOP
This workshop, organized in response to the barrage of anti- Muslim events in the past year, will be held at Washington Unitarian Universalist Church (on Rt. 110 near Barre) on Saturday, August 13 from 9:30 – 4:30. It is intended to help people open their hearts and minds to the valuable life lessons that can be gained from the powerful and inspiring religious tradition of Islam. Teams from different congregations are encouraged to attend. The workshop will be happening during the month of Ramadan. It is organized by PeaceBridge which is a project of the Washington UU Church dedicated to culti- vating friendship and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.

The day will include presentations and small group discussions, and also Islamic music and food. Topics include understanding the five pillars of Islam; unpacking misunderstandings about Islam; looking at one's own discomfort; Muslim etiquette- as preparation for those who want to visit a mosque; and what is jihad. Lunch will consist of foods from Islamic countries. The workshop will look at how to advocate in the public square for religious tolerance and diversity (particularly with respect to Islam). It will end with congregational teams working together on a “Taking it Home” worksheet to help them identify next steps for bringing this information to their home congregations. To find out more or to sign up, contact Rev. M'ellen Kennedy at mellenken@aol.com or call 802-453-5469.

VISIT TO THE MOSQUE FOR 'EID AL-FITR
When non-Muslims get to know Muslims, it's a powerful way to counter the misinformation about Islam that is common in the media. Ramadan, in the month of August this year, is a holy month of fasting for Muslims. Non-Muslims are invited to visit the Colchester Mosque at the end of Ramada for the 'Eid al-Fitr celebration. Visitors are welcome to come and join in the pot- luck meal. It's hoped that those who attend will have programs in their home congregations on what they learned about Islam. PeaceBridge (described above) is organizing this program. The date for the potluck supper hasn't been set yet. Please contact Rev. M'ellen Kennedy at mellenken@aol.com or call 802-453-5469 for more information.

SCHOOL FOR TEACHERS OF CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This School will be held at Bishop Booth Conference Center in Burlington, Oct. 28 – 30. The first part of the School is the “Workshop on the Essential Teaching” - an experience of the community that meditation creates together with a sense of the wonderful tradition in which it is grounded. It is designed for meditators who've been on the path for some time and already feel that a commitment to a personal practice is growing and enriching their lives.

The four linked aspects in the Essential Teaching workshop are: the basic elements of teaching passed on by John Main; an over- view of mystical Christian tradition; a survey of the personal, psychological stages of the journey; and the role of the medita- tion group. The spirit of the workshop is relaxed, informative, and friendly; community is built among the participants. The cost for the weekend is $225 which includes lodging and meals. Registration deadline: August 1st. For an application, contact Lucy Beck:stoltzhouse@gmail.com The School is sponsored by the Cathedral Chapter of St. Paul's Cathedral in Burlington and it's Meditation Center – a center of the World Community for Christian Meditation www.wccm.org

HELP THE HUNGRY YEAR-ROUND
In many religious traditions, the faithful are called upon to give to those with less. While it is often around holidays that people seek to give most, some Vermonters are hungry every day of the year. When money is tight, food is often the first part of the budget to be cut. Vermonters can help by encouraging friends, neighbors or anyone having trouble making ends meet to apply for 3SquaresVT. This program provides Vermonters of all ages with extra money each month to buy nutritious food. It also brings money into the local economy. Seniors over 65 can get their benefits as cash deposited into their bank account. For information on 3SquaresVT, including eligibility informa- tion, go to www.vermontfoodhelp.com/info/index.php or call either 211 or the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119.

RESOURCE:

BROKEN BY ADDICTION, BLESSED BY GOD by Penny Hauser
This book will benefit women recovering from addiction (and also benefits their families). It's a good resource for counselorsand therapists. Professional reviews of the book both here and overseas have been excellent. Penny Hauser has been speaking at conferences around the country. She is available to present workshops or discussions for congregations or women's groups. She attends Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland. Contact her at pnnyhsr@comcast.net