Interfaith Mission Service - Interfaith Summit 2007


Interfaith Mission Service Leadership in Education & Experience Local Interfaith Summit 2007 "If It's Broken, Fix It!" A Search for the Sacred February 22-25, 2007 Huntsville, Alabama		A New Opportunity for: Individuals seeking spiritual growth Small groups & Study groups Youth groups seeking understanding Adult Sunday or Sabbath schools College and life-long learning classes Persons preparing for baptism, confirmation, bar mitzvah, upanayana or a spiritual milestone Business, higher education, social service agency, government leaders Those seeking African-American History Month lectures and programs All who hunger to understand our vast community and the world around us The Summit is spectacular for a city of our size that has reached global stature as a leader in interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Large-city audiences have flocked to hear the featured speakers and the type of balanced offering this brings. Hospitality, entertainment and sharing from five local faith traditions are a part of this four day event. The Local Interfaith Summit is a collaboration of the congregations and energies of the Huntsville Interfaith Mission Service. This event culminates a long-held vision of enriching the community in this way. Registration is required to receive complementary materials and meal reservations. Contact IMS at 536-2401 or go to ims@arilion.com to register.

Thursday, February 22 "What Gandhi and King Can Teach Us about Interreligious Dialogue: The Permeability of Religious Boundaries" Oakwood College Business & Technology Complex 6:00Registration and Check-In 6:30Welcome, Aladin Beshir, IMS President 6:40Summit Vision and Introduction, Dr. Laj Utreja, Summit Chair 7:00Keynote, Dr. Thatamanil 8:00Special Entertainment 8:30Dessert, Social and Book Signings 9:00College student round-table Dr. John J. Thatamanil is Assistant Professor of Theology at Vanderbilt University and past President of the North American Paul Tillich Society. He leads audiences in the areas of comparative theology, religious pluralism, Hindu-Christian / Buddhist-Christian dialogue, process theology and Eastern Orthodox theology and spirituality. Dr. Thatamanil's present work lays the foundations for a nondualistic Christian theology that is worked out in conversation with the Hindu Tradition. He ties together diverse interests for a basic commitment to a metaphysical philosophy which he takes to be essential for Christians who seek to be in conversation with non-Christian religious traditions He has contributed to the Washington Post, Atlanta Constitution-Journal, Los Angeles Times and other well-known publications.		Friday, February 23 "Toward Understanding Islam" Huntsville Islamic Center 1645 Sparkman Drive, NW (just north of UAH) 6:00International Cuisine Buffett & Special Table Fellowship for Youth and Young Adults 7:00Islamic Prayer Service Experience followed by Q&A A Message from Mohammed Elhady President, Huntsville Islamic Center Dear Brother and Sisters, Asalamu Alaikum WaRahmatullah Wa.Barakatohu! I welcome you to the Muslim community in Huntsville. Our fast-growing community is blessed and is one large family with members from all over the Muslim world. Our membership consists of mostly professionals and students. We pride ourselves as being active Muslims. Our activities are far reaching beyond our Masjid. We have strong ties with local religious communities and join them in many interfaith programs round the year to promote understanding of our faith. Our mission is set forth for us by Allah (SWT) and the example of our Prophet (PBUH). We hope to see you in our Masjid.

Saturday, February 24 "Roots of Jewish Social Justice" Church of the Nativity Episcopal 208 Eustis Avenue SE (In Downtown Huntsville) 10:00Sabbath Service Experience (at Temple B'nai Sholom, 103 Lincoln Street SE, Huntsville) 12:00Lunch 12:45Introduction, Rabbi Jeffrey Ballon 12:50Keynote Address by Rabbi David Saperstein 1:50Entertainment: Cultural Dances Ratnashri Nanda (Odissi) 2:30Afternoon Concludes Rabbi David Saperstein is Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and co-chairs the Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty, comprised of more than 50 religious denominations & educational organizations, and serves on the boards of the NAACP and People for the American Way. In 1999, he was elected as the first Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom created by unanimous vote of Congress. Also an attorney, Rabbi Saperstein teaches seminars at Georgetown University Law School. Rabbi Saperstein has appeared on Nightline, Oprah, Lehrer News Hour and ABC's Sunday Morning. His articles have appeared in The Washington Post and The New York Times. His latest book is Jewish Dimensions of Social Justice: Tough Moral Choices of Our Time.		Sunday, February 25 Summit participants are invited to join others in Heart to Heart: A Progressive Hometown Pilgrimage with this day's scheduled stop to experience a contemporary Christian service at Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Road, SW. Go to the New Room Auditorium in back. The service begins at 9:45 and features Trinity's annual storytelling festival. Dialogue with church leaders will follow. Contact IMS for more information and a complete Pilgrimage schedule. Summit participants are also invited to participate in IMS's popular Interfaith Dialogue on the Road. ID is a popular program that travels to congregations for a four week mini-course on world religions. Experience this special ID opportunity where eight practitioners of faith would present their relationship and understanding of the other faiths, February 25 from 2-6 pm at The Center for Conscious Living, 308 Lily Flagg. The Local Interfaith Summit is an example of the strength of 45 partner congregations that comprise the Interfaith Mission Service. Special acknowledgement and thanks go to Temple B'Nai Sholom and Rabbi Jeffrey Ballon, the Hindu Cultural Center and Dr. Laj Utreja, the Huntsville Islamic Center and Dr. Aladin Beshir. Your congregation's or organization's contribution for future collaborative events and ministry is welcome. An IMS representative will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.