Newsletter June 2024
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/1/1/141152386/published/riverside-interfaith-upscaled-2-color-change.png?1716326529)
Welcome to the Riverside Interfaith Council Newsletter!
The past few months have been busy and productive for our community. We proudly hosted two major events: the Faith Walk for Peace, which brought together people from all faiths to promote harmony and understanding, and the National Day of Prayer, a powerful gathering that united us in reflection and prayer. Alongside these events, our monthly general meetings have continued to foster dialogue and collaboration among our diverse members.
We invite and encourage you to stay connected with the Riverside Interfaith Council. Join our mailing list to receive updates, event invitations, and news about our ongoing efforts to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation. Simply email us at [email protected] to join. We look forward to continuing this journey together and making a positive impact in our community.
Statement from the Riverside Interfaith Council
The Riverside Interfaith Council, representing a diverse coalition of faith communities, is deeply saddened by any form of armed conflict that results in pain, suffering, and death. As people of faith, we are strongly committed to fostering peace and harmony among all peoples.
And so, as wars and divisions multiply in the world and human suffering intensifies, the Riverside Interfaith Council feels even greater urgency in its mission to promote dialogue, empathy, and understanding as paths to peace. We believe that by engaging in open and honest conversations, recognizing our shared humanity, and embracing our diverse experiences and beliefs, we can resolve differences and heal divisions. Through these means, we help to build a world where all people can live in security and dignity.
We invite all like-minded people to join us in these efforts. Together, we can transform the landscape of conflict into a foundation for lasting peace and common good.
Faith Chat Kickoff: Exploring the Religion of Wicca
We are excited to share the success of our very first Faith Chat presentation! Faith Chats are our new quarterly events, each featuring a guest speaker who will introduce and discuss a different faith, promoting understanding and dialogue within our community.
This inaugural session was presented by Gary Shook, who provided an informative and engaging presentation on the religion of Wicca.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gary for his time and effort in sharing his knowledge and for making our first Faith Chat a memorable one. We look forward to future sessions and continuing our journey of interfaith exploration.
Celebrating Unity: A Reflection on the Interfaith Celebration of the National Day of Prayer
On May 2nd, the Riverside Interfaith Council proudly hosted the Interfaith Celebration of the National Day of Prayer at the Culver Center of the Arts in Riverside, California. This gathering was a heartfelt showcase of unity and spiritual harmony, highlighting the diverse fabric of our community, and a profound call for wellbeing in our city and nation.
We are thrilled to report that the event was a resounding success, attended by 60 individuals who came together in a shared spirit of prayer and reflection. The array of presentations from various faith traditions enriched our understanding and appreciation of one another, creating a tapestry of interfaith dialogue and friendship that resonated deeply with all who attended.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Amy Metcalf and the Culver Center of the Arts for their generous hospitality and unwavering support in hosting this significant event. Their contribution was pivotal in bringing this vision to life, and their commitment to fostering community engagement is truly commendable.
We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who attended. Your presence and participation made this event not just a gathering, but a profound communal experience. Your engagement is what truly brings our mission to life, and we are grateful for your support and the spirit you brought to this celebration.
A special thank you goes to our esteemed presenters, who provided insightful and inspiring contributions:
· Gernaro Waheed, President of Riverside Interfaith Council
· Deacon Daniel Tamm, from St. Michael’s Episcopal Ministry Center
· Rev. Dr. Mary Crist (Blackfeet) also from St. Michael’s Episcopal Ministry Center
· Representatives from Brighid’s Forge, celebrating the Wiccan Tradition
· Marilyn Sequoia, from the Inland Communities Fellowship of Reconciliation
· Chief Larry V. Gonzalez, representing the Riverside Police Department
· Rev. Jeffrey Ryan, from the Riverside Center for Spiritual Living
· Joseph Caldwell, Stake President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
· Donna Dahl, representing Unity Fellowship Church in the absence of Rev. Benita Ramsey
· JoAnn Rayshel, from the Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly
· Kathy Bolte and Karen May, sharing the spiritual art of Kirtan
· Ipyani Lockert, from the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
· Sue Scott, representing the Inland Valley Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
· Andy Fu and Kim Lincoln Hawkins, from SGI-USA Riverside Buddhist Center
· Kristen Nelson, from First Congregational Church
· Laura Fannon, Kris Lovekin, Sandy Rodriguez and other members of the Threshold Choir
Each of these voices contributed uniquely and profoundly, enriching our collective experience and fostering a deeper sense of community and mutual respect.
Furthermore, heartfelt congratulations and thanks are due to Andrea Briggs and the event planning committee from the Riverside Interfaith Council. Their dedication and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in orchestrating this memorable and impactful event.
As we move forward, inspired by the messages and fellowship experienced during the celebration, we remain committed to nurturing the spirit of unity and respect across all faiths and cultures within our community. Let us continue to support each other in prayer, action, and enduring solidarity.
A Step Forward Together: Reflecting on the 2024 Riverside Interfaith Council’s Faith Walk
On Sunday, April 21st, the Riverside Interfaith Council hosted its much-anticipated Faith Walk, marking another significant stride towards fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding within our community. We are pleased to announce that the event was a great success, drawing 48 participants who embarked on a journey of spiritual and communal connection across different faiths.
The Faith Walk provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage directly with various religious communities, allowing for an enriching exchange of beliefs and perspectives. This year’s walk was not only about physical steps but also about the steps we take towards each other in understanding and respect.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the host faith communities, whose support and participation were instrumental in the success of this event:
· The First Congregational Church of Riverside, for opening their doors and hearts to our walkers,
· The Baha’i Center of Riverside, for sharing their space and spirit of unity,
· The Universalist Unitarian Church of Riverside, for their warm hospitality and commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Our sincere gratitude is expressed to Scott Hunsaker for his tireless efforts at organizing this event and to Gernaro Waheed our council president for his stewardship of our events and to Marilyn Sequoia for her behind the scenes efforts to ensure our success.
A special thank you goes to all the participants of the Faith Walk. Your presence and enthusiasm were the heartbeat of this event. Each step you took was a step towards deeper mutual respect and understanding among the diverse faith traditions represented in our community.
As we reflect on this meaningful day, we are inspired by the spirit of cooperation and friendship that was evident among all who participated. It is your willingness to learn and engage that continues to drive the success of the Faith Walk year after year.
We look forward to further strengthening the bonds within our interfaith community and to seeing even more participants in future gatherings. Together, we are walking the path of dialogue and peace, building a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Upcoming Events
We are excited to announce our next event, "Faith Chats," with Rabbi Phil Cohen of the Temple Beth El, which will be held online via Zoom on Thursday, June 20th, at 1 PM. This virtual gathering will provide an opportunity for open dialogue and shared learning among our diverse community members. We hope you can join us for an enriching and insightful conversation.
Looking ahead, we are also preparing for our last major event of the year: the second installment of our Faith Walk. Scheduled for October, this event will once again bring together individuals from various faith backgrounds to promote peace and unity. Stay tuned for the exact date and location, which will be announced soon.
Thank you for your continued interest in the Riverside Interfaith Council. We are grateful for your support and involvement. We warmly invite you to join us in our work, fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation within our community.
Contact Us
Website -https://www.riversideinterfaithcouncil.org/
Email - [email protected]
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RiversideInterfaithCouncil
Welcome to the Riverside Interfaith Council Newsletter!
The past few months have been busy and productive for our community. We proudly hosted two major events: the Faith Walk for Peace, which brought together people from all faiths to promote harmony and understanding, and the National Day of Prayer, a powerful gathering that united us in reflection and prayer. Alongside these events, our monthly general meetings have continued to foster dialogue and collaboration among our diverse members.
We invite and encourage you to stay connected with the Riverside Interfaith Council. Join our mailing list to receive updates, event invitations, and news about our ongoing efforts to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation. Simply email us at [email protected] to join. We look forward to continuing this journey together and making a positive impact in our community.
Statement from the Riverside Interfaith Council
The Riverside Interfaith Council, representing a diverse coalition of faith communities, is deeply saddened by any form of armed conflict that results in pain, suffering, and death. As people of faith, we are strongly committed to fostering peace and harmony among all peoples.
And so, as wars and divisions multiply in the world and human suffering intensifies, the Riverside Interfaith Council feels even greater urgency in its mission to promote dialogue, empathy, and understanding as paths to peace. We believe that by engaging in open and honest conversations, recognizing our shared humanity, and embracing our diverse experiences and beliefs, we can resolve differences and heal divisions. Through these means, we help to build a world where all people can live in security and dignity.
We invite all like-minded people to join us in these efforts. Together, we can transform the landscape of conflict into a foundation for lasting peace and common good.
Faith Chat Kickoff: Exploring the Religion of Wicca
We are excited to share the success of our very first Faith Chat presentation! Faith Chats are our new quarterly events, each featuring a guest speaker who will introduce and discuss a different faith, promoting understanding and dialogue within our community.
This inaugural session was presented by Gary Shook, who provided an informative and engaging presentation on the religion of Wicca.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gary for his time and effort in sharing his knowledge and for making our first Faith Chat a memorable one. We look forward to future sessions and continuing our journey of interfaith exploration.
Celebrating Unity: A Reflection on the Interfaith Celebration of the National Day of Prayer
On May 2nd, the Riverside Interfaith Council proudly hosted the Interfaith Celebration of the National Day of Prayer at the Culver Center of the Arts in Riverside, California. This gathering was a heartfelt showcase of unity and spiritual harmony, highlighting the diverse fabric of our community, and a profound call for wellbeing in our city and nation.
We are thrilled to report that the event was a resounding success, attended by 60 individuals who came together in a shared spirit of prayer and reflection. The array of presentations from various faith traditions enriched our understanding and appreciation of one another, creating a tapestry of interfaith dialogue and friendship that resonated deeply with all who attended.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Amy Metcalf and the Culver Center of the Arts for their generous hospitality and unwavering support in hosting this significant event. Their contribution was pivotal in bringing this vision to life, and their commitment to fostering community engagement is truly commendable.
We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who attended. Your presence and participation made this event not just a gathering, but a profound communal experience. Your engagement is what truly brings our mission to life, and we are grateful for your support and the spirit you brought to this celebration.
A special thank you goes to our esteemed presenters, who provided insightful and inspiring contributions:
· Gernaro Waheed, President of Riverside Interfaith Council
· Deacon Daniel Tamm, from St. Michael’s Episcopal Ministry Center
· Rev. Dr. Mary Crist (Blackfeet) also from St. Michael’s Episcopal Ministry Center
· Representatives from Brighid’s Forge, celebrating the Wiccan Tradition
· Marilyn Sequoia, from the Inland Communities Fellowship of Reconciliation
· Chief Larry V. Gonzalez, representing the Riverside Police Department
· Rev. Jeffrey Ryan, from the Riverside Center for Spiritual Living
· Joseph Caldwell, Stake President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
· Donna Dahl, representing Unity Fellowship Church in the absence of Rev. Benita Ramsey
· JoAnn Rayshel, from the Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly
· Kathy Bolte and Karen May, sharing the spiritual art of Kirtan
· Ipyani Lockert, from the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
· Sue Scott, representing the Inland Valley Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
· Andy Fu and Kim Lincoln Hawkins, from SGI-USA Riverside Buddhist Center
· Kristen Nelson, from First Congregational Church
· Laura Fannon, Kris Lovekin, Sandy Rodriguez and other members of the Threshold Choir
Each of these voices contributed uniquely and profoundly, enriching our collective experience and fostering a deeper sense of community and mutual respect.
Furthermore, heartfelt congratulations and thanks are due to Andrea Briggs and the event planning committee from the Riverside Interfaith Council. Their dedication and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in orchestrating this memorable and impactful event.
As we move forward, inspired by the messages and fellowship experienced during the celebration, we remain committed to nurturing the spirit of unity and respect across all faiths and cultures within our community. Let us continue to support each other in prayer, action, and enduring solidarity.
A Step Forward Together: Reflecting on the 2024 Riverside Interfaith Council’s Faith Walk
On Sunday, April 21st, the Riverside Interfaith Council hosted its much-anticipated Faith Walk, marking another significant stride towards fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding within our community. We are pleased to announce that the event was a great success, drawing 48 participants who embarked on a journey of spiritual and communal connection across different faiths.
The Faith Walk provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage directly with various religious communities, allowing for an enriching exchange of beliefs and perspectives. This year’s walk was not only about physical steps but also about the steps we take towards each other in understanding and respect.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the host faith communities, whose support and participation were instrumental in the success of this event:
· The First Congregational Church of Riverside, for opening their doors and hearts to our walkers,
· The Baha’i Center of Riverside, for sharing their space and spirit of unity,
· The Universalist Unitarian Church of Riverside, for their warm hospitality and commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Our sincere gratitude is expressed to Scott Hunsaker for his tireless efforts at organizing this event and to Gernaro Waheed our council president for his stewardship of our events and to Marilyn Sequoia for her behind the scenes efforts to ensure our success.
A special thank you goes to all the participants of the Faith Walk. Your presence and enthusiasm were the heartbeat of this event. Each step you took was a step towards deeper mutual respect and understanding among the diverse faith traditions represented in our community.
As we reflect on this meaningful day, we are inspired by the spirit of cooperation and friendship that was evident among all who participated. It is your willingness to learn and engage that continues to drive the success of the Faith Walk year after year.
We look forward to further strengthening the bonds within our interfaith community and to seeing even more participants in future gatherings. Together, we are walking the path of dialogue and peace, building a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Upcoming Events
We are excited to announce our next event, "Faith Chats," with Rabbi Phil Cohen of the Temple Beth El, which will be held online via Zoom on Thursday, June 20th, at 1 PM. This virtual gathering will provide an opportunity for open dialogue and shared learning among our diverse community members. We hope you can join us for an enriching and insightful conversation.
Looking ahead, we are also preparing for our last major event of the year: the second installment of our Faith Walk. Scheduled for October, this event will once again bring together individuals from various faith backgrounds to promote peace and unity. Stay tuned for the exact date and location, which will be announced soon.
Thank you for your continued interest in the Riverside Interfaith Council. We are grateful for your support and involvement. We warmly invite you to join us in our work, fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation within our community.
Contact Us
Website -https://www.riversideinterfaithcouncil.org/
Email - [email protected]
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RiversideInterfaithCouncil