Introduction
The Interfaith Coalition of Washington County Maryland was formed by the Washington County Council of Churches (now HARC) in February 2002 with representatives from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths to provide a forum for interfaith dialogue in our community following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Persons from Baha’i and Buddhist traditions as well as other religious and humanist communities participate today. We see our coalition as an outreach of the Hagerstown Area Religious Council.
Mission Statement of the Interfaith Coalition
The Interfaith Coalition of Washington County exists to bring people of different beliefs together to promote peace, respect, and compassion in our local community. Through dialogue and public presence, we welcome each person’s unique spiritual perspective, strive to learn more about each other, and seek to honor the diversity of our various traditions. (Revised November 9, 2011)
Get Involved
The Interfaith Planning Team, which envisions, coordinates, and carries out events, meets regularly through the year. Persons interested in interfaith dialogue are encouraged to attend or share their ideas with the planning team. Contact Valerie Wills, Coordinator, at 301-745-6576 or vtwills@aol.com for more information.
Church of the Wild ~ Two Rivers is an emerging community, meeting in the midst of and sharing with the abundant life all around us. Our intent is to deepen our connection to the Sacred by being more open, present and available in each moment. We learn from the earth and trees, the skies and water, and all living beings in the web of the natural world. Located in an area where the winding Shenandoah meets the majestic Potomac River, we are nurtured in silence, beauty, and connection.
We gather monthly in nature in times of contemplative practice, sharing our voices in spoken word and song, and in silent walks in nature. We are ecumenical, open to all or no faith traditions. We hope you will join us as we come home to our truest selves in the family of all Creation.
Website: https://www.churchofthewild2rivers.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/churchofthewild2rivers/
Statement of Peace— In light of the recent escalation in fear and hostility toward people of other religious traditions, the Interfaith Coalition and the Hagerstown Area Religious Council have issued a joint, public statement that encourages persons of faith in our community to use “language that promotes respect and civility and discourages language that demeans others’ beliefs or incites violence.” We invite all the religious leaders in our community to sign the statement to show our unity and desire to live together peacefully. Follow this link to download the Statement of Peace.
Yard Signs: “No matter where you are from, we are glad you’re our neighbor.” Hagerstown Area Religious Council has 18” x 24” yard signs available to show your support for diversity. The words are displayed also in Spanish and Arabic. Cost is $15. Purchase a sign online or contact HARC at 301-842-4272.
Interfaith Calendar
One of the initiatives of the Interfaith Coalition of Washington County is a weekly Interfaith calendar – a listing of upcoming events and commemorations from religions around the world. The listing is for the week ahead — Thursday to the following Wednesday – to raise awareness of what is going on with practices in the many faiths of our world. For suggestions or additional input, contact Ed Poling at elpoling1@gmail.com
Calendar for January 27 – February 2, 2022
- Wednesday, February 2:Imbolc (Also called Imbolg, Candlemas, Brigantia, The Feast of the Waxing Light, and Oimelc)—(WICCA)—celebrates the increasing strength of the God, given as the first and greatest gift of the Goddess. Many Wiccans honor the Goddess at this time as the source of fire, poetry, arts, crafts, agriculture and smith craft. It is a time for reflection upon the generative power of the gods, from which will come the later material and spiritual harvests.
- Month of January: Ninene (Moon of the Child)—(ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY)—the face of the young man represents youth, a new beginning, the rebirth of the animal world, and the new edible shoots. This is the Saanich New Year. (Coast Salish)
The Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony starts five days after the new moon appears. The celebration, lasting for nine days, includes traditional events which revolve around the idea of new beginnings at the start of the Iroquois’ spiritual year. - Month of February: Wexes (Moon of the Frog)—(ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY)—The frog on the face of the moon represents Doluanw—the Keeper of the Sacred Season. It is time to gather foods and medicine. (Coast Salish)
——- From Multifaith Calendar 2021, www.multifaithcalendar.org ———-
Download a copy of the calendar for January 26 – February 2 here
Upcoming Events
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- Church of the Wild Two Rivers:Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministry and Retreat Center,16869 Taylors Landing Road,Sharpsburg, MD 21782 – Registration is free and required. As always, all are welcome.
Information: churchofthewild2rivers.com; churchofthewild2rivers@gmail.com - Interfaith Winter Retreat – Postponed due to COVID. This event will be rescheduled when we are able to safely meet in person.
- Seeker’s Circle Book Club – On Hold Until Further notice meets six times a year at the Washington County Free Library in downtown Hagerstown, 7:00 pm Study Room 333, reading and discussing books that describe the religious life and traditions of several of the world’s religions and current issues in interfaith dialogue. Inquiries to Gwen Skrabak, 301-797-1603 or Kathleen O’Connell, ko01@washcolibrary.org / 301-739-3250 ext. 166. Books can be purchased online or, if available, borrowed from the library.
- Next Planning Meeting: Contact Valerie Wills for time and location.
Open or download Upcoming Events document
Officers
Coordinator – Valerie Wills
Vice Coordinator – Paula Myers
Secretary – Carol Haggerty
Treasurer – Salih Yumlu
Publicity – Sandy Boyer and Ed Poling
For more information, contact: Ed Poling (301)766-9005, elpoling1@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125909250824944/
