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 Ed Poling, Coordinator, at 301-766-9005 or elpoling1@gmail.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 Kathy Powderly at 301-842-4272 or Kathy.harc@gmail.com for more information.
Upcoming Events
- Church of the Wild ~ Two Rivers August 4, 3 p.m. With an intention to deepen our spirituality in nature and remember our kinship with Earth, we will gather outside to commune. You can find out more on the website: churchofthewild2rivers.com and also on the FB page @churchofthewild2rivers. While there is no cost, registration is appreciated. To register https://www.facebook.com/events/2332802033603505/
- International Day of Peace-Global Feast Sept. 22 4:30 p.m. with a Noodle Float,as well as food from around the world, and guest speaker Don Stevenson. This wonderful time of community and breaking bread together is one way we become the peace we seek. Suggested donation $10
- Seeker’s Circle Book Club 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. Download a flyer.
- Thursday, Sept. 19: Holy Envy, Finding God in the faith of others by Barbara Brown Taylor
- Thursday, Oct. 17: How the Bible Actually Works
- Thursday, Nov. 21: The Wisdom of Wilderness
- Thursday, Jan. 16: Made for Happiness
- Thursday, Mar. 19: Killers of the Flower Moon
- Thursday, May 21: Ninety-nine Stories of God
- Girish Concert and Kirtan October 20, 1 p.m. Girish is an eclectic artist with roots in jazz, world, and sacred music. His musical talents find expression in a wide array of instruments – including tablas, world percussion, guitar, harmonium, and voice. Girish lived in the ashram for five years, giving up music and taking the vows of a monk in the Divine Mother tradition called Dakshina Marg or Mahashakti Yoga. Yet, here, another compelling sound force emerged for Girish: the chanting of Sanskrit mantras. As a monk in the ashram he spent hours every day chanting. Girish also studied Sanskrit as a means to understand the deeper meanings of these ancient chants, and helped his teacher translate dozens of hymns.
He thought he had given up music for his spiritual practice, but one day he happened upon a set of tablas at the ashram and was instantly compelled to play them. This event set him on a life-changing course. Guided as always by rhythm, and now by his spiritual pursuits, Girish began to study tablas with Jagadish in the Nada Yoga tradition (yoga of sound current), which emphasized the spiritual import of music. He also traveled to New York to learn the art of Indian drumming at Siddha Yoga Ashram. $20-$25 Hosted by Unity of Hagerstown, 18313 Lappans Rd., Boonsboro MD - Winter Interfaith Retreat Feb. 1 – Save the Date!
- Next Planning Meeting: Contact Ed Poling for time and location.
Open or download Upcoming Events document
Officers for 2018-2019
Coordinator – Ed Poling
Vice Coordinator – Valerie Wills
Secretary – Carol Haggerty
Treasurer – Salih Yumlu
Publicity – Sandy Boyer
For more information, contact: Ed Poling (301)766-9005, elpoling1@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125909250824944/