april 2009 interfaith connection newsletter, interfaith works

8/8/2019 April 2009 Interfaith Connection Newsletter, Interfaith Works

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INTERFAITH CONNECTION

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, P.O. Box 1221, Olympia, WA 98507(360) 357-7224 [email protected] www.interfaith-works.org

Interfaith Works promotes interfaith understanding,and serves the community through

charitable, social and educational endeavors.

GREAT STRIDES FOR HUNGER

The Thurston County CROP Walk Committee is not resting with their feet up, even though they are very proudthat the 2008 Walk raised $59,500 for hunger relief. Having raised over $980,000 in its 28 year history, thisyears Walk will break the million dollar mark. This year, the committee challenges walkers to step out and raise$65,000 to feed hungry neighbors in Thurston County and around the world.

The 2009 CROP Walk, the 29th in Thurston County, will take placeSunday, May 3,following the same 10K (6.2 mile) route around Capitol Lake that has been used for severalyears. Participants will walk in solidarity with folks around the globe who have to walk greatdistances just to get food and clean water; We walk because they walk.

Eight local hunger-relief agencies will receive 25% of the total funds raised here. They are First Baptist ChurchSunday Dinner Feeding Ministry, Garden Raised Bounty, Out of the Woods, Salvation Army /Olympia

Community Kitchen, Senior Services for South Sound / Meals on Wheels, St. Benedicts Community DinnerProgram, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Thurston County Food Bank.

(Continued on page 2)

APRIL 2009

EMERGENCY OVERFLOW SHELTER EXPANDING

Interfaith Works Emergency Overflow Shelter program (EOS) has operated every winter, November 1 throughMarch 31, for nineteen years. Now, with homelessness increasing dramatically, Interfaith Works is preparing topartner with Family Support Center to extend shelter services year-round, beginning June 1.

In this partnership, Interfaith Works will continue to manage the program November through March, and FamilySupport Center (FSC) will manage the program April through October. The expanded program will operate in

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There are several ways YOU can participateas a walker, a sponsor, or volunteer on Walk Day. And you can

make a financial donation to the Walk. Now, its easier than ever to donate because you can do so on-line. Youcan create your own personal web-page, and add links to your social networking site. For more information, goto www.cropwalkonline,org.

If you would like to volunteer to be a helper or walker, contact Interfaith Works at 360-357-7224 (M-Th., 9 a.m. -2 p.m.), or Chairman Wayne Gruen at 352-9703. For more information about CROP Walk, visit our website atwww.oly-wa.us/interfaith/CropWalk.php.

Get involved. Hunger is a huge and growing problem in our community. Please, help make this the mostproductive Walk ever. Help CROP Stop hunger.

Great Strides for Hunger(Continued from page 1)

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much the same way, with local congregations providing volunteer hosts to staff the shelter. However, FSC istrying to make arrangements for the shelter to be housed in a single location, eliminating the need to move fromsite to site every two weeks. Until those arrangements have been made, the bi-weekly moves will continue.

Family Support Center staff are presently recruiting congregations willing to host and staff the shelter for twoweeks at a time. It is hoped that some congregations that have not previously participated in the EOS will join inthe rotation, and that congregations that have already provided shelter in the past year will take another two-

week term each year. Currently, three faith communities have signed up for a second spell.

Of course, operating the shelter all year will require not only more staff and possibly more host sites. Using thebedding supplies twice as much will wear them out more quickly, requiring replacement more often. A mattresscosts $100. A durable, washable blanket costs about $20, a set of sheets is $10-20. And, if a stable location isfound for the shelter, there will be a monthly rental fee.

To date, twelve or thirteen congregations have participated in the annual Emergency Overflow Shelter program.For the program to operate year-round more communities will be needed to host, staff, and support the pro-gram financially. You can help by volunteering, sending financial support, and encouraging your own congre-gation to become involved in the shelter program.

This year alone the EOS provided about 2000 bednights (one client, one bed, one night) to women and familieswith children. Please, help homeless women and families! To volunteer yourself or your congregation, or to

ask questions, please phone Interfaith Works (357-7224) or Phil at Family Support Center (754-9297 ext.200).Financial contributions may be sent to Interfaith Works, with EOS on the memo line of your check.

Emergency Overflow Shelter(Continued from page 1)


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4TH ANNUAL INTERFAITH YOUTH CAMP

Plans are underway for the 4th annual Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp, to be held this year

fromSunday, August 23 to Friday, August 28 at YMCA Camp Seymour. A collaborativeeffort of Interfaith Works and Associated Ministries of Tacoma, along with a number ofcongregations of diverse faiths, the camp will host 60 campers who will be entering the 7-9thgrades in the fall.

This is a summer camp with swimming, hiking, kayaking and sailing, archery and soccer, andcampfires. What differs is the time spent talking and learning about one anothers religions,

beliefs, and customs. Adult faith-leaders from many traditions will be resources to the campersof their faith as well as to the campers of other faiths. No proselytizing whatsoever is allowed.

Applications are available online at www.soundinterfaithcamp.org or by calling 360-357-7224.

SEE ART BEAT OF THE SPIRIT PHOTOS ON-LINE

Art Beat of the Spirit, the 5th annual World Sacred Music Festival of Olympia, was an artistic success, fun,and inspiring. In addition to musical performances from fifteen world music artists, there wereparticipatory workshops, ethnic food, and an especially moving exhibit of beautiful sacred art in thegallery. Informational booths on local non-profits, faith communities and other organizations took up onewhole room, and many participants came away with a variety of purchases from the marketplace,

including baskets, jewelry, cosmetics, foods and musical instruments.

This amazing festival was created by a dedicatedplanning committee who worked all year to make ithappen. In addition, one hundred thirty-fourvolunteers staffed the event, from admissions, tohospitality room, ushers and stage hands, MCs and art

gallery guides, poster hangers, sound technicians, andmuch, much more. Interfaith Works thanks everyonewho made the festival happen!

Thanks to the volunteer photographers, you can see some of the highlights. For a smaller photo gallery,go to www.olysacredmusic.org/2009/2009_photos.html. There are more pictures in a slide show formatat www.olysacredmusic.org/2009/WSMF09-slideshow/index.html.

Arpan, photo courtesy of Terry Liberty

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NEW HOURS FOR IW OFFICE

In the face of higher energy costs, poorer air quality, accelerated climate change, and economicchallenges, many businesses are re-thinking the traditional five-day system, and so are we. So, inan effort to reduce personal expenses, gas emissions and operational costs, and to increase ourstaff productivity, Interfaith Works has embarked on a pilot program of a four-day work week.

Until further notice, Interfaith Works office hours will be Monday through Thursday, 9:00 A.M. to2:00 P.M.

WHAT IS JUST ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY?Rozanne Rants, Olympia FOR

Two recent vigils on the steps of the State Capitol were arranged by the Olympia Fellowship of ReconciliationsCommittee for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (CADP). Cal Brown and Darold Stenson had each been con-victed of murder and were sentenced to be murdered in return. In both cases prisoners received stays of exe-cution hours before they were to occur.

Formed in the mid-90's, the mission of the CADP is to abolish the death penalty in Washington State. Thegroup is a committee of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), a worldwide organization committed to seeking

ways to bring nonviolence, peace, and justice to our world since 1918. Virtually all mainstream Christian de-nominations in the U.S., as well as the organizational bodies of many other faiths, have explicit statements op-posing the death penalty.

With the recent abolition of the death penalty in New Jersey and New Mexico, fifteen states are free of this formof punishment. Sadly, Washington State continues to hold on, while most people remain unaware of the tre-mendous cost we pay for a practice that accomplishes nothing. And, our countrys use of the death penalty sets

us apart from the nations known for having good human rights records, including the European Union, andaligns us with those known for human rights abuses.

Nationally since 1973, 130 innocent people have been released, sometimes after more than 20 years ondeath row. How many innocent people have been executed? The simple alternative is life in prison without pos-sibility of parole. The money saved could be spent on mental health, antipoverty, and other programs that areproven to reduce crime.

We study issues such as human rights, costs, effectiveness, suffering, and morality and bring them to the atten-tion of our State Legislature and fellow citizens. In addition to vigils, our outreach activities include tabling at pub-lic events, speaking to groups, and designing educational games and activities. The Olympia FOR Committeefor Alternatives to the Death Penalty meets monthly. Call Rozanne, Committee Chair, or Chuck at 705-8520 forinformation. We invite you to join us.

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INTERFAITH WORKS THANKS OUR CONTRIBUTORS

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Laura Abernathy Frederick & Mary Jane Adair All Souls Unitarian Universalist CommunityGlen A. Anderson Juanita Anderson Anonymous Kenneth & Donna Armitage Vicki Armstrong

Clyde & Elizabeth Bachman Baha'i Assembly of Olympia Baha'is of Thurston Co. East MarieLouise Bammert Ann & Maxwell Berry Scott & Trina Bishop Bonita Bourgault Karen &

George Bray Bob Brighten Carol Britton Margaret Carmichael Kasey Carter Center forSpiritual Awakening Jeremy & Heather Clarke Patricia Collins Community for Interfaith Cele-bration Community of Christ Alan Corwin Joanne Thornton Curtz Donald & Cherie Davidson

Dee Dick Dispute Resolution Center Lee & Rene Doran Edith Downing Leslie Edwards-HillDr. William A. Ehlers First Church of Christ Scientist First United Methodist Church RosemaryFrady James Fulton Barbara Gibson Gloria Dei Lutheran Church GoodSearch M. JeanneGordner Wayne & Carol Gruen Elie & Beth Halpern Edward & Muriel Hastings Genevieve

Hathaway Hilari Hauptman George & Mary Jo Hinkel Richard & Ramona Hinkle MargueriteHolcomb Jean Holz Jackie & M. J. Huetter Karen & Jacob Jackson Elaine "Steffe" Jewell

Leland & Joanne Johnson Lisa Johnson Marge Johnson Zula Johnston Tom & Samara Jold-

ersma Anne Kellor Jeanne & William (Terry) Kirkpatrick Sandra Kreis Arlene KuczinskiLacey Community Church Lacey Presbyterian Church Judith L. Langhans Leif & Barbara LantzPat & Marilyn LaViollette Patricia Lazar Carolyn Lehman Raven Lidman Karen Lohmann

Clain Lust Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Nancy Mackin Masjid Al-Nur (Islamic Centerof Olympia) Billie Mazzei Carol McKinley Thomas & Elsa McLain Helena Meyer-Knapp

Miles Barbara J. Monda Katy Murray Nalanda Institute Nancy C. Nelson & Associates Inc.William & Rachel Newmann Molly Oberbillig Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation Olympia

Friends Meeting Olympia Supply Co. Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation Open GateZendo Pacific NW Assoc Church Libraries-Tacoma Lois & Philip Parker Donna Patrick MaryLou Pearson Kathleen Peppard Patricia Perry James C. Pluntze Susan E. Preciso Presby-

tery of Olympia Providence Health Systems Truxton & June Ringe Bonnie Rose Daniel RoselleConnie Ruhl Mary Russell Daniel C. Ryan Donald & Donna Sattelberg Pam Schroeder RuthShearer Char Simons Lynn Ruth Slater Luther Smith John & Marlys Soltman South SoundBuddhist Peace Fellowship St. Andrews United Methodist Church St. Ephrem Orthodox Mission

St. John's Episcopal Church St. Michael Parish St. Placid Priory State of WA-Dept. of PersonnelBernard & Joyce Steckler Dickie (Baker) Stentz Theresa & Dale Stubbart Shirley & Edward SwanFrances Tanaka Janet & Mike Tanaka Roger Tanquist Temple Beth Hatfiloh Thurston County

Ministries in Higher Education Tumwater United Methodist Church Vicki Turnbow UnitedChurches of Olympia United Methodist Women United Way of King County United Way of

Thurston County Unity Church of Olympia Robert & Elizabeth Utter Arthur Vaeni & Sally GoveMarijke van Roojen Wim & Rae Verhoef WA State Arts Commission Connie Walker Ruth We-

ber Westminster Presbyterian Church Scott Whitney Fran Williams Judy WilliamsWendy Wilson David & Dolly Yates Ann Yeo Rich & Melissa Young


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COMMUNITY CALENDARA listing of some of the activities and events of Interfaith Works members and cooperating organizations.

IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details and events at www.interfaith-works.org .

April 27Monday7:00 pm

Faith Communities Disaster Preparedness Workshop. Held at Bucoda Christian Assembly,102 Main Street, Bucoda, WA 98530. For information contact Bill Terhune, Chaplain, South BayFire, at 360-791-9701.

April 28Tuesday7:00 pm

Alternatives to the Death Penalty Committee of Olympia FOR.. Meets monthly on fourthTuesdays, at MIXX-96 meeting room, corner of State St. and Washington. For information contactRozanne or Chuck, 705-8520, or [email protected].

May 3Sunday12:30 pm

May 3Sunday7:008:30 pm

Journeying with Serious Illness,a monthly meeting beginning in April for people and/or their careproviders. Based on the bookHealing into Life and Deathby Stephen Levine. Meets at Olympia UnitarianUniversalist Church, 2200 East End Str. For information, call Tom or Samara Joldersma, 352-7487.

May 6Wednesday7:008:30 pm

Video Thomas Berry: The Great Story , about the life and work of this famous cultural historianand eco-theologian. Traditions Caf, 300 5th Ave SW. FREE. Co-sponsored by Earth CareCatholics of Olympia & Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee . Info: 459-5825.

May 10Sunday8 am

Network of Strength Breast Cancer Support Group Mothers Day fundraising walk. 3 miles,begins at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater. Call 360-556-8361 to register or go tonetworkofstrength.org.

May 12WednesdayNoon

Interfaith Earth Stewardship Committee. Meets in the library of First Christian Church, 7th

and Franklin, on second Wednesdays. For information, e-mail [email protected].

May 17Sunday4:306:30 pm

Olympia FOR Annual Meeting and Elections. Everyone is invited to enjoy cake andrefreshments and celebrate another year of the Olympia FORs accomplishments. At TraditionsFair Trade Caf, 5thand Water.

May 20Wednesday7:30 pm

The Qadim Ensemble.Their repertoire includes Arabic, Jewish, Turkish-Sufi, Hebrew-Yemenite,Armenian, Greek and Moroccan music, celebrating the common musical and spiritual heritage of theregions cultures. Evergreen Recital Hall, Tickets $15/10 students. Info at www.qadimmusic.com.

June 26-28FridaySunday9:305:30 pm

Creating a Culture of Peace. A three day immersion in the spirituality and practice of non-violence. Developed by FOR, based on Pace e Bene, and broadly interfaith. At St. Michael Parish.Contact David Bellefeuille-Rice at 943-6264. Cost $35.00.

August 23-28SundayFriday

Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp The 4th Annual Interfaith camp for 7th to 9th graders, to beheld at YMCA Camp Seymour. Applications available on-line at www.soundinterfaithcamp.org,or call 360-357-7224. Sponsored by Interfaith Works and Associated Ministries of Tacoma.

CROP WALKThurston Countys 29th Annual Walk to Stop Hunger.Registration begins at 12:30 pm, the walk begins at 1:30 pm. The route is 10K(6.2 miles) around the lake. Contact 357-7224.

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Interfaith WorksPO Box 1221Olympia WA 98507

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 325Olympia, WA 98501

Return service requested

CROP WALK is May 3Last year walkers raised over $59,000

for hunger relief.

You can help

top that in 2009.

To volunteer, walk orpledge call352-9703 or 357-7224

Support Interfaith Works with a Paid Ad $10

april 2009 interfaith connection newsletter, interfaith works

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