SACRED Movie Showing PLUS Events, Holy Days, Opportunities, Needs, and News (August 2017)
Events, Holy Days, Opportunities, Needs, and News (Mid-April 2017)
Welcome to the AshevilleInterfaith.org email newsletter. A copy of this newsletter can also be found at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/newsletter.html. To submit items for this newsletter, or for the calendar items, use one of the forms at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/submissions.html.
SPECIAL EVENT: AshevilleInterfaith.org is hosting a screening of the film SACRED on Saturday, September 9th, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the Ferguson Auditorium at the AB Tech Asheville Campus (340 Victoria Rd, Asheville). The event is free (donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of the screening). More information is below, and electronic flyers and a press release are attached.
The AshevilleInterfaith.org project is an effort to support and promote faith-based activities, events, connections, and conversation in the Asheville area. We focus on uplifting events that are open to the public and specifically intended to help bring together individuals from diverse faith-based communities.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you think might also be interested. Anyone wishing to also receive future newsletter emails may email [email protected]. To be removed from future emails, please email [email protected] and we’ll do so immediately.
For specific questions, suggestions, or corrections, contact Steve Hargadon ([email protected]) or Vicki Garlock ([email protected]).
Thank you!
EVENTS
Havan for Sarvadevatas (Hindu/Vedic)
Wednesday, Aug. 2, 11:30AM-1:30PM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
Join us for the fire ceremony for all deities. For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/eventscalendar.
Celebrate Lammas and the 1st Harvest (Mother Grove Goddess Temple)
Sunday, Aug. 6, 3-5PM @ French Broad River Park Gazebo
Family-friendly ritual with potluck afterwards. Bring food to share. Love donations and/or food for food pantry also accepted. For more info., check out the events on the Mother Grove Goddess Temple FB page at https://www.facebook.com/The-Mother-Grove-Goddess-Temple-50423998269.
Jewish Meditation and Chant Circle (Congregation Beth Israel)
Sunday, Aug. 6, 2-4PM @ Congregation Beth Israel
No previous meditation experience necessary. Free and open to all.
Colloquy (Ethical Humanist Society)
Sunday, Aug. 6, 2-3:30PM @ Asheville Friends Meeting House
Come share in this meditative, reflective experience created more than 30 years ago. Joy McConnell, Consulting Leader for the Ethical Society of Asheville, will lead. For more info., go to: https://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Humanist-Society-of-Asheville/events/241452770/
https://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Humanist-Society-of-Asheville/pages/1601656/More_about_COLLOQUY/. To RSVP, go to: https://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Humanist-Society-of-Asheville/events/#8.
The Four Buddha Qualities (Urban Dharma)
Sunday, Aug. 6 (Compassion), Sunday, Sept. 3 (Clarity), Saturday, Sept. 23 (Protection), & Saturday, Oct. 7 (Generosity) 10AM-noon and 2-4PM @ Urban Dharma
Dr. Hun Lye will introduce this principle and practice through a vajrayana blessing of Avalokitesvara. The blessing can be a formal transmission or an opportunity to simply open your heart to compassion. Suggested donation $40 Members/$50 Non-members per day.
Abhishekam for Lord Shiva (Hindu/Vedic)
Monday, Aug. 14, 11:00AM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
Archana to Shiva and Krishna Janmashtami Puja (Hindu/Vedic)
Monday, Aug. 14, 5:00PM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
These pujas are part of the Shravan Maas (Vedic month of Shiva) that runs from July 23-Aug. 21. Each day is an auspicious time to worship many deities, including Lord Shiva, Gowri, Krishna, and Goddess Lakshmi. For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/s/shravan-maas-shiva-month/
Yiddish Sing-a-long with Marilyn (Congregation Beth Israel)
Wednesday, Aug. 16, 11AM-noon @ Congregation Beth Israel
Join us for a sing-along with Marilyn Silberstein. We'll sing old favorites and learn some new songs. Yiddish fluency not required. All are welcome!
Shravan Shanivar (Saturn Puja)
Saturday, Aug. 19, 9:30AM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/s/shravan-maas-shiva-month/
Abhishekam for Lord Shiva (Vedic)
Monday, Aug. 21, 8:00AM and 6:00PM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
Part of the Shravan Maas (Vedic Month of Shiva). August 21 is the no- moon day of this month. For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/s/shravan-maas-shiva-month/.
Ethics in Journalism (Ethical Humanist Society)
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2-3:30PM @ Asheville Friends Meeting House
Join Larry Blunt, long-time reporter and TV anchor, as he discusses the impact of technology, changes in broadcasting, gov't. regulation, the effects of a polarizing political climate, and improving ethical accountability in the world of journalism. For more info., go to https://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Humanist-Society-of-Asheville/events/241452770/.
Jewish Meditation and Chant Circle (Congregation Beth Israel)
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2-4PM @ Congregation Beth Israel
No previous meditation experience necessary. Free and open to all.
Earth Medicine: Sacred Practices to Open the Heart
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 7-8:30PM @ Jubilee! Community Church
Still the mind and open the heart by connecting with the wisdom teachings of the Q'ero medicine men and women of Peru. Led by Suzanne Tebbe Davis. Sliding scale fee of $10-$15 per class.
Ganesh Puja (Sankatahara Chaturthi)
Monday, Aug. 24, 5:30-7:00PM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
Celebrate the birthday of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of new beginnings. For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/eventscalendar.
Abraham Jam at Asheville Masonic Temple
Saturday, August 26, 8PM · The Asheville Masonic Temple · Asheville, NC
A Muslim, a Jew, and a Christian walk into a concert hall… …and put on a great concert together, modeling their mutual respect and affection, entertaining listeners, and creating music that is strengthened by their diversity, rather than hindered by it. These three musicians of the three Abrahamic faiths, each of whom has performed extensively and put out many CDs of original music, team up to play together as Abraham Jam. They don't just take turns sharing songs, but create music together, contributing vocal harmonies, percussion, and instrumentation to each other’s songs. Join David LaMotte, Dawud Wharnsby, and Billy Jonas for an unforgettable night of music, conversation, and harmony.
Meditation for the Young (Urban Dharma)
Sunday, Aug. 27, 10-11PM @ Urban Dharma
Join kids from Urban Dharma and Jubilee! Community Church for a child-friendly story and meditation program. This month's session geared to kids age 8-12 years, though children of all ages are welcome. Check out https://mountainx.com/living/asheville-kids-learn-meditation-and-mindfulness/ to read the recent Mountain Xpress article about children's meditation and this class.
Great Tree Anniversary Celebration (Great Tree Zen Temple)
Sunday, Sept. 3, 10:30AM @ Great Tree Zen Temple
Anniversary ceremony followed by potluck brunch. Meet the sangha, resident priests, and Board of Directors. For more info., go to http://www.greattreetemple.org/event/great-tree-anniversary-celebration/?instance_id=4395.
SAVE THE DATE!
Asheville-Buncombe Crop Hunger Walk
Sunday, Oct. 29. Walk begins at 2PM at First Baptist Church of Asheville. Registration and pre-walk activities begin at 1PM.
Join this interfaith/family-friendly event to raise money and awareness for hunger relief. For more info., see www.crophungerwalk.org/ashevillenc.
SOME UPCOMING HOLY DAYS (see Interfaith Calendar)
(August)
NEWS
A BRIEF LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF FASTING THROUGH VARIOUS RELIGIONS. “Fasting has become increasingly popular over the last few years, but why the sudden interest? While people have been fasting for thousands of years for religious reasons, it seems now people are starting to understand that there is a lot more to fasting than just religious devotion. Why do so many religions incorporate fasting as a practice? Let’s have a look at fasting throughout history and across various religions and cultures of the world.” http://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/06/30/a-brief-look-at-the-history-of-fasting-through-various-religions/
The Dalai Lama Will Visit Raleigh This Fall and This Is a Very Big Deal. “The October visit to Raleigh by the Dalai Lama is a big deal indeed, and as such will require lots of work by lots of people. The visit by the spiritual leader of Tibet, who will turn eighty-two on July 6, has been announced as a virtual certainty by the Kadampa Center of Raleigh. But knotty details remain, notably including securing a date and venue. It's not easy to find an appropriate site for a public appearance of a Nobel Peace Prize winner who routinely draws twenty thousand people. The October timing means the event will compete for space with attractions such as an N.C. State football game, a Bruno Mars concert at the PNC, and the State Fair.” https://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/the-dalai-lama-will-visit-raleigh-this-fall-and-this-is-a-very-big-deal/Content?oid=6369909
A rabbi, a reverend and an imam have a plan for peace in middle America. “When most people think of Omaha, they imagine sizzling steaks, billionaire Warren Buffet or even former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning calling out before the snap. (Remember "Omaha-Omaha"?). But if a group of clergymen have their way, Nebraska's largest city will soon also be known as the home of interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. A rabbi, a reverend and an imam (no, it's not a setup joke) are partners in a decadelong quest to bring together the three Abrahamic faiths -- Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- to share and worship on the same property.” http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/19/us/tri-faith-initiative-omaha-nebraska/index.html
How Would a Buddhist Monk Solve the Classic “Trolley Problem”? “Facing the dilemma of letting five people die or killing one instead, what is ‘right action’? A trolley is coming down the tracks, and it’s going to hit five people. You have the option to flip a switch to divert the trolley to a different set of tracks, where it will hit one person. Do you hit the switch, dooming one person while saving five?” https://www.lionsroar.com/how-would-a-buddhist-monk-solve-the-classic-trolley-problem/?utm_content=buffer7e1d5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Our very own Brian Ammons from Warren Wilson College named an Outstanding Educator by Interfaith Youth Core. “Meet our Outstanding Educator Brian Ammons! we're honored to tell you a bit more about him and his work at Warren Wilson College. Brian was nominated for this award over 6 times, by students, staff, and administrators at his campus. The support he provides comes not just through his roles as campus chaplain and director of spiritual life, but also as a supervisor of a team of students who are working to make Warren Wilson a more inclusive community.” https://www.facebook.com/1ifyc/?hc_ref=ARQe8DuH7YmdoZwuZQDV7wmQ36UQa8Mz9JEdmVdHdTzG7h3_gEVXREelwydnHmkyc7c&fref=nf
‘Taco Trucks at Every Mosque’ “Taco Trucks at Every Mosque’ is a celebration of breaking of the fast (iftar) during the month of Ramadan by Orange County, California, Muslim and Latino community members. It took place June 15th at the Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove. Orange County’s OC Weekly reported that a line of fourteen hundred people of all ethnicities and religions formed for halal (fitting Muslim dietary laws) tacos.” https://medium.com/transpartisan-notes/taco-trucks-at-every-mosque-6e86a4fa0c92?platform=hootsuite
16 breathtaking photos of Eid celebrations around the world http://www.businessinsider.com/breathtaking-photos-of-eid-celebrations-around-the-world-2017-6/#east-java-indonesia-3
When is Eid al-Fitr, and why do Muslims celebrate it? “Eid al-Fitr is Arabic for "festival of the breaking of the fast." The festival marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset during Ramadan.” https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/06/23/how-muslims-celebrate-one-their-biggest-festivals/103143376/?platform=hootsuite
Christian, Muslim and Hindu soccer players in Indonesia use goal celebration to make political statement “Three Indonesian soccer players have become symbolic of what a more peaceful world might look like thanks to a unique goal celebration recently caught on camera.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/06/07/christian-muslim-and-hindu-soccer-players-in-indonesia-use-goal-celebration-to-make-political-statement/?utm_term=.73fa2f5eb11c
See photos of Ramadan being celebrated around the world “Muslims celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying at night and abstaining from eating and other activities during the day.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/see-photos-of-ramadan-being-celebrated-around-the-world/2017/05/28/ddf34b42-43e2-11e7-bcde-624ad94170ab_gallery.html?utm_term=.937e9eb64197
What Does The Quran Teach About Protecting The Environment “A short video by the Imams and teachers at the Bahu Trust on what the Quran teaches about taking care of our planet and looking after our environment.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Y6uB4AHoc&feature=youtu.be
Highland Views: What is humanism? Are you a humanist? I shake my head thinking of those who build high fences around their beliefs and spend their lives defending their orthodoxy (“correct opinions”). I used to spend lots of time defending my beliefs and trying to save souls before realizing that my soul — if I had one — probably needed more attention than fussing over others. Then, over time, I came to see that no one knows anything about “souls.” Besides, who has time to worry about what that means anyway, with so much to be done? http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/2017/05/05/highland-views-what-humanism-you-humanist/101178100/
VOLUNTEER / SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
The LDS Family History Center on Sweeten Creek Road in Arden is looking for genealogy / family history volunteers. Training is provided. A German speaker is also needed. Contact: Cynthia Rush at [email protected].
Homeward Bound’s Welcome Home Program is looking for volunteers with a truck to go and pick up furniture from our community and then take the furniture back to Homeward Bound’s new donation center. Contact: Ashley Campbell at [email protected] or call (828)777-1886. (Flyer at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/resources.html.)
DONATIONS NEEDED
The greatest needs for Homeward Bound’s Welcome Home Program right now are bed frames, side tables, coffee tables, lamps, small dressers, coffee pots and microwaves. These items can be new or gently used. An Amazon wishlist is at https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3IQSHZXPALDES/ref=cm_wl_list_o_1.
MORE INFORMATION - “SACRED” MOVIE SCREENING
AshevilleInterfaith.org is hosting a screening of the film SACRED on Saturday, September 9th, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the Ferguson Auditorium at the AB Tech Asheville Campus (340 Victoria Rd, Asheville). The event is free (donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of the screening).
Directed by Academy Award winner Thomas Lennon and shot around the globe by 40 filmmaking teams, Sacred immerses the viewer in an exploration of spirituality across cultures and religions. At a time when religious hatreds dominate the world’s headlines, this film explores faith as primary human experience: how it is used to navigate the milestones and crises of private life.
The film’s director commissioned or sourced footage from top independent filmmakers from more than 25 countries -- and a wide range of religious traditions -- each team contributing a single scene. The film, sweeping in its global reach, yet intensely intimate, is a tour de force that unifies these scenes into a single work, told without narration, without experts and, for long stretches, without words at all.
A flyer that can be downloaded and distributed or printed is available at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/sacred-screening.html. Additional information and promotional resources (including high-resolution photos) can be found at http://www.argotpictures.com/film/sacred and http://sacredthemovie.org.
AshevilleInterfaith.org is a local effort to provide opportunities for those of different faiths to learn about each other and to build friendships. The site links to local Asheville Interfaith Facebook and Meetup groups, and also hosts has a monthly email newsletter with a calendar of local events, a listing of religious holy days, and links to interfaith news stories.
Welcome to the AshevilleInterfaith.org email newsletter. A copy of this newsletter can also be found at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/newsletter.html. To submit items for this newsletter, or for the calendar items, use one of the forms at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/submissions.html.
SPECIAL EVENT: AshevilleInterfaith.org is hosting a screening of the film SACRED on Saturday, September 9th, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the Ferguson Auditorium at the AB Tech Asheville Campus (340 Victoria Rd, Asheville). The event is free (donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of the screening). More information is below, and electronic flyers and a press release are attached.
The AshevilleInterfaith.org project is an effort to support and promote faith-based activities, events, connections, and conversation in the Asheville area. We focus on uplifting events that are open to the public and specifically intended to help bring together individuals from diverse faith-based communities.
- Website: http://www.AshevilleInterfaith.org (basic information)
- Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ashevilleinterfaith (for article posting, conversations, and event listing)
- Join the Meetup.com Group: http://www.meetup.com/AshevilleInterfaith (specifically for organized, interfaith events)
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you think might also be interested. Anyone wishing to also receive future newsletter emails may email [email protected]. To be removed from future emails, please email [email protected] and we’ll do so immediately.
For specific questions, suggestions, or corrections, contact Steve Hargadon ([email protected]) or Vicki Garlock ([email protected]).
Thank you!
EVENTS
Havan for Sarvadevatas (Hindu/Vedic)
Wednesday, Aug. 2, 11:30AM-1:30PM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
Join us for the fire ceremony for all deities. For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/eventscalendar.
Celebrate Lammas and the 1st Harvest (Mother Grove Goddess Temple)
Sunday, Aug. 6, 3-5PM @ French Broad River Park Gazebo
Family-friendly ritual with potluck afterwards. Bring food to share. Love donations and/or food for food pantry also accepted. For more info., check out the events on the Mother Grove Goddess Temple FB page at https://www.facebook.com/The-Mother-Grove-Goddess-Temple-50423998269.
Jewish Meditation and Chant Circle (Congregation Beth Israel)
Sunday, Aug. 6, 2-4PM @ Congregation Beth Israel
No previous meditation experience necessary. Free and open to all.
Colloquy (Ethical Humanist Society)
Sunday, Aug. 6, 2-3:30PM @ Asheville Friends Meeting House
Come share in this meditative, reflective experience created more than 30 years ago. Joy McConnell, Consulting Leader for the Ethical Society of Asheville, will lead. For more info., go to: https://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Humanist-Society-of-Asheville/events/241452770/
https://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Humanist-Society-of-Asheville/pages/1601656/More_about_COLLOQUY/. To RSVP, go to: https://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Humanist-Society-of-Asheville/events/#8.
The Four Buddha Qualities (Urban Dharma)
Sunday, Aug. 6 (Compassion), Sunday, Sept. 3 (Clarity), Saturday, Sept. 23 (Protection), & Saturday, Oct. 7 (Generosity) 10AM-noon and 2-4PM @ Urban Dharma
Dr. Hun Lye will introduce this principle and practice through a vajrayana blessing of Avalokitesvara. The blessing can be a formal transmission or an opportunity to simply open your heart to compassion. Suggested donation $40 Members/$50 Non-members per day.
Abhishekam for Lord Shiva (Hindu/Vedic)
Monday, Aug. 14, 11:00AM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
Archana to Shiva and Krishna Janmashtami Puja (Hindu/Vedic)
Monday, Aug. 14, 5:00PM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
These pujas are part of the Shravan Maas (Vedic month of Shiva) that runs from July 23-Aug. 21. Each day is an auspicious time to worship many deities, including Lord Shiva, Gowri, Krishna, and Goddess Lakshmi. For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/s/shravan-maas-shiva-month/
Yiddish Sing-a-long with Marilyn (Congregation Beth Israel)
Wednesday, Aug. 16, 11AM-noon @ Congregation Beth Israel
Join us for a sing-along with Marilyn Silberstein. We'll sing old favorites and learn some new songs. Yiddish fluency not required. All are welcome!
Shravan Shanivar (Saturn Puja)
Saturday, Aug. 19, 9:30AM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/s/shravan-maas-shiva-month/
Abhishekam for Lord Shiva (Vedic)
Monday, Aug. 21, 8:00AM and 6:00PM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
Part of the Shravan Maas (Vedic Month of Shiva). August 21 is the no- moon day of this month. For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/s/shravan-maas-shiva-month/.
Ethics in Journalism (Ethical Humanist Society)
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2-3:30PM @ Asheville Friends Meeting House
Join Larry Blunt, long-time reporter and TV anchor, as he discusses the impact of technology, changes in broadcasting, gov't. regulation, the effects of a polarizing political climate, and improving ethical accountability in the world of journalism. For more info., go to https://www.meetup.com/Ethical-Humanist-Society-of-Asheville/events/241452770/.
Jewish Meditation and Chant Circle (Congregation Beth Israel)
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2-4PM @ Congregation Beth Israel
No previous meditation experience necessary. Free and open to all.
Earth Medicine: Sacred Practices to Open the Heart
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 7-8:30PM @ Jubilee! Community Church
Still the mind and open the heart by connecting with the wisdom teachings of the Q'ero medicine men and women of Peru. Led by Suzanne Tebbe Davis. Sliding scale fee of $10-$15 per class.
Ganesh Puja (Sankatahara Chaturthi)
Monday, Aug. 24, 5:30-7:00PM @ Sri Somesvara Temple
Celebrate the birthday of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of new beginnings. For more info., see http://srisomesvara.org/eventscalendar.
Abraham Jam at Asheville Masonic Temple
Saturday, August 26, 8PM · The Asheville Masonic Temple · Asheville, NC
A Muslim, a Jew, and a Christian walk into a concert hall… …and put on a great concert together, modeling their mutual respect and affection, entertaining listeners, and creating music that is strengthened by their diversity, rather than hindered by it. These three musicians of the three Abrahamic faiths, each of whom has performed extensively and put out many CDs of original music, team up to play together as Abraham Jam. They don't just take turns sharing songs, but create music together, contributing vocal harmonies, percussion, and instrumentation to each other’s songs. Join David LaMotte, Dawud Wharnsby, and Billy Jonas for an unforgettable night of music, conversation, and harmony.
Meditation for the Young (Urban Dharma)
Sunday, Aug. 27, 10-11PM @ Urban Dharma
Join kids from Urban Dharma and Jubilee! Community Church for a child-friendly story and meditation program. This month's session geared to kids age 8-12 years, though children of all ages are welcome. Check out https://mountainx.com/living/asheville-kids-learn-meditation-and-mindfulness/ to read the recent Mountain Xpress article about children's meditation and this class.
Great Tree Anniversary Celebration (Great Tree Zen Temple)
Sunday, Sept. 3, 10:30AM @ Great Tree Zen Temple
Anniversary ceremony followed by potluck brunch. Meet the sangha, resident priests, and Board of Directors. For more info., go to http://www.greattreetemple.org/event/great-tree-anniversary-celebration/?instance_id=4395.
SAVE THE DATE!
Asheville-Buncombe Crop Hunger Walk
Sunday, Oct. 29. Walk begins at 2PM at First Baptist Church of Asheville. Registration and pre-walk activities begin at 1PM.
Join this interfaith/family-friendly event to raise money and awareness for hunger relief. For more info., see www.crophungerwalk.org/ashevillenc.
SOME UPCOMING HOLY DAYS (see Interfaith Calendar)
(August)
- August 1: Fast in Honor of the Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus (Orthodox Christian)
- August 7: Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the love and duty of siblings (Hindu)
- August 30 (evening): Annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) begins, culminating with Eid al-Adha five days later.
NEWS
A BRIEF LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF FASTING THROUGH VARIOUS RELIGIONS. “Fasting has become increasingly popular over the last few years, but why the sudden interest? While people have been fasting for thousands of years for religious reasons, it seems now people are starting to understand that there is a lot more to fasting than just religious devotion. Why do so many religions incorporate fasting as a practice? Let’s have a look at fasting throughout history and across various religions and cultures of the world.” http://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/06/30/a-brief-look-at-the-history-of-fasting-through-various-religions/
The Dalai Lama Will Visit Raleigh This Fall and This Is a Very Big Deal. “The October visit to Raleigh by the Dalai Lama is a big deal indeed, and as such will require lots of work by lots of people. The visit by the spiritual leader of Tibet, who will turn eighty-two on July 6, has been announced as a virtual certainty by the Kadampa Center of Raleigh. But knotty details remain, notably including securing a date and venue. It's not easy to find an appropriate site for a public appearance of a Nobel Peace Prize winner who routinely draws twenty thousand people. The October timing means the event will compete for space with attractions such as an N.C. State football game, a Bruno Mars concert at the PNC, and the State Fair.” https://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/the-dalai-lama-will-visit-raleigh-this-fall-and-this-is-a-very-big-deal/Content?oid=6369909
A rabbi, a reverend and an imam have a plan for peace in middle America. “When most people think of Omaha, they imagine sizzling steaks, billionaire Warren Buffet or even former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning calling out before the snap. (Remember "Omaha-Omaha"?). But if a group of clergymen have their way, Nebraska's largest city will soon also be known as the home of interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. A rabbi, a reverend and an imam (no, it's not a setup joke) are partners in a decadelong quest to bring together the three Abrahamic faiths -- Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- to share and worship on the same property.” http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/19/us/tri-faith-initiative-omaha-nebraska/index.html
How Would a Buddhist Monk Solve the Classic “Trolley Problem”? “Facing the dilemma of letting five people die or killing one instead, what is ‘right action’? A trolley is coming down the tracks, and it’s going to hit five people. You have the option to flip a switch to divert the trolley to a different set of tracks, where it will hit one person. Do you hit the switch, dooming one person while saving five?” https://www.lionsroar.com/how-would-a-buddhist-monk-solve-the-classic-trolley-problem/?utm_content=buffer7e1d5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Our very own Brian Ammons from Warren Wilson College named an Outstanding Educator by Interfaith Youth Core. “Meet our Outstanding Educator Brian Ammons! we're honored to tell you a bit more about him and his work at Warren Wilson College. Brian was nominated for this award over 6 times, by students, staff, and administrators at his campus. The support he provides comes not just through his roles as campus chaplain and director of spiritual life, but also as a supervisor of a team of students who are working to make Warren Wilson a more inclusive community.” https://www.facebook.com/1ifyc/?hc_ref=ARQe8DuH7YmdoZwuZQDV7wmQ36UQa8Mz9JEdmVdHdTzG7h3_gEVXREelwydnHmkyc7c&fref=nf
‘Taco Trucks at Every Mosque’ “Taco Trucks at Every Mosque’ is a celebration of breaking of the fast (iftar) during the month of Ramadan by Orange County, California, Muslim and Latino community members. It took place June 15th at the Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove. Orange County’s OC Weekly reported that a line of fourteen hundred people of all ethnicities and religions formed for halal (fitting Muslim dietary laws) tacos.” https://medium.com/transpartisan-notes/taco-trucks-at-every-mosque-6e86a4fa0c92?platform=hootsuite
16 breathtaking photos of Eid celebrations around the world http://www.businessinsider.com/breathtaking-photos-of-eid-celebrations-around-the-world-2017-6/#east-java-indonesia-3
When is Eid al-Fitr, and why do Muslims celebrate it? “Eid al-Fitr is Arabic for "festival of the breaking of the fast." The festival marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset during Ramadan.” https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/06/23/how-muslims-celebrate-one-their-biggest-festivals/103143376/?platform=hootsuite
Christian, Muslim and Hindu soccer players in Indonesia use goal celebration to make political statement “Three Indonesian soccer players have become symbolic of what a more peaceful world might look like thanks to a unique goal celebration recently caught on camera.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/06/07/christian-muslim-and-hindu-soccer-players-in-indonesia-use-goal-celebration-to-make-political-statement/?utm_term=.73fa2f5eb11c
See photos of Ramadan being celebrated around the world “Muslims celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying at night and abstaining from eating and other activities during the day.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/see-photos-of-ramadan-being-celebrated-around-the-world/2017/05/28/ddf34b42-43e2-11e7-bcde-624ad94170ab_gallery.html?utm_term=.937e9eb64197
What Does The Quran Teach About Protecting The Environment “A short video by the Imams and teachers at the Bahu Trust on what the Quran teaches about taking care of our planet and looking after our environment.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Y6uB4AHoc&feature=youtu.be
Highland Views: What is humanism? Are you a humanist? I shake my head thinking of those who build high fences around their beliefs and spend their lives defending their orthodoxy (“correct opinions”). I used to spend lots of time defending my beliefs and trying to save souls before realizing that my soul — if I had one — probably needed more attention than fussing over others. Then, over time, I came to see that no one knows anything about “souls.” Besides, who has time to worry about what that means anyway, with so much to be done? http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/2017/05/05/highland-views-what-humanism-you-humanist/101178100/
VOLUNTEER / SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
The LDS Family History Center on Sweeten Creek Road in Arden is looking for genealogy / family history volunteers. Training is provided. A German speaker is also needed. Contact: Cynthia Rush at [email protected].
Homeward Bound’s Welcome Home Program is looking for volunteers with a truck to go and pick up furniture from our community and then take the furniture back to Homeward Bound’s new donation center. Contact: Ashley Campbell at [email protected] or call (828)777-1886. (Flyer at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/resources.html.)
DONATIONS NEEDED
The greatest needs for Homeward Bound’s Welcome Home Program right now are bed frames, side tables, coffee tables, lamps, small dressers, coffee pots and microwaves. These items can be new or gently used. An Amazon wishlist is at https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3IQSHZXPALDES/ref=cm_wl_list_o_1.
MORE INFORMATION - “SACRED” MOVIE SCREENING
AshevilleInterfaith.org is hosting a screening of the film SACRED on Saturday, September 9th, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the Ferguson Auditorium at the AB Tech Asheville Campus (340 Victoria Rd, Asheville). The event is free (donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of the screening).
Directed by Academy Award winner Thomas Lennon and shot around the globe by 40 filmmaking teams, Sacred immerses the viewer in an exploration of spirituality across cultures and religions. At a time when religious hatreds dominate the world’s headlines, this film explores faith as primary human experience: how it is used to navigate the milestones and crises of private life.
The film’s director commissioned or sourced footage from top independent filmmakers from more than 25 countries -- and a wide range of religious traditions -- each team contributing a single scene. The film, sweeping in its global reach, yet intensely intimate, is a tour de force that unifies these scenes into a single work, told without narration, without experts and, for long stretches, without words at all.
A flyer that can be downloaded and distributed or printed is available at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/sacred-screening.html. Additional information and promotional resources (including high-resolution photos) can be found at http://www.argotpictures.com/film/sacred and http://sacredthemovie.org.
AshevilleInterfaith.org is a local effort to provide opportunities for those of different faiths to learn about each other and to build friendships. The site links to local Asheville Interfaith Facebook and Meetup groups, and also hosts has a monthly email newsletter with a calendar of local events, a listing of religious holy days, and links to interfaith news stories.
