Relating, Creating, Transforming
Luke 24 Not that long ago if we needed to walk, drive, or take public transportation to a place we asked other people how to get there. Then, we used paper maps. After that, we typed the address into a computer and printed out Mapquest directions. Remember that? Then the GPS with the somewhat […]
Read MoreMatthew 14:22-33 The Hobbit, a book by JRR Tolkien, begins with this line: “in a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” The author Tolkien lets us the reader know that this is not a nasty or unkempt hole, like the lair of a mouse, but rather a cozy place, filled with fine furniture, […]
Read MoreJohn 4:5-26 What are some specific places or activities that cause you to feel the presence of G-d? Where or when is God especially absent from you? Where do we think that God or the Divine or the Great Spirit or the Eternal Consciousness is? Here? [Sikh Gurdwara] Or here? [Hindu deities] Or here? […]
Read MoreJohn 3:1-9 Last week, I participated in the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Interfaith Encounters Alternative Spring Break program for college students. I journeyed with students, faculty, and college staff professionals to encounter seven different religious traditions, including: Reconstructionist Jewish; Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christian; Sikh; Quaker; Won Buddhist; Hindu; Black Muslim and Sunni Muslim. There […]
Read MoreOur last day began and ended at Masjidullah in Northwest Philly. This Muslim community recently moved to this new space in January. Previously, the building was a Jewish synagogue and then a Christian church. First, we were greeted by Adilah, one of the leaders of their community. She had set up some refreshments for us […]
Read MoreOn Day 6, we traveled to NE Philly to Aid for Friends. The mission of Aid for Friends ( AFF) is to alleviate the hunger and loneliness of isolated homebound individuals. All their services are provided for free. – AFF provides home-cooked meals and the gift of friendship to people in the five-county Philadelphia region. […]
Read MoreOur day began with Sue Witte and the folks from Urban Tree Connection! And…what amazing weather! Urban Tree Connection is a nonprofit organization that engages children and adults from some of Philadelphia’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods in community-based, urban-greening projects. UTC believes that community-based urban greening is a great way for residents of all ages to […]
Read MoreOur morning began with volunteer work at SHARE in the East Falls neighborhood of Philly. The SHARE Food Program is a nonprofit organization serving a regional network of community organizations engaged in food distribution, education, and advocacy. SHARE promotes healthy living by providing affordable wholesome food to those willing to contribute through volunteerism. Their motto: […]
Read MoreThis week, and part of next week, I will be participating in the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Interfaith Encounter Alternative Break program. Students from Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College will journey with Walter Hjelt Sullivan, Haverford’s Director of Quaker Affairs; Vanessa Christman, Bryn Mawr’s Assistant Dean of the College and Director of Leadership […]
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