Relating, Creating, Transforming
If you consider yourself a Christian and you’re reading this, welcome. I hope you continue reading. If you are not a Christian, welcome. I really hope you keep reading too. The thing is, Christianity looks pretty bad right now, in many ways. Racism, prejudice against immigrants, LGBTQIA exclusion and marginalization, belittling of women, support of […]
Read MoreFriday Our week comes to a close today. It’s a packed day! First, a visit to the Islamic Society of Greater Valley Forge for jumu-ah prayers. This particular community is situated close to a Jewish synagogue next door and a Baptist church across the street. This intentional grouping of faith traditions has led to increased […]
Read MoreThursday Day 5 included a visit for service-learning at St. Raymond’s House. St. Raymond’s, part of Depaul USA, provides permanent housing and case management to help individuals meet their health and life goals. They provide 24-hour care, meals, and assistance. Here are some of the stories from their residents from their wall of fame… The […]
Read MoreWednesday At noon we journeyed to Repair the World, The organization partners with local and community-based organizations like the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children and Broad Street Ministry as it seeks to build a kinder and more equitable city. Repair the World works to inspire American Jews and their communities to give their time and […]
Read MoreTuesday Our morning and early afternoon was spent at Calvary Center for Culture and Community in West Philly. CCCC is housed in the 1906 Calvary United Methodist Church building at 48th & Baltimore Avenue. The Center serves over 5,000 community members yearly, acting as the “town hall” for one of the nation’s most vibrant and […]
Read MoreMonday Eve On Monday night we headed to Center City Philadelphia for a visit to the Church of Latter Day Saints [Mormons]. We started out at their meeting house where many meetings, classes, and other organizational business take place. There were also rehearsals going on for the upcoming theatrical performance of “Savior of the World.” […]
Read MoreMonday In the morning we began our first service-learning project in West Philly at Ahimsa House. The Ahimsa House is a center for practices of peace & mindful living and a center for conscious consumerism. Their pillars [in Sanskrit] are: Ahimsa (non-violence) Dana (generosity) Metta (unconditional love), and mindfulness. The residents of Ahimsa House really […]
Read MoreSunday Our week began with a visit to the very active Sikh community in Upper Darby. There are over 20 million Sikhs around the world today. Sikhism began over 500 years ago in the Punjab area of South Asia, which now includes the vast territories of Northern India and eastern Pakistan. Guru Nanak, born in […]
Read MoreMarch 11-17 I am spending my days and evenings with students and faculty from Jefferson University and Ohio Wesleyan University as part of the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Interfaith Encounters Alternative Break program. The two groups represent various traditions, including but not limited to: Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Secular. The Ohio Wesleyan students range […]
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John 17:20-26 We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.[1] Like a sculptor, if necessary, carve a friend out of stone. Realize that your inner sight is blind and try to see a treasure in everyone.[2] If everyone helps to hold up the sky, then one […]
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