Peace Vigils. Bring Them Home Now vigils on the first Thursday and third Wednesday in the morning, and the second Tuesday, in the evening, of each month. Come and leave as it fits your schedule. The goal is to bring an awareness of the war into our daily lives, call for our troops to come home and witness for another approach to healing in Iraq. The UU Peace Advocates encourage the wider community to hold vigils in front of their places of worship, or work, or neighborhood, etc. - so that vigils will be all across the greater Rochester area at the same times each month. Let us know if you will work with us in this effort. For more information email uupeaceadvocates@hotmail.com or call (585) 749-7121.
May vigils:
CISD Interfaith Book Discussion. Book TBA. Facilitator: Dr. Nathan Kollar, Chair, CISD. Nazareth College, Golisano Building at 7:00 – 8:30pm. Speaking of Faith : Why Religion Matters--and How to Talk About It by Krista Tippett. Please read the book for the discussion. Selection for August 12: A History of God: The 4000 Year Quest for Judaism, Christianity and Islam by Karen Armstrong. Updates on book selections and suggested discussion questions can be found on the CISD website at http://www.naz.edu/dept/cisd/reviews. RSVP and your inquires to: nkollar4@naz.edu or cisd@naz.edu or call us at 389-2963.
TIAR Monthly Board Meeting. The monthly Board Meeting of TIAR is held from 4:00 – 5:30 pm at Covenant United Methodist Church on Culver Road at Parsells. All members and visitors are welcome. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 8, 2008 (See below).
Ecumenical Benefit Concert. The Eighth Annual Ecumenical Benefit Concert sponsored by the Westside Coalition of Christian Churches will be held Sunday, May 18, 2008, 7pm at Pearce Memorial Church, 4322 Buffalo Rd, North Chili (near Roberts Wesleyan). No admission fee. A free-will offering will be accepted, with proceeds to benefit St Francis Outreach Ministries, a local not-for-profit charitable organization started by Deacon Angelo Coccia in 1988. The ministry is run totally by volunteers who give of their time and talent freely. Every cent received by St. Francis House from donations to fundraisers is used to support those who "fall between the cracks.” Participating Churches:
A Land Twice Promised. Israeli storyteller Noa Baum will perform "A Land Twice Promised” on Sunday, May 18th at 7:00 PM at Temple Beth El. "A Land Twice Promised" represents the voices of Israeli and Palestinian women with their perspectives on the conflict, touching on both historic and current themes. Noa Baum attracted an enthusiastic audience of 500 people when she last appeared in Rochester in March 2007. The performance is free and open to the public, however tickets are necessary in advance. Tickets can be obtained at the office of Temple Beth El, which is located at the corner of Hillside and Winton Avenue South (across from the First Unitarian Church).
Moving Beyond Racism Book Discussion. The Dark Wind by Tony Hillerman. Monday, May 5th - Barnes & Noble - Pittsford Plaza - Upstairs Community Room. Next Selection for Monday, July 7: TBA. For info, call 872-6276.
This Year's Faith In Action 2008 Celebration. Each year, GRCC is proud to honor members of the community who exemplify a life of faith and service. Individuals from a broad cross-section of churches, mosques, temples and religious organizations in the greater Rochester area will be recognized for their important contributions to our community. The Metropolitan Award will be given to Joanne and William Cala A Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to the Rev. Alvin Parris III
A gathering will begin at 5:30 P.M.; a served dinner and program will be at 6:00 P.M. Tickets are $35 (sliding scale upon request.) Faith groups are encouraged to reserve at least one table of ten to indicate support for the honoree and commitment to this celebration. RIT Inn and Conference Center
5257 W. Henrietta Road in Henrietta, NY.
To participate call the office at 254-2570 or email: grcc1@frontiernet.net
Opening of documentary, "The Muslims I Know", This film about moderate Muslims in America, has been in production for about 2 years. It is finally read and an independent opening will be held at the Dryden Theater on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 1.00 pm. The hour-long screening will be followed by a discussion. You may be able to squeeze most of this in before heading out to attend the TIAR Annual Meeting (below).
Proud to Have Served in “Caesar’s Army. Rev. J. Paul Womack, Chaplain (Colonel) Retired, USAR will share his experiences in two Iraq wars. Paul was an interrogator in the Vietnam War (1969-1970), served as a Chaplain in Desert Storm (1991) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004). He retired from the Army in 2007 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service. He has also been warded the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
Paul is former President of the Interfaith Alliance of Rochester (TIAR) and a former president of the Greater Rochester Community of Churches (GRCC). He chaired the IFF and other interfaith organizations while in Rochester. He is currently pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church on Grand Island, NY and will assume duties at the Hurlbut Memorial United Methodist Church at the Chautauqua Institution in July 2008. Included among his degrees is a Doctor of Ministry from Colgate-Rochester-Bexley Hall-Crozier Theological Seminary.
This talk will be part of the TIAR Annual Meeting to be held Sunday, June 8, 2008, 3 PM in the Shults Center at Nazareth College
Rochester Voters Alliance Registration Kickoff. A kickoff of this year’s RVA voter registration will drive will be held at 2:00 pm at the Susan B. Anthony House.
Church-State Separation Talk. A presentation on church-state separation issues will be delivered by Rev. Barry Lynn, President of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. This event is being co-sponsored by TIAR and MCPEARL. The time and place, as well as a more precise title, are now being worked out by the planning committee.
We are committed to an inclusive democratic process based upon the mutual responsibility of public officials, public institutions, and the general public. It requires honest and civility through open discussion of issues and full participation open to all citizens.
We work towards a public good that offers dignity and wholeness to all people. This includes a quality public education, a sustainable environment, a living wage, comprehensive health care, adequate housing, and a voice for people of faith in the political arena that respects the First Amendment.
As a growing and diverse interfaith community, we bring a constructive and healing witness to public and political life in the Greater Rochester community. The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester is one of many local alliances in a national coalition of people of faith.
Home | Active Programs | Calendar | Meeting Minutes
From the President | Doings at National | Sign Up! | Links | Contacts