Interfaith Space

Interfaith Space Calendar for March 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:44:00 GMT

March 2010

The Spring Equinox on March 20-21 marks the time when the days begin to get longer than the nights, the earth starts to warm (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), and new sprouts and blossoms begin to appear. So it is not at all surprising that this month brings many religious observances that center on new beginnings.

Several take place around the equinox itself: Ostara (Wiccan), Ohigon (Buddhist), Nav Ruz (New Year)(Baha'i and Zoroastrian), and Setsubun-sai (Shinto). Others are more subtly linked to the equinox: Passover (Jewish) falls on the first full moon following the equinox; Easter (Christian) is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the equinox. Palm Sunday is commemorated on the Sunday before Easter.

March 8 has been observed as International Women's Day since 1913. It was originally established on March 19 by the International Conference on Working Women, led by Clara Zetkin, a German activist, as a day for press for women's rights. It was recognized by the United Nations in 1975, and is observed in some countries as a national holiday. Also in March, the Women's World Day of Prayer is celebrated around the world by groups of Christian women who come together across denominational lines to pray together. Services are created each year by a specific county; this year it is Cameroon.

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News & Notes, the occasional blog from Interfaith Space with information about events and commentary on interfaith/ multifaith/ interreligious issues, has received a face lift. Check out our new look at the Interfaith Space website: go to www.interfaithspace.org and click on "News & Notes." We invite your comments or responses.

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.

March Religious and Cultural Observances

1 Hola Mohalla (Sikh)
1 St David of Wales (Roman Catholic; some Protestant)
2 Nineteen Day Fast (through March 20) (Baha’i)
3 Hina-Matsuri - Festival of Dolls (Shinto)
5 Women’s World Day of Prayer (Ecumenical Christian)
8 International Women's Day (Multicultural)
13 Birthday of L. Ron Hubbard (Scientologist)
14 New Year, Nanakshahi Calendar (Sikh)
15 Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem (Zoroastrian)
16 Vaisakhi (New Year) (Hindu)
17 St Patrick's Day (Roman Catholic, some protestant)
20 Ostara, Alban Eiler, Eostre (Vernal Equinox) (Wiccan/ Pagan)
20 Spring Ohigon (Buddhist)
21 Nav Ruz, Naw Ruz, Norooz (the new day) (Zoroastrian, Baha’i)
21 Setsubun-sai (Shinto)
24 Rama Navami (Ramayana reading) (Hindu)
25 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic)
25 Annunciation of the Theotokos (Eastern Christian)
26 Khordad Sal (birth of prophet Zaranhushtra) (Zoroastrian)
27 Lazarus Saturday (Eastern Christian)
28 Mahavira Jayanti (Mahavira’s birthday), (Jain)
28 Palm/Passion Sunday (Christian)
29 Fast of the Firstborn (Jewish)
30 Hanuman Jayanthi (Hindu)
30 Magha Puja Day (Buddhist)
30 Theravada New Year (Buddhist)
30 Pesach (Passover) (first two days especially; through April 6)
(Jewish)
30 The Lord's Evening Meal (Jehovah’s Witnesses)

[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 and the BBC 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-

Saturday, January 30, 2010- Sunday, April 4, 2010 Nationwide

A Season for Nonviolence

A Season for Nonviolence is a national 64-day educational, media, and grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and our communities.

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 11:45 am - 1:30 pm, location TBA

SVFACES Interfaith Religious Leaders Dialogue

This ongoing dialogue group meets monthly.

Sunday, March 14, 2010, 2:30 - 4:45 pm, San Jose

Women's Interfaith Dialogue Encounter

Please join us as we welcome women of all faiths for an interfaith dialogue. We will learn about the Parliament of the World's Religions and our own Silicon Valley Partner City Group.

Sunday, March 14, 2010, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, San Jose

Bay Area Satsang

Satsang is an assocation of individuals from different religious traditions who commit themselves to building up relationships of compassion and appreciation across frontiers of race, language, culture and religion.

Saturday March 20, 2010, $;00 -9:00 pm

American Muslim Voice 2010 Peace Convention

From Fear to Friendship: Replacing the culture of despair, division and violence with a culture of hope, inclusion and peace.

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Thursdays, October 15, 2009- May 13, 2010, 7:30 pm, San Jose

Melkite, Byzantine, Catholic, Christian—Church And Identity

St Elias the Prophet Melkite-Greek Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic parish in the Alum Rock area of San Jose, will sponsor a series of monthly presentations exploring the idea of Christian identity from the perspective of the Melkite-Greek Catholic Church.

March 18—Concert of Byzantine Melkite Liturgical Music

March 18 – 20, 2010, San Jose

Infinite Life:
Third International Kriya Yoga Congress

The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment is co-sponsoring this conference at the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose.

Sunday, April 11, 2010, 7:30 pm, Los Gatos

Community Yom HaShoah Service:
Ledor Vador- From Generation to Generation-
Passing on the legacy of the Holocaust

The Community Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial) Service will be held this year at Congregation Shir Hadash. Rabbis from all of our local congregations have been invited to participate in the service and a joint choir under the direction of Cantor Felder-Levy will participate.

Take Action

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

Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Santa Clara

"Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat":
A Child Nutrition Seder

The Child Nutrition Seder is a special Passover seder that leads to a call to action: urge Congress to provide sufficient funding for the Child Nutrition Programs to meet President Obama's goal of ending child hunger by 2015.

And more...

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.

I have begun writing an occasional blog for Examiner.com, as their San Jose Interfaith Examiner. I'll be posting more extended articles there, and welcome your suggestions for events to publicize, interviews with interfaith leaders, and news about interfaith relationships.

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Interfaith Space Message

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:42:00 GMT

Special Invitation: Interfaith Shabbat

Rabbi Dana Magat and the people of Temple Emanu-El in San Jose would like to invite you to a special interfaith open house Shabbat service on Friday, February 12th, beginning at 7:30 pm.

Following a Sabbath service with explanations of its components and the reasons for them, there will be an Oneg (Fellowship Hour) in the Temple House featuring displays related to each of the Jewish festivals and life cycle celebrations.

Temple Emanu-El is located at 1010 University Avenue in San Jose (just off the Alameda).

For more information call the Temple office at 408.292.0939

See the attached flyer for more details.

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Interfaith Space Calendar correction and job announcement

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:34:00 GMT

Correction and Job Announcement

First of all, a correction to the February Interfaith Calendar- thanks to Joey Lee of the San Jose Presbytery for pointing out that I had the date for Chinese New Year incorrect. The correct date for this year is February 14th.

Secondly, the Office of Human Relations is looking for a new manager- here's the job annoucement from Supervisor Dave Cortese:

Many of you may not be aware of the County of Santa Clara’s Office of Human Relations. This office was started in 1973 and under the leadership of the late Jim McEntee, became a proactive outlet for community relations, education and civil and human rights, conflict resolution and the elimination of prejudice and discrimination for our county. Whether we live in an age of good or challenging economic and political times, this office will always be needed to protect the distinct voices in our community.

In the county’s 2009 recommended budget, this Office was slated for dissolution. I was proud to lead the effort to restore it as a functioning entity of county government and launch a process to renew its role here in Santa Clara County. This process includes the hiring of a new manager for the Office itself. Needless to say, the candidate who assumes this role has to have their pulse on the community, be in touch with the myriad cultures that reside in our county and have an artful but firm way of protecting the rights of all our residents.

If you or someone you know might be right for this important position, please visit the job posting at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/santaclara/default.cfm

The application deadline is February 19, 2010. Please help ensure that a champion of the people fills this position.

Thanks,
Dave Cortese, Santa Clara County Supervisor, Third District

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Interfaith Calendar for February 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:40:00 GMT

February 2010

The recent events following the earthquake in Haiti have once again demonstrated both the ability of people to act compassionately toward others and the reality of interfaith cooperation in the face of the world's needs. Rev. Ben Daniel of the Foothill Presbyterian Church in San Jose remarked during a panel discussion on Christian Unity that "the center of the Ecumenical movement today is in Haiti." This has proved true not only of the ecumenical Christian, but of interfaith efforts as people across religious traditions have stood up to fund, donate, and deliver much-needed aid to that devastated nation.

February in the U.S. is time, of course, for St. Valentine's Day. The celebration was originally a religious holiday dedicated to St. Valentine, or Valentinus. It is not known exactly who was commemorated on this day, as the name "Valentinus" was common in early Rome, and many early martyrs bore the name. It is thought that the evolution of the day into a time for highlighting romantic love took place in the 18th century. Although St. Valentine remains on the official list of Roman Catholic saints, St. Valentine's Day was removed from the official church calendar in 1969.

The Parliament of the World's Religions has created PeaceNext.org, a social networking site devoted specifically to help bring together the global interreligious community every day. You don't need to wait another five years to connect with people from around the world, to share wisdom and understanding, and to have our souls touched. Take a look and join the conversation!

NOTE! The community gathering originally scheduled by the Silicon Valley Partner City Group on February 11th has been postponed. Details about a coming opportunity to take the next steps in living out our status as a Partner City of the Parliament of the World's Religions will be available soon.
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News & Notes, the occasional blog from Interfaith Space with information about events and commentary on interfaith/ multifaith/ interreligious issues, has received a face lift. Check out our new look at the Interfaith Space website: go to www.interfaithspace.org and click on "News & Notes." We invite your comments or responses.

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.

February Religious and Cultural Observances

1 St Brighid of Kildare (Celtic Christian)
2 Brigid / Imbolc / Oimelc / Candlemas (Wiccan/ Pagan)
2 Presentation of Jesus in the Temple - Candlemas
(Roman Catholic, some Protestant)
3 Birthday of Horace Greeley (Unitarian Universalist)
3 Setsubun Sai (Shinto)
7 Four Chaplains Sunday (Interfaith)
7 Meatfare Sunday (Eastern Christian)
10 Chinese New Year/Tet (Buddhist, Chinese/ Vietnamese)
12 Mahashivaratri (Shivarat) (Hindu)
14 Transfiguration Sunday (Christian)
14 Cheesefare Sunday (Eastern Christian)
14 St. Valentine’s Day (Cultural)
15 Parinirvana Day (Chinese) (Buddhist)
16 Shrove Tuesday/ Mardi Gras (Roman Catholic, some Protestant)
17 Ash Wednesday (Beginning of Lent) (Western Christian)
21 First Sunday of Lent (Western Christian)
21 Orthodox Sunday (Eastern Christian)
21-27 Brotherhood/ Sisterhood Week (Interfaith)
26 Mawlid an Nabi (Prophet Mohammad's birthday) (Muslim)
26 Ayydm-i-Hid (Intercalary Days) (Baha’i)
28 Holi (Hindu)
28 Purim (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-

Month of February

Ashure Distribution

Every year, around this time, the Pacifica Institute community (mostly Turkish Americans) prepares a special dessert called ashure (also called as the Noah's pudding) to be distributed to friends and neighbors (a common practice in Turkey).

Saturday, January 30, 2010- Sunday, April 4, 2010 Nationwide

A Season for Nonviolence

Friday, February 5, 2010, 3:30 pm, Stanford

Religion in the Marketplace

In this panel discussion four prominent speakers will weigh in on Pope Benedict's recent encyclical on the global economy.

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Saturday, February 6, 2010, 3:00 pm, Santa Clara

INSIDE ISLAM LECTURE SERIES:The Muslim Jesus (pbuh)

Speaker: Ali Ataie is the President and Founder of Muslim Interfaith Council and has been involved in interfaith activities for over ten years.

Friday, February 12, 2010, 7:30 pm, San Jose

Shabbat Open House Service

Come visit a synagogue and learn a little bit about Judaism. After a service (with explanations of its component parts) there will be tables of information and food which includes the festivals/holidays and some of the life cycle events in the Jewish tradition.

Thursdays, October 15, 2009- May 13, 2010, 7:30 pm, San Jose

Melkite, Byzantine, Catholic, Christian—Church And Identity

February 19—The Meaning of Great Lent.

March 18 – 20, 2010, San Jose

Infinite Life: Third International Kriya Yoga Congress

The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment is co-sponsoring this conference at the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose.

Take Action

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

Friday, February 5, 2010, 8:00-9:30 pm, Los Gatos

Poverty Simulation

In conjunction with Step up Silicon Valley, Congregation Shir Hadash will be holding a Poverty Simulation evening event.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 5:30 pm, San Francisco

Interfaith Call to Justice: Prayerfully Stand for Immigration Reform

Join Northern California Religious Leaders and others working for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

And more...

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Interfaith Calendar for January 2010

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:21:00 GMT

January 2010

Last month's Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne was an amazing experience, from which I am still unpacking- literally and figuratively! There will be much to share from that gathering of leaders from around the world, and new energy for continuing our work of building communities of compassion and understanding. If you are interested in finding out more, you can read the items I posted on News & Notes from Interfaith Space and the San Jose Interfaith Examiner. Some additional links to news, photos, and videos from the Parliament can be found at Interfaith Space.

I will be a guest on "Spirit Talk with Jean," a local cable-TV show hosted by Jean Ramaciotti. Check the listings for broadcast time. And I will be speaking on "Partners with the Parliament" for the monthly Pacifica Institute Interfaith Conversation on January 16th.

SAVE THE DATE! The Silicon Valley Partner City Group invites you to join with people from the communities of Silicon Valley on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 6:00 pm at deSaisset Museum on the Santa Clara University campus. This will be the Community Gathering to consider the next steps in building a just, peaceable, and sustainable community as the Inaugural City in the Parliament Partner City Network. Watch for more details to come.

SEASON OF NONVIOLENCE. For several years, people across the nation have marked the 64 day period between the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assasination (January 30) and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (April 4) as a time to recommit themselves living lives of nonviolence as both those great men demonstrated. Consider how you personally, or how your community together, might honor these men and how they broke down fences of violence and hatred that kept people apart.
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News & Notes, the occasional blog from Interfaith Space with information about events and commentary on interfaith/ multifaith/ interreligious issues, has received a face lift. Check out our new look at the Interfaith Space website: go to www.interfaithspace.org and click on "News & Notes." We invite your comments or responses.

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.

January Religious and Cultural Observances

1 Feast of St Basil (Eastern Christian)
1 Gantan-sai (New Years) (Shinto)
1 Mary, Mother of God (Roman Catholic)
1 Temple Day (Buddhist)
5 Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sikh)
5 Twelfth Night (some protestant)
5 Vigil of the Epiphany (Catholic)
6 Dia de los Reyes (Christian)
6 Epiphany (Christian)
6 Theophany (Eastern Christian)
7 Nativity of Christ (Julian Calendar)
10 Baptism of the Lord Jesus (Christian)
12 Vivekenanda Jayanti (Hindu)
13 Maghi (Sikh)
14 Makara Sankranthi (Hindu)
17 World Religion Day (Baha’i)
18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (National)
18 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (through Jan 25) (Christian)
20 Vasanta Panchami (Hindu)
24 Triodion begins (Eastern Christian)
30 Mahayana Buddhist New Year (Buddhist)
30 Tu B'shvat (Jewish)

Upcoming Interfaith Opportunities

Click on highlighted links below for more information-

Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 11:45-1:30 pm, Sunnyvale

South Bay Interfaith leadership Dialogue Group

Topic: Debriefing the Parliament of the World's Religions and its Implications for a South Bay Interfaith Movement that Matters!

Saturday, January 16, 2009, Sunnyvale, 6:00 pm

Partners with the Parliament

The Pacifica Institute sponsors another in its series of Interfaith Conversations, featuring D. Andrew Kille.

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 3:00- 5:00 pm, San Jose

Bay Area Satsang

Satsang members make a serious commitment to spiritual growth in their own tradition and removing barriers that separate people from each other.

Tuesday- Thursday, January 26-28, 2010, Berkeley

Spiritual but not Religious: Chasing the Divine

The 2010 Earl Lectures and Leadership Conference will explore the increasingly popular phrase "spiritual, but not religious."

Thursday, January 28, 2010, 7:00 pm, San Jose

“That All May Be One:" Perspectives on Christian Unity

An ecumenical prayer service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity followed by a panel discussion on Christian Unity

Saturday, January 30, 2010- Sunday, April 4, 2010 Nationwide

A Season for Nonviolence

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 6:00- 8:00 pm, Santa Clara

Silicon Valley Partner City “Initial Public Offering”

An invitation to build upon the Parliament Partner City designation and vision for the future of interfaith in our Valley.

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Beginning week of January 4, 2010, Sunnyvale

2010 New Series of Zen Classes

A new series of classes on Zen meditation and Buddhism at different levels will start the week of January 4, 2010.

Sunday, January 17, 2010, 7:00 pm, Los Gatos

Holocaust Stories of Redemption

Join us for a special evening featuring film, interview, and exhibition.

Thursdays, October 15, 2009- May 13, 2010, 7:30 pm, San Jose

Melkite, Byzantine, Catholic, Christian—Church And Identity

January 28—“That All May Be One: Perspectives on Christian Unity.” Panel Discussion

Take Action

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

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 9:00 am - 11:30 am, San Jose

Preaching a Just Word

Learn and share your techniques on getting people fired-up to do what is right! The Interfaith Council on Economics and Justice is sponsoring an Interfaith Seminar on Justice and Preaching for clergy of all faiths.

Friday, February 5, 2010, 8:00-9:30 pm, Los Gatos

Poverty Simulation

In conjunction with Step up Silicon Valley, Congregation Shir Hadash will be holding a Poverty Simulation evening event.

And more...

Subscribe to Interfaith Space via email by entering your email address below:

Interfaith Space Calendar, December 2009

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:42:00 GMT

December 2009

The Interfaith Space calendar is coming to you a day early this month, because on December 1, I will be on a plane to Melbourne, Australia, for the Parliament of the World's Religions. I'll be meeting with thousands of interfaith activists from around the world, and participating in the workshop on what we in the Silicon Valley Partner City group learned in the process of applying for Partner City status.

I hope to be able to post a few reports from Melbourne; you can find my updates on News & Notes from Interfaith Space and on the San Jose Interfaith Examiner blog at Examiner.com.

I will also be part of a team from the Interfaith Center at the Presidio which will be attempting an unprecedented effort to share the Parliament via webcast. There will be real-time webcasts, interviews, and daily wrap-ups, all found on the website for the Interfaith Center at the Presidio. Check it out for more details and times.

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News & Notes, the occasional blog from Interfaith Space with information about events and commentary on interfaith/ multifaith/ interreligious issues, has received a face lift. Check out our new look at the Interfaith Space website: go to www.interfaithspace.org and click on "News & Notes." We invite your comments or responses.

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.

December Religious and Cultural Observances

6 St. Nicholas Day (Christian)
8 Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) (Buddhist)
8 Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic)
9 Maternity of St. Anne (Eastern Christian)
12 Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe (Roman Catholic)
12 Hanukkah begins (8 days) (Jewish)
18 Muharram (Islamic New Year) (Muslim)
21 Yule, Alban Arthuan, Jol (Winter Solstice) (Wiccan/ Pagan)
25 Christmas (Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saints, Protestant)
25 Feast of the Nativity (Eastern Christian)
25 Sadeh (Zoroastrian)
26 Kwanzaa (through January 1, 2008) (interfaith)
26 St Stephen's Day (Roman Catholic, (some Protestant)
26 Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra) (Zoroastrian)
27 St Stephen's Day (Eastern Christian)
28 Holy Innocents (Roman Catholic, Protestant)
31 Ghambar Maidyarem (through Jan 4) (Zoroastrian)
31 Watch Night (Christian)

Upcoming Interfaith Opportunities

Click on highlighted links below for more information-

December 3-9, 2009, Melbourne Australia

Parliament of the World's Religions

For news and updates from the Parliament, check these sources

Saturday, December 18, 2009, Sunnyvale, 6:00 pm

Partners with the Parliament

The Pacifica Institute sponsors another in its series of Interfaith Conversations

Sunday, January 24, 2010, 3:00- 5:00 pm, San Jose

Bay Area Satsang

Satsang members make a serious commitment to: building up relationships of compassion and appreciation across frontiers of race, language, culture and religion.

Tuesday- Thursday, January 26-28, 2010, Berkeley

Spiritual but not Religious:
Chasing the Divine

The 2010 Earl Lectures and Leadership Conference will explore the increasingly popular phrase "spiritual, but not religious."

Thursday, January 28, 2010, 7:00 pm, San Jose

“That All May Be One:"
Perspectives on Christian Unity

An ecumenical prayer service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity followed by a panel discussion on Christian Unity

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 6:00- 8:00 pm, Santa Clara

Silicon Valley Partner City
“Initial Public Offering”

An invitation to build upon the Parliament Partner City designation and vision for the future of interfaith in our Valley.

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Thursdays, October 15, 2009- May 13, 2010, 7:30 pm, San Jose

Melkite, Byzantine, Catholic, Christian—Church And Identity

December 3—American Melkite Identity/Beyond Ethnic Church: The Vision of Archbishop Joseph Tawil.

Take Action

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

Saturday, December 5, 2009, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Campbell

San Jose Peace Fair

Local peace and social justice organizations sell crafts, clothing, and a variety of other gifts for the holidays season, including possible alternatives to war toys.

Sunday, December 6, 2009, 11:30 am- 2:30 pm, Palo Alto

Palo Alto Peace, Social Justice, Crafts,
Gift, and Information Fair

Toys - Fair Trade Crafts - Books - Art - Music DVDs - Games - Puzzles - Jewelry - Decorations

And more...

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Interfaith Call for Unity following Ft. Hood Atrocity

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:39:00 GMT

INTERFAITH CALL FOR UNITY
IN RESPONSE TO FORT HOOD ATROCITY

The atrocity that took place on November 5 at Fort Hood, Texas, is a tragedy that has undoubtedly brought sadness, anger and grief to many of our brothers and sisters. We mourn along with the families, friends, military personnel and other loved ones who have been deeply hurt by the loss of so many innocent lives. We offer our prayers and support for the victims of this violent act and their families.

We fully support our Muslim brothers and sisters in our community who fear that these actions will make them vulnerable to discrimination and prejudice as the details of this incident unfold. We acknowledge with appreciation the public statements of many Muslim organizations condemning the atrocity at Fort Hood. This is a time when our faith communities need to come together so that all can be treated with respect without discrimination. Our faith traditions remind us to lovingly reach out to those most in need, and we want to make sure no one is excluded in the much needed embrace of communal prayer at this time.

Please join us in offering our prayers and good thoughts for all those affected by the recent killings in Fort Hood.

San Francisco:

San Francisco Interfaith Council:

Rev. James DeLange, Chair

Rita R. Semel, Executive Vice Chair

Michael G. Pappas, M.Div., Executive Director

Most Rev. George Niederauer
Archbishop of San Francisco

Right Reverend Marc Handley Andrus
Episcopal Bishop of California

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos
of San Francisco Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco

Rabbi Douglas Kahn, Executive Director
Jewish Community Relations Council

The Reverend Canon Charles Gibbs
Executive Director, United Religions Initiative

South Bay:

Rev. Bruce R. Bramlett
Silicon Valley FACES

Diane Fisher
Jewish Community Relations Council of Silicon Valley

Reshma Inamdar
SEMAH

Rev. Nancy Palmer Jones
First Unitarian Church, San Jose

Rev. D. Andrew Kille
Interfaith Space, San Jose

Rabbi Dana Magat
Temple Emanu-El, San Jose

Rev. Ellen Grace O’Brian
Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, San Jose

Philip Boo Riley
Religious Studies Department, Santa Clara University

Rev. Eduardo Samaniego, S.J.
Chair, Interfaith Council on Economics and Justice, San Jose

Karen Stiller
Peninsula Director, Jewish Community Relations Council

Rev. Margo Tenold
Chair, United Methodist Board of Church and Society

If you or your organization would like to be listed as signers of this statement, send your name and organizational affiliation to southbayinterfaith@yahoo.com

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Interfaith Space Calendar for November 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:30:00 GMT

November 2009

Thanksgiving Day is perhaps the oldest interfaith celebration in the U.S. For many years it has provided an occasion for people of diverse religious traditions to gather together. I believe, for example, that the Community Thanksgiving service in Saratoga is marking its 44th year.

Thankfulness is a value that seems to be common to many, if not most, religions. We may be thankful for different things; we may send out thankfulness in different directions, but there is something deep in the human soul that leads us to pause and be grateful for life and what it brings.

One on whom We bestow kindness
But will not express gratitude,
Is worse than a robber
Who carries away our belongings.
Yoruba proverb

The worthy person is grateful and mindful of benefits done to him.
Buddhism. Anguttara Nikaya i.61

Abraham said, "Surely it is of what belongs to God that you have eaten. So praise and bless Him by whose word the world was created."
Judaism, Talmud, Sota 10b

Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to God, if it is Him that you worship.
Islam, Qur'an 2.172

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
Cicero

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.
Christianity, Meister Eckhart

Gratitude is the most potent magick!
Starhawk, Wicca

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News & Notes, the occasional blog from Interfaith Space with information about events and commentary on interfaith/ multifaith/ interreligious issues, has received a face lift. Check out our new look at the Interfaith Space website: go to www.interfaithspace.org and click on "News & Notes." We invite your comments or responses.

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.

November Religious and Cultural Observances

1 All Saints' Day (Christian)
2 All Souls' Day (Some Christian)
2 Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikh)
12 Birth of Baha'u'llah (Baha’i)
15 Fast of Nativity begins Orthodox (Christian)
22 Christ the King Some (Christian)
24 Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Sikh)
26 Day of Covenant (Baha’i)
26 Hajj begins (Muslim)
26 Thanksgiving (InterFaith)
27 Eid al Adha (Muslim)
29 Advent Sundays (Nov 29, Dec 6, 13, 20) (Christian)
30 St. Andrew's Day (Christian)

Upcoming Interfaith Opportunities

Click on highlighted links below for more information-

Thursday, November 5, 2009 11:45-1:30pm, Campbell

Religious Leaders Interfaith Dialogue Group

Discussion Topic: The Partner Cities Project of the Parliament of the World's Religions and the future of the Interfaith movement in the South Bay area.

Thursday and Friday, November 5-6, 2009, Santa Clara

Teaching for Global Peace, Sustainability
and Conflict Transformation

Strategies for Understanding Arab and Muslim Realities Using Dialogue and Media.

Sunday, November 8, 2009, 3:00- 5:00 pm, San Jose

Bay Area Satsang

Satsang members make a serious commitment to: * their personal growth in spiritual awareness and practice * helping remove barriers of prejudice and ignorance * building up relationships of compassion and appreciation across frontiers of race, language, culture and religion.

Thursday, November 12, 2009, 8:00 -9:30 am, San Jose

Partner City Celebration

Supervisor Dave Cortese and the Silicon Valley Partner City Group invite you to a reception to learn about how Partner City Status with the Parliament of the World's Religions presents unique opportunities for developing interfaith relationships in the Valley and around the world.

Thursday- Sunday, November 12-15, 2009, San Mateo

Engaging The Other: The Power of Compassion

4th Annual International Conference– An International, Multidisciplinary, Multicultural Conference examining concepts of "The Other" from a universal, cross-cultural perspective to promote wider public dialogue about images of "Us and Them."

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 7:00 pm, Palo Alto

Music for a United Earth

A benefit concert of diverse culture for a new project-based charter school in Silicon Valley, featuring local Bay Area performers,

Tuesday November 24th, 2009, 7:30 pm, Los Gatos

Los Gatos Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

The diverse religious congregations in our community organize this special worship gathering to which the entire community is invited.

Thursday, November 26, 2009, 10:00 am, Saratoga

Saratoga Community Thanksgiving Service

Join us on Thanksgiving Day as we worship together as a community. We will join together for an hour of music, prayer and devotion as we give thanks for our many blessings.

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Saturday, November 7, 2009, 9:30 am- 12:30 pm, San Jose

Dreams as Creative Spirit Workshop

This will be an experiential workshop, a time and space to enter more deeply into the world of our dreams.

Friday, November 13, 2009, 7:00 pm, Palo Alto

The Four Pillars of a Spiritual Life

Speaker: Swami Chetanananda, resident of Portland and Katmandu, member of the Young Spirit Board of Directors, and author of several books on spiritual practice.

Spirituality Tuesday

Learn the difference between Meditation, Centering Prayer, and Contemplative Prayer.

Take Action

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

Monday, November 2, 2009, 6:00 pm, San Jose

Keeping the Faith for Marriage Equality

Interfaith Candlelight Rally to San Jose City Hall. Dramatic Reading of Harvey Milk’s Hope Speech by professional actor Aldo Billingslea.

Sunday, November 15, 2009, 6:30 pm, Santa Clara

Interfaith Council Dinner with Hotel Workers

The Interfaith Council on Economic Justice would like to invite you to a dinner with the faith community and hotel workers.

And more...

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Interfaith Space Calendar Update October 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:52:00 GMT

October 2009- Supplemental

Usually I try to send out only one events listing each month so as not to clog your in-boxes. Sometimes, after sending out the monthly notice, I will receive word of a significant interfaith event taking place that I think should be noted.

The Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale is hosting "Green Action Day" on the Environment, Renewable Energy, and Religion, with a panel of representatives from several traditions:

Saturday, October 24, 2009 2:00 – 5:00 pm, Sunnyvale

Green Action Day
Environment * Renewable Energy * Religion

An interreligious gathering on the environment, with a presentation on "Global Warming and Renewable Energy" by Dr. Diana Ma, VP of SunPower Corp. An Interfaith Forum: "Religion’s Approach to Environmental Ethics and Responsibility" with panelists: Ven. Jian Hu (Buddhism); Rev. Margo Tenold (Christianity); Shaikh Alaeddin Albakri (Islam); and Rabbi Dana Magat (Judaism). Blessings by religious leaders and a rare opportunity to strike the Ceremonial Bell in support of International Day of Climate Action All events are free and open to the public.Location: Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale 750 E. Arques Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA94085 Tel : 408-733-0750 Email : sunnyvale@ctzen.org

And don't forget!

Thursday, October 15, 2009, 8:00- 9:30 am, San Jose

Faith Leaders Appreciation Breakfast

Mayor Chuck Reed cordially invites religious leaders to the third annual Faith Leaders Appreciation Breakfast. Join us for a continental breakfast and the opportunity to thank you for the vital services and support you provide to the residents of San José. Location: San Jose City Hall Rotunda, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose. RSVP online to www.sanjoseca.gov/mayor/news/upcoming/upcomingevents.asp

Thursday, October 29, 2009, 9:00 am -5:00 pm, San Jose

Workshop on
Courageous Public Conversations

Interfaith, governmental, civic and non-profit leaders are invited to join us for this day-long workshop on the skills for carrying out courageous public conversations around difficult topics and issues. Workshop leader is Dr. Shawn Spano, who is an instructor at San Jose State in the Communications Department, a seasoned consultant, and a consultant for the Public Dialogue Consortium as well as the Public Conversations Project in Boston. These are skills which all of us in community oriented work need to develop and hone to become more effective leaders and community builders. The workshop will be an all day event which will include lunch. Location: YWCA of Silicon Valley, 375 S. Third St., San Jose. Cost: $75, including lunch; special discount for Interfaith Leaders. For more information, and to reserve your place, contact Bruce Bramlett at bbramlett@svfaces.org, or call 408-286-9663, xt. 328.

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News & Notes, the occasional blog from Interfaith Space with information about events and commentary on interfaith/ multifaith/ interreligious issues, has received a face lift. Check out our new look at the Interfaith Space website: go to www.interfaithspace.org and click on "News & Notes." We invite your comments or responses.

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.

Subscribe to Interfaith Space via email by entering your email address below:

Interfaith Space Calendar for October 2009

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:39:00 GMT

October 2009

PARTNER CITY: It's official! The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions has designated San Jose/ Santa Clara County as the Inaugural City and County in the Partner City Network, joining the legacy Partner Cities Chicago, Capetown, Barcelona, and Melbourne. The Silicon Valley Partner City Group has worked for over a year to develop a profile that "has embraced the vision of interreligious understanding and global peace that is consonant with the vision, mission and work of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions to cultivate harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities and foster their engagement with the world and its guiding institutions in order to achieve a more just, peaceful and sustainable world."

Members of the group will be traveling to the Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne this December to receive the acknowledgement as a Partner City/County, and to present a workshop on "What We Learned from the Partner City Process." Members of the Group included Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian and Rev. Ann Hayes (Center for Spiritual Enlightenment), Girish Shah (Jain Center), Joy-Ellen Lipsky (CSE and First Unitarian), Dr. Boo Riley and Rev. Aimee Moiso (Santa Clara University), Rev. Bruce Bramlett (SVFACES), Rev. Margo Tenold (Council of Churches), Delorme McKee-Stovall (County Office of Human Relations), and myself. Watch for announcements of upcoming events to further the work of building up our interfaith relationships.

DONT MISS THIS WORKSHOP: SVFACES is sponsoring a workshop for community leaders; city, county and government staff; and civic and religious leaders titled Orchestrating Powerful Community Dialogue. Facilitated by Shawn Spano, PhD Professor of Communications Studies, SJSU and Jennifer Mair M.A. Professor of Communications, Skyline College, workshop participants will engage in discussions, activities, and experiential exercises that will cover techniques in open communication, consensus building, conflict management and upstream policy development. SVFACES is offering a special discount rate for Interfaith leaders. See details.

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News & Notes, the occasional blog from Interfaith Space with information about events and commentary on interfaith/ multifaith/ interreligious issues, has received a face lift. Check out our new look at the Interfaith Space website: go to www.interfaithspace.org and click on "News & Notes." We invite your comments or responses.

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.

October Religious and Cultural Observances

3 Sukkot (through Oct 9; special observance 3-4) (Jewish)
4 St Francis Day (Christian)
4 World Communion Sunday (Protestant Christian)
10 Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
11 Simhat Torah (Jewish)
12 Ghambar Ayathrem (through October 16) (Zoroastrian)
17 Diwali (Deepawali) (Hindu, Jain, Sikh)
17 Mahavira Nirvana Celebration (Jain)
20 Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)
20 Guru Granth Sahib installation (Sikh)
23 Jnana Panchmi (Jain)
31 All Hallows Eve (Christian)
31 Reformation Day (Protestant Christian)
31 Samhuinn (Samhain) , Vetrnaetr / Winter Nights (Wiccan/ Pagan )

Upcoming Interfaith Opportunities

Click on highlighted links below for more information-

Sunday, October 11th, 2009 1:45-4:15 pm, Milpitas

Women’s Dialogue Encounter:
Holidays and Festivals
in your Religion and Culture

Women of all faith traditions are invited to the next Women's Dialogue Encounter. This celebration is intended to honor all holidays and festivals, so please feel free to dress up in special clothes which are part of these occasions.

Thursday, October 15, 2009, 8:00- 9:30 am, San Jose

Faith Leaders Appreciation Breakfast

Mayor Chuck Reed cordially invites religious leaders to the third annual Faith Leaders Appreciation Breakfast.

Thursday, October 15, 2009, 6:15 pm, Santa Clara

Pacifica Institute 3rd Annual
Dialogue and Friendship Dinner

Pacifica Institute, a non-profit intercultural dialogue organization, cordially invites you to join its Third Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner.

Thursday, October 29, 2009, 9:00 am -5:00 pm, San Jose

Workshop on
Courageous Public Conversations

Interfaith, governmental, civic and non-profit leaders are invited to join us for this day-long workshop on the skills for carrying out courageous public conversations around difficult topics and issues.

Thursday- Sunday, November 12-15, 2009, San Mateo

Engaging The Other:
The Power of Compassion

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Wednesdays, beginning September 9, 2009, 7:00 pm, San Jose

Comparative Religions

Dr. Matthew Whitlock, Professor at Santa Clara University, will present a series of eight sessions comparing Christian, Islamic and Jewish religions

Tuesdays: 7–9 pm September 22–November 10, 2009

Live the Eternal Way:
An Invitation to Transform Your Life

Led by Ellen Grace O'Brian, the Live the Eternal Way course provides the resources to live in the highest way by clarifying your discernment, strengthening your faith, and deepening your commitment to live with the purpose and dedication necessary to fulfill your soul's destiny.

Friday-Sunday, October 9-11, 2009, Sunnyvale

Diwali Mela 2009

Celebrate the Festival of Lights !The highlights of the Mela include: Booths; Concerts by Bollywood Artists; Antakshari Comptetion; Cultural Programs by Children; Talent Comptetion. Ample Free Parking.

Saturday, October 17, 2009, 7:00 pm

All County Choir Concert

Each participating choir will sing their specialty and there will be a mass choral piece by all the choirs.

Take Action

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

Wednesday October 7th, 2009, 6:00 to 7:00 am, Santa Clara

Justice Quilt:
Interfaith Council Candlelight Vigil

Come hear the stories of Santa Clara housekeepers, as they tell of the dangers and injuries endured daily in their work. On display will be the Justice Quilt.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

The Economic Crisis and a Moral Response

The Interfaith Council will sponsor a luncheon with Bob Brownstein, Policy Director, Working Partnerships USA and Professor David DeCosse, Director of Campus Ethics Program, Santa Clara University.

And more...

Subscribe to Interfaith Space via email by entering your email address below:

Interfaith Space Calendar for September 2009

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:27:00 GMT

September 2009

Both Judaism and Islam celebrate significant holidays in the month of September. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, begins the High Holy Days, culminating in Yom Kippur. Muslims continue their fasting during the month of Ramadan, which will end around September 21st with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

It is the custom during Ramadan for Muslims to host dinners for their families and friends to break the daytime fast. These are known as iftars. In recent years, many of the mosques in the Bay Area have extended this invitation to their non-Muslim neighbors and have held open house iftars. Several gatherings, from San Francisco to Oakland, to San Jose, are listed in this month's interfaith calendar.

The autumnal equinox is occasion for several festivals: the Buddhist Fall Ohigon, the Shinto Shuki-sorei-sai, and the Wiccan Mabon.

I have begun writing an occasional blog for Examiner.com, as their San Jose Interfaith Examiner. I'll be posting more extended articles there, and welcome your suggestions for events to publicize, interviews with interfaith leaders, and news about interfaith relationships.

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News & Notes, the occasional blog from Interfaith Space with information about events and commentary on interfaith/ multifaith/ interreligious issues, has received a face lift. Check out our new look at the Interfaith Space website: go to www.interfaithspace.org and click on "News & Notes." We invite your comments or responses.

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.

September Religious and Cultural Observances

1 Installation of Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh)
1 Orthodox Church new year (Eastern Christian)
3 Ananta-chaturdasai (Jain)
4 Ullambana (Buddhist)
4 Ksamavani (Jain)
8 Nativity of Mary (Roman Catholic, some Protestant)
12 Ghambar Paitishahem (through Sep 16) (Zoroastrian)
14 Exaltation of the Life Giving Cross (Eastern Christian)
14 Holy Cross Day (Roman Catholic, some Protestant)
16 Lailat al-Qadr (Muslim)
19 Navaratri (through Oct. 18) (Hindu)
19 Rosh Hashana (through Sept 20) (Jewish)
21 Eid al Fitr - Culmination of Ramadan (Muslim)
22 Mabon, Alban Elued, Haustblot / Harvest
(Autumnal Equinox) Wiccan/Pagan
22 Fall Ohigon (Buddhist)
22 Shuki-sorei-sai (Shinto)
22 Death of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikh)
28 Yom Kippur (Jewish)
28 Dasshera (Hindu)
29 St. Michael and All Angels (Roman Catholic, some Protestant)

Upcoming Interfaith Opportunities

Click on highlighted links below for more information-

Saturday September 5- September 13, Around the Bay

Bay Area Ramadan Iftars

August 29th, San Jose
Shia Muslim Association of the Bay Area (SABA)
September 5th, Fremont
Islamic Society of East Bay (ISEB)
September 5th, Oakland
Islamic Community Center of Northern California (ICCNC)
September 12th, Santa Clara
Muslim Community Assoc. (MCA)
September 13th, San Francisco
Islamic Society of San Francisco (ISSF)
September 13th, San Jose
South Bay Islamic Assoc. (SBIA)
September 13th, Fremont
Ta’leef Collective
September 19, Sunnyvale
Pacifica Institute

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.

Sunday, September 6, 2009, 6:30 pm, Sunnyvale

Pacifica Institute
Interfaith Conversations Series

Our distinguished guest for the evening will be Kabir Helminski.

Friday, September 11th, 2009, 7:00 pm, Campbell

Muslim and Christians Together
Celebrate Ramadan

This is an opportunity for Christians to “host” and celebrate their Muslim sisters and brothers during the holy season of Ramadan, sharing a fast-breaking meal after sunset.

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Santa Clara

Annual Ramadan Open House

The Muslim Community Association invites you to learn about Islam, Ramadan and experience the breaking of the fast with Muslim neighbors.

Friday, September 25, 2009, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, San Jose

Spiritual Salons: Karen Armstrong

Karen Armstrong is one of the most illuminating spiritual writers at work today. A fascinating discussion of Armstrong's work in our 2nd Spiritual Salon.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Clergy Day and the Courts

Clergy Day is an interactive program designed to educate clergy about the state court system.

Thursday- Sunday, November 12-15, 2009, San Mateo

Engaging The Other:
The Power of Compassion

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Fridays, August 7 & September 4, 2009, 10:00-11:30am, Los Altos

Sacred Heart Yoga

The Christian approach to yoga simply allows us to combine two essential goals: becoming physically healthy and spiritually healthy.

Friday- Sunday, September 4-6, 2009, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, San Jose

Listen to Your Soul Song

Meditation Retreat in the Kriya Yoga Tradition.

Week of September 7, 2009, Sunnyvale

Zen Center Fall Classes

A new series of classes on Zen meditation and Buddhism at different levels will start the week of September 7, 2009.

Tuesdays: 7–9 pm September 22–November 10, 2009

Live the Eternal Way:
An Invitation to Transform Your Life

Saturday, October 17, 2009, 7:00 pm

All County Choir Concert

Each participating choir will sing their specialty and there will be a mass choral piece by all the choirs.

Take Action

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

The Economic Crisis and a Moral Response

The Interfaith Council will sponsor a luncheon with Bob Brownstein, Policy Director, Working Partnerships USA and Professor David DeCosse, Director of Campus Ethics Program, Santa Clara University.

And more...

Subscribe to Interfaith Space via email by entering your email address below: