Date: July 1st 2009

July 2009

I mentioned previously the work of a local committee towards the goal of having San Jose/ South Bay become a Partner City of the Parliament of the World's Religions. The working group has submitted a proposal to do a workshop on what we have learned in the process of applying to be a Partner City at the Parliament in Melbourne in December, and we anticipate a favorable response.

Ours is but one of many from local interfaith leaders and groups, and there will be an opportunity to learn about what the Parliament is all about, who is planning to attend, and what workshops will be presented by local folks. On Sunday, July 12, from 4:00- 7:00 pm at the Interfaith Center at the Presidio in San Francisco, we'll gather for Taking it to Melbourne: Preparing for the Parliament of Religions. Full details of the event are in the Interfaith Space events calendar.

If San Francisco is just too far to go, you can still take part. There will be a live webcast of the event on the ICP website. Just go to www.interfaith-presidio.org, click on the Video Center button, and join online at 4:00 pm (PST).

The Partner City working group will be asking for input from the wider community, so keep an eye out for future developments. If you have questions or comments for the working group, you can send them to southbayinterfaith@yahoo.com.

Send your news! Let the community know about events that are open to the public and are either interfaith or offer an opportunity for others to learn about your faith community. Send information to calendar@interfaithspace.org.

 

 

 

 

July Religious and Cultural Observances

• 6 Dalai Lama's Birthday (Buddhist)
• 7 Dharma Day or Asalha Puja (beginning of Buddha's teaching) (Buddhist)
• 9 Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)
• 11 St Benedict Day (Western Catholic)
• 13 Obon (Ullambana) (Buddhist, Shinto)
• 20 Lailat al Miraj (Muslim)
• 24 Pioneer Day (Latter Day Saints)
• 25 St. James the Great Day (Western Catholic, some protestant)
• 30 O-harai-taisai (Shinto)
• 30 Tisha B'av (Jewish)

[Interreligious Calendar events are taken from the Silicon Valley FACES Interfaith Calendar and the Multifaith Action Society Multifath Calendar 2008. See also the Online Interfaith Calendar] NOTE: Jewish Holidays begin at sundown the day before. Buddhist holidays are observed on many different days, according to local tradition.

Upcoming Interfaith Opportunities

"Interfaith Opportunities" focuses on specifically interfaith events; "Take Action" offers opportunities to take action on issues of concern with people from other religious traditions, and "Meet Your Neighbors" includes events that are sponsored by a specific religious group but which are open to the wider community. Items for the calendar can be sent to calendar@interfaithspace.org

Click on highlighted links below for more information-

Sunday, July 12, 2009, 4:00-7:00 pm, San Francisco

Taking It to Melbourne:
Preparing for the Parliament of Religions

We’ll feature videos and photos, along with personal stories of people who have journeyed to past Parliaments of the World's Religions. And especially, we will feature brief presentations from those in our area who have proposed workshops for the Parliament.

Saturday, July 18, 2009, 9:30 am- 11:30 am, San Leandro

Interfaith Community Breakfast:
Youth Serving Our Community and Our World

More and more, young people are taking the lead in breaking down the barriers that divide us from one another. Come, find out more! Hear inspiring stories of service, connection, and transformation.

Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6, 2009, Santa Clara County

Labor Day Speak Out

On September 4th through 6th, over 70 congregations in Santa Clara County will participate in The Interfaith Council's 11th annual Labor in the Pulpits (LITP) program.

Meet Your Neighbors

Public events sponsored by specific religious groups that seek to help others understand their tradition and concerns more fully.

May-August, Sunnyvale

English Meditation Classes
at the Zen Center

The Chung Tai Zen Center in Sunnyvale is beginning their Summer series of meditation classes for all levels. See more information at their website.

Saturday July 11, 2009 6:00 to 9:00 pm, San Jose

Pilgrimage of the Heart:
Labyrinth Evening with Rev. Sylvia Lunt

The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool for meditation, prayer, and contemplation. This evening pilgrimage includes an opportunity to reflect upon what has heart and meaning and open ourselves to divine inspiration for our lives.

Saturday - Sunday, July 11-12, San Jose

San Jose Obon Festival

Traditional dance, food, music and games for the whole family at this Japanese Buddhist festival.

Take Action

Events that address issues of public concern with an alliance of people from different religious traditions.

Thursday, July 16, 2009, 7:30 pm, Palo Alto

Reducing the Danger of Nuclear Weapons

Speaker: Dr. William J. Perry, Hoover Institute, Stanford University. Dr.Perry is a former US Secretary of Defense (1994 to 1997).

Sunday, August 16, 2009, 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Day of Interfaith Youth Service 2009

Join us individually or as a youth group for this extraordinary experience of serving with those of different backgrounds who share common values.

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And more...

News and Notes from Interfaith Space is an occasional blog with information and commentary on issues related to interfaith relations in the South Bay, the Nation, and around the world.

You can find News and Notes by going to the Interfaith Space website (www.interfaithspace.org) and clicking on "Notes," or simply going to www.revdak.com/wordpress/. I invite you to add your comments or responses; together we can create an online "dialogue on dialogue"!

Help us share your good news! If you know of interfaith opportunities that are coming up- please let us know so they can be included on the Interfaith Space Calendar. Send information to calendar@interfaithspace.org.