Events, Holy Days, and News (January 2017)
Welcome to the AshevilleInterfaith.org email newsletter. A copy of this newsletter can also be found at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/newsletter.html.
Please see the special note below about our February 5th Interfaith Fellowship Meal for World Interfaith Harmony Week.
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.
To submit a calendar event, use the form at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/submit-event.html. For specific questions, suggestions, or corrections, contact Steve Hargadon ([email protected]) or Vicki Garlock ([email protected]).
Thank you!
SPECIAL NOTE
World Interfaith Harmony Week (http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com) is February 1 - 7, and we are planning two special events for our Asheville Interfaith community. The first will be a “field trip” to Mount Soma, a 448-acre Vedic community, on Saturday, February 4th, from approximately 9:30 am - 2:30 pm with lunch included--more information is to come.
The second is a special “Interfaith Fellowship Meal” on Sunday, February 5, from 5 - 7 pm at First Baptist Church in Asheville (5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC in the dining room on the second floor). We are looking forward to sharing food and socializing with our interfaith families and friends! Please consider announcing this in your meetings/worship and to your members and friends, and also getting a count of those who plan on coming so that we have numbers to plan with (we’ll try to briefly recognize all groups who attend). Send that count, when you have it, to Hal Littleton at [email protected] (or call 828-776-2860). Those attending are asked to bring an ample dish of your traditional food (that is, enough to share). Coffee, tea, water, plates, and utensils will be provided.
EVENTS
Winter Meditation Retreats at Mount Soma
January 4 - March 2 (multiple options)
Go inward this winter, as the season itself supports life to go deeper within. Experience the profound rest and renewal of a Winter Meditation Retreat at Mount Soma.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1832031747018648
What's Karma Got to Do with It?
January 7, 14, 21, 2-5PM
Urban Dharma, 29 Page Ave., 28801
Over 3 Saturday afternoons, Dr. Hun Lye will unpack this important concept and show how the Buddha's teachings on karma can help us live good lives for ourselves and others.
Suggested donation $35/session. For more info., see http://udharmanc.com/events/
Hiking with Young Adult Jews of Asheville
Sunday, January, 8 PM. (location TBD)
RSVP [email protected]
Israeli Film Series
2nd Sundays 1/8, 2/12, 3/12 and 4/9 at 3pm
Grail Moviehouse, S. French broad
Join us for a view through the eyes of Israeli film makers for Tikkun on 1/10, replace with title on 2/12, A Borrowed Identity on 3/12 (with a loose connection to the themes of Purim), and for replace with title on 4/9. Each film is followed by a facilitated audience discussion. Tickets may be purchased on-line or at the Grail box office.
Annual Puja: Vaikunta Ekadashi Satyanarayana Puja
January 8
Mount Soma
According to Vedic scripture, Vaikunta Ekadashi is the day that Lord Krishna manifested his viswarupa (divine universal form with a body that contained the total universe), and explained the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
http://srisomesvara.org/s/vaikunta-ekadashi-satyanarayana-puja/
Introduction to Modern Hebrew Class
Wednesday, January 11 to April 19 (Every other Wednesday) 6:30-8:30 PM
This course will give participants a foundation in Modern Hebrew language, starting with the Hebrew letters, moving into basic sentences and phrases and ending with verb construction. The classes will be donation-based, with all donations benefitting the Yad B’Yad Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Jerusalem, Israel. Capped at 15 participants. All ages welcome. Taught by Matt Andersen. [email protected]
Young Adult Jews of Asheville Shabbatluck
Friday, January 13, 7-10 PM
RSVP [email protected]
Introduction to Sif (a Norse Earth Goddess)
Saturday, January 14, 1PM
Raven & Crone, 555 Merrimon Ave., 28804
In collaboration with Mother Grove Goddess Temple
For more information and for various scrying events, please see http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bc2e5378a251cdfce2797ef8c&id=1173fef39a&e=02c575c058
7th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther, King Jr.!!
Monday, January 16
Kenilworth Presbyterian Church 123 Kenilworth Rd. Asheville, NC 28803.
Potluck from 5:30-6:30pm in Kenilworth Center, 4 Chiles Ave. (directly behind church) and the program will begin at 6:30pm in the Church Sanctuary. Experience an evening with Hazel Mack, Founding member of the Winston- Salem Chapter of the Black Panther Party. The evening’s topic is; “Memoir as Manifesto: A Push for Social Justice through Community Service.” Hazel Mack, JD will reflect on her experiences as a member of the Black Panther Party (BPP), her career as a civil rights attorney for Legal Aid North Carolina, and the modern Black Power movement. The Winston-Salem BPP implemented life-saving social programs for the poor and was the first and most prominent BPP chapter in the south. The evening will be hosted by Marvin Chambers a founding member of A.S.C.O.R.E. (Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality) and an icon of the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina. DJ Profe$$ah G. will be spinning great tunes, there will be craft projects for children and lots more! Join us as we explore different ideologies and learn about this fascinating chapter in the fight for civil rights in North Carolina!
For more information www.kenilworthchurch.org
Circle Round: The 8 Paths of Power
Thursday, January 19, 7PM
Raven & Crone, 555 Merrimon Ave., 28804
In collaboration with Mother Grove Goddess Temple
For more information and for various scrying events, please see http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bc2e5378a251cdfce2797ef8c&id=1173fef39a&e=02c575c058
Attending the Moon Women's Practice Circle
Saturday, Jan 21, 2017, 4pm-5:30pm.
Great Tree Zen Temple, 679 Lower Flat Creek Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
Monthly Zen meditation, open discussion. For women only.
Sri Somesvara Temple
January 25, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Pradosham - Maasa Shivarathri (Shiva Puja, monthly)
January 30, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Mangal Tritiya (Mother Divine Puja, monthly)
February 6, 12:00 - 1:30 pm: Satyanarayana Puja (Vishnu Puja, monthly)
February 14, 10:00 - 11:30 am: Sankatahara Chaturthi (Ganesh Puja, monthly)
February 28, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Mangal Tritiya (Mother Divine Puja, monthly)
Visit Sri Somesvara's online calendar for the full schedule and schedule updates for daily, monthly, and annual events - http://srisomesvara.org/eventscalendar/
Sanctuary: A Partnership Between Immigrant & Faith Communities
Saturday, January 28 at 2 PM - 4 PM
Location to be announced later.
Join us for a workshop and discussion of Sanctuary’s: role in the larger immigrants rights movement, its history and basis in sacred scriptures, and its and goals. Help us explore crucial questions : Who is seeking sanctuary? Who leads sanctuary? How do faith communities declare sanctuary? What are the logistics of sanctuary? What are the responsibilities of sanctuary providers? What are the legal risks of sanctuary and who is taking them? This workshop will be based on the Sanctuary Movement Toolkit and the guidance of leaders of the immigrants rights movement in Western North Carolina . Participants are encouraged to read the Toolkit before attending the workshop. The Toolkit and an analysis of Sanctuary in the Trump Era are available at: http://sanctuarynotdeportation.org. Workshop Co-Convenors: BeLoved Asheville, CIMA- Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción, Circle of Mercy Congregation, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, Nuestro Centro, Saint Eugene Catholic Church and The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.For more information and to RSVP call or email Bill Ramsey
828-319-7652 or [email protected]. Childcare will be available - please advise ahead of time.
Mother & Child Retreat
Saturday, January 28, 9AM through Sunday, January 29, 11:30AM
Great Tree Zen Temple, 679 Lower Flat Creek Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
For mothers and their young children ages 0-18. Contemplative, creative community sharing and a fun time together. Meditation, crafts, vegetarian meals. Fathers welcome to join the closing ceremony at 10:30AM Sunday
$150 for mother and 1 child. $25 for each additional child.
For more info., see http://www.greattreetemple.org/events/
Nehan Sesshin: The Dharma is Eternal
Friday, February 3, 5:30PM through Sunday, February 5, 11:30AM
Traditional sesshin celebrating Shakyamuni Buddha's Nirvana in quiet reflection. Led by Rev. Chimyo Atkinson.
Great Tree Zen Temple, 679 Lower Flat Creek Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
For more info., see http://www.greattreetemple.org/events/
Field Trip to Mount Soma
Saturday, February 4th, from approximately 9:30 am - 2:30 pm with lunch included.
More information to come.
Annual Puja: Mahashivarathri Rudrabhishekam (Shiva puja, annual)
February 4
Mount Soma
http://srisomesvara.org/s/mahashivarathri-great-night-of-shiva/
Interfaith Fellowship Meal
February 5, 2017 from 5 - 7 pm
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
To be held at First Baptist Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville | Dining Room Second Floor
Please bring an ample dish of your traditional food----enough to share. Coffee, tea, water, plates, and utensils provided. PLEASE COME AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS, Please share with all your contacts.
RSVP to Hal Littleton 828-776-2860 [email protected]
Baha'i Devotional (First Monday of the Month)
Monday, February 6. Potluck lunch at 11:30 followed by group prayers.
Call 828.691.9333 for more information.
SOME UPCOMING HOLY DAYS (see Interfaith Calendar)
Jan. 5: Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (Sikh)
Jan. 5: Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
Jan. 7: Christmas (Orthodox Christian)
Jan. 12: Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
Jan. 14 Makar Sankranti (Hindu)
Jan. 15 World Religion Day (initiated by Baha'is)
Jan. 19: Epiphany (Orthodox Christian)
Feb. 2: Candlemas (Christian)
Feb. 2: Imbolc/Brigid (Pagan)
Feb. 3: Setsubun (Shinto)
NEW ARTICLES (posted on the Facebook Group Page)
Welcome to the AshevilleInterfaith.org email newsletter. A copy of this newsletter can also be found at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/newsletter.html.
Please see the special note below about our February 5th Interfaith Fellowship Meal for World Interfaith Harmony Week.
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.
To submit a calendar event, use the form at http://www.ashevilleinterfaith.org/submit-event.html. For specific questions, suggestions, or corrections, contact Steve Hargadon ([email protected]) or Vicki Garlock ([email protected]).
Thank you!
SPECIAL NOTE
World Interfaith Harmony Week (http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com) is February 1 - 7, and we are planning two special events for our Asheville Interfaith community. The first will be a “field trip” to Mount Soma, a 448-acre Vedic community, on Saturday, February 4th, from approximately 9:30 am - 2:30 pm with lunch included--more information is to come.
The second is a special “Interfaith Fellowship Meal” on Sunday, February 5, from 5 - 7 pm at First Baptist Church in Asheville (5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC in the dining room on the second floor). We are looking forward to sharing food and socializing with our interfaith families and friends! Please consider announcing this in your meetings/worship and to your members and friends, and also getting a count of those who plan on coming so that we have numbers to plan with (we’ll try to briefly recognize all groups who attend). Send that count, when you have it, to Hal Littleton at [email protected] (or call 828-776-2860). Those attending are asked to bring an ample dish of your traditional food (that is, enough to share). Coffee, tea, water, plates, and utensils will be provided.
EVENTS
Winter Meditation Retreats at Mount Soma
January 4 - March 2 (multiple options)
Go inward this winter, as the season itself supports life to go deeper within. Experience the profound rest and renewal of a Winter Meditation Retreat at Mount Soma.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1832031747018648
What's Karma Got to Do with It?
January 7, 14, 21, 2-5PM
Urban Dharma, 29 Page Ave., 28801
Over 3 Saturday afternoons, Dr. Hun Lye will unpack this important concept and show how the Buddha's teachings on karma can help us live good lives for ourselves and others.
Suggested donation $35/session. For more info., see http://udharmanc.com/events/
Hiking with Young Adult Jews of Asheville
Sunday, January, 8 PM. (location TBD)
RSVP [email protected]
Israeli Film Series
2nd Sundays 1/8, 2/12, 3/12 and 4/9 at 3pm
Grail Moviehouse, S. French broad
Join us for a view through the eyes of Israeli film makers for Tikkun on 1/10, replace with title on 2/12, A Borrowed Identity on 3/12 (with a loose connection to the themes of Purim), and for replace with title on 4/9. Each film is followed by a facilitated audience discussion. Tickets may be purchased on-line or at the Grail box office.
Annual Puja: Vaikunta Ekadashi Satyanarayana Puja
January 8
Mount Soma
According to Vedic scripture, Vaikunta Ekadashi is the day that Lord Krishna manifested his viswarupa (divine universal form with a body that contained the total universe), and explained the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
http://srisomesvara.org/s/vaikunta-ekadashi-satyanarayana-puja/
Introduction to Modern Hebrew Class
Wednesday, January 11 to April 19 (Every other Wednesday) 6:30-8:30 PM
This course will give participants a foundation in Modern Hebrew language, starting with the Hebrew letters, moving into basic sentences and phrases and ending with verb construction. The classes will be donation-based, with all donations benefitting the Yad B’Yad Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Jerusalem, Israel. Capped at 15 participants. All ages welcome. Taught by Matt Andersen. [email protected]
Young Adult Jews of Asheville Shabbatluck
Friday, January 13, 7-10 PM
RSVP [email protected]
Introduction to Sif (a Norse Earth Goddess)
Saturday, January 14, 1PM
Raven & Crone, 555 Merrimon Ave., 28804
In collaboration with Mother Grove Goddess Temple
For more information and for various scrying events, please see http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bc2e5378a251cdfce2797ef8c&id=1173fef39a&e=02c575c058
7th Annual Kenilworth Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther, King Jr.!!
Monday, January 16
Kenilworth Presbyterian Church 123 Kenilworth Rd. Asheville, NC 28803.
Potluck from 5:30-6:30pm in Kenilworth Center, 4 Chiles Ave. (directly behind church) and the program will begin at 6:30pm in the Church Sanctuary. Experience an evening with Hazel Mack, Founding member of the Winston- Salem Chapter of the Black Panther Party. The evening’s topic is; “Memoir as Manifesto: A Push for Social Justice through Community Service.” Hazel Mack, JD will reflect on her experiences as a member of the Black Panther Party (BPP), her career as a civil rights attorney for Legal Aid North Carolina, and the modern Black Power movement. The Winston-Salem BPP implemented life-saving social programs for the poor and was the first and most prominent BPP chapter in the south. The evening will be hosted by Marvin Chambers a founding member of A.S.C.O.R.E. (Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality) and an icon of the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina. DJ Profe$$ah G. will be spinning great tunes, there will be craft projects for children and lots more! Join us as we explore different ideologies and learn about this fascinating chapter in the fight for civil rights in North Carolina!
For more information www.kenilworthchurch.org
Circle Round: The 8 Paths of Power
Thursday, January 19, 7PM
Raven & Crone, 555 Merrimon Ave., 28804
In collaboration with Mother Grove Goddess Temple
For more information and for various scrying events, please see http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bc2e5378a251cdfce2797ef8c&id=1173fef39a&e=02c575c058
Attending the Moon Women's Practice Circle
Saturday, Jan 21, 2017, 4pm-5:30pm.
Great Tree Zen Temple, 679 Lower Flat Creek Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
Monthly Zen meditation, open discussion. For women only.
Sri Somesvara Temple
January 25, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Pradosham - Maasa Shivarathri (Shiva Puja, monthly)
January 30, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Mangal Tritiya (Mother Divine Puja, monthly)
February 6, 12:00 - 1:30 pm: Satyanarayana Puja (Vishnu Puja, monthly)
February 14, 10:00 - 11:30 am: Sankatahara Chaturthi (Ganesh Puja, monthly)
February 28, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Mangal Tritiya (Mother Divine Puja, monthly)
Visit Sri Somesvara's online calendar for the full schedule and schedule updates for daily, monthly, and annual events - http://srisomesvara.org/eventscalendar/
Sanctuary: A Partnership Between Immigrant & Faith Communities
Saturday, January 28 at 2 PM - 4 PM
Location to be announced later.
Join us for a workshop and discussion of Sanctuary’s: role in the larger immigrants rights movement, its history and basis in sacred scriptures, and its and goals. Help us explore crucial questions : Who is seeking sanctuary? Who leads sanctuary? How do faith communities declare sanctuary? What are the logistics of sanctuary? What are the responsibilities of sanctuary providers? What are the legal risks of sanctuary and who is taking them? This workshop will be based on the Sanctuary Movement Toolkit and the guidance of leaders of the immigrants rights movement in Western North Carolina . Participants are encouraged to read the Toolkit before attending the workshop. The Toolkit and an analysis of Sanctuary in the Trump Era are available at: http://sanctuarynotdeportation.org. Workshop Co-Convenors: BeLoved Asheville, CIMA- Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción, Circle of Mercy Congregation, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, Nuestro Centro, Saint Eugene Catholic Church and The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.For more information and to RSVP call or email Bill Ramsey
828-319-7652 or [email protected]. Childcare will be available - please advise ahead of time.
Mother & Child Retreat
Saturday, January 28, 9AM through Sunday, January 29, 11:30AM
Great Tree Zen Temple, 679 Lower Flat Creek Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
For mothers and their young children ages 0-18. Contemplative, creative community sharing and a fun time together. Meditation, crafts, vegetarian meals. Fathers welcome to join the closing ceremony at 10:30AM Sunday
$150 for mother and 1 child. $25 for each additional child.
For more info., see http://www.greattreetemple.org/events/
Nehan Sesshin: The Dharma is Eternal
Friday, February 3, 5:30PM through Sunday, February 5, 11:30AM
Traditional sesshin celebrating Shakyamuni Buddha's Nirvana in quiet reflection. Led by Rev. Chimyo Atkinson.
Great Tree Zen Temple, 679 Lower Flat Creek Rd, Alexander, NC 28701
For more info., see http://www.greattreetemple.org/events/
Field Trip to Mount Soma
Saturday, February 4th, from approximately 9:30 am - 2:30 pm with lunch included.
More information to come.
Annual Puja: Mahashivarathri Rudrabhishekam (Shiva puja, annual)
February 4
Mount Soma
http://srisomesvara.org/s/mahashivarathri-great-night-of-shiva/
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Rudrabhishekam (bathing the Shiva Lingam)
In this Puja, Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Rudra form. It is hailed in all Vedic scriptures as one of the greatest Pujas to remove all evils, to attain all desires, and for all around prosperity. Bathing the Shiva Lingam as a part of the Shiva Puja symbolizes washing off false ego. Performing this Puja for Lord Shiva is an excellent remedy for anything not in harmony with Nature (doshas) and for all-around success in all areas of life. This day is considered the most auspicious day of the year to honor Lord Shiva. - 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Shiva Parvathi Kalyan (Marriage celebration for Shiva & Parvathi)
This day of union of God Shiva and Parvathi (Shakthi) symbolized by the Shiva Linga with yoni is traditionally celebrated as Mahashivarathri at midnight every year. Anytime there is a marriage of the Gods, it is good for the whole universe. The marriage of Shiva and Parvathi is the celebration of creation, the manifestation of existence. It is very powerful for integrating one’s spirituality into daily life, bringing more and more spontaneous right action into all circumstances. It also promotes infinite creativity. - 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM: Great Night Rudrabhishekam/Annabhishekam
At sunset time on Mahashivarathri, devotees show their devotion by performing the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvathi (Shakthi). After that, the union form of Lord Shiva and Parvathi in the form of a linga and yoni will be worshiped by means of the Abhishekam. It is a special Abhishekam with many ingredients such as water, milk, honey, sugar, ghee, fruit juices, bilwa leaves, and specially cooked rice. This ceremony provides food for all beings in the universe. It is profoundly purifying, washing away layers of karma. This is the most powerful Shiva night of the year. Join us!
Interfaith Fellowship Meal
February 5, 2017 from 5 - 7 pm
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
To be held at First Baptist Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville | Dining Room Second Floor
Please bring an ample dish of your traditional food----enough to share. Coffee, tea, water, plates, and utensils provided. PLEASE COME AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS, Please share with all your contacts.
RSVP to Hal Littleton 828-776-2860 [email protected]
Baha'i Devotional (First Monday of the Month)
Monday, February 6. Potluck lunch at 11:30 followed by group prayers.
Call 828.691.9333 for more information.
SOME UPCOMING HOLY DAYS (see Interfaith Calendar)
Jan. 5: Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (Sikh)
Jan. 5: Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
Jan. 7: Christmas (Orthodox Christian)
Jan. 12: Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
Jan. 14 Makar Sankranti (Hindu)
Jan. 15 World Religion Day (initiated by Baha'is)
Jan. 19: Epiphany (Orthodox Christian)
Feb. 2: Candlemas (Christian)
Feb. 2: Imbolc/Brigid (Pagan)
Feb. 3: Setsubun (Shinto)
NEW ARTICLES (posted on the Facebook Group Page)
- Muslims love Jesus, too: 6 things you didn’t know about Jesus in Islam Updated by Jennifer Williams, Vox.com, Dec 25, 2016. “Christmas, as everyone knows, commemorates the birth of Jesus and is a major religious celebration for Christians around the world. But what many people don't know is that Jesus is an important figure in Islam, too, even though most Muslims don't celebrate Christmas (though some of us, especially American Muslims, do).”
- 33 Moments In 2016 That Proved Religion Can Be A Force For Good by Antonia Blumberg, Associate Religion Editor, The Huffington Post, December 14, 2016. “It has been a devastating and difficult year. Terror attacks, police shootings, record-hot temperatures, and spikes in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism made 2016 feel almost too much to bear at times. With everything that happened, it’s no wonder some speculated, ‘Is 2016 the worst year in history?’ And yet, a review of the year in religion news reveals pockets of hope that got us through 2016. People of all different faiths stood up for social justice, for the rights of minorities and marginalized communities, for the environment, for freedom and for one another. These moments reminded us that no story is simply tragic or #blessed. Life is complicated and often full of suffering, but the journey can still be beautiful.”
- The good beyond 'us and them' Chris Highland, Guest columnist, Citizen Times, Dec. 17, 2016. “My wife Carol and I enjoyed the “Let it Shine” event at the Unitarian Universalist congregation one recent night. Hundreds of people came together for a ‘celebration of community light.’ Though many express fears and frustrations over our nation’s leadership choices, there is hope in the air in the season of light.”
- Adopting the Bethlehem Baby by Chris Highland, original published by Citizen Times, December 18. “A Buddhist priest and a Christian minister went into a brewery. . .no, seriously, they once sat with a mixed group of church and sangha folks to teach a course on the book, ‘Living Buddha, Living Christ’ by Thich Nhat Hanh. The priest was my friend Lee, and I was the minister. We met in the church where I was parish associate and then we gathered at the Zen farm where Lee had practiced for many years.”
- Holiday gifts for Christians, Jews and none-of-the-above by Lauren Markoe, Religion News Service | December 1, 2016. “The Religion News Service holiday gift guide respects true believers, people who take religion — or even atheism — seriously. Gifts that made the cut this year are for Christians celebrating Christmas and Jews celebrating Hanukkah. We’ve also got presents for Muslims, Buddhists, atheists and others whose holidays fall in a different season — but who might appreciate a present this time of year anyway. From abstract Nativity scenes to ugly Hanukkah sweaters, our staff of religion writers selected the items below because we consider each either particularly thoughtful, thought-provoking, lovely or fun.”
- Asheville clergy offer wisdom in election aftermath by Dale Neal, December 8, 2016, Mountain Xpress. “In the aftermath of an earthquake in American politics, and widespread anxiety about what course this country may take over the next few years, many Asheville clergy are wrestling with finding answers for themselves — and for congregants caught up in a raw moment of soul-searching.”
- Wanted: Leaders to Turn Interfaith Conflict Into Trust by David Bornstein, New York Times, November 29, 2016. “This month, the F.B.I. reported that hate crimes against Muslims in 2015 reached their highest level since 2001. In New York City this year, hate crimes are tracking one-third higher than last year; against Muslims they have more than doubled. The election of Donald J. Trump has highlighted religious tensions in America, particularly with Trump’s proposals to bar Muslims from entering the country and to create a registry of Muslims living in the United States. But these tensions did not begin with Trump. In America, virtually every form of faith or belief has at some point suffered unfavorable reception by others; the victims include Roman Catholics, Mormons, evangelical Christians, Jews and atheists, alongside Muslims.”
- Religious Experience Has Fascinating Effect On The Brain Psyblog. “Brain activation during religious experience is similar to that seen during music, gambling, sex and love. In other words: it activates the areas of the brain that are central to rewards."
