SEASON OF UNITY 2007

The launching of the Interfaith Mission Service Season of Unity in 2007 was a great success. The Season built upon previous IMS-sponsored and IMS-supported unity events that have occurred over the previous six years. This was the second year IMS has combined these events into one block of extended time and offered them as a rich and integrated variety of educational, entertainment and service opportunities. In addition to participation and help in promoting these events, we also hope the Season help in your efforts to educate, serve, and respond to needs.

Unity Season 2007 was launched on Tuesday, August 21 at the monthly gathering of One Huntsville (A “Diversity Dinner Experience”). The program provided the public a full report on the 2007 Race Relations and Reconciliation Project, a year-long initiative designed to “name and prioritize the advancement of racial harmony and strengthening of race relations in Huntsville and Madison County.” This included news on the activities of the IMS Racial Harmony Coalition; updates on the distribution of a county mailing of surveys to all congregations - as well as plans for a county-wide luncheon (described below); review of a recently released Racial Indicators Report; and an update on best practices on racial harmony and reconciliation we have found in our County. The evening concluded with the offering of a plan for ongoing community dialogue and action, including a proposed Racial Equity and Harmony Week Celebration.

On Thursday, August 30, representatives from congregations from across the county gathered at First Baptist Church for a “Lunch and Learn” session entitled “Beyond Racial Barriers”. The lunch presented initial results of a county-wide congregational survey; offered the “first draft” report of the racial and cultural landscape of congregations in Madison County; received congregational commitments to racial harmony and strengthening race relations; heard of models of local inter-racial or inter-cultural fellowship (pulpit/choir exchanges, inter-congregational mission projects, joint education/training work, fellowship ministries), and identified tested local methods for naming and overcoming barriers to racial reconciliation. The event offered an opportunity for “mixing and matching” congregations who seek partnership on some level.

On Saturday, September 8, the Day of Service & Unity returned. On the 6th anniversary of 9/11 and the second anniversary of Katrina, we chose to work, live, restore and renew together, working side-by-side with people of differing faiths, ages, abilities and culture. The Day was designed for people of all ages and abilities who wanted to get involved to serve and improve our community through opportunities for all individuals, families and groups to connect through service. Citizens gathered at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a continental breakfast and fellowship. A brief unity celebration and assignments took place at 8:00 am with teams arriving to work at their site locations at 8:30. The day ended at each site at noon. A score of service sites were located across Madison County with a variety of great projects that allowed all to connect and serve working through diverse teams “side by side” with other members of the community.

On Sunday, September 9 at 6:00 pm the public was invited to what has come to be known as a “Community of Togetherness” Interfaith Celebration. Each year since 2001 we have gathered to create a time to move beyond the tragedy and celebrate our common humanity, assembling to build relationships as "THE BELOVED COMMUNITY." Hosted by the new Multi-Cultural Center on Jordan Lane, recently opened through the United Methodist Church, this extraordinary service built upon and expanded the previous year’s Interfaith Celebration, bringing together faith and spiritual communities and citizens for reflection, offerings of sacred readings and sacred space, prayer and meditation, music, dance, interfaith litanies, and a ceremonial departing. Supported by Collaborator NCCJ and other community partners, the service also celebrated the public service work accomplished on the Day of Service and Unity. Representatives from area faith traditions and spiritual cultures participated. This free event is designed with respect for the diversity and unique traditions and practices of each faith.

On Tuesday, September 18 One Huntsville welcomed back Cynthia McCollum, an active and highly respected member of the City of Madison City Council and recently elected incoming President of the National League of Cities, the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. She was with us to examine together what cities around the country are doing to build unity and foster collaborative movements that lead to “healthy and high participatory” communities. We heard about several NLC Initiatives and consider where we can link our unity-building efforts with other municipalities in our nation. Examples include:

• NLC Institute for Youth, Education, and Families – A vital resource for information, technical assistance, training, and cross-city exchange that has strengthened the capacity of youth, children, and families in hundreds of cities since 2000.
• Building Equitable Communities - A strategic planning initiative uniting city leadership teams to address inequalities, poverty and growing disparities in their cities that make it difficult for families struggling to make ends meet to participate in the economic and social life of the community.
• The Inclusiveness Community Movement - A national partnership endeavor to promote understanding and celebrate the diversity that makes each community unique (including differences in race, religion and culture), encouraging municipalities nationwide to adopt programs and resolutions reaffirming their desire and willingness to build an inclusive community where all members of society are made to feel welcome. Green Cities Movement - Engaging and networking environmentally conscious and active municipalities who have pulled together unique coalitions to make a measurable, sustainable difference in quality of community life.

PLEASE CONSIDER WAYS YOU CAN BECOME INVOLVED THROUGHOUT THIS MONTH OF ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES IN 2008 - AND CONSIDER WHO YOU MIGHT INVITE TO JOIN YOU!