Interfaith

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 HARC at 301-842-4272.

Upcoming Events

• Musical Afternoon Celebrating International Day of Peace: The Interfaith Coalition of Washington County is hosting a musical afternoon celebrating The International Day of Peace, Sept. 20, 4 p.m.  Music from different faith traditions will be offered, featuring the Hendersons from the Christian tradition; Grant Gustafson playing Lute and presenting interfaith thoughts from Martin Luther King, Jr., from the Baha’i tradition; Brian King playing harmonium and sharing Sanskrit chants, from the Bhakti tradition and The Oh My Starlings, bringing  one or more of the following-banjo, ukulele, guitar and harmonium and sharing chants from the Sikh tradition.The evening will take place outside at a local farm, located outside of Hagerstown MD.  Location is sent upon registration. Social distancing and safety protocols will be in place. Please bring folding chair. This event is free to the public, but love offerings are gratefully accepted. Registration is required as space is limited. To register for this event please visit-https://interfaithmusicforpeace.eventbrite.comFor more information, call Paula Meyers-301-471-0590
• Church of the Wild ~ Two Rivers September 6, 3 – 5 p.m. – Join them in person for their monthly gathering outdoors at a 6’+ distance. Surrounded by woods, you will practice Cultivating Slow Time, surrendering your hearts to the joy within that rhythm. As usual, the service will begin with brief introductions to each other and the theme followed by 30 minutes of walking or sitting silently, present to the Sacred around and within. You will close with sharing and conversation. For details and free registration, see our event page.You can find out more on the website: churchofthewild2rivers.com and also on the Facebook page @churchofthewild2rivers.
• Seeker’s Circle Book Club – CANCELED Until Fall 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.
• Next Planning Meeting:  Contact Ed Poling for time and location.

Open or download Upcoming Events document

Officers
Coordinator – Valerie Wills
Vice Coordinator – Ed Poling
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/