Godspan: An interfaith journey
This summer, take an interfaith journey within the Quad Cities.
Study: Mondays, July 8-29, 12-1 p.m., Lower Commons, bring a sack lunch and study with Peter A. Pettit, teaching pastor, about different faith traditions. Colors and numbers are intriguing elements that can help identify and distinguish these faith traditions, and there is much more to learn in their beliefs, histories, practices, and values. No need to sign up. Visit: Visit a local community in the tradition the following weekend (transportation on your own, or carpool from St. Paul). Monday study is not required to join the visits. RSVP for the visits here.
BUDDHISM
July 8: Study Buddhism – In which red symbolizes passion transformed into discriminating wisdom, and the blood of life. Number – 8: The eight-fold path charts the Buddhist’s journey from the suffering of life to a blissful serenity. Disciplines of meditation, integrating mind, spirit, and body, equip one to relinquish the narrowness of personal desires and gain the peace of the universe.
July 14: Visit Lamrim Buddhist Center, 301 E. Second St., Davenport, Sunday, July 14, 12:15 p.m., meet with Joe Gauthier, teacher.
Buddhism Handout & Buddhism Presentation
HINDUISM
July 15: Study Hinduism, in which saffron stands for self-denial and the quest for life and salvation. Number – 108: In whole and in its parts, 108 symbolizes for Hindus the completeness and integration of the world. Whether numbering all the great yogis, gurus, and saints of Hinduism, constituting the beads in an ideal prayer japamala, or embracing creation, fulfillment, and eternity, it envelops Hindu life in its mysteries.
July 20: Visit the Hindu Temple of the Quad Cities, 9801 14th Street W., Rock Island, Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m., meet with Rohit Kunte, community leader.
Hinduism Handout & Hinduism presentation
ISLAM
July 22: Study Islam, whose prophet, Mohammed, favored the green of nature and of paradise. Number – 5: Five pillars of belief and practice sustain the Muslim life and community, shaping everything from the rhythm of the day to the aspirations of a lifetime. Humble submission to the will and care of God is the model for every Muslim’s journey in life.
July 27: Visit the Islamic Center of the Quad Cities, 6005 34th Ave., Moline, Saturday, July 27, 6:30 p.m., teaching by Imam Bachir Djehiche and potluck with community.
Islam handout & Islam presentation
JUDAISM
July 29: Study Judaism, with blue in its prayer shawls and surrounding the biblical land in sea, sky, and river. Number – 1: “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” The great confessional text of Devarim 6:4 rings at the center of Jewish worship, life, and death. Devotion to the active calling to honor and proclaim the oneness of God gives powerful shape to any Jewish life.
August 2: Visit Temple Emanuel (Reform Jewish), 1115 Mississippi Ave., Davenport, Friday, August 2, 6 p.m., service with Rabbi Linda Bertenthal and potluck with community.
John King
Look forward to the experience.