Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia

External Event Archives

2009

Great Food for a Great Cause

Please join us in supporting teens of three different faiths interested in giving back to the community by eating a delicious meal!

Hope United Methodist Church & Walking the Walk Fund-raiser

Saturday, November 14, 2009
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
$18 Adults/ $10 Kids

Lunch: A special selection of grilled favorite and Outback originals.

Outback Steakhouse
1162 Baltimore Pike
Springfield, PA 19064

Stories from the Green Line - premiere of a documentary filmed in Israel & Palestine

3:00 PM
22 November 2009
Philadelphia Ethical Society
1906 S. Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Ethical Society of Philadelphia is located on the extreme Southwestern corner of Rittenhouse Square.  Rittenhouse Square is located between 18th and 20th Streets and Walnut and Pine Streets.  Discounted parking at Parkway, 1845 Walnut St. (we will validate your ticket at the event).

Sponsoring Group: Good Shepherd Mediation Program

Registration Fee: $22 in advance; $25 at the door

Stories from the Green Line, a documentary by local filmmaker Ellen Knechel.
In March 2008, a group of local mediators traveled to Israel and the West Bank to hear from the people involved in one of the most intractable conflicts in the world. They listened to religious Jews, secular Jews, Muslims and Christians speak about the Arab-Israeli conflict: how it impacts their lives, their hopes, dreams and prayers for peace. Forty hours of footage has been edited to 50 of the most powerful minutes of the journey. The trip was co-sponsored by the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution, Good Shepherd Mediation Program, and Just Listening in Philadelphia.

Proceeds will benefit Good Shepherd Mediation Program.

RSVP & Contact Information:

To order advance tickets, send a check to Good Shepherd Mediation Program, 5356 Chew Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138. For more information, call 215-843-5413.

Link: http://www.phillymediators.org
Phone Number: (215) 843-5413
Email: ccmed8r@aol.com

New Book by Walking the Walk Alumna Parent

The Interfaith Center proudly announces a new book (and some local book signings), "Growing Up Global: Raising Children to Be At Home in the World," recently published by Homa Tavingar, a parent of a Walking the Walk alumna from the Baha'i community.

Please consider joining Homa S. Tavangar at an event coming up:
 
Barnes & Noble
Swedesford Road, Devon, PA
Saturday, October 10, 2 pm
Talk/Q&A/Book Signing
 
Barnes & Noble
Marketplace in Exton, PA
Sunday, October 11, 1 pm
Talk/Q&A/Book Signing
 
Head House Books 
619 S 2nd St, Old City Philadelphia
Saturday, October 17, 2 pm
Talk/Q&A/Book Signing
 
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
Sat November 7, 11 a.m.
Launch of the Growing Up Global Film Series
See The Great Match – a soccer comedy taking us to some of the most remote corners of the planet. http://www.brynmawrfilm.org/

Visit www.growingupglobal.net for more.

Parliament of the World's Religions

Interfaith Center staff, Rev. Nicole Diroff, will be attending the Parliament of the World's Religions to be held in Melbourne, Australia from December 3-9, 2009. Key topics for the Parliament include healing the Earth, reconciliation with indigenous peoples, overcoming poverty, sharing wisdom, and building peace in pursuit of justice.

Nicole will be helping to coordinate a gathering of local people hoping to attend the Parliament. Contact her at ndd@interfaithcenterpa.org for more information.

 

Who is my enemy? Religious hope in a time of fear

Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Villanova University's Theology Institute

The event is free and open to the public

Villanova University's Theology Institute will sponsor a conference on October 27-28, 2009. The conference examines ways Christians, Muslims, and Jews construct and deconstruct one another as enemies and allies, and the resources these traditions offer for fostering faith in a culture rife with fear. On October 27th the conference features talks by noted scholars as well as the Phildealphia premiere of a new musical performance by the world class artists of Intercultural Journeys. On October 28th audience members will be introduced to the practice of scriptural reasoning. The converence is free and open to the public, but we ask you to register in order to assist us with planning.

Web Site: http://www.theology.villanova.edu/institute
Phone Number (610) 519-3898
Email: darlene.weaver@villanova.edu

Interfaith Center Board Member Hosts Interfaith Conversations

Board Member Sherri Hauser welcomes two Lebanese experts on Islamic/Christian relations in the Middle East as part of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian's "Interfaith Conversations" Series. 

Dr. Mary Mikhael and Dr. Mohammad Sammak will be addressing the topic, "Living Together in the Middle East: Muslim and Christian Challenges, Opportunities, and Implications for Americans."

Experts from Lebanon to appear at Lutheran Seminary Oct. 20; also at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Oct. 21.

Two Lebanese experts on Islamic/Christian relations in the Middle East will help Philadelphians explore Middle Eastern implications for Americans at a convocation at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia on Tuesday, October 20. The visits of Dr. Mary Mikhael and Dr. Mohammad Sammak are co-sponsored by LTSP and Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, where they will be appearing on October 21. Both presentations are free and open to the public.
Addressing the topic "Living Together in the Middle East: Muslim and Christian Challenges, Opportunities, and Implications for Americans” will be Mikhael (left), president since 1994 of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut; and Sammak (right),syndicated columnist for three newspapers in the Middle East and counselor to the Grand Mufti of Lebanon. Their remarks will be offered at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 in Benbow Hall on the LTSP campus, 7301 Germantown Avenue, in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia.

Mikhael, the first woman to ever serve as president of a seminary in the Middle East, has held that post since 1994 and been associated with the school since 1992. She’s also held the post of academic dean there. Mikhael is currently a member of the executive committee and the theological committee of the Fellowship of the Middle East Evangelical churches. She has written numerous articles on theology and the position of women in the church and has lectured extensively in the U.S. Europe and Middle East regarding women’s issues in universities and churches.

Sammak, an expert on Islamic thought and political science, is a syndicated columnist for newspapers in Beirut, Abu Dhabi and Cairo. He is secretary-general for the Christian-Muslim Committee for Dialogue in Lebanon, secretary-general for the Islamic spiritual Summit there, and also secretary-general in Lebanon for the executive committee of Christian-Muslim Arab Group. He has argued in the past that American church policies regarding Arabs are more balanced than the policies of the U.S. Government, but that the American Church views are not well understood in the Middle East because they are not presented in the Islamic press there. He has also written that it is not well understood that the American values regarding human rights, liberty and democracy are rooted as well in Islamic culture.

An evening of Sufi Poetry and Music

October 24, 2009
7:30 PM
Fortuna Art Gallery
845 West Lancaster Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA  19010

Sponsoring Group: Fortuna Art gallery

An evening of poetry and music with: DANIEL ABDAL-HAYY MOORE

What is this life to us if it’s not a continual wonder, whose elements of surprise should lead us to recognition of the Source?  A continuation of the Ecstatic Exchange Project of putting a life in poetry, and poetry in life, in the voice of a radiantly indigenous application of revelation, and its living and instantaneous continuation through enlightened teachers.

For me the province of poetry is a private ecstasy made public, and the social role of the poet is to display moments of shared universal epiphanies capable of healing our sense of mortal estrangement—from ourselves, from each other, from our source, from our destiny, from The Divine.

The litany of the beautiful Ramadan Sonnets may seem to be opposed to that of Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, yet its aim may be the same: Liberation.
— Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Daniel Abdal-Hayy Moore has combined the strong and spontaneous strain of American free verse that flows up through Whitman, Williams and Ginsberg with the deep well of his spiritual devotion.  The result is unique and very tasty poems!  He’s definitely located the water table...
— Coleman Barks

Poet’s pens soar when they are free but disappear when they are effective.  Daniel Abdal-Hayy Moore’s poem soar long after the ink has dried and the pen lifted.  From feasts in Fes to desserts in the desert, Moore takes us on a trip of which the best guide happens to be a consummate poet.  He is that guide.
— Hamza Yusuf Hanson

Born in 1940 in Oakland, California, Daniel Abdal-Hayy Moore’s first book of poems, Dawn Visions, was published by Lawrence Ferlinghetti of City Lights Books, San Francisco, in 1964, and the second in 1972, Burnt Heart/Ode to the War Dead. He created and directed The Floating Lotus Magic Opera Company in Berkeley, California in the late 60s, and presented two major productions, The Walls Are Running Blood, and Bliss Apocalypse.  He became a Sufi Muslim in 1970, performed the Hajj in 1972, and lived and traveled throughout Morocco, Spain, Algeria and Nigeria, residing in Philadelphia since 1990.

He is widely published on the worldwide web, and his own website: www.danielmoorepoetry.com, and his poetry blog: ecstaticxchange.wordpress.com.

The Ecstatic Exchange Series is bringing out the extensive body of his works  of poetry, with twenty-one titles now in print (available at Amazon.com, etc, and on sale at the reading).

"When Is It Enough" - what will truly satisfy our searching youth

October 18, 2009
5:00 PM
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
625 Montgomery Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA  19010

Maria Stroup was the Pastor for Youth and their Families at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church for over 6 years and is currently a student advocate at the Shipley School. She is a passionate and dynamic speaker, loved by teens as well as their parents.

What will truly satisfy our searching youth?  What are the empty promises society promotes? How do families counteract the culture of consumption with a faithful response?  We will explore these questions and more by looking at media, advertising and the seduction of technology.
This is a powerful presentation for both youth and their parents – not to be missed!

Free and open to the community.

Sponsoring Group: Adolescent Institute of the Middleton Center

Event Link:: http://www.middletoncenter.org
Your Phone Number: (610) 525-0766
Your Email: mail@middletoncenter.org

World Religions Day at Villanova University

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Religion in the Workplace and Understanding Religious Diversity

For more information, visit the event web site.

 

 

Celebrate Wellness Expo

A health resource expo, health screenings and presentations on nurturing the mind, healing the body, and liberating the spirit!

Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sponsoring Group: The Wellness of You, Inc. and Universal Companies

The Wellness of You, Inc. and Universal Companies present the Celebrate Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event will feature a resource expo from 11 AM - 4 PM and wellness presentations beginning at 1 PM focused on nurturing hte mind, healing the body and liberating the spirit. Presenters include Philadelphia’s own Dr. Robin L. Smith, a national television and radio personality, best selling author, ordained minister and licensed psychologist; Doctors Daniel Monti, MD and Anthony Bazzan, MD, authors of The Great Life Makeover and integrative health experts from Thomas Jefferson University; Dr. Frederick Burton, pioneer in the field of natural medicine and cancer research; and last but not least, Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center. You may know of Dr. Beckwith from his contribution to the film and book The Secret or numerous appearances on The Oprah Show and Larry King Live. He will provide the tools to take charge of one’s destiny through spirituality. For only $15 gain access to invaluable wellness information and tips on healthy living.

For more information visit www.celebratewellnessexpo.com or call (215) 732-1372.

Tickets available through Ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (800) 745-3000 (Keyword: Celebrate Wellness Expo). Group tickets receive 10% discount (great for fundraisers) and exhibit/vending space still available!

Web Site: http://www.celebratewellnessexpo.com
Phone Number: (215) 732-1372
Email: DeanaWoodall@aol.com

Disaster Preparedness Camp

Fri August 14, 4:30 – 8:30 pm
Sat August 15, 9 – 3 pm
Sun August 16, 8:30– 1 pm
St. Luke Lutheran Church, Devon, PA

A weekend for learning, fun and respite for grown-ups and children (ages 8 and up).

Lutherans have a long history of traveling near and far to aid in disaster. Many have come back to Southeastern Pennsylvania understanding the importance of preparedness for ourselves, our families, our churches and our communities. Experienced disaster workers will help us explore how our connectedness and relationships help shape disaster response. We’ll build resiliency by building community and by learning some hands on skills. There will be stories from the Bible, problem solving activities and most importantly, time to relax and have fun!

The cost is $45 per person or $100 for families of 3-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult companion such as a parent or grandparent. Space is limited.

To register, contact Julia Menzo, Lutheran Disaster Response Coordinator, Liberty Lutheran Services, 215-424-3741 ext. 203 or at jmenzo@libertylutheran.org.

Download Event Flyer

Nagasaki Day Candlelight Peace Dedication

Sunday, August 9th
7:30 pm
SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Cathedral
18th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA.
Rain or shine: bring an umbrella!

The solemn peace dedication will include readings, songs, and a ceremony of "repentance from war and nuclear weapons" with incense, water, and a silent candlelight vigil during which there will be the intoning of a large bell 64 times, once for every year of war and nuclear weaponry since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, August 6 - 9, 1945. The dedication will also feature banners and signs as well as large pictures of the aftermath of the bombings of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. More than 200,000 people were killed in the blast and fire in the atomic bombings which came at the end of World War II. Thousands upon thousands have died and continue to die from radiation sickness and radiation-induced illnesses. 

Joining the Brandywine Peace Community for the Nagasaki Day Peace Dedication will be the Philadelphia Catholic Peace Fellowship and the Northwest [Philadelphia] Greens. 

An Interfaith Dialogue Luncheon

May 7, 2009
1:00-3:30 pm
Main Lounge Mackay Campus Center
Princeton Theological Seminary

Download Event Flyer

Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath

A powerful feature-length documentary film on hate violence in the aftermath of 9/11 
www.dwf-film.com

Friday, April 17, 4:30-6:30 pm
Drexel University
Stein Auditorium, 111 Nesbitt Hall (33rd & Market Streets)
Philadelphia, PA
Download Event Flyer

Screening and Q&A with filmmaker Valarie Kaur to follow (part of Drexel’s week-long World Fusion Fest)

Open to the public/free admission

Co-sponsored at Drexel by: Africana Studies, Asbury Ministry, CoMAD (College of Media Arts & Design), Great Works Symposium, Interfaith Council, Office of Multicultural Programs
 
About the Movie
Driven to action by the murder of a turbaned man in her community, a college student drives across America in the aftermath of 9/11 to discover stories that did not make the evening news. From the still-shocked streets of Ground Zero to the desert towns of the American West, Valarie Kaur's inspiring journey uncovers remarkable stories of hate violence, fear and unspeakable loss – until she finds the heart of America halfway around the world, in the words of a widow. Five years in the making, Divided We Fall deftly explores race, religion and identity in times of national crisis.

Watch film clips, get the latest news and read reviews from across the country at www.dwf-film.com.

About the Filmmaker
Valarie Kaur is a third-generation Sikh American born and raised in Clovis, California, and a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Divinity School. She began the five-year journey to make this film in 2001 when she was an undergraduate at Stanford. The world premiere of Divided We Fall in September 2006 sent Valarie on a packed international speaking and screening tour which continues today. She has been invited as an authority on the subject at more than one hundred universities, colleges, and religious centers across the country. She has been featured in print, radio and television media including CNN, NPR, the BBC, and Frances Moore Lappe’s book You Have the Power: Choosing Courage in a Culture of Fear. The State of California recently presented Valarie with an official commendation recognizing her work as a scholar, activist, and storyteller. 

Valarie is currently studying the intersection of religion and law at Yale Law School, and serves as founding director of the Discrimination and National Security Initiative at the Harvard Pluralism Project.

Community Resource Fair: Offering a Hand-up, Not a Hand-out

April 19, 2009 | 2:00 PM
Old York Road Temple-Beth Am
971 Old York Road, Abington, PA

Target Audience: Local community members

Sponsoring Group: Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Kehillah of Old York Road

Registration Fee: Free and open to the community

1:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Registration

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Hear from local elected officials about legislative programs that are available to help you weather this economic storm.

3:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Choose 2 sessions, led by area professionals, on topics relevant to dealing with the financial, emotional and spiritual impact of the current economic times.

2:00 - 5:30 p.m. - View resource materials from a variety of social service agencies.

No need to rsvp. For more information, contact Linda Roth at lroth@jfgp or at 215-832-0822 or Lynne Balaban at lbalaban@jfgp.org or 215-884-3944

Web Site: http://www.jewishphilly.org/page.aspx?id=119455
Phone Number: (215) 884-3944
Email: lbalaban@jfgp.org

 

Besa: Albanian Muslims Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust. A Photo Exhibit by Norman Gershman

April 13 - 28, 2009
Main Line Reform Temple, Beth Elohim
410 Montgomery Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Web Site: http://www.mlrt.org
Phone Number: (610) 649-7800

Open for Groups and General Public.

Sonsoring Group: Main Line Reform Temple

Registration Fee: FREE

Don't miss this traveling exhibition consisting of 40 photographic portraits of Albanian Muslims who sheltered and saved the lives of Jews during the Holocaust, taken by photographer Norman Gershman. During World War II, when the Nazis held Europe and much of the world in terror, the people of Albania acted on Besa, their highest code of ethical honor, by putting aside all religious differences and endangering their own lives in order to save the lives of Jews. The photographs in this exhibit, along with their accompanying text, convey the essence of Besa within each subject.

Guided Group Visits available By Reservation
Contact Robert Isaacs at 610-649-7800. Docents are available upon request for groups of 10 or more. Monday - Friday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Self Guided Tours for Groups and Individuals
Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to closing. Visit www.mlrt.org for closing times.
Sundays 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Closed on Saturdays

Call 610-649-7800 or check www.mlrt.org for more details

Special Programs

April 16, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Interfaith Youth Evening Open House: Students and their families can join the Lower Merion Walking the Walk & Interfaith Youth

Group for an exhibit open house. Light refreshments will be served.

April 17, 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service with guest speaker Dr. Jonathan Goldstein, PhD, Department of History at the University of West Georgia and an expert on Jewish-Albanian relations during the Holocaust. A reception in the exhibit room follows services.

April 20, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Erev Yom Ha’shoah Service with guest speaker Norman Gershman, exhibit photographer. Hear the compelling story behind the photographs of the Besa exhibit during this special evening.

April 26, 9:30 a.m. Join us for a morning of discussion, a movie and an array of exciting foods.

This exhibit comes to us from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum in New York.

Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation

Sunday Afternoon, May 3,2009, 2:00 to 5:30 PM

2009 Theme: “People of Light, People of Hope, People of Courage”

12:30 pm: Pre-Walk Gathering at Al Aqsa Islamic Society, 1501 Germantown Ave. (3rd & Jefferson Streets) Bus available to Cathedral, returning at end to Al Aqsa.

Scheduled Stops where we celebrate with Prayer, Music and Sharing:

• Philadelphia Cathedral with Jewish Prayer and Music
  3723 Chestnut Street.   Entrance: 38th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. 
• Philadelphia Masjid, 4700 Wyalusing Ave. (near Lancaster Ave.)
  
• Millcreek Baptist Church, 641 N. Preston St. (Lancaster Ave. & 41st St.)
  
• Philadelphia Cathedral – (See address above)
  

Refreshments and Fellowship at the final stop! | Download Event Flyer

Eastern University Faith-Based Microfinance Conference

March 28, 2009 | 9:00 AM
Eastern University
Main Gym
1300 Eagle Road
St. Davids, PA 19087

Annual event meant to provide an opportunity for the academic community and students to join in the discussion of challenges facing faith-based microfinance through engaging speakers and panel discussion.

Sponsoring Group: Eastern University SIFE

Registration Fee: $25, $10 for students (bring student ID)

For more information, contact:

Phone: (302) 545-5134
Email: sacredside@gmail.com
Web: www.EasternMFC.com

A Spiritual Response to Violence

February 22, 2009
2:00 PM
Doubletree Hotel
Orchestra Room, 2nd Floor
237 South Broad Street at Locust
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5686
(215) 893-1600

Audience: Anyone interested in handling violence, in both preventative and recuperative ways, through prayer.

Sponsoring Group: First Church of Christ, Scientist and Pennsylvania Bible Society Registration Fee: Free Event Description & RSVP Instructions:: An interfaith panel discussion to share ideas on a spiritual response to violence.

Panelists are Rev. Dr. Myra Maxwell, Pastor, Interdenominational Ministries, Imam Muhammad 'Abdur-Razzaq Miller, Mosque of M. R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, and Christine J. Driessen, C.S.B. and member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

No R.S.V.P. required.

Contacts
Phone Number: (215) 670-6504
Email: kim.ludtke@wachovia.com

Trail of Dreams World Peace Walk-a-Long

February 4, 2009
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Front and Spruce Street

The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial To Philadephia Museum of Art via Independence Hall, The National Constitution Center, The African American Museum, City Hall, Love Park, The Ben Franklin Parkway Avenue of the Flags of All Nations.

Inter-Faith Service and Concert: 12:00 noon- 2pm (Free)

First Unitarian Church 2125 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA

Target Audience: All faiths and Cultures Sponsoring

Group: Spirit of Truth Foundation Registration

http://www.trailofdreamsworldpeacewalk.com/id5.html
Phone Number: (770) 310-0191
Email: ombassa@trailofdreamsworldpeacewalk.com

 

Note: The Interfaith Center is not responsible for the accuracy of the calendar listing. Interested persons are encouraged to confirm the event, the location, date and time with the posting organization.