Interfaith Grants to Build Understanding Through Art, Food, and Children's Stories

Lauren D. Gonzales “Interfaith Stories to Encourage Understanding and Children’s Literacy"

Three University of the Incarnate Word Graduates have been awarded “Alumni Interfaith Starter Grants”  by the prestigious InterfaithYouth Core. Empowered by experiences with the UIW Ettling Center for CivicLeadership and Sustainability which has had Interfaith Youth Core Grants, Karla Bello-Mondragon invites people to share their own faith and learn of others' faiths through art. Seeing each others' creations online and discussion can lead to understanding and friendship. Alejandra Escobar invites people to “virtual potlucks,” with conversations on the importance of food for building fellowship, food associated with our own religious traditions, and the joy of table gatherings.  Lauren Gonzales will create films around delightful children’s story books. These will  build bridges of understanding between Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Christians. Participants will enjoy  information and activities and children can gain literacy skills. 

As a Catholic university, UIW strives to promote understanding as Pope Francis has said, “The Catholic Church is conscious of the importance of promoting friendship and respect between men and women of different religious traditions and of the responsibility which all of us have for our world, for the whole of creation, which we must love and protect. There is much that we can do to benefit the poor, the needy and those who suffer, and to favour justice, promote reconciliation and build peace.”

    Alejandra Escobar sharing “Cooking Up Conversations: Interfaith Gatherings Centered on Food” 

The Interfaith Youth Core website notes that they are “working towards an America where people of different faiths, worldviews, and traditions can bridge differences and find common values to build a shared life together. Look at American democracy today and you’ll see a society trying hard to live up to its ideals in the face of unprecedented diversity and difference. It’s not just in the news. In today’s America, we all navigate deep differences with others in our everyday lives. Especially when it comes to religion.  Whether or not our diversity is a good thing is entirely up to us. As a community, we can make it the thread that binds us closer. Otherwise, we allow apathy, tribalism, and voices of intolerance to define our futures.”

Sister Martha Ann Kirk, Th.D. who has mentored Bello-Mondragon, Escobar, and Gonzales says, “These young women with their knowledge, skills, and passion for respect, understanding, and cooperation give me great hope for the future.”                                         

                                                                   

                 Karla Bello-Mondragon shares "Painting with Faith: an Interfaith Art Workshop”                        

To learn more details about how families, friends, individuals from their homes can participate in these enjoyable virtual opportunities: 

“Painting with Faith: an interfaith art workshop,” starting July 19, Sunday at 6 pm, see    https://spark.adobe.com/page/aHP35XvLv7dxA/  Embark on a new adventure!  

For  “Cooking Up Conversations: Interfaith Gatherings Centered on Food,” or “Interfaith Stories to Encourage Understanding and Children’s Literacy," return here for registration details. Centers and schools can also participate in some of these activities which will start soon.  

Compassion Unites Us Across Faiths

By Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI

In the early hours of the morning on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, a fire destroyed the Islamic Center Mosque, a place of prayer for about 140 people in Victoria, Texas. Investigators reported Wednesday that the fire was arson. A diversity of people had been expressing concern and many gathered for prayer the next morning. Sr. Elizabeth Riebschlaeger, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, participated in that "Service of Unity and Peace" at the site.

She observed, "Hundreds of people — Christians, Jews, Universalists, atheists and agnostics —came together to stand together in prayer, on the basis of our common humanitarian values and the U.S. Constitution. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance together: as 'one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' Never before have these words had such depth of meaning."

During the service Sr. Elizabeth filmed M.J. Khan, the president of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, who spoke of the good that had happened in only one day since the fire. He said that while we have thought of this as a mosque for the Muslims, now we can see that it belongs to all the people of Victoria. He added, "All the places of worship belong to all of us." People of faith and people of no faith are welcome to "come here, find solace in your heart so that your heart is more peaceful." As if to underscore his words, the rabbi of the Jewish congregation in Victoria invited the Muslim community to pray in their synagogue.

Dr. Shahid Hashmi, the Islamic Center's president, asked that the event not be politicized, but that the community focus on the idea that "God is love, and those who live in love, live in God." Peter Bella, a friend of Sr. Elizabeth, wrote that over 13,000 people have already given small and large donations to help rebuild the mosque. He said, "This is the America I call home, in which we come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in time of need."

My congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, has been blessed to have fine professionals of many faiths including Islam, working in our hospitals. As a university teacher on a research sabbatical at Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem over twenty years ago, I was inspired by the goodness of Muslims, Jews, and various groups of Christians around me. This led to travel for research and more interfaith dialogue. Turkish Muslims in the Hizmet (Service) movement work very hard to promote understanding and dialogue. We have become partners working together frequently.

Muslim families in Victoria especially like the Catholic schools because in these their children are learning the ethical principles common in the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Prompted by Sr. Elizabeth's connections in the Victoria area, a few years ago I was invited to lead a Muslim-Catholic Dialogue for the Victoria Diocese Religious Education Conference. I was assisted by people of this mosque in the dialogue. We used the film "In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan: a Model for Peacemaking." The study guide for that film (created by Franciscan Sr. Kathleen Warren) has helpful educational materials to build understanding and overcome prejudice.

Sister Alice Holden, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, had considered entering our community's retirement facility on her 80th birthday, but instead felt a call to develop the area where she has lived, on the property of the University of the Incarnate Word, as a center for interfaith activities called "Interfaith, INC." For eight years she had had a ministry of spirituality programs in the lovely wooded area, but she felt a deeper call that her spirituality ministry should be centered in drawing together people of many faiths. Our university has students and faculty of many faiths from over sixty countries, so her call could support the diversity of the university. Sr. Alice reveals that as we go deeper in own religious tradition, we are closer to the Holy One and transformed by love. A poet herself, she often quotes the Muslim poet Rumi who writes of the love of God uniting us beyond our divided religious paths.

In his message for the 50th World Day of Peace, "Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace," Pope Francis said that violence will not quell violence. He suggested we follow the example of Muslim Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, perhaps because we need to appreciate the good work of Muslims more. Francis also noted that "Women in particular are often leaders of nonviolence, as for example, was Leymah Gbowee and the thousands of Liberian women." Gbowee gathered Muslim and Christian women to organize "nonviolent protest that resulted in high-level peace talks to end the second civil war in Liberia." The pope's example of Leymah Gbowee invites us to set up conversations between Muslim and Christian women on how we can nurture nonviolence and peace. We will have one of those soon here at the University of the Incarnate Word, where we have many Muslim students, including about 200 from Saudi Arabia. There is so much anxiety among students and faculty here.

I first got to know of the Muslim community in Victoria when our mother was critically ill in Citizens Medical Center where my brother works. It is a fine hospital, with a room for prayer. As I went there to pray, I often saw a Muslim physician praying there also, since observant Muslims pray at regular times five times a day. Prayer brings healing. Praying together can help bring healing. We hope that we do not need fires to bring us together for prayer, but if they do, the Compassionate Holy One will cry with us and help us.

I have been influenced by Jesuit spirituality and the idea of "finding God in all things." The Quran says that everywhere we look we can see the face of God. I have grown through Muslim friends who have shared their spirituality and we have found common ground trying to be people of more compassion, justice, and service. In the challenges that we face now, may each of us compassionately try to listen to others, build bridges between communities, and open our eyes to recognize the face of God. So much compassion and unity is growing from the ashes of the mosque.

Originally published by Global Sisters Report

COP22 Interfaith Climate Statement

At this historic moment, as the Paris Agreement enters into force,  an unprecedented global consensus has produced a universal framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to build greater resilience to climate impacts. We are profoundly grateful for the leadership that produced this agreement. We are also mindful of the challenges and  complexity that lie ahead.

The Statement also emphasizes, that across all faiths we share a moral obligation to not harm others, to be fair and to care for the vulnerable. 

Global society’s continued use of fossil fuels and other extractive industries, while knowing the damage they cause, is ethically untenable. We must deliberately turn away from investing in fossil fuels and we stand together, to call for a collective shift by sovereign wealth funds and public sector pension funds from fossil fuels  towards climate solutions. This will send a necessary and transformative signal to public and private borrowers and investors worldwide and will help end the fossil fuel era. 

We must commit to new ways of living that honor the dynamic relationships between all forms of life to deepen awareness and the spiritual dimension of our lives. We appeal to all people living today to draw on courage, hope, wisdom and spiritual reflection to enable our young and future generations to inherit a more caring and sustainable world. This is the time to step forward  and act as trustees to Mother Earth. Together, by supporting each other’s progress we can go further and faster.

  Key Policy Points - COP22 Statement:

• Urgently ask States to rapidly increase pledges to reduce emissions, in line with the 1.5°C goal;
• Call for a collective shift by sovereign wealth funds and public sector pension funds away from fossil fuels into renewables and other climate solutions;
• Strongly request an increase in global financial flows to end energy poverty with renewable energy and to provide for greater human and ecological adaptation, particularly to compensate for loss and damage, technology transfer and capacity building;
• Appeal to all States, when taking action to address climate change, to ensure the commitments contained in the preamble of the Agreement related to human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples, gender equality, a just transition, food security, intergenerational equity and the integrity of all ecosystems are effectively reflected in any decision adopted at the COP22;
• Request stricter controls on the dispute mechanisms within trade agreements that utilize extrajudicial tribunals to challenge government policies;
• Ask, including within our own faith communities, for more commitments to divest -invest from fossil fuels into renewable energy and targeted engagement with companies on climate change. We need to ground this work in pursuing a just transition to renewable energy.

The COP22 Interfaith Statement has been signed by 240 eminent Buddhist, 

Christian, Hindu, Jains, Quakers, Muslim, Sikh, Unitarian Universalists, as 

well as Indigenous and Spritual leaders. Some eminent faith leaders who have 

signed are His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Ven. 

Bhikkhuni Thich Nu Chan Khong of Plum Village International Community 

of Engaged Buddhists, Rev Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of World 

Council of Churches and Gretchen Castle, General Secretary of Friends 

World Committee for Consultation.

Add Your Signature TODAY! 

People of Faith Stand with Standing Rock #NoDAPL

(From our friends at Franciscan Action Network (FAN))

November is Native American Heritage Month. What better time to stand up and show our support of our Native brothers and sisters in Standing Rock and other tribes who have been peacefully protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline from going through their sacred lands. Organizations such as Pax Christi USA and Creation Justice Ministries have developed prayers and petitions to bring awareness to this wrong that needs to be righted.

In some cases, there have been representatives able to go to the camp, join in the ceremonies and bring back eyewitness accounts of the people and their stories. Just this past weekend, four sisters: two Sisters of St. Francis (Oldenburg) plus two School Sisters of Notre Dame (Mankato province) drove to Standing Rock with coats and other supplies and to be there as a gesture of solidarity. Mercy Sisters Aine O’Connor and Kathleen Erickson and the Sisters of Mercy West-Midwest Justice Coordinator, Mike Poulin also headed out to be a part of the Solidarity Circle, described below. Additionally, a Mercy Lay Associate, Virginia Fifield of the Akwesausne, who went to Standing Rock in September posted this blog of her time there.

Those mentioned above joined a group of nearly 500 faith leaders and clergy in a Multifaith Solidarity Circle in Support of Standing Rock. FAN urged people of all faiths across the country to fast and pray in a coordinated prayer of solidarity to support those in North Dakota. Here is a post of FAN’s prayer service on Facebook.

As the protests continue, we urge members and friends to continue to pray and show your support of our native brothers and sisters. For concrete ideas on what you can do, go online to Stand with Standing Rock.net.

Family Detention Interfaith Letter

Join a growing list of religious and faith-based organizations and leaders using their moral authority to call for an end to family detention and a shift to community-based approaches for unaccompanied minors and families seeking asylum in the U.S. Let us use our collective power to create much needed change at this critical policy juncture.

If you are signing on as an organization, click here.

Dear President Obama:

As religious leaders, communions, and faith-based organizations, we urge you to listen to the recommendations of the Department of Homeland Security Advisory Committee on Family Residential Centers. These recommendations were presented at its final meeting on October 7, 2016 and call for an immediate end to the practice of detaining Central American children and families seeking asylum in the United States.  

While we come from diverse religious traditions, we share common values and teachings calling us to welcome the stranger and to show mercy and kindness, particularly to those most vulnerable. Surely, the children, youth, women, and men who are fleeing rape, murder, extortion, gang recruitment, and other physical and emotional horrors in countries internationally condemned for their impunity to violence deserve our most thoughtful care.                                     

The Committee’s report recognizes that simply improving detention center conditions to meet best practice standards is not a sufficient fix for the trauma and re-traumatization resulting from detention of any length of time. 

In addition to being inhumane, detaining parents and children is unnecessary. According to the report, these families pose an extremely low flight risk and no harm to local host communities. Moreover, detention is extremely expensive for the U.S. government while other effective, community-based, low-cost alternatives are immediately available.

DHS’s own experts make this case. There is no reason to wait any longer. We see this as a matter of conscience as well as good policy and call upon you to immediately institute a community-based asylum-seeking process for families as well as unaccompanied children.  

(to electronically add your name to this letter please CLICK HERE)

Interfaith Prayer Service on September 1st in San Antonio

Interfaith Inc. in San Antonio invites you to attend one of their two interfaith prayer services on September 1st for World Day of Prayer for Creation.

Dear Friends,

We are celebrating a day of prayer as invited to do so by Pope Francis in his encyclical, Laudato Si, and in concert with the Orthodox Church's present practice of dedication of this date for prayer for our Common Home, on:

September 1st, 2016 
both from 2 to 3 PM and 6:30 to 7:30 PM 

at Interfaith INC Headquarters at Denman Estate Park
7735 Mockingbird Lane
San Antonio, TX 78229

Each prayer service will be followed by light refreshments in the Serenity Center.

Agenda for the Prayer will include statements from various faith perspectives regarding care for the Earth, each interspersed with time for reflection. We invite all those who hold the Earth dear to join us.

Blessings,
Sr. Alice Holden CCVI

Sister Story - Sr. Alice Holden

This month we are excited to share with you a little bit about our dear sister Alice Holden, and the wonderful work she is doing to bring more peace and understanding to the world through her interfaith and retreat work! 

Sr. Alice Holden was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in a suburb west of Chicago.  She attended a school run by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and joined the Congregation shortly after high school in 1953. Three years later she made vows as a woman religious. We congratulate her on recently celebrating her 60th anniversary as a sister!

Her previous ministries included teaching for about 15 years in a number of different schools throughout Texas. She also worked for many years in homes and organizations for children with special needs.  She later worked in parish ministry, and was elected to the Province administration when the Congregation joined San Antonio and St. Louis areas into the United States province. She then served as a campus minister and teacher at Incarnate Word Academy St. Louis.

During her time at IWA she attended the Graduate Theological Foundation and received a D. Min. degree with a focus on poetry.  Her studies and writing of poetry encouraged her to take a sabbatical and attend a program sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph where she learned many skills that she continues to teach and practice today such as T’ai Chi Chih, poetry writing, meditation, and retreat facilitation.  She used these skills as Administrator of Rebarn, a center for spirituality and art in San Antonio, and also has a book of poetry published entitled “Sparks of the Divine One.”

Sr. Alice Holden with others at the blessing of the Interfaith
Retreat and Conference Center. 

In 2007 Dr. Agnese, President of the University of the Incarnate Word, invited her to live at the Denman Estate where he wanted to establish a retreat and conference center. For the past 10 years she has been presenting classes in T'ai chi Chih, Poetry, journal writing, meditation and conducting small retreats.  Last year while considering retirement, Sr. Alice decided instead to make the dream of this space a reality.  Sr. Alice says, “I asked him how I could help make his dream come true of a retreat and conference center. He said we needed only two million dollars and nine months. My response was immediate, “What’s that to God. However, it must be an interfaith retreat and conference center. The population of UIW is such that that is needed and the problems of our world call for dialogue among religious groups. To my delight, his response was immediate affirmation.”

Now Sr. Alice, through the interfaith retreat and conference center is engaged in meeting many people of different faiths. She is connecting with the city in some of their programs on inclusivity, including meeting with the Diocese to see how she can assist in the greater evangelization program for the Church.

In February, they hosted a week of inter-faith programs focused on creation led by Sr. Martha Ann Kirk entitled, “Together, Caring for Creation.”  On September 1, 2016 they are joining together to have two inter-faith prayer sessions inspired by Pope Francis’ call for Prayer for our Common Home on the World Day of Prayer for Creation. 

Sr. Alice says that, “This project is important to me because I really see us as one people under God, our Creator.  As Rumi, the Islamic poet of the 7th Century said, “We are all children in the classroom of God. We simply need to stop throwing spitballs at each other.” As a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, I feel an obligation to affirm the God within all humankind, even in those who think differently than I think. In fact perhaps, I must especially be aware of God’s presence within them.”

Sr. Alice with members of UIW Sustainability Office with
her table top garden. 

She is incorporating sustainability into the retreat center by requesting that the one-story auditorium which will one day be built, be dependent on solar energy. Also, they plan to install a Solar Ball called rawlemon on the grounds there. (www.rawlemon.com). 

Sr. Alice was gifted with a table top garden by the University of the Incarnate Word, which she  hopes will soon be thriving with veggies. Also beside her home she has two small gardens seeded with lettuce and herbs.

Thank you Sr. Alice for your commitment to peace and justice through your interfaith and retreat work, and for your commitment to sustainability at the interfaith retreat and conference center!  

Challenges and Commitments for our Communities of Faith

With joy I participated in the Interreligious Conference entitled “Objectives for Sustainable Development” (OSD) which discussed the challenges and commitments of our faith communities, organized by the Interreligious Counsel in Peru.  One of the most significant moments for me was understanding that the Agenda 2030, which contains the 17 objectives for sustainable development, responds to the concrete faces of people throughout the world.  It was created though extensive consultation.  Through this, the word ‘Ubunto’ became clear: “I am when you are.”

The presenter from the United Nations indicated that the Agenda 2030 is meant to orient the public politics of the country, because every country that signs on has a responsibility to fulfill these common goals. 

The event, which was held in the auditorium of the United Nations in Lima, included the participation of religious leaders who are working for a more just, humane, spiritual, and peaceful world.  For the working group in which I participated, we indicated that all of our work should place first the earth, our common home, the creation of God.  Therefore, objective number 4, which highlights Quality Education, is definitely one of the priorities. 

After an interesting interreligious dialogue, we committed ourselves to working on the promotion of a more dignified life for all, because we are all responsible for implementing these objectives. 

TOGETHER Caring for Creation: An Interfaith Week of Learning, Reflection, and Commitment to Action

 Ettling Center for Civic Leadership  >  Interfaith Week

“TOGETHER Caring for Creation,” An Interfaith Week of Learning, Reflection, and Commitment to Action, January 28 to February 8, 2016.

Part of the World Interfaith Harmony Week Initiative: http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/

Sister Alice Holden (right side) in front of the pond and Korean Pavilion at the Denman Estate Park. Sister Alice seeks to develop interfaith programming there.

Visitor Parking Information: For events at the University of the Incarnate Word, please use the front entrance 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209. Note: Visitors must check-in at the Parking Office (small building on the left) and identify themselves in order to obtain a parking pass.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

“San Antonio Interfaith Action on Climate Change: A Pre-World Interfaith Harmony Week Event,” 7:00 -8:30pm. We will break into work groups around action themes that emerged at the December 3 Interfaith Convergence for Climate Action. Come prepared to make actionable plans that will require follow up. Contact:https://www.facebook.com/events/1054639157935228, Diane Duesterhoeft, 210-254-0245, dduesterhoeft@gmail.com. Episcopal Church of Reconciliation, Parish Hall, 8900 Starcrest Drive, 78217. RSVP: optional, Cost: free.

Saturday January 30, 2016

“Blessing of the Interfaith Retreat and Conference Center followed by nature walk in Denman Estate Park,” 10:00-11:30am. Leaders from San Antonio's civic and religious communities will speak to the importance of being TOGETHER in caring for our creation and the need for interfaith/intercultural education. Music by Rudi Harst. Walk led by naturalist Jim Funk will follow. Contact: Alice Holden, CCVI,rcc@uiwtx.edu. Denman Estate, 7735 Mockingbird Lane, 78229. RSVP: optional, Cost: free.

Sunday January 31, 2016

“Caring for Creation: Celebrating our Connection to Mother Earth,”11:00am-12:00pm. An upbeat, interfaith worship service focused on celebrating our deep connections to Mother Earth through Creative Ritual, Music and Meditation. Contact: Rudi Harst, 210-533-6767,rudi@celebrationcircle.org. SAY Si, 1518 S. Alamo Street, 78204. RSVP: optional, Cost: free.

“Deep in the Heart: A Passion For Peace,” 3:00-5:00pm. 10th Annual Blessing of San Antonio Peacemakers 9th Annual Declaration of the San Antonio Peace Laureate. Join the San Antonio peaceCENTER and the San Antonio Peace Laureates in our re-commitment for the long haul and in mutual blessing of holy legacy. The Blessing will be filled with beautiful music, sacred images, human encounters, and words of wisdom. Fr. Ron Rolheiser will be appointed as the 9th San Antonio Peace Laureate. Bring family and friends! Invite others! SAcompassionNET.org. Whitley Center, Oblate School of Theology 285 Oblate Drive, 78213. RSVP: optional, Cost: Free and open to the public.

Monday February 1, 2016

“Jesus in Islam,” 6:15-8:15pm. Lecture and book signing by internationally respected scholar Dr. Zeki Saritoprak who will examine the place of Jesus in the Qur'an and Hadith and discuss the important role Jesus can play in interfaith dialogue.http://sites.jcu.edu/nursichair/about/faculty/. Co-sponsored by the Dialogue Institute and UIW Religious Studies. Suggested Donation: $10.Students and Seniors-complimentary. Registration: sa-jesusinislam.eventbrite.com. Contact: Dialogue Institute San Antonio, 210- 377-1110, sanantonio@thedialoginstitute.org, or Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, kirk@uiwtx.edu. UIW Rosenberg Skyroom, 847 E. Hildebrand, 78212.

“Water Stewardship in the Face of Climate Change,” 7:00– 9:00 pm. (Two sessions: Feb. 1 & 8.) How can we collectively change our relationships to our water resources and to each other to build a better and more resilient water future? Uncontaminated fresh water, essential for human health and life itself, is becoming increasingly scarce, both globally and regionally. At the same time climate change is already causing increasing weather extremes – flooding, droughts, and record high temperatures, which are linked with the availability of usable fresh water. In this class we will find good information about what is possible for our water future to be both hope-filled and empowering. Instructor:Meredith McGuire, Ph.D., recently retired Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Trinity University, serves as Co-Chair of Alamo Sierra Club Conservation Committee. Co-sponsored by San Antonio Interfaith Power and Light. RSVP by Jan. 25. Cost: $35. Enrollment: 12 min./25 max. To register, contact the SoL Center at University Presbyterian Church, 300 Bushnell Avenue,78212, 210-732-9927 or www.upcsa.organd click on SoL.

Tuesday February 2, 2016

“Invasive Species,” 8:30-10:30am. Cutting down Chinaberry Trees. Contact: Lonnie Shockley, email: lonnieshockley@satx.rr.com. Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 Galm Road, 78254. RSVP: none. Cost: free.

“Solar House: Being Eco Conscious,” 4:30–5:45 pm. Built by engineering students at the University of the Incarnate Word, the Solar House http://www.uiw.edu/solarhouse/background.html is a model for sustainable construction and an invitation to the community to learn more about sustainability. Learn more of this from Daniel Potter, the director.http://www.uiw.edu/greenuiw/. Solar House on the UIW Campus map at 31A http://www.uiw.edu/map/documents/uiwcampusmapland.pdf Contact: Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, kirk@uiwtx.edu. RSVP: none. Cost: free.

Wednesday February 3, 2016

“Headwaters,” 8:30-11:30am. Assist in the care of 53-acre nature sanctuary to preserve, protect, restore and celebrate the rich natural, cultural, historical, spiritual and educational values of the headwaters of the San Antonio River,http://www.uiw.edu/greenuiw/greenuiwheadwaters.html. Contact: Howard Homan, howard.homan@gmail.com. 4707 Broadway, 78209. Across from UIW football field. RSVP: optional, Cost: free.

“Weed Wednesday,” 8:30-10:30am. Help combat exotic invasive species, including Australian and Kleberg Bluestem, wild mustard, and malta star thistle. Contact: Wendy Leonard, 210-207-3292,wendy.leonard@sanantonio.gov, http://fosana.org/calendar/. Phil Hardberger Park. RSVP required. Cost: free. Contact Wendy for exact location in the park.

“Renewal, a Documentary Film,” 11:30 am–1 pm. Inspired by the many Americans who are answering a spiritual call to confront the enormous challenges of environmental degradation, these men, women, and children are finding ways to become caretakers of the Earth, from within their Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim traditions.,. The religious-environmental movement grows as people from diverse traditions work to build a sustainable future. Sponsored by the Headwaters Coalition, http://headwaterscoalition.org/index.html. Contact: Pamela Ball, 210-828-2224, ext 280, Pamela.ball@amormeus.org. UIW Mabee Library Auditorium. RSVP: required. Cost: free.

“Evolution and Christogenesis,” 6:30-8:00pm. First in a series of DVD programs by Ilia Delio, OSF with discussion lea by Alice Holden, CCVI (To continue for five additional weeks.) Contact: Alice Holden, CCVI,rcc@uiwtx.edu. Library of the Denman Estate, 7735 Mockingbird Lane, 78229.

“Caring for Creation: An evening of guided and silent meditation, focused on our deep connections to Mother Earth,” 7:30-8:30 pm.Contact: Rudi Harst, 210-533-6767, rudi@celebrationcircle.org. SA Friends Meetinghouse, 7052 N. Vandiver Road (at corner of Eisenhower Rd.), 78209. RSVP: not required, Cost: free.

 

Thursday February 4, 2016

“Sustainable Systems: Environmental, Economic and Social--Looking Towards the Future,” 9:00-10:15 am. The world faces many dynamic environmental, economic and social challenges. How do we create sustainable systems that meet these challenges so the people of the world can live fulfilling lives in harmony with one another and with nature? This will explore climate change as one environmental challenge among many, the future of energy as one of many economic challenges, and work as one of the social challenges facing the world. The Presenter: Joe Cook holds a B.Sc in Natural Resources and the Environment (Univ. of MI), a M.Sc in Entomology with Minor in Soil Science (Univ. of MN), an MBA (UIW), a MTS (Oblate School of Theology, and a M.A. in Theology (St. Mary's University). He has worked worldwide in Natural Resources and the Environment with his last position being a Senior Environmental and Sustainability Scientist with the firm Consulting for Health, Air, Nature and a Greener Environment. Contact: Joseph L. Cook, 760-577-5931,jlcapplevalleyca@gmail.com. UIW Mabee Library Auditorium, RSVP: not required, Cost: free.

 

“Caring for Creation, an Exploration of Climate Change and Faith from a Biblical Perspective,” by Joe Cook. 10:30 – 11:45 am. (See location and contact information above)

“Celebrating the Season of Creation in Worship,” 11:30am-2:00pm.Workshop for worship leaders and community leaders of all faiths. Will begin with a sandwich lunch, followed by a presentation of how Reconciliation Episcopal has used this new liturgical season to bring an awareness of God’s love for creation and our call to care for it to the entire worshiping community. Participants will be invited to share ideas for how they might use something similar in their own worship services. Contact: Priscilla, 210-655-2731, priscilla@cor-satx.org. Episcopal Church of Reconciliation, 8900 Starcrest Drive, 78217. RSVP required. Cost: $10 for lunch (specify turkey or vegetarian).

“Healing the Earth, Saving Ourselves,” 1:30 - 2:45 pm. A discussion led by Betty Dabney, PhD, on how working together to solve climate change can unify Humankind. Contact: Betty Dabney,bdabney@gmail.com. UIW Library Auditorium, RSVP: not required, Cost: free.

"Food Justice in the Era of Climate Change," 4:30 to 5:45 pm.Shared by Dr. Jeff Crane, author of The Environment in American History, Nature and the Formation of the United Stateshttp://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415808712. In modern America approximately 50 million

Americans, including about one-fourth of all children, suffer from food insecurity. The food that is available is often unhealthy and produced in an industrial-agricultural economy that is damaging to both farmworkers and ecosystems. Community and urban farming offer some solutions to those problems while also helping urban populations prepare for the unpredictable impacts of climate change. UIW Mabee Library Auditorium. RSVP: not required, Cost: free. Contact: jcrane@uiwtx.edu.

“Foods from the Quran and the Bible,” 5:45 – 6:30 pm. Enjoy a reception with foods mentioned in the Quran, Christian Scriptures, and Hebrew Scriptures gifts from God for all God’s people. UIW Mabee Library Special Collections Room.

Dr. Rolla Alaydi and Narjis Pierre with Foods from the Quran and the Bible.

“The Islamic Declaration on Climate Change,”6:30 pm. A discussion with Narjis Pierre, Sarwat Hussain, people of the Dialogue Institute, and friends. All will be invited to discuss little and big things individuals and groups can do about climate change.http://islamicclimatedeclaration.org/islamic-declaration-on-global-climate-change/.

Both the 5:45 reception and this are hosted by the CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations), the Dialogue Institute, Muslim Women’s Association, and UIW Liturgical Outreach. Contact: Sr. Martha Ann Kirk,kirk@uiwtx.edu. UIW Mabee Library Special Collections Room.

"Divine Harmony - Human Voices Call Out to God," 7 pm. Music with people of different faiths. Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5955 FM 78, 78244. Pastor Michael Lawrence Weden, 210-452-3207,mlw128@juno.com. RSVP not required. Cost: free.

 

Friday February 5, 2016

“Interfaith Meditation Centered on Caring for Creation,” 7:15-8:00am. Contact: Alice Holden, CCVI, rcc@uiwtx.edu. Library of the Denman Estate, 7735 Mockingbird Lane, 78229.

“Starting out Wild: Rockin’ and Rollin’,” 10:00-11:00am. Introduce 1-3 year-olds to nature and learn all about rocks through stories, songs, and hands-on fun! It is recommended that a child be walking and a parent or caretaker attend with each child. Most classes will take place outdoors. Contact: Nicole McLeod, 210-207-3782,Nicole.mcleod@sanantonio.gov. Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa, 78256. RSVP required. Suggested donation: $3 per person or $6 per family.

“Laudato Si’,” 1:00-4:00pm. A Community Conversation led by JPIC Assistant Director Jennifer Reyes Lay. Gather to dialogue, reflect, and celebrate that together we have a responsibility to care for our common home wherever we are, in whatever we do. To prepare read “Laudato Si’.” Contact: jpic.office@amormeus.org, http://www.saccvi.blogspot.com. Heritage Hall, the Village at the Incarnate Word. RSVP at http://goo.gl/forms/9eehhgcIIG by Jan. 29. Cost: free. Sponsored by the Incarnate Word Sisters International Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee.

“Pursuit of Harmony,” 6:30pm. Shabbat Service: A musical journey of friendship and peace. Join Jewish singer and song writer Michael Ochs and Palestinian songwriter and commentator Alaa Alshaham for a weekend of music, dialogue and friendship! https://www.beth-elsa.org/. Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, 78212. RSVP: not required. Cost: free.

“First Friday Open House----Paris Climate Agreement and Climate Change,” 6:30-8:00pm. 195 nations signed a climate agreement in Paris. The presentation examines the science of climate change and the Paris climate agreement and challenges to make the agreement work as planned to keep global temperatures within the agreements parameters. Contact: Joseph L. Cook, 760-577-5931, jlcapplevalleyca@gmail.com. San Antonio Mennonite Church, 1443 South St. Mary’s Street, 78210. RSVP: optional. Cost: free.

Saturday February 6, 2016

“Going Solar,” 4:00-6:00pm. Dr. Roy Ellzey will provide information on local options for families and businesses who are considering converting to all or partial solar energy.https://www.facebook.com/events/162111897491768/. Contact: Betty Dabney, bdabney@gmail.com. Fellowship Hall, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 7150 W Interstate 10, 78213. RSVP: optional. Cost: Free and open to the public.

“Pursuit of Harmony,” 6:30pm. Shabbat Service: A musical journey of friendship and peace. Join Jewish singer and song writer Michael Ochs and Palestinian songwriter and commentator Alaa Alshaham for a weekend of music, dialogue and friendship! https://www.beth-elsa.org/. Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, 78212. RSVP not required. Cost: free.

Sunday February 7, 2016

“Mitchell Lake Bird Walk,” 8:00-9:00am. Guided birding tour. No dogs, except service dogs. Contact:210-628-1639, mlac@audubon.org,http://mitchelllake.audubon.org/birding-tours. Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Road, 78221. RSVP: optional, Cost: $8 for non-members.

“Caring for Creation,” 9:30-10:30am. Adult Sunday school presentation will include an examination of creation care, scriptural aspects of creation care and aspects of challenges creation faces from environmental issues. Contact: Joseph L. Cook, 760-577-5931,jlcapplevalleyca@gmail.com. San Antonio Mennonite Church, 1443 South St. Mary’s Street, 78210. RSVP: optional. Cost: Free.

“Kids Alive!” 11:00am-1:00pm. Wilderness Survival class for 6-14 years of age; must be accompanied by adult or guardian. Contact: Joey Rios, 210-688-9055 ext. 2009, activities@friendsofgc.org. Government Canyon State Natural Area, 12861 GalmRoad, 78254. RSVP: required athttp://friendsofgc.org/event/kids-alive-7/. Cost: $5 entry or park pass.

 

Monday February 8, 2016

“Centering Prayer and Discussion on Ecology,” 6:00-7:00pm. Contact: Alice Holden, CCVI, rcc@uiwtx.edu. Library of the Denman Estate, 7735 Mockingbird Lane, 78229.

“Water Stewardship in the Face of Climate Change,” 7:00– 9:00 pm. (see Monday, February 1 description)