WINTER 2008

 

1.    “Hitting our stride!”

2.    Our first book-Interfaith Heroes

3.    Great opportunity for the adventurous-Interfaith Ambassadors

4.   “Reflections of the Spirit” Art Exhibit to run January 11 to February 8, 2008

5.    Future leaders formed-Middle and High School Programs

6.    Faith Focused on Racial Justice-Bridging the Congregational Divide

7.    Open the doors and celebrate Interfaith Weekend 5/2-4

8.    Save the Date for 8th Annual Walk2gether Michigan (May 10, 2008)

 

1.    “Hitting our Stride!”

 

As Interfaith Partners moves into our 6th year, we are benefiting from the creativity of our members, which William Bridges; author of Managing Transitions tells us is a sign of our moving toward a new beginning.  Several key initiatives you will read about in this newsletter include:

 

  • Rev. Dan Buttry’s Interfaith Heroes, which was supported by our Education Committee and turbo-charged by the very gifted David Crumm. 

 

  • Bob Bruttell and Michigan Roundtable Board Chair Leon Tupper, both of Christ the King Parish in Detroit offering your congregation the simple, yet powerful gift of Interfaith Ambassadors

 

  • Nancy Thayer’s persistent vision has blessed us and you with our first Interfaith Art Exhibit-“Reflections of the Spirit,” which opens on January 11th.

 

  • Rev. Sharon Buttry volunteering to lead our 4th Interfaith Retreat (February 17-18th) with a focus on friendship

 

While our website is in the process of being revitalized, you can go to www.miroundtable.org and download:

 

  • Interfaith Partners Brochure Web Version (Hardcopies are being mailed to congregations throughout metro Detroit and will be mailed upon request
  • 2008 Calendar of Holidays and Festivals (Hardcopy mailed upon request)
  • List of Upcoming Events, including World Sabbath for Religious Reconciliation
  • Retreat Registration

 

One of the programs which has benefited Interfaith Partners and thousands of people throughout the world is Reuniting the Children of Abraham (RCOA). Congratulations to Brenda Rosenberg, Executive Producer of RCOA, which was one of eight chosen interfaith projects to be profiled at the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) 20th anniversary conference to be held at University of San Francisco, July 24-28, 2008.

 

These five of our 30+ partners mentioned above are simply a sample of a richly supportive community who have helped us answer Victor Ghalib Begg’s September 11, 2001 challenge to do more than hold hands.  As one of our partners exclaimed after a meeting to launch Interfaith Heroes, “we are really hitting our stride!”  We look forward to learning of your hopes, ideas and passion for a better community for all of us.

2.    Our first book-Interfaith Heroes

National 'Interfaith Heroes Month' begins in Southeast Michigan

 

On Jan. 1, we are launching a new national celebration, called Interfaith Heroes Month, together with the support of ReadtheSpirit.com and WWJ News Radio. During the month of January we will provide the free daily resources for the observance via a new Internet site and coverage in Southeast Michigan on News Radio 950 AM. The full stories about these heroes, plus comments from men and women who have been inspired by their examples, will go live on January 1 at the www.InterfaithHeroes.info, where you will also be able to order the book version of Interfaith Heroes.  To read our complete release, go to www.miroundtable.org.

3.    Great opportunity for the adventurous-Interfaith Ambassadors

 

A world of faith traditions is available to you through participation in Interfaith Ambassadors. Congregational Chapters of Interfaith Ambassadors will expand the range of influence and base of participation for your interfaith work, while creating enduring friendships that cross religious, racial and ethnic barriers.  Interfaith Ambassadors will increases opportunities for social interaction among people of diverse religious and cultural traditions who will gather together to share understanding of their differing faith traditions in a spirit of friendship and profound good will.

4.   “Reflections of the Spirit” Art Exhibit to run January 11 to February 8, 2008

 

The creative imagination offers many interpretations of the divine. "Reflections of the Spirit," an art exhibition believed to be unique nationwide, will feature the perspectives of visual artists from many nationalities, religions, and racial backgrounds.  The exhibition will be hosted by the University of Michigan Dearborn and shown at its Berkowitz Gallery, from Jan. 11-Feb. 8, 2008. Several of the artists will discuss their work and how they express their spirituality on Thursday, January 17th, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. To read our complete release, go to www.miroundtable.org.

5.    Religious Diversity Journeys coming to a community near you

 

Many of you are aware of the awesome efforts of Gail Katz, who has developed Religious Diversity Journeys for seventh grade students over the past years in six Oakland County school districts.  We are delighted to inform you that under the leadership of the talented Freda Sampson, we are now offering Religious Diversity Journeys to middle school students in your congregation.  For more information visit www.miroundtable.org.

6.    Faith Focused on Racial Justice-Bridging the Congregational Divide

 

Bridging the Congregational Divide is an initiative born out of the faith community coming together in response to Proposal 2, which was passed by 80 of 83 counties in Michigan-bringing about a constitutional ban on affirmative action.  Staffed by Freda Sampson and supported by a dynamic Working Group the mission of BCD is to maximize the opportunity our congregations have to think prophetically about racial issues and ways they can join faith leaders to boldly act together for the kind of racially just communities we wish for ourselves and our children.  To access the Bridging Newsletter, visit www.miroundtable.org.

 

7.    Open the doors and celebrate Interfaith Weekend 5/2-4

 

In conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, celebrated on Thursday, May 1st.  People of faith will celebrate the Interfaith Weekend beginning with Jumah prayer on Friday, May 2nd and concluding with Sunday evening services on Sunday, May 4th.  The weekend is a time for congregations to pray, preach and sing about our changed religious landscape and the myriad opportunities to grow in faith by learning about the other.  Many will visit other congregations and welcome visitors in an effort to more deeply appreciate the richness represented by the diverse faith community in southeast Michigan.

 

8.    Save the Date for Walk2gether Michigan (May 10, 2008)

 

-Please feel free to pass this Newsletter on to those who might have interest.

-Kindly let us know if you do not wish to receive this periodic communication and we will remove your email address.

CONTACT FREDA SAMPSON(113) or STEVE SPREITZER(109) 313 / 870-1500 fsampson@miroundtable.org sspreitzer@miroundtable.org www.miroundtable.org