Interfaith Community of
Schenectady, Inc.
Goal:
Sharing together,
One God —
One Community
March 2015
Vol. 43, No. 6
Interfaith News
~ Over Forty Years of Interfaith Partnerships ~ Est. 1971 ~
March Dinner Meeting
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Program
Islamic Center of the Capital District
21 Lansing Street N, Colonie, NY 12205
Prison Ministry
Panelists
Rabbi Yaakov Kellman
Imam Abdul-Rahman Yaki
Deacon Michael Melanson
Dinner is $15 payable at the door. Program only is free.
If you require a kosher meal, please let us know at time of
reservation.
Reservations to the IFC office,
[email protected]
or 370-2150 by noon, March 13.
Interfaith Community of Schenectady, Inc.
From our President
Vol. 43, No. 6
Page 2
Listen to greater health
A little clergy humor: The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher entered Plymouth Church one Sunday and
found several letters awaiting him. He opened one and found it contained a single word, “Fool.”
Quickly, and with becoming seriousness, he announced to the congregation the fact in these words:
“I have known many a man writing a letter and forgetting to sign his name, but this is the only
instance I have ever known of a man signing his name and forgetting to write the letter.”
And again: “Little Susie, a six year-old, complained: “Mother, I've got a stomach-ache.” “That's
because your stomach is empty,” the mother replied. “You would feel better if you had something
in it.” Susie ate and felt better. The day progressed. In the afternoon the minister called. In
conversation the minister remarked that he had been suffering a severe headache. Susie perked
up, “That's because it's empty,” she said. “You'd feel much better if you had something in it.”
What is in our heads and hearts when we listen? Listening invites the sharing of hopes that people
bring. Listening offers release from things that keep people bound up. Listening affirms the
presence of the Eternal in the present. Listening opens the way for forgiveness, cleansing,
renewing, uniting love. Listening offers dignity by being hospitable. Listening opens the way for
trust and confidence. Listening opens the way for the other to release the potential within for the
wellbeing of all.
Listening requires commitment. It takes time. One has to stop. Engage another person. Offer
focus. Stay in touch. Affirm the presence of The eternal in each person. Listening hears the words
spoken. It also listens through words to discover the heart and mind's focus. Listening seeks to
become aware of the reasons behind questions and complaints. It seeks to receive the life
experience that motivates hesitation and fear. The ultimate purpose of listening is healing,
community and joy.
Today, many people are seeking an ear to listen. Many are seeking spiritual maturity. Many look to
local congregations. But all too often they find neither a listening ear nor companionship. Far too
many people are busy talking at each other, rather than listening to anyone. Is it any wonder that
many people are seeking a listening ear, and supportive community, in places other than many
congregations?
Richard Wilke, in his book, Tell Me Again, I'm Listening, shares a test of listening: “I know you
believe you understand what you think I said; But, I am not sure that you realize that what you
heard is not what I meant.”
How can we listen in this way? Tune ourselves to the person before us. Listen carefully, prayerfully,
to the words spoken. Listen also to what is intended, but may not be said. Listen to what is left
unsaid, left unspoken. Listen to the feelings and attitudes which the other is seeking to convey.
Listen to stay engaged, especially when there is a difference of perspective. And listen with the
confidence that the other will – as you and I will – continue to engage the conversation even when
we have gone different ways.
Shanti, shanti, shanti, Shalom, Salaam, the peace that passes understanding, Bob Long
Interfaith Community of Schenectady, Inc.
Vol. 43, No. 6
Page 3
IFC
The purpose of the Interfaith Community of Schenectady is to bring together peoples of differing
faiths for dialogue, mutual growth in understanding and outreach together. The goal is “Sharing
Together, One God – One Community.” The life and work of Interfaith are funded in small part by
two funding events: The No-Sweat-Garage Sale [financial donations and not items are given], and
the Fall Interfaith Friendship Celebration.
Membership and Dues Membership and participation in the Interfaith Community of Schenectady,
and its events, is open to all individuals and congregations of differing faiths in the area. The
Interfaith Council is intentionally seeking to expand participation by reaching out to new
congregations.
The major funding for Interfaith comes from yearly contributions by members and member
congregations/groups. Each Newsletter lists the levels of giving offered. Membership gifts are
asked each year during the first three months of the year. Membership contributions are asked
during the first quarter of each year, so now is the time to make a contribution for 2015. Look in the
next to last page of this newsletter for mailing information. Your support makes possible the
inspiring work of the Interfaith Community of Schenectady.
Spring 2015 Gatherings
Spring Gatherings are as follows:
March 18 will be held at the Islamic Center for the Capital District, 21 Lansing, Road,
Niskayuna – The topic is “Faith and Prison Ministries” to be presented by clergy
of three differing faiths.
April 21 will beheld at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center and will be
presented by The Rev. Sara Baron, Pastor of the First United Methodist
Church, Schenectady. The James Stamper Community Service Award will
be presented.
May 19 will also be held at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center. It will be
the annual meeting. The Robert J. and Dorothy S. Ludwig Interfaith Award will
be presented. We are awaiting confirmation of a speaker.
Mark your calendars now keeping the nights free and invite others to join you.
Is your info with IFC up to date?
The Interfaith Community seeks to keep its member information up-to-date. However, from time to
time we need to make a concerted effort to bring our data “current.” If you are a member of
Interfaith, you should be receiving a Newsletter. Will you kindly provide any “new” information
about yourself [name or address change, new phone number, email address (if you will), etc.].
You may mail changes to the Interfaith Office at 811 N. Brandywine Avenue, Schenectady, NY
12308, or phone them to Interfaith [370-2150, there is an answering machine when no one is in the
office] or email them to [email protected]. Your assistance in this way is appreciated.
Interfaith Community of Schenectady, Inc.
Vol. 43, No. 6
Page 4
Share Our Stories About Racism
Share Our Stories about Racism Co-sponsored by the Friends for Racial Justice and the Interfaith
Story Circle. When: Friday, March 6, 2015, 6:00-6:30 PM (*lite refreshments); Storytelling from
6:30-8:30 PM. Where: Albany Quaker Meeting House; 727 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208. RSVP
(so we can plan for food): [email protected]. or call 518-477-5443. Donations are
welcome for refreshments.
This is a call to share stories about racism. We all hold some notions about this thing called race. In
fact just knowing someone’s skin color tells you very little about them. All of us, regardless of our
skin color, age or cultural background have one or more stories that involve racism. Rarely do we
share these stories. Our goal for this session is to use the power of storytelling to bring realization,
transformation
and
education
about
racism
in
our
society.
Why stories? Stories have the power to transform. Sharing stories is the best way to teach,
persuade, and even understand ourselves. Through stories we connect emotionally and
intellectually. You are invited to participate. Come, share your story. We are open to all cultures,
ages, faiths and political groundings. If an experience has caught your attention or touched you, it
may engage someone else as well.
Co-hosts: Sandy Powell, Barbara Spring, Marni Gillard;
Latham, NY 12110.
Interfaith Story Circle, P. O. Box 271,
IFC Annual Awards
The James Stamper Community Service Award will be presented at the April, 2015 gathering. The
Robert and Dorothy Ludwig Interfaith Award will be presented at the May Gathering. Recipients of
both awards will be announced in the April Newsletter.
What is your congregation doing?
What is your congregation doing of an Interfaith nature?
Th e re
are
of ten
man y
interchanges that take place and go all but unnoticed. We can benefit from knowing the kinds of
interfaith relationships that are actually taking place in the area. We ask you to share such
experiences with the Interfaith Community, so that we might make available the kinds of rich
exchanges that bless the community at large. Would you write up a brief explanation of your
congregation’s interfaith or multi-faith participation and send it to Interfaith Community of
Schenectady, 811 North Brandywine Avenue, Schenectady, New York 12308. Thank you!
Grounded
Grounded, by George Brant, will be presented on Monday, March 16th, 7pm, at Capital Repertory
Theater, 111 N. Pearl street, Albany. The one woman piece was produced by Women Against War
in conjunction with the Theater Institute at Sage. This award winning piece about the impact of her
work on a female drone pilot played last fall to great local applause. "Theater at its best, engaging
people in a powerful human way in issues which confront us as a society."
Interfaith Community of Schenectady, Inc.
Vol. 43, No. 6
Page 5
Coming Events
Schenectady Jewish Community 2565 Balltown Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309, will be showing
The Outrageous Life of Sophie Tucker on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30pm. Cost is $9, $5 for JCC
members. Contact 518 377-8803 or [email protected] for more information.
Story Circle—The Colors of India—a night of stories from many diverse Indian traditions at the
Albany Hindu Temple, 465 Albany -Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY, 7-9pm.
Dominican Retreat and Conference Center
- MarkRust, a multi-talented singer & musician
from Woodstock, NY will give a concert at The Dominican Retreat & Conference Center, 1945 Union
St., Niskayuna, in the Retreat House Dining Room on Sunday, April 19th at 7PM. This program will
be entertaining for all ages. Cost is $16.
The show is a fun collection of original songs & stories about common experiences we've all shared
while growing up in a family. Mark's performance showcases an impressive array of instruments
including guitar, banjo, fiddle, piano, and mountain dulcimer, as well as some beautifully hypnotic
pieces for hammered dulcimer.
Mark has been a guest on the Phil Donahue Show, has appeared in People Magazine, starred in the
Broadway Musical Hit Pump Boys & Dinettes, and has several recordings. His CD, "Home Fires",
features Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary) and Jay Ungar (PBS Civil War series). His most recent
CD "Legacy" features songs of family & growing up. Mark was recently nominated for a Campus
Entertainer of the Year Award by the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA).
For information call (518) 393-4169 or email [email protected]
Schenectady Inner City Ministry Day of Service—Outdoor Clean up Day - Saturday, April
25, 2015. Join with other members of SICM and the Schenectady community to clean up city parks
used for the Summer Lunch Program. Watch for details on the SICM website, www.sicm.us or
Facebook! Questions? Contact Janet Mattis at SICM at 374-2683 or [email protected].
Capital Region Theological Center and Union College—Together with Union College and its
Wold Lecture on Religion and Conflict, Capital Region Theological Center will be hosting Jewish
Scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine the week of May 11, 2015. Dr. Levine is Professor of New Testament
and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University, and a self-described "Yankee Jewish feminist who
teaches in a predominantly Christian divinity school in the buckle of the Bible Belt." Professor Levine
combines historical-critical rigor, literary-critical sensitivity, and a frequent dash of humor with a
commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic theologies. An evening with Dr.
Amy-Jill Levine will be held Monday, May 11, 6:30pm at First United Methodist Church, 603 State
Street, Schenectady. The evening will take place in a casual “fireside chat” style as Dr. Levine
spends the evening in conversation with CRTC Board Member and United Methodist clergyperson
Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost. There will be an opportunity for guests to submit questions as they
arrive to be included in the evening’s interview with Dr. Levine as time permits. There will be a
reception pre-ceeding the event at 5:30pm. You are invited to join in a reception before the
evening’s event, enjoying light refreshments, peruse and purchase some of Dr. Levine’s books, and
meet her personally. This also includes priority seating at the main event, if tickets are purchased
together. Lecture only is $25; reception only $10; both is $25. Register at www.crtc.org or
518-462-2470.
Interfaith Community of Schenectady, Inc.
Vol. 43, No. 6
Interfaith Calendar for February 2015
Page 6
1
Orthodox Sunday -- Orthodox Christian – First Sunday of Lent. Restoration of icons to the
church is celebrated.
Saint David of Wales – Christian – Celtic Christian saint known for his wisdom and
missionary work.
2 – 20 Nineteen Day Fast-- Baha'i (begins sundown on 1 ) – Fast to be observed by adult Baha'is
in good health - sunrise to sundown - no food or drink.
5
Purim -- Jewish (begins sundown on 4) – Celebration of the deliverance of the Jewish
minority in Persia from genocide. Charity to the poor, sharing food with friends, and vigorous
merrymaking mark the observance.
Magha Puja Day – Buddhist – Celebration of the presentation of teachings by Lord Buddha
to and assembly of holy men.
6
Holi -- Hindu – Spring festival dedicated to the god of pleasure. It is observed in a colorful
and boisterous manner. People shower each other with colored water and smear red and green
powder on each other.
Hola Mohalla -- Sikh – Day when mock battles are fought and martial arts are displayed.
18
L. Ron Hubbard birthday – Scientology.
17
St Patrick's Day -- Christian – Celebration of Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland in
early days of the faith.
19
Saint Joseph's Day – Christian – Remembrance of Joseph, husband of Mary the mother of
Jesus.
20
Equinox – Ostara -- Wicca/Pagan northern hemisphere (begins sundown on 19 ) –
Welcoming of spring and the goddess-as-maiden.
Mabon -- Wicca/Pagan southern hemisphere – Observance of the autumnal equinox
when day and night are of equal length. A harvest festival time.
21
Naw Ruz (News Year) -- Baha'i (begins sundown on 20 ) – Observance of the vernal
equinox symbolizing spiritual growth and renewal.
Norooz (New Year) -- Persian/Zoroastrian – Zoroastrian New Year.
New Year – Hindu.
21-28 Ramayana -- Hindu – Festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic
poem, the Ramayana.
25
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary -- Christian – Celebration of Gabriel announcing to
the Virgin Mary the coming birth of Jesus as the Incarnation of Creator God.
28
Ramanavami -- Hindu – Celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic
poem, The Ramayana. The day involves telling of stories and going to the temple.
Birth of Prophet Zarathushtra -- Zoroastrian – Anniversary of the death of Prophet
Zarathushtra.
29
Palm Sunday -- Christian – Celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins
Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches.
The Interfaith Community of Schenectady, Inc. was established on November 17,
1971. It is the first organization in New York State to encourage membership of
diverse religious institutions and organizations. Its goal has been to foster dialogue
and create better understanding between groups of different faiths.
INTERFAITH OFFICERS FOR 2014-2015
Rev. Bob Long, Co-President...…………………….……………372-1083
Sr. Carol Davis, OP, Co-President………………...………….…393-4169
Erica Berger, Vice-President……………………………………..377-7115
Humera Khan, Secretary………………………………….……..
Edith Kliman, Treasurer…………………………………………...346-0025
COORDINATING COUNCIL: Scott Ebeling, Barby Harris, Chris Knowles, Colette
Odell, Gerry Pierce, Ann Sliva
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTS: Rev. Bob Long & Audrey Hughes
MEMBERSHIP TO INTERFAITH COMMUNITY OF SCHENECTADY, INC., 811 Brandywine
Ave., Schenectady, NY, 12308, IS OPEN TO ALL CHURCHES, CONGREGATIONS,
INDIVIDUALS, INSTITUTIONS, MOSQUES, ORGANIZATIONS, SYNAGOGUES, AND
TEMPLES.
I (We) hereby subscribe to the following category of membership:
LIFE: $600.00, which may be given in five annual installments
PATRON: $100.00 per year
SUSTAINING: $60.00 per year, individual & $70.00 per year, household
CONTRIBUTING: $35.00 per year, individual & $45.00 per year, household
SUPPORTING: $25.00 per year, individual & $35.00 per year, household
MY CHECK IS ELIGIBLE TO THE GE FOUNDATION FOR MATCHING FUNDS AND HAS
BEEN REPORTED.
NAME(S)
__________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________
CITY
STATE
PHONE
ZIP CODE ______________________
DATE ____________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________
MEMBERSHIP: NEW
RENEWAL
AMOUNT $ ___________
If you belong to a church, mosque, synagogue, temple or any other religious
organization, please write the NAME of it here:
IFC OF SCHENECTADY
811 N. Brandywine Ave
Schenectady, NY 12308
Phone: 518-370-2150
E-mail:
[email protected]
office hours:
Tuesday 4-5pm
Fridays 7:30-8:30am
Others as needed
Schenectadyinterfaith.weebly.com
W
Coordinating Council Meetings
The Spring Council meetings are:
Thursday, March 12
Thursday, April 9
Thursday, May 14
at 9am at Faith United Methodist Church, 811 North Brandywine Avenue, Schenectady, 12308.
You may attend Council Meetings if you are interested. Members and friends are invited to
attend any Council Meeting to observe. If there is an interest that you would like considered, please
contact Rev. Bob Long, 372-1083, at least two weeks ahead. Thank you.
Do we have your email????
Please send your email address
to us at
[email protected]!
Check us out at
Schenectadyinterfaith.weebly.com