Interfaith Connections in the Community

School feeding programs are critical asset in the fight against hunger. Federally and state funded programs provide millions of meals to students which increases their aptitude and ability to learn. Joseph Molieri/Bread for the World

School feeding programs are critical asset in the fight against hunger. Federally and state funded programs provide millions of meals to students which increases their aptitude and ability to learn. Joseph Molieri/Bread for the World

On September 20th, 30 people of different faiths met at the University of Puget Sound to discuss food justice in our community.  This conversation came about thanks to the partnerships formed by the Tacoma Interfaith Coalition which includes Temple Beth El, Islamic Center of Tacoma, Associated Ministries, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma Buddhist Temple, University of Puget Sound, Immanuel Presbyterian Church and St. Leo’s Food Connection.  Thank you to Helen McGovern-Pilant, ExecutiFarmers Marketve Director of Emergency Food Bank for a wonderful key note and to all the panelists and participants.

On November 12th, there will be another conversation at the University of Puget Sound, this time focusing on faith traditions when it comes to food; how food is used spiritually, as sacrament, fasting, food traditions, poverty of the spirit and more.  For more information please contact Wendy Morris at wendym@associatedministries.org or 253-383-3056 ext. 117.

Also, Associated Ministries is proud to announce the planning of their first Interfaith Women’s Conference.  This event will be in March of 2017 and is currently under creation thanks to many woman from local faith communities.  The conference is designed to promote understanding, respect and cooperation among women of all faiths throughout Pierce County and to facilitate opportunities for conversation. Through the celebration of the power of unity, we aim to strengthen our communities and explore ways to work together to assist more people in need.women_1216

We are thankful to the many congregations who have joined in the planning, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Church, Mason United Methodist, The Center for Spiritual Living, Temple Beth El, the Islamic Center of Tacoma, Puyallup Church of the Nazarene, and Bethany Presbyterian Church.  Volunteers are still needed to help with the planning and development of this event.

If you would like to be a part of “Building Bridges of Unity Through Faith”, please contact Wendy Morris at wendym@associatedministries.org or 253-383-3056 ext. 117.

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