INTERFAITH CONNECTION

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, P.O. Box 1221, Olympia, WA 98507

office@interfaith-works.org (360) 357-7224 www.Interfaith-Works.org
Interfaith Works is an association of congregations, affiliated
non-profit organizations and individuals. Our purpose is to
promote interfaith understanding, and serve the community through
charitable, social and educational endeavors.
JANUARY 2010
TWO PEACE EVENTS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
34 34 34
th th th
Annual Holiday Peace Vigil Annual Holiday Peace Vigil Annual Holiday Peace Vigil
Saturday, December 19, 2009
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Percival Landing & Heritage Fountain
along W. 4th Ave (between Water & Sylvester)

Join hundreds of friends and
neighbors in standing up for peace
during this holiday season.
We vigil in the spirit of peace
and nonviolence.
Bring kids and friends. Wear warm clothes,
hats, gloves. Use our signs or bring your own.
Afterwards, we'll enjoy refreshments and social
time nearby.
Free, but donations gratefully accepted to sup-
port the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliations
work for peace, justice and nonviolence. The
Olympia FOR has sponsored this local peace
tradition since 1976.
For information, contact Glen Anderson,
360-491-9093. Website: www.olyfor.org.
Martin Luther King Peace Walk Martin Luther King Peace Walk Martin Luther King Peace Walk
Sunday, January 17, 2010
12:00 noon, sharp
Capitol Lake, Olympia
Begins at Marathon Park. Please arrive early

In honor of
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
the South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellow-
ship will be conducting a silent peace walk
in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Anyone wishing to walk in silent meditation in
support of peace and non-violence is invited to
attend. There will be no banners or signs, no
chanting or cheering. Simply people walking in
silence for peace, honoring the memory and
principles of Dr. King.
The walk around Capitol Lake begins at Mara-
thon Park precisely at NOON. Please plan to
arrive 15 minutes early to allow for instructions.
For information, contact Miles, 360-866-9316.
Website: www.ssbpf.org.


2
FAITH AT THE COPENHAGEN SUMMIT
The world's interfaith community is gathered at the
United Nations Climate Change Conference in Co-
penhagen (COP-15). Nick Stuart, President of Od-
yssey Networks, said, The world's media will be
focused on Copenhagen, and religious leaders from
around the world will be there to share the insights
their faiths bring to the most important challenge of
our age -- stewardship of God's creation. One issue,
one place, one time -- there could be no more cru-
cial event...to show how religions can work together
to change the world."

The list of attendees who will be interviewed in-
cludes Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams,
Richard Cizik (New Evangelicals), Michael Kagan
(Jewish Climate Change Initiative), Roman Catholic
Sister Joan Chittister (Benetvision), Rev. Dr. Joan
Brown Campbell (Chautauqua Institution), Andrew
Harvey (Sacred Activism), Venerable Bhikku Bodhi
(Buddhist Global Relief), Sufi Rehman Muhaiyad-
deen and Sraddalhu Ranade .

Odyssey will also be producing video diaries by key
leaders and youth delegates from various faiths and
nations, and covering highlights of the major faith-
related gatherings.
Odyssey Networks is the nation's largest coalition of
Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups promot-
ing the causes of tolerance, peace, and social jus-
tice through media production.

The videos will be available for viewing at
www.odysseynetworks.org

NEW DVD FOR SHELTER HOST TRAINING

Many thanks to Jill Esbeck, member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, for recording, editing and duplicating
a DVD of shelter training for use in our Emergency Overflow Shelter program! We have
long hoped to find someone who would do this for us, and are very grateful for Jill's
generosity and hard work of making this happen.

The 2009 training session at Gloria Dei was recorded by both Jill and Phil Owen of
the Family Support Center. Jill then took both recordings and developed the final
video. The DVD will be used to help train shelter volunteers from all participating con-
gregations who were unable to attend a live training session. Program managers are hopeful that use of
the DVD will increase the number of volunteers who get the training each year, and help avoid mistakes
that arise from lack of training.
INTERFAITH YOUTH CORE
FOUNDER WINS AWARD

Eboo Patel, who founded Interfaith Youth Core
twelve years ago at the age of 22, has recieved
the prestigious Louisville Seminary Grawemeyer
Award. His Youth Core has trained more than
9,000 college students around the world. They
do service projects like AIDS Outrage, lobbying
for interfaith housing and shipping medical sup-
plies to Africa.

Said Mr. Patel, "If the interfaith movement is a
group of senior theologians talking and religious
extremism is a group of young leaders acting,
we lose. We need a movement just as passion-
ate, which believes just as deeply the creator
believes in cooperation."


3
NOMINATE YOUR
CHAMPION FOR KIDS

Is there someone in your congregation or organi-
zation who has committed extraordinary energy to
inspire and empower children and youth? TO-
GETHER!'s 9th annual Champions for Kids Cele-
bration is the perfect opportunity to honor that
someone. Reserve a table for eight, and nomi-
nate your Champion for recognition.

The awards dinner is scheduled for Monday, Feb.
22, 2010, 6-9 p.m. at the Norman Worthington
Center at Saint Martin's University. Table sponsor-
ship is $375 if reserved before December 18 and
$400 after December 18. Table sponsorship is
required in order to recognize a Champion.

To reserve a table and nominate an individual for
recognition, contact Valerie Fluetsch, Event Coor-
dinator, at 360-493-2230, ext. 24, or
vfluetsch@thurstontogether.org. Table sponsor-
ship reservations must be received by January 8,
2010.

TOGETHER!'s valuable activities for youth and
families include tobacco prevention and educa-
tion; parent education; substance abuse preven-
tion programs for youth; after-school and summer
tutoring and enrichment programs for children
from disadvantaged families; drug awareness and
education; and community outreach and mobiliza-
tion efforts. Information on TOGETHER! Is at
www.ThurstonTOGETHER.org.
BOOK DRIVE 2010
A Benefit for Homeless Families

Your help is needed! Collect and
donate your good quality used
books to BOOK DRIVE 2010 and
know that the online sale of those
books will result in urgently
needed dollars for Out of the
Woods emergency shelter for
families homeless in our commu-
nity.

The drive, now underway, re-
places the annual Books-
Brownies-Beans event this year
due to construction and related
parking issues, etc. at Olympia
Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

Here are ways YOU can help! Gather good condi-
tion, used books from friends, neighbors and co-
workers and bring to the collection bin in the OUUC
parking lot on Sundays (or leave in church foyer
during business hours). BOOK DRIVE 2010 ends
February 27.

The address is 2300 East End St. NW, Olympia.

In January, labeled collection boxes will be avail-
able to place in churches, work sites and other
community settings. More information is at
www.ouuc.org (click on Book Drive) or contact Jan
Spiller at spillway24@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE: WORLD SACRED MUSIC SERIES
First event March 14, 2010 - Location and time to be announced

In 2010 we will explore sacred music in a new and deep way. Interfaith Works will be putting on a
series of musical events, each with a specific theme. Each half day event will include an Afternoon workshop;
an Evening performance featuring two or more groups and a Question and Answer time with the musicians.

Watch for details on http://www.olysacredmusic.org/ or http://www.oly-wa.us/interfaith/


SCOOTER AVAILABLE

Olympia Friends Meeting would like to
make available a Rally 4-wheel elec-
tric scooter on long-term loan, with no obligation
other than normal care and maintenance. The
scooter is 3 years old and in very good condition.
Call Fran, 357-3334 or Dolly, 491-3998.
4
HEALTH CARE FORUM
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.8:00 p.m.
First Christian Church
701 Franklin St., Olympia, WA 98501
MENS DIVORCE GROUP
1
st
and 3
rd
Saturdays, $5 donation
Family Support Center, 108 State St NE
Mike Harburg, 357-9804, mhharburg@yahoo.com
You dont have to go it alone!
A seven-week series discussion on the local implications
of national health care reform sponsored by the downtown
congregations of Olympia, featuring civil dialogue and
answering questions from experts in the field. We will meet
in the sanctuary at First Christian Church, 7
th
and Franklin.
Don Carlson will be the moderator of the Forum.

January 12: Mike Kreidler, Washington State Health Commissioner
January 19: Democratic Health Care Leaders, Rep. Eileen Cody and Senator Karen Keiser, invited
January 26: Republican Health Care Leaders, Senator Linda Parlette and Rep. Doug Ericksen
February 2: Professional Panel on Health Care - a physician, nurse, dentist, and hospital specialist
February 9: Insurance companies
February 16: Steve Hill, Director, Dept. of Retirement Systems and WA Healthcare Authority
February 23: WA Area Agency on Aging and WA Senior Lobby, Dennis Mahar and Walt Bowen.

Sponsored by: First Christian Church, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Interfaith
Works, Reality, St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Johns Episcopal Church, Temple Beth Hatfiloh, and The
United Churches of Olympia.
READ US ON-LINE

Did you know you can read our
newsletter, Interfaith Connection,
on-line at our website? If you would
like to receive a monthly e-mail with a
link to the pdf file on our website, send
an e-mail to office@interfaith-works.org.
YOUR RESPONSE REQUIRED SOON
If you enjoy receiving our newsletter, which we send at no charge, youll need to let us know! In
the next month or so, youll receive an envelope with your newsletter that you will need to send
back to us telling us you would like to continue receiving the Interfaith Connections newsletter.
JAN. CLASSES AT THE PRIORY

Discerning Lifes Choices for Women Retreat Jan. 8-10
Knitters and Spinners Retreat Day Jan. 9
God In Public Jan. 16
Restoring Hope and Finding Forgiveness Jan. 23
Beyond Loss: Finding Wisdom, Meaning, Joy Jan. 30
For more information, costs, and registration, go to
http://stplacid.org/sched.html. Phone (360) 438-2595
or e-mail: spiritualityctr@stplacid.org. The Priory Spiri-
tuality Center is located at 500 College St. NE, Lacey.


COMMUNITY CALENDAR
A listing of some of the activities and events of Interfaith Works members, affiliated organizations, and of general interest.
IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details and events at www.Interfaith-Works.org.
5
December 18
Friday
Noon
Fridays at the First Free Advent Concert Series ends with Kippy Lou Scott, Harpist. A
gifted arranger with a special talent for bringing standards to a new and vibrant life. Free-
will offering accepted. First Christian Church, 7th and Franklin.
December 19
Saturday
Noon1 pm
34
th
Annual Olympia FOR Holiday Peace Vigil. Percival Landing & Heritage Fountain
along W. 4th Ave (between Water & Sylvester Streets). Join hundreds of friends and
neighbors in standing up for peace. Bring kids, friends. Refreshments following. Free.
January 12
Tuesdays
6:30-8:00 pm
Health Care Forum Series #1: Mike Kreidler, WA Health Commissioner. Discuss local
implications of national health care reform. First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. SE,
Olympia. Sponsored by IW and downtown congregations. Free admission. 7 week series.
January 13
Wednesday
7:00 pm
EARTH CARE SERIES #3: Poetry and Sustainability. Stephen J. Gould said,...we will
not fight to save to what we do not love. Don Foran and Kathleen Byrd, presenters.
Discussion follows. Traditions Caf, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia. Free, donations accepted.
January 17
Sunday
Noon
MLK Peace Walk. A silent peace walk around Capitol Lake in honor of The Reverend Dr.
Martin Luther King. Begins precisely at noon at Marathon Park. Please arrive early. No
signs or chanting. Sponsored by South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship, www.ssbpf.org.
January 19
Tuesdays
6:30-8:00 pm
Health Care Forum Series #2: Rep. Eileen Cody & Sen. Karen Keiser, Democratic Health
Care leaders. Discuss local implications of national health care reform. First Christian Church,
701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia. Sponsored by IW and downtown congregations. Free.
January 22,25
Fri. and Mon.
9 am4 pm
Assured Hospice Volunteer and Comfort Therapist Training. For more information,
contact Therese Wenner, Volunteer & Comfort Therapy Coordinator, Assured Hospice,
2102-D Carriage Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. 360-236-9204 or twenner@assured.org.
January 25-29
Mon-Fri
8 am5 pm
40-Hour Professional Mediation Training with The Dispute Resolution Center. Learn pow-
erful skills you can use at home, at work, or as a DRC volunteer helping people to solve con-
flicts in a healthy way. Training fee $585. Info: 956-1155, www.mediatethurston.org.
February 6
Saturday
7:30 pm
Tom Rawson Folk Music Concert. He has a banjo and hes not afraid to use it! A peace
and social justice concert to benefit Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation. Traditions Caf,
300 5th Ave SW, Olympia. Tickets sliding scale $10-25. www.olyfor.org, 491-9093.
February 10
Wednesday
7:00 pm
EARTH CARE SERIES #4: Getting it RIGHT in Carbon Exchanges. Economist Peter
Dorman, Faculty, The Evergreen State College, speaking. Discussion follows.
Traditions Caf, 300 5th Ave SW. Free, donations accepted
March 10
Wednesday
7:00 pm
EARTH CARE SERIES #5: Renewal: Stories from Americas Religious Environmental
Movement (DVD). From across America, eight stories from within their Christian, Jewish,
Buddhist and Muslim traditions show people becoming advocates and caretakers of our
Earth. Discussion follows. Traditions Caf, 300 5th Ave SW. Free, donations accepted.


Interfaith Works
PO Box 1221
Olympia WA 98507
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 325
Olympia, WA 98501
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
S
u
p
p
o
r
t

I
n
t
e
r
f
a
i
t
h

W
o
r
k
s

w
i
t
h

a

P
a
i
d

A
d

$
1
0



THINK GLOBAL, DONATE LOCAL

If you are reading this, you are an important
part of the Interfaith Works community,
a very local non-profit.

As 2009 draws to a close, we at Interfaith Works
thank all who have so generously contributed to our
fall fund drive.
If you havent got around to it yet, please consider a
year-end donation. To borrow a phrase from one of
our supporters, A good deed can sometimes be tax
deductible, which is certainly true of your gifts to IW.
You can donate on-line through PayPal, or mail a
check to Interfaith Works, PO Box 1221, Olympia,
WA 98507.

We thank you, and so do the people who benefit
from our progams.
GOODSEARCH FOR IW

GoodSear ch
donates 50-
percent of its
revenue to the
charities and schools designated by its users.
You use GoodSearch exactly as you would
any other search engine. The money Good-
Search donates to your cause comes from its
advertisers the users and the organiza-
tions do not spend a dime!
GoodShop is an online shopping mall of
world-class merchants dedicated to helping
fund worthy causes across the country. Each
purchase made via the GoodShop mall re-
sults in a donation to the user's designated
charity averaging approximately 3% of the
sale, but going up to 20% or even more.