The Interfaith Roundtable is a radio show and podcast that explores various religious traditions and helps us all to understand both the differences and similarities between faiths. What is organized religion compared to spirituality? What do different religious traditions think about God? These questions and more are explored on The Interfaith Roundtable with various guests. Check out the first three episodes HERE, including interviews with Rev. Margaret Brack (Episcopal priest), Rev. Gene Gall (chaplain), Rabbi Niles Goldstein, Rev. Kyle Powderly, and Kathy Powderly. Listen to the radio show live every Saturday morning on 98.9 FM/ AM 1490 WARK at 9 am.
Interfaith Progressive Dinner held on September 11
To commemorate 9-11 and celebrate the International Day of Peace, the Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) held an Interfaith Progressive Dinner on Sunday, September 11. With the theme “From Lament to Hope,” the dinner was held at four different houses of worship, with each providing a brief program.
One part of the meal — appetizers, soup/salad, entrée, desserts — was served at each location as participants traveled from place to place. Participants learned about different faith traditions, sampled spiritually and culturally relevant foods, and built a sense of community. A vigil was held at the first stop in remembrance of 9-11-2001, and at the last stop hosts celebrated the hope in our interfaith relationships.
Houses of worship stops included: Zion Reformed United Church of Christ, where appetizers and punch were served; Congregation B’nai Abraham, for Matzah ball soup, challah bread, and salad; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which presented a large buffet of tasty Hispanic-themed entrées; and Islamic Society of Western Maryland, where participants topped off the evening with delicious desserts and fresh fruit.
Ninety-four tickets were sold, with a donation to cover costs, and approximately 80 people attended the event. Some participants said this was their first time visiting a synagogue or a mosque.
Anwar Quadri, President of the Islamic Society of Western Maryland, said, “Thanks to all for visiting our mosque. It was a great program. Everyone was so nice, humble, and appreciative.”
When asked on a post-event survey which part of the event was their favorite, several participants said: “How welcoming our hosts were at each house of worship. And of course, the terrific food!”
The Interfaith Team of HARC was formed shortly after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as a way to bring representatives of different faiths together and provide a forum for interfaith dialogue in our community.
Download the press release here.
Volunteers Wanted for Faith Step Ministries
Faith Step Ministries is a fast-growing Saturday morning breakfast ministry that helps us connect with over 150 community members on a weekly basis on the West End of Hagerstown. We are seeking volunteers from 7:30 – 10:30 AM at 451 Salem Avenue, Hagerstown to help prepare breakfast, serve the public, and clean up. A minimum of 6 volunteers are needed each week, and we always welcome extra hands to help! Please use this Google sheet to sign up. There is always a lead volunteer from our church who is present to lead and help. Reach out to Marci Corea at hvcsda@gmail.com with any questions!
Triumph Over Trauma – program opportunity for your house of worship
“Trauma comes in many forms and can have severe, long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. Most people do not have affordable access to mental health resources that could help them understand the effects of trauma and cope in healthy ways. Triumph Over Trauma begins with a 7-week psychoeducational program that aids people on their journey to recovery. Volunteer facilitators are trained and equipped to lead a group in a creative, faith-affirming way.” FREE curriculum/kit and training provided. This is the program mentioned by David Washington at our May HARC meeting. Read more. Feel free to contact Kathy P with questions at 301-842-4272 / director@harccoalition.org. Kathy can also offer you an intro workshop on trauma & resilience, if desired, prior to offering this program.
Your Help Needed for Afghan Adjustment Act
Afghan refugees resettling in Hagerstown and Frederick and elsewhere in the U.S. need your help to encourage Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act. Without the passage of this act, there is no pathway to permanent residency in the U.S. Your congressional representatives need to know of your support for the act. Please read the attached history and explanation of the act put together by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS). Then contact your representatives and senators to call for their support of the Afghan Adjustment Act. To find out how to contact your representatives, go to www.congress.gov/contact-us
Flood Relief
Pastor Shane Wilt and West End Baptist Chapel are spearheading relief efforts for flood victims in Kentucky. They are partnering with the Happy Church in Jackson, Kentucky to distribute items to flood victims.
Here’s how you can help:
Drop off items at West End Baptist Chapel, 59 Winter Street, Hagerstown on September 3 or 10 from 9:00-12:00 noon. They will be loading the collected items on a tractor trailer for delivery to Kentucky.
Here are the items needed:
School supplies
Microwaves
Crock Pots
Fans
Dehumidifiers
Tents
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap
Bleach
Mops
Brooms
Shovels
Rakes
Paper Towels
Moldex
Shampoo
Body Wash
Storage Totes
Feel free to pass this need along to your churches/ministries. Any collected supplies can be delivered to West End on the dates and times listed above.
