The Franklin Interfaith Council invites the community to a Service of Comfort, Consolation, and Solidarity with our Jewish neighbors, following the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Please join us this Tuesday, October 30 at 7 PM at St. John's Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector
St. John's Episcopal Church, Franklin, MA
(cell) 857-237-9428
www.StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Showing posts with label interfaith council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interfaith council. Show all posts
Monday, October 29, 2018
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Franklin Interfaith Council's Voices of Faith Concert - April 29
The Franklin Interfaith Council is pleased to announce our Voices of Faith concert on Sunday - April 29 at 6 pm. This free concert will be performed by musicians from the council's houses of worship. The musical selections chosen are a reflection of the performer's faith and dedication to their house of worship. All of the Council's faiths hold music as a central and sacred part of their expressions of faith. This concert is an opportunity for us to share these special songs with our greater family of Franklin. Musical selections include performances by children's choirs, adult choirs, instrumental pieces as well as performances by the Interfaith Council's chorus.
All are invited to share in this musical celebration. The concert is being graciously hosted by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 91 Jordan Rd. Doors open at 5:30 pm. The concert is free and there is plenty of free parking. The facilities are wheelchair accessible.
The theme for our concert this year is "Peace" and we are happy to announce that donations offered at the concert will be used for refugee relief.
Comprising many of the houses of faith in Franklin, the Interfaith Council addresses the various needs of Franklin by recognizing the power of faith as defined by our individual spiritual traditions. However it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. Additionally, the council seeks to both acknowledge and celebrate the diversity and the common values existing within Franklin. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.
Current members of the FIC include: St. Mary Catholic Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, First Universalist Society in Franklin, The Franklin United Methodist Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, The Franklin Federated Church and Temple Etz Chaim.
All are invited to share in this musical celebration. The concert is being graciously hosted by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 91 Jordan Rd. Doors open at 5:30 pm. The concert is free and there is plenty of free parking. The facilities are wheelchair accessible.
The theme for our concert this year is "Peace" and we are happy to announce that donations offered at the concert will be used for refugee relief.
Comprising many of the houses of faith in Franklin, the Interfaith Council addresses the various needs of Franklin by recognizing the power of faith as defined by our individual spiritual traditions. However it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. Additionally, the council seeks to both acknowledge and celebrate the diversity and the common values existing within Franklin. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.
Current members of the FIC include: St. Mary Catholic Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, First Universalist Society in Franklin, The Franklin United Methodist Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, The Franklin Federated Church and Temple Etz Chaim.
 |
| Franklin Interfaith Council's Voices of Faith Concert - April 29 |
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Franklin Interfaith Council Presents Refugee Immigration Ministry
The Franklin Interfaith Council invites the community to a presentation by staff from Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM), a nonprofit organization that supports immigrants and asylum seekers in partnership with local faith communities. Speakers from RIM will include Rev. Ruth Bersin, Executive Director and Rev. Isaac Seelan, Coordinator for Congregation Development.
When: October 30, 2017; 7:00 PM
Where: St Mary's Church, Lower Church Hall
For more about the Refugee Immigration Ministry http://www.r-i-m.net/
When: October 30, 2017; 7:00 PM
Where: St Mary's Church, Lower Church Hall
 |
| Franklin Interfaith Council Presents Refugee Immigration Ministry |
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Franklin Interfaith Council - Thanksgiving Service - Message
My wife and I were joined by about 200 hundred folks who gathered at the First Universalist Society where the Temple Etz Chaim hosted the Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 20. The Interfaith Council Choir led the gathering in song.
The Rev. Deborah M. Woodward, Interim Priest at St John's Episcopal Church was honored to deliver the Thanksgiving message. I approached her afterward to see if she would share her talk with us and she gladly did so.
I do not normally do something like this but these are not normal times. You can read, share, and discuss Rev Woodward's message.
To you and your family, may your Thanksgiving be a good one!
---- ---- ----
The Title of this Message is “Modim Anachnu Lach” - (which from the Hebrew means, “We Thank You.”)
"As I begin, First, I wish you to know that I was deeply touched when I was invited, “thank you”, to offer this message.
I mean “touched” as in TOUCHED in bold capital letters, by the honor of being considered, as I am “the new kid on the block.”
And I also wondered a bit, because, this is not something I have ever done before, spoken at an interfaith gathering. Amazing, after 30 years in the job!
So, I am thankful and grateful for this opportunity, and I pray that I might do a worthy job.
As I prayed and named for myself this deep sense that “this is no ordinary opportunity,” I began to ponder,
• Why does it seem so very important?
• Why does this night seem different from other nights?
• I pause.
• I pray.
• I wait.
And then the blessed penny dropped… Ah the Spirit…
I thought...
Given the divisiveness and incivility of our recent public discourse -
Is it not a remarkable grace that we are gathered here?
Especially now!
This is a gathering that might not always be possible, allowed, safe, or surrendered unto,
in a world so often broken and divided?
Our shared communion here;
That that we choose to gather here;
That we congregate, way beyond mere civility;
That we gather in shared thankfulness,
• In song and psalm
• In wisdom and prayer
• That we gather across separateness and in communion
• That we are free to do so
This is actually a reality of Grace beyond thanksgiving. It is a wonder.
Look about this worship space. See each other.
I recall a dated aphorism…
“The medium is the message.”
This is important.
Modim, anachu lach.
For this moment in time we should indeed be awesomely grateful, and this truth calls me to consider that, tonight, perhaps, we should be seeking a deeper gratitude.
Touched as I was…
I needed to consider how, for me, for us, tonight's thankfulness might have its own unique particularity...
Perhaps a more pointed, additional thankfulness?
Is there something here, to be said, that is unique to the times?
I mean, in 2016 in Franklin, perhaps, something else that needs to be considered?
I recall our responsive reading...
Indeed we are thankful for...
Galaxies, humanity, freedom, ….
Here, I have a confession to make. I had considered that we might offer thanksgiving for Brussels sprouts on Thursday's thanksgiving table, but it occurred to me that Brussels sprouts might not be something for which we are all universally thankful.
We are thankful for...
Galaxies, humanity, freedom, ….
Food, nourishment...
Family, children, grandchildren...
For the tenacity of the human soul to strive to the limit for what is right,
For those who have sacrificed and those who have saved us into liberty.
Yet I find in our responsive reading, as I wondered, some words that do make this night different from others. I was touched by this particular thanksgiving.
“The Right to Choose.”
And this line guides me on.
• We have said that we are grateful for the right to choose.
• We have chosen to be here.
• We have self-selected.
• And therefore, we are called to take that right to choose with transcendent seriousness.
• We are thankful for the right and the freedom to choose how to behave.
• How to be godly and righteous.
• Modim Anachnu lach.
Here is my particular closing thought, for us in the here and now…
We are called to be grateful for the right
Indeed the obligation...
To choose, when we leave here, to offer ourselves back to this world in thanksgiving.
You see, I believe that all of us here are “touched people.”
I don't think we are accidentally present here across our differences.
We are blessed, touched, called to be here, to claim thanksgiving for our common blessedness, and to leave as agents of that thanksgiving across all that divides.
• Perhaps tonight we might to attend to that particular gratitude.
• The right to choose, to choose to be people of civility.
• And far more, to be people whose lives are grounded, beyond civility,
• grounded in thanksgiving,
• sustained in faithfulness,
• and united in a common intention, not only to be thankful, but to do thankful.
I believe that being here calls us to action.
I believe we are all here because, in the mysterious ways that wonder works we are all “touched” people.
I remember the demeaning use of that word from my youth. Someone who was “touched” was a little bit crazy. Well that's okay. Maybe we, the gratefully blessed, need to be willing to look foolish for that which is right!
I believe we evidence, by our very presence here, a particular calling, a responsibility to be thankful for our commissioning as those who demand that the world be a place of thanksgiving for all.
Let us be touched by this sacred responsibility to leave here to do thankfulness.
Let us leave here consciously, intentionally thankful, not just for material well being, not just for the spiritual grace, and the wisdom blessing our lives, but for the tasks of our lives, and I believe that task is to redeem the world to a place of thankfulness for all.
Thus we concluded our responsive reading with these words…"
“We pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes, not by our words but by our deeds.”
The full program for the service can be found here in individual files
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbEo1bFhnN2Q2ZDQ/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczY2ZNdmZlLTVONnM/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN053Ylp2THZJT3c/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUDNfdjZ0MllmQ2M/view?usp=sharing
The Rev. Deborah M. Woodward, Interim Priest at St John's Episcopal Church was honored to deliver the Thanksgiving message. I approached her afterward to see if she would share her talk with us and she gladly did so.
I do not normally do something like this but these are not normal times. You can read, share, and discuss Rev Woodward's message.
To you and your family, may your Thanksgiving be a good one!
---- ---- ----
The Title of this Message is “Modim Anachnu Lach” - (which from the Hebrew means, “We Thank You.”)
 |
| Modim Anachnu Lach” from Hebrew means, “We Thank You.” |
"As I begin, First, I wish you to know that I was deeply touched when I was invited, “thank you”, to offer this message.
I mean “touched” as in TOUCHED in bold capital letters, by the honor of being considered, as I am “the new kid on the block.”
And I also wondered a bit, because, this is not something I have ever done before, spoken at an interfaith gathering. Amazing, after 30 years in the job!
So, I am thankful and grateful for this opportunity, and I pray that I might do a worthy job.
As I prayed and named for myself this deep sense that “this is no ordinary opportunity,” I began to ponder,
• Why does it seem so very important?
• Why does this night seem different from other nights?
• I pause.
• I pray.
• I wait.
And then the blessed penny dropped… Ah the Spirit…
I thought...
Given the divisiveness and incivility of our recent public discourse -
Is it not a remarkable grace that we are gathered here?
Especially now!
This is a gathering that might not always be possible, allowed, safe, or surrendered unto,
in a world so often broken and divided?
Our shared communion here;
That that we choose to gather here;
That we congregate, way beyond mere civility;
That we gather in shared thankfulness,
• In song and psalm
• In wisdom and prayer
• That we gather across separateness and in communion
• That we are free to do so
This is actually a reality of Grace beyond thanksgiving. It is a wonder.
Look about this worship space. See each other.
I recall a dated aphorism…
“The medium is the message.”
This is important.
Modim, anachu lach.
For this moment in time we should indeed be awesomely grateful, and this truth calls me to consider that, tonight, perhaps, we should be seeking a deeper gratitude.
Touched as I was…
I needed to consider how, for me, for us, tonight's thankfulness might have its own unique particularity...
Perhaps a more pointed, additional thankfulness?
Is there something here, to be said, that is unique to the times?
I mean, in 2016 in Franklin, perhaps, something else that needs to be considered?
I recall our responsive reading...
Indeed we are thankful for...
Galaxies, humanity, freedom, ….
Here, I have a confession to make. I had considered that we might offer thanksgiving for Brussels sprouts on Thursday's thanksgiving table, but it occurred to me that Brussels sprouts might not be something for which we are all universally thankful.
We are thankful for...
Galaxies, humanity, freedom, ….
Food, nourishment...
Family, children, grandchildren...
For the tenacity of the human soul to strive to the limit for what is right,
For those who have sacrificed and those who have saved us into liberty.
Yet I find in our responsive reading, as I wondered, some words that do make this night different from others. I was touched by this particular thanksgiving.
“The Right to Choose.”
And this line guides me on.
• We have said that we are grateful for the right to choose.
• We have chosen to be here.
• We have self-selected.
• And therefore, we are called to take that right to choose with transcendent seriousness.
• We are thankful for the right and the freedom to choose how to behave.
• How to be godly and righteous.
• Modim Anachnu lach.
Here is my particular closing thought, for us in the here and now…
We are called to be grateful for the right
Indeed the obligation...
To choose, when we leave here, to offer ourselves back to this world in thanksgiving.
You see, I believe that all of us here are “touched people.”
I don't think we are accidentally present here across our differences.
We are blessed, touched, called to be here, to claim thanksgiving for our common blessedness, and to leave as agents of that thanksgiving across all that divides.
• Perhaps tonight we might to attend to that particular gratitude.
• The right to choose, to choose to be people of civility.
• And far more, to be people whose lives are grounded, beyond civility,
• grounded in thanksgiving,
• sustained in faithfulness,
• and united in a common intention, not only to be thankful, but to do thankful.
I believe that being here calls us to action.
I believe we are all here because, in the mysterious ways that wonder works we are all “touched” people.
I remember the demeaning use of that word from my youth. Someone who was “touched” was a little bit crazy. Well that's okay. Maybe we, the gratefully blessed, need to be willing to look foolish for that which is right!
I believe we evidence, by our very presence here, a particular calling, a responsibility to be thankful for our commissioning as those who demand that the world be a place of thanksgiving for all.
Let us be touched by this sacred responsibility to leave here to do thankfulness.
Let us leave here consciously, intentionally thankful, not just for material well being, not just for the spiritual grace, and the wisdom blessing our lives, but for the tasks of our lives, and I believe that task is to redeem the world to a place of thankfulness for all.
Thus we concluded our responsive reading with these words…"
“We pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes, not by our words but by our deeds.”
- Rev. Deborah M. Woodward, Interim Priest at St John's Episcopal Church
 |
| The cover of the program for the service |
The full program for the service can be found here in individual files
- Page 1
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbEo1bFhnN2Q2ZDQ/view?usp=sharing
- Page 2
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczY2ZNdmZlLTVONnM/view?usp=sharing
- Page 3
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN053Ylp2THZJT3c/view?usp=sharing
- Page 4
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUDNfdjZ0MllmQ2M/view?usp=sharing
Friday, November 4, 2016
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Nov 20
The Franklin Interfaith Council will hold its annual Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 20, at 7 p.m. at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street. This year Temple Etz Chaim is hosting the Service. Everyone is welcome, and all are invited to attend.
According to one Council member, "The Thanksgiving Service is one of the loveliest community events of the year." We gather together as people of many faiths to celebrate and give thanks for the countless blessings in our lives through readings, reflection, and special musical presentations.
One very special part of the Service is the opportunity to make a free-will offering to the Franklin Fuel Assistance Fund, which provides relief with winter heating costs to local families in need.
The Thanksgiving Service is meaningful to so many, and is a wonderful way to begin to the Holiday Season. The church, which is handicap accessible, has ample parking. Please join us.
According to one Council member, "The Thanksgiving Service is one of the loveliest community events of the year." We gather together as people of many faiths to celebrate and give thanks for the countless blessings in our lives through readings, reflection, and special musical presentations.
One very special part of the Service is the opportunity to make a free-will offering to the Franklin Fuel Assistance Fund, which provides relief with winter heating costs to local families in need.
The Thanksgiving Service is meaningful to so many, and is a wonderful way to begin to the Holiday Season. The church, which is handicap accessible, has ample parking. Please join us.
 |
| First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut Street |
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Franklin Federated Church to Host Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 22, 2015 – 7 pm
People of faith in the Franklin community have a long-standing tradition of gathering annually for an Interfaith Thanksgiving worship service. Sponsored by the Franklin Interfaith Council, this year’s Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday evening, November 22 at 7 pm at Franklin Federated Church.
Thanksgiving Service and Prayer
The Interfaith Thanksgiving service is a shared celebration and remembrance for the blessings in our lives for which we are grateful. The service is a wonderful occasion for people of various faith backgrounds to come together as an interfaith community to give thanks for the goodness in our lives and express our gratitude for God’s blessings.
The community gathers in worship to share some readings, reflections and prayers from Franklin’s clergy leaders and to enjoy special musical offerings by the Franklin Interfaith Choir. The service opens our eyes to the various faith communities within Franklin and reminds us of the religious freedom we enjoy in America.
The event also provides the opportunity to support Franklin’s Fuel Assistance program administered by the Interfaith Council. A free-will offering will be received to fund this important resource to help Franklin families pay their heating bills during the winter months.
As we express our thanks we also remember those within our community who are financially stressed and need a helping hand. Checks may be made payable to the Franklin Interfaith Council. Your generosity is encouraged!
Join with your fellow Franklinites of faith on Sunday evening, November 22nd to give thanks with a grateful heart. Amen.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Screening of Dalai Lama interview Dec. 11 at Franklin Federated
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 PM the public is invited to a special screening of an exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama that was conducted by theologian Lloyd Geering. The recording will be shown at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street.
The up-close and personal interview by the two spiritual scholars was the only interview given by the Dalai Lama during a 2013 visit to New Zealand.
The showing is being cosponsored by Franklin Federated Church and the Franklin Interfaith Council. There is no charge for admission but there will be a free will offering to benefit the Interfaith Council's fuel assistance fund.
 |
| Franklin Federated Church |
Tiffany Vail Miller
Communication Director
Franklin Federated Church
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Franklin Interfaith Council Service - Nov 24, 7:00 PM
The Interfaith Council of Franklin will be celebrating with our annual Thanksgiving Interfaith service - this Sunday - November 24th , 7pm. St. John's ( 237 Pleasant St ) will be hosting the service - and all houses of worship that are members of the council will be participating. There will be music, readings, prayers - with songs by our Interfaith Choir - all within an interfaith framework. People from all walks of life - people of faith and those with no faith affiliations are invited and welcome to share an hour or so of Thanksgiving with us. Plenty of free parking and refreshments will be served afterwards. Hope to see you there!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Franklin Interfaith Council Concert - Jun 9
The Franklin Interfaith Council invites all to join us as we celebrate music in faith. Choirs, soloists, instrumentalists from our houses of worship will perform in addition to the Interfaith Choir.
Refreshments will be served afterwards and all are welcome regardless of any faith affiliations. Please join us!
date: Sunday, June 9th
time: 6:00 PM
venue: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
address: 91 Jordan Street, Franklin
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Franklin Interfaith Council - Prayer Service - 7:00 PM
The Franklin Interfaith Council will host a Prayer Service at 7 PM on Wednesday, April 17th at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St. in Franklin. This communal service is for all who are still feeling shock and grief over the horrific events at the Boston Marathon and who would like to join their neighbors in the greater Franklin community in a time of fellowship and prayer. All are welcome. An offering will be taken to benefit The One Fund.
Friday, October 26, 2012
A Musical Thanskgiving
On Sunday Night, November 18th at 7:00 PM, the Franklin Interfaith Council (IFC) will sponsor a Musical Thanksgiving event at the handicapped accessible First Universalist Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin. The Interfaith Choir will perform as well as musicians from each house of worship. Admission is free but a plate will be passed for donations to the Council's Fuel Assistance Fund. Baked goods will be available at no charge.
The Franklin Interfaith Council's Fuel Assistance Fund is funded by donations made through the member houses of worship and collections made at Interfaith Council sponsored events. This fund provides fuel assistance, to those in need, in the form of payments to oil, gas, and electric companies. These payments ease the burden of local families experiencing financial difficulties.
The IFC is composed of Clergy and Lay Representatives from the various Franklin houses of worship and celebrates values common to all faiths. The Council sponsors various events and activities to benefit fuel assistance and other charitable causes. The IFC's website is franklininterfaithcouncil.org. The "Community Outreach" page has a secure "Donation Button" for credit card contributions to the Fuel Assistance Fund as well as request-for-help application instructions. The IFC may be contacted by email: fuelassistance@franklininterfaithcouncil.org
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
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