INTERFAITH CONNECTION

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
SEPTEMBER 2009
charitable, social and educational endeavors.

RAMADAN, PROCESSION SHARES AWARD

THIRD PILLAR OF ISLAM
Adapted from www.whyislam.org by Mustafa
Mohamedali, Interfaith Coordinator, Islamic Center
of Olympia and Interfaith Works Board Member
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar,
which began on August 22 this year, is known as
Ramadan. It begins with the new moon after which
all physically mature and healthy Muslims are
obliged to fast for the complete lunar month, as an
act of worship and obedience to Allah (God).
Between dawn and sunset, Muslims abstain from
all food, drink and any kind of sexual contact. In
addition to this physical component, the spiritual
aspects of the fast include an added emphasis on
purity of both thought and action while fasting.
Islam is a continuation of the religion of
Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon
them). Hence, it is not surprising to find references
to fasting in Judaism and Christianity. Other faiths
also enjoin fasting, as they recognize its spiritual
benefits. Fasting, universally known as a means of
gaining self-discipline and of gaining closeness to
God, is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. The
others are declaration of faith (Shahadah), prayer
(Continued on page 2)
WITH INTERFAITH WORKS
Perhaps you haven’t heard that one of Olym-
pia’s most amazing community events earned
national recognition last month. After reviewing
more than 50,000 American parades and pro-
cessions, Readers Digest chose Olympia’s
Procession of the Species as the Best in Amer-
ica. After learning of the honor, Director Eli
Sterling decided to celebrate the event with a
grand reception at the Procession Art Studio.
Not only did Mr. Sterling wish to celebrate the
recognition that the procession had received,
but he wanted to share that recognition with
other local organizations making a difference in
our community. To the great surprise and delight
of Interfaith Works staff and Board, Eli informed
us IW would be awarded the 2009 Culture
Sculpture Award at the August 6 reception.
Over two hundred invitees listened to music by
Scott Cossu and Jessica Blinn. The walls and
ceiling of the studio were covered with artwork
created for the procession; several artists
were on hand to explain or demonstrate tech-
niques of batik and luminary construction.
(Continued on page 6)

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

office@interfaith-works.org  (360) 357-7224  www.Interfaith-Works.org
Ramadan (Continued from page 1)
(Salah), charitable-giving (Zakah), and the
pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj). Fasting, together with
the other pillars, form the foundation of the faith. It
instills in the individual a feeling of closeness to
God, encouragement of humility, modesty and
spiritual discipline, refraining from bad habits, and
sharing time with family, friends and especially
fulfilling social obligations in terms of charitable
giving and doing good deeds at all times.
The breaking of the fast (known as Iftar) consists
of taking an odd number of dried dates, following
the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him). It is common to have one meal (known
as Suhoor), just before sunrise and another (Iftar),
directly after sunset. Ramadan strengthens the
community: Muslims invite one another for the Iftar
meals, share the Qur’an and the traditions of the
prophet thereby creating awareness and
friendship among neighbors, families and friends.
Many people also take Iftar to the mosque to
share with the community, especially the poor and
needy.
Fasting is mandatory for all Muslims from the
age of puberty who are physically and mentally
able. However, Islam does not place hardship on
those for whom the fast would be too difficult: The
sick and those traveling may defer their fast until
their illness or journey is over. Pregnant women
and nursing mothers may also postpone the fast.
The very old, those who have a permanent illness,
and the mentally ill are also excused from fasting.
The Islamic Center of Olympia frequently hosts
community leaders and members from other faith
traditions to break the fast together to raise
awareness and outreach in the local community.
The Center has the privilege of a visiting Imam Sh.
Awal who is a Hafiz originally from Ghana and will
be accompanied by our own Imam Sh. Twahiru
and other upcoming youth leaders in leading the
congregational and Friday prayers. Fund-raising
efforts will also be conducted during this month to
conclude the new mosque project which is nearing
completion.
The festival of Eid-al-Fitr, which marks the end of
Ramadan, will be described in next month’s issue.

WANTED:
Yummy desserts and interesting items or services for Interfaith Works Silent Auction
Fundraiser, to take place Saturday, October 10 at First Christian Church (7th and
Franklin) from 7:00—9:00 p.m.. The auction is silent but we won't be. Bring friends
and family for a fun evening of tasting desserts, socializing, and supporting the work and pro-
grams of Interfaith Works. We'll provide music and light beverages.
Do you have a favorite dessert you’d like to show off? We’d love to taste it! If you’d be willing to
contribute two identical desserts (one for tasting, one for auctioning), or artwork, guitar lessons, a
trip for two to Paris, or any other intriguing item, please contact Kathleen Peppard at 705-2527 or
kathleenjan@comcast.net. And be sure to save the date; October 10!

2
HOMELESS CENSUS SHOWS CRITICAL NEED FOR SHELTER
According to the January 2009 Homeless
Census, there are 257 more homeless
households, and 387 more homeless
individuals in our county than at the same time
last year.
The total number of homeless counted
in the census is 1016 individuals,
and 20% of those are children
under 17 years of age.
County school districts reported 806 children
enrolled in school were homeless. The number
one reason given for their homelessness was
the inability to pay rent or mortgage.
Salvation Army of Olympia announced last
month that effective August 1, they will no
longer offer shelter space to families. Families
already in residence will be allowed to stay for
the time originally agreed upon, but no longer.
That’s seven family rooms gone; about 35
beds no longer available to families.
Thank goodness for the new Summer
Overflow Shelter program made possible by
the partnership of Interfaith Works with Family
Support Shelter. Under the energetic
management of Phil Owen, the shelter has
been operating since June 1. And although
early use was low, word of the shelter spread
quickly. Presently, the shelter is filled to
capacity almost every night.
The summer program runs through October
31. The winter program will resume November
3
1. Thirteen local congregations currently host
and staff the Emergency Overflow Shelter;
some only in the winter, others both winter and
summer. Many of them host Camp Quixote as
well. Those congregations are providing a
tremendous service of compassion and should
be thanked at every opportunity. They are
 Community for Interfaith Celebration
 First Christian Church of Olympia
 First United Methodist Church
 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
 Lacey Presbyterian Church
 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
 Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
 St. John’s Episcopal Church
 St. Michael Catholic Parish
 Temple Beth Hatfiloh
 The United Churches of Olympia
 Westminster Presbyterian Church
 Westwood Baptist Church.
What about the other approximately 160
congregations in Thurston County? Certainly,
some do not have a facility that could be used,
but many do. And those who cannot provide a
site could still provide volunteer staff. If your
congregation is not already a participant in the
Overflow Shelter Program, summer or winter,
won’t you investigate the possibility of their
getting involved? If your congregation is willing
to contribute operating costs, provide a shelter
site, or provide volunteer hosts, please contact
Interfaith Works (360-357-7224) or Phil Owen
(360-754-9297 x 200).
 HOW UNITY OF OLYMPIA CALLED A NEW MINISTER
Diane Pieroni
Unity Church of Olympia is pleased to
announce our new minister, The Reverend
Deborah Olive. Her first Sunday with us will be
November 1, 2009. She has been an ordained
Unity Minister for 16 years and is coming from a
Unity Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The process of calling in the next minster at
Unity Church of Olympia began a year ago
when the “Hello Committee” first began to meet.
As part of the Association of Unity Churches we
received their guidance and a recommended
process to follow.
We were advised that it would be good to take
six months to a year before a choice should be
made. Our last Minister, Anna Joy Grace had
been with us for ten years and this time
between ministers allowed us time to let go, and
come to find out who we were after this long
and strong relationship.
The Association sent us a detailed packet to
complete. We spent time as a congregation
discerning what we wanted in our new minister
and getting clear about our vision of the future.
Completing all of the parts of the packet helped
us to come to know ourselves better. We saw
ourselves as a congregation with a solid
foundation and ready to become more involved
with our community.
When our packet was completed the
Association of Unity Churches posted the job
opening nationally. When it closed we had
received 18 applications from around the United
States. We requested a cover letter, completed
4
application, resume, responses to the essay
questions, and an audio/video tape of a sample
sermon. The Hello Committee evaluated each
applicant independently using a scoring system
and repeated this prayer through the process
and invited the congregation to join them.
Spirit lights our way and guides us in
ways that are right and good for
Unity of Olympia. We let go and let
the activity of Holy Spirit choose our
next minister and we give thanks.
Seven finalists were chosen for panel, phone
interviews. Three were chosen to come for an
interview weekend. We invited a couple, a
woman from Missouri and Deborah.
Each candidate sat with our Council of Trustees
for a formal interview, shared dinner with our
leadership, led our Sunday service with a
meditation and sermon and a workshop of their
choosing on Sunday afternoon! It was a very
busy weekend for all. Our congregation was
asked for their feedback showing their level of
support for each candidate. All were well
received and each had wonderful qualities. We
were proud to have drawn such great
possibilities. However it was clear to the
congregation, the Hello Committee, and Council
that Deborah Olive was the right and perfect
choice. As per our By-Laws the Council of
Trustees made the final choice which was
unanimous on the first vote.
Beginning’s are always exciting! We don’t know
exactly what is before us however we believe that
we have said yes to God and are ready to go!

WE ARE WOVEN TOGETHER
Kathleen McTigue (adapted)
We gather today as a diverse body of people from
many faith traditions.
We do not speak the same language of worship.
We follow different teachings,
made known to us by sacred voices and scriptures
through the ages.
We do not offer the same prayers,
nor do we even use the same word, or any word at
all,
to speak the name of God.
Nevertheless, we gather together in meetings, in
workshops,
sometimes in worship.
In our gathering, we honor and celebrate our
diversity.
We do not seek a unity that would deny our
differences.
We seek rather a deeper union, a union woven
through choice and intent,
through time and attention,
through respect and compassion,
until we recognize that we have become a whole
cloth,
a cloth made rich and textured and vibrant through
our differences.
Today, we sit at the loom,
and continue weaving that cloth, together.
(As read at a recent Interfaith Works Board of
Directors retreat).
5
ALL-SOULS CLASSES
The All-Souls Unitarian Universalist
Community, located at 6326 Martin
Way E, Suite 103 in Lacey, is offering
classes beginning in September.
In Search of the Soul 1:
I Am A Strange Loop
Begins Sunday, Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m.
What is the nature of thinking? How
is it related to our bodies? Our
brains? This class will explore the
book by Douglas Hofstadter, inves-
tigating the nature of human think-
ing and the soul. For information,
call 491-5861.
In Search of the Soul 2:
Freedom and Conscious Choice
Begins Monday, Sept. 7, 7-9 p.m.
What is the soul? The Self? Con-
sciousness? This series of classes
will investigate what contemporary
scientists and philosophers say
about these questions, and provide
ample opportunity for dialog. For
information, call 491-5861.
All Souls Chamber Choir
Begins Thurs., Sept. 10, 6-7:30 p.m.
Fred Wilson, All Soul’s new Music
Director, and Carlene Cloud, pian-
ist/accompanist extend a warm invi-
tation to all interested singers. Con-
tact frederickwwilson@aol.com.
 OUUC CLASSES FOR THE
ENTIRE COMMUNITY
The Olympia Unitarian Universalist
Congregation is offering a varied line up of 21
fall Adult Education classes, including:
Beyond Theology, Death with Dignity, Focus
on Artists, Contemplative Drumming, Myths
and Joseph Campbell, Low Carbon Diet
Ecoteams, Knitting-The Basics, Introduction to
Non-Violent Communication, The Story and
History of Witches, Personal Ecological
Autobiography Writing, Prayer Practice,
Meditation and more.
For a full listing of classes, view the brochure
on-line at www.ouuc.org/pages/adultRE.html
or call the church office at 360-786-6383 to
request a brochure be mailed.
Award (Continued from page 1)
Among the fea-
tured speakers
were Senator
Karen Fraser,
and Thurston
County Commis-
sioners Sandra
Romero and
Karen Valenzuela, who presented the Culture
Sculpture Award to Interfaith Works Executive
Director Kathy Erlandson. “Procession of the
Species and Interfaith Works have something
in common”, she responded. “Both are build-
ing community. And just as the procession
celebrates the diversity in the natural world,
Interfaith Works celebrates the diversity of
faith traditions in our community.”
6
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH:
DEDICATED TO THE HOMELESS
On Sunday, August 9, members of First Chris-
tian Church of Olympia dedicated much of their
newly redecorated lower level as shelter space
for the homeless. Pastor Mary Olney-Loyd’s ser-
mon, drawn from Ephesians 5, focused on the
admonition to be kind to one another, connecting
the scriptural charge to be tenderhearted and the
congregation’s devotion to serving the homeless.
Following the morning service, everyone gath-
ered in the shelter space for a prayerful dedica-
tion by Pastor Mary and words of praise and
congratulations from project chairperson Judy
Gregorius. Also on hand for the celebration were
Phil Owen, Homeless Outreach Coordinator for
Family Support Center, and Interfaith Works Ex-
ecutive Director, Kathy Erlandson.
Since Spring, congregational leaders have been
in negotiation with Phil about using the church
facility for the Summer Overflow Shelter. Now,
after weeks of clearing, cleaning, shuffling and
painting, five large rooms and several lavatories
are shiny-bright and ready for use. The Overflow
Shelter will be housed in the space for ten
weeks, August 7 – October 16, during which time
members of several other faith communities will
provide volunteer hosts. This arrangement is a
real blessing, as it alleviates the need to move
the shelter from site to site, as is done in winter.
Our whole community owes a debt of gratitude to
First Christian Church for their generosity and
commitment. Persons wishing to volunteer, or
contribute to the Summer Overflow Shelter,
should contact Phil Owen at 754-9297 x 200.
 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.

September 9 Good Food: Sustainable Food and Farming in the Pacific Northwest (DVD). Followed by a
Wednesday panel presentation and discussion with 3 local food organizations. Presented by Interfaith
7—9 pm Works Earth Stewards & Earth Care Catholics. Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia.
September 10 World Day of Prayer. 12 Hour Prayer Vigil. Unity of Olympia, 1335 Fern St SW. Drop-in
Thursday meditation 10-12, 1-5. Dancing 12-1. Dinner 5:30 ($5.00). Movie 6-8:30. Closing ceremony
9 am—9 pm 8:30. For schedule details, see http://www.unityofolympia.org/
September 12 Introduction to Centering Prayer. We need those times of prayer when we listen in si-
Saturday lence, not just with our ears, eyes and minds, but more with our hearts and whole being.
9:15 am-3 pm $50. Registration info: Priory Spirituality Center. 360-438-2595. www.stplacid.org.
September 13 Celebration: Interfaith. Building bridges of peace through understanding using music,
Sunday message and meditation. 2nd Sunday of the month. Unity of Tacoma, 2102 S 23rd St,
6:00 pm Tacoma, WA 98405. Info: 253-383-2684 or 253-226-1635.
September 14 The Northwest Detention Center and how you can help those inside. Join Lori Alward
Monday for a presentation on the west coast’s largest immigrant detention center located in Ta-
7-9 pm coma. Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2200 East End St NW.
September 25 30-hour Hospice Volunteer Training offered by Providence SoundHomeCare and Hos-
Friday + more pice The training takes place over three days and two evenings. For information and to
Call for times register, call Volunteer Coordinator Debe Edden at 360-493-4689.
September 26 19th Annual Thurston County AIDS Walk. Approximately 2 miles, begins at Sylvester
Saturday Park. Registration begins at 10 am; Walk begins at 11 am. Proceeds support AIDS/HIV
10 am prevention and care programs. Info and registration: www.olyaidswalk.com, 352-2375.
September 27 South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship Open Meeting. SSBPF includes members of
Sunday the local Buddhist community engaging in the Buddhist path of right action in regard to
3:30-5 pm working for peace, justice and social change. Location and info: Robert 357-2825.
October 10 A Tasteful Auction. A silent auction of exquisite desserts & other wondrous things. Light
Saturday refreshments. Live music. Scintillating conversation. Please come, and invite your friends.
7–9 pm First Christian Church (7th & Franklin). All proceeds to benefit Interfaith Works.
October 15-17 40-Hour Mediation Training with the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County;
and 22-24. training to be held in Downtown Olympia. For more information see http://
5-9; 8:30-5:30 www.mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155.
October 15 Clergy and Lay Leader Training to Help Returning Veterans. Free workshop about
Thursday issues facing our military families, such as TBI, suicide, drug abuse, divorce, PTSD. At St.
10 am—2 pm Matthews Lutheran Church, Renton. Lunch included. Contact DorisWaggoner@juno.com.

7
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Congratulations, TOGETHER!
Saturday, October 10,
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Celebrating 20 years of mobilizing Thurston
First Christian Church (7th and Franklin) County to prevent substance abuse and violence
through awareness, advocacy and action.
What’s happening?
 A silent auction of exquisite desserts
and other wondrous things Washington Interfaith Power & Light,
 Light refreshments part of a national movement that is 28 states
 Live music strong and growing, offers a number of ways for
faith communities to evaluate and reduce their
 Scintillating conversation energy consumption. It is led by Jews, Christians,
Muslims, Buddhists and other faithful individuals
Please come, and congregations across the state.
and invite your friends! To learn more, visit http://www.earthministry.org/
All proceeds to benefit Interfaith Works programs/waipl.