Coming Events | Meet Your Neighbors
Take Action | Ongoing Events

Ramadan Iftars
Join with Local Muslim Communities
to Break the Daily Fast
During the Month of Ramadan

 

Is your organization sponsoring an Interfaith event or opportunity in the Bay Area? To have your event listed here, send the information to calendar@interfaithspace.org; please include the name, date and time, description, cost (if any) and contact information.

Coming Events

Bay Area events focused on developing and strengthening interfaith relationships.

 

Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 11:00 am, Palo Alto
Friday, September 10, 2010, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, San Jose

People of Faith Responding in Solidarity

An informal interfaith coalition and the Council of Churches invite you to join in a community-wide affirmation of our support for the civil rights of Muslims. We seek to make an affirming, positive and peaceful statement to the public about our solidarity in supporting the civil rights of Muslims to practice their faith and build their Mosques among us here in United States, just as we have built our churches and synagogues. Physical attacks continue to be reported on Muslims. Threats are being made by some to burn copies of The Qur'an on 9/11. In some communities groups seek to block construction of Mosques. Therefore, we call on you to make a peaceful emergency response in the language of love and peace.

Press Conference, September 8, 2010, 11:00 am

Faith community leaders will hold a press conference to raise their interreligious voices against such outrages and to promote the larger event we plan for Friday. We invite you or your spokesperson to be present at the press conference. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Street, Palo Alto.

Community Gathering, September 10, 2010, 5:00 - 6:30 pm

All are invited to join in a circle of peace at the James McEntee Plaza at the Santa Clara County building. Come! Bring your entire congregation, bring your choirs, your youth groups, your banners and your holy scriptures—joining in a giant circle of respect and peace among us all. Location: James McEntee Plaza, Santa Clara County Building, 70 W. Hedding, San Jose. [See flyer here]

Contact Rev. Chuck Rawlings at the Council of Churches for details: 408-297-2660.

Saturday, September 11, 2010, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, Campbell

9/11 Interfaith Dinner,
Prayer and Conversations

Given the current political climate of hate speech against Islam, it is particularly important that the interfaith community gathers to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of Islam, and to express our loving support.This year 9/11 falls on Eid El-Fitr, the celebration following the end of Ramadan so that day has particular significance for our Muslim friends. For the fifth year, the United Methodist Church in Campbell has invited Muslims and other people of faith to join in conversations on 9/11 to reflect on issues relating to the Muslim and interfaith communities. The dinner will be vegetarian, halal and kosher. All are invited; reservations are required. . . last we year we had 180. We think that 200 is probably our limit! Location: Campbell United Methodist Church, 1675 Winchester (at Hamilton), Campbell. RSVP to 408-378-3472 and provide names and phone numbers for all persons attending. Child care is available on request to the church office.

Tuesday, September 28, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, San Jose

Silicon Valley Interreligious Council

After Summer vacations, the beginning of Ramadan, and the Jewish High Holy Days in early September, we have been invited to meet on September 28th, 11:45 am to 1:30 pm, at Temple Emanu-El. The planning team intends to present a specific proposal for the mission, objectives, membership, and governance of the Council, and we hope to have Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese with us, and perhaps some other local leaders in Silicon Valley.

We will be meeting in the Sukkah (or "booth"), a temporary structure that is used during the celebration of the season of Sukkoth (September 23-29), a time for remembering the wanderings in the wilderness after the people of Israel left slavery in Egypt and before they entered the land of Canaan. Watch for more details about lunch arrangements.Location: Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Avenue, San Jose [Map]

PLEASE RSVP to southbayinterfaith@yahoo.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 7:00-8:30pm, Palo Alto

Sharing the Harvest ~
An Interfaith Gathering for Sukkot

When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not pick your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger Leviticus 19:9-10

• Learn about the joyful Jewish holiday of Sukkot
• Shake the lulav and etrog
• Enjoy holiday desserts in the Sukkah
• Engage with people of different faiths and learn what their tradition says about welcoming others and sharing the harvest

With Rabbi Elisheva Salamo, Keddem Congregation; Ven. Jian Hu, Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale; Ismael Nass-Duce, Islamic Networks Group, and others. [Flyer available]

Sukkot is a week-long fall festival. During this period, it is tradition to build—and eat—in a Sukkah, a non-permanent outdoor hut, meant to recall the forty years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert. Sukkot was also once a holiday of agricultural thanksgiving, and this is celebrated with the holiday's other ritual items, the lulav and etrog. Sukkot is a time of reflecting upon priorities, the fragility and non-permanence of life, on welcoming strangers, and sharing the harvest with others.

Location: Oshman Family Jewish Community Center 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA Free and open to the public PLEASE BRING A CANNED OR BOXED FOOD ITEM (all items will be donated to JFCS’s food drive) Seating is limited; Please RSVP to JCRC: 650-847-1715 kstiller@jcrc.org

Saturday, October 2, 2010, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Santa Clara

SAVE THE DATE!
Carry the Vision:
Community Nonviolence Conference

Keynote Speaker Fr. John Dear, Peace Activist, Organizer, Lecturer, Retreat leader, and author/editor of 20 books on peace and nonviolence, including Put Down Your Sword, A Persistent Peace, and Living Peace. Fr. Dear was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The afternoon keynote address will be given by the Rev. Dr. Barnard Lafayette, a colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King and authority on nonviolent social change. Experience the difference that one community can make when its members come together to reflect on issues of mutual concern, explore the good work that is currently being done in our community, imagine possibilities, and discover the inspiration to take simple but profound steps toward hearing each other and healing our earth.

Location:Santa Clara University. Sponsored by Carry The Vision, Santa Clara University, the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors’ Office of Dave Cortese, and a host of other local organizations. See www.carrythevision.org for more information.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010, San Jose

Visit of the Dalai Lama

The Gyuto community of Tibetan Buddhist monks in San Jose is sponsoring a special visit by the Dalai Lama, who will lead a teaching session titled Eight Verses of Training the Mind: Awakening the Heart of Compassion. Members of the local interreligious community are working on an interreligious gathering in conjunction with the visit of His Holiness. Tickets go on sale to the public on July 20, 2010. Details of the visit can be found on the Gyuto Center website. Note the Interfaith Gathering planned to follow the Dalai Lama's teaching. Location: San Jose Convention Center.

 

Post Teaching Interfaith Gathering

Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 4:00-6:00 pm
San Jose Convention Center

The Gyuto Vajrayana Center is pleased to announce that it will host a Post-Teaching Interfaith Gathering from 4:00-6:00pm on Tuesday, October 12.

Everyone who attends His Holiness’ teaching is invited to register and join us in Ballroom A of the San Jose Convention Center.

Registration is limited to those who attend His Holiness' teaching and available on a first-come-first-served basis.

This interfaith gathering provides an opportunity for people from a variety of faith traditions to share insights and ideas on His Holiness’ teaching with one another. Eminent teachers and scholars will offer initial reflections.

A $15.00 registration fee covers the cost of snacks and beverages. The Gyuto Center will underwrite all other costs for this event.

Ordained Clergy from any faith tradition may receive a complimentary ticket to His Holiness’ teaching by completing the Registration Form for Interfaith Clergy on the Gyuto Center Website (see link below), but must register for the interfaith gathering.

For more detailed information and a link for event registration, please visit:
http://gyutocenter.org/events/dalai-lama-visit/post-teaching-interfaith-meeting.html

November 19-21, 2010, Rohnert Park

Engaging the Other:
The Power of Compassion

 

Save the date! At a time when polarization is the culprit, a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary conference addressing fear-based belief systems, negative stereotypes, polarization, enemy images, scapegoating, and artificial barriers of distrust that divide us. We Invite You To: an extraordinary conference examining concepts of "The Other" from a universal, cross-cultural perspective to promote a wider public dialogue about images of "Us and Them" Join over 55 presenters, facilitators, and visionaries - and hundreds of concerned individuals, to take part in 3 days of authentic dialogue bridging the divide and cultivating our capacity for appreciation of diversity, reconciliation, and respectful engagement.

Co-Sponsored by: Common Bond Institute, International Humanistic Psychology Association Sonoma State University Endorsed by: an international list of over 100 organizations and universities; An official partner and event of the Charter for Compassion and Parliament of World Religions. Full Conference Details here.

Meet Your Neighbors

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

Saturday, October 9, 2010, 6:00 - 10:00 pm, Santa Clara

Investing in Our Children’s Future:
Teach, Inspire, Empower:
ING Annual Supporters Dinner and Gala

Keynote Speaker: Dr Umar Faruq Abd-Allah, Chairman of the Board and Scholar-in-Residence, Nawawi Foundation. Featuring for the first time in the Bay Area: Ambassador Rashad Hussain, US Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Tickets are $75 /person. Location: Santa Clara Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great American Parkway, Santa Clara. Purchase tickets online today at www.ing.org or call 408-296-7312

Take Action

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

Now, Santa Clara County

Diaper Drive For Family Wellness Court
of Santa Clara County

The Commission on the Status of Women is partnering with the Indian Community Center, the Jewish Federation and the Northwest YMCA for the 60 Days of Diapers Campaign. We need diapers in all sizes, especially 4, 5 and pull-ups for local children in Family Wellness Court (FWC). FWC is an innovative, collaborative effort assisting 200+ families achieve and maintain sobriety, overcome personal obstacles and become better parents. We salute FWC and... the parents who are working hard each day to be better. Help us raise $5000 worth of diapers so we can show the infants and toddlers of FWC that they deserve a future that is clean, safe and healthy… starting with a fresh diaper. Drop-off locations:

• Indian Community Center 525 Los Coches Street,
  Milpitas, CA 95035
• Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Road,
  Los Gatos, CA 95032
• Northwest YMCA 20803 Alves Drive,
  Cupertino, CA 95014

Soon, Cupertino

Habitat for Humanity House of Faith

Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley is working on a joint effort among the multitudes of diverse faith communities of Santa Clara County to help sponsor and assist in building a Habitat home. House of Faith project is designed to foster understanding among people of different faiths coming together to build a home for a family in need. The project will take place in Cupertino, and is scheduled to break ground in early spring of 2011. To learn more, or find out how your group can get involved, contact Andrew Condon, Faith Relations Coordinator, at 408-942-6444 Xt. 312, or e-mail at acondon@hfhsv.org

Labor Day Weekend, September 3-5, 2010, South Bay

Labor in the Pulpits/on the Bimah/
in the Minbar

The Labor in the Pulpits program brings the voice and perspectives of low-wage workers and social policy issues that impact working families. We see the face of the worker into our worship services. We are reminded of the sacred connection between faith, work and policy decisions impacting our community. Renewed commitments are forged between the religious and labor communities. People of faith are presented with opportunities to act on the justice teachings of their faith tradition. And finally, faith leaders and workers gain a deeper understanding of their faith in action. Congregations of different religious traditions in over 130 cities across the nation participate in this event.

The Interfaith Council on Economics and Justice is entering its 11th year of hosting Labor in the Pulpits. In the Silicon Valley, last year’s Labor In the Pulpits was part of over 120 religious services, one of the largest in the country, reaching over 60,000 people. No other event gives a human face to the labor movement and brings a message of social and economic justice to such a large number of congregations. This year, Labor in the Pulpits is a way for congregants throughout the county to hear the struggles and hopes of workers and encourage civic and elected leaders in Silicon Valley to hold a high moral standard when developing city and county budgets. For more information or to arrange for a speaker, contact Rev. Rebecca Kuiken.

Sunday, September 19, 2010, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Palo Alto

Interfaith & Intergenerational
Witness for Peace

Marking the International Day for Peace (Sept. 21). 3:00-4:00 pm - World Peace Village, singing, and other outdoor activities for all ages; 4:00-5:00 pm - Interfaith Worship with Jewish, Muslim & Christian speakers including Iraqi & Palestinian witnesses for peace. Speakers include Huda Abu-Arquob (Abraham's Vision); Rana Tomaira; Len and Libby Traubman ( Jewish/Palestinian Living Room Dialogue Group); Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers. Location: Heritage Park and St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1095 Channing Avenue, Palo Alto. More information at www.multifaithpeace.org.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm, Cupertino

Protecting Our Elders
Summit Meeting

Protecting Our Elders: an Interfaith Response to Elder Abuse and Neglect. The project encourages faith communities to recognize and respond to elder abuse and neglect. It also supports communities in working together to promote dignity, respect, and an optimal quality of life for elders from all cultural and traditional backgrounds. Separate sessions for Clergy and Lay Leaders. The project is funded in part by the Archstone Foundation and the Santa Clara County Mental Health Department. Location: Quinlan Community Center 10185 North Stelling Road Cupertino. Flyer and meeting agenda here. Register now. For more info, please contact rsvp@protectingourelders.net or (650) 269.2589 (messages only)

Saturday, September 25, 2010, 6:00 pm, Santa Clara

Three Cups of Tea Gala Dinner

Bestselling author of Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson, will introduce his latest book Stones into Schools. He is the Executive Director of CAI, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports community-based education, especially for girls in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. With your support, CAI has established 141 schools and educated 58,000 students, including 40,000 girls. Help us bring education to more children by attending and supporting this worthy cause. Location: Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Tickets $125 and up are available online at www.ikat.org/bayarea

Wednesday, October 13, 2010, 8:00 am - 4:15 pm

Clergy and the Courts

The second annual Clergy Day is an interactive program designed to educate clergy, staff, and laypersons about California’s Court system.

The program covers:

• Domestic violence
• Criminal procedures including Juvenile Justice
• Drug Courts and Mental Health Courts
• Child abuse reporting and Juvenile Dependency
• Boundary training

The program provides information on:

• Supporting Santa Clara County Superior Court programs.
• Supporting your congregants in legal and crisis situations.
• Assisting your congregants if arrested or incarcerated.
• Resourcing options.

There is limited seating, so please RSVP by September 24, 2010 to: CConference@scscourt.org Location information and map to be provided to confirmed attendees. Hosted by Santa Clara County Superior Court and Correctional Institutions Chaplaincy (CIC) Ministries. Flyer available.

 

Ongoing Events

Ongoing opportunities to learn more about other religious traditions from a variety of speakers and activities.

San Jose, Wednesday evenings 7:30- 8:30 pm

Interfaith Devotions and Prayer

Consort with the followers of all religions
in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.
-- Baha’ullah

Bring your earnest prayers, your best-loved devotions, meditations, and scriptures and join us in devotion and prayer for the peace and unity of our families, our communities, our nation, our world. Location: San Jose Bahá’í Center, 945 Willow Street. San Jose CA 95125.

San Jose

Dances of Universal Peace

The Dances of Universal Peace meet the First Friday of every Month at 8:00 PM on the Labyrinth under the dome of the First Unitarian Church of San Jose, 130 North Third Street, across from St. James Park. There is free parking on the street and in the parking garage at the corner of St. John Street and Third Street.

ALL ARE WELCOME! Beginners and experienced dancers join the circle together with simple movements and the singing of sacred chants and songs from the many faith traditions of Earth. No experience is necessary - just an open heart and mind.Each dance is taught as we go. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended. There is no charge, however, donations are welcome to International Network of the Dances of Universal Peace and the First Unitarian Church.

Matthew Fox has said “The Dances of Universal Peace put into our hearts and bodies the awe of living, the love ot the universe, the experience of community, the delight at the breath we all share, the coming together of cosmos, psyche and deep ecumenism that the human race yearns for today. They provide empowerment to heal and to celebrate, to pray in a curved and cosmological manner, to include body at the center of worship once again.” -Matthew Fox

For more information, contact Patrick Smiley or telephone 408-265-8937 and leave a message with your telephone number.

Stanford

Walk the Labyrinth

Our Friday labyrinth is the perfect way to begin calming your mind as you greet your well-deserved weekend. If life has you wandering aimlessly in circles, embark on a personal journey that's stood the test of time for thousands of years. Enter the labyrinth and discover that walking in circles can actually put direction back in your life - that the rhythm and simplicity of following a clear path can quiet your mind, help you find balance, facilitate meditation, insight and celebration. Wander aimlessly no more. Come: Walk the labyrinth and discover how truly liberated your mind and spirit can be! All are welcome to enjoy its benefits at no cost. Friday, September 28, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, Memorial Church, Stanford Quadrangle.

Online

Interfaith Events Calendar

Other Interfaith Events in the wider San Francisco Bay Area are regularly listed on the Presidio Interfaith Center Calendar of Events.