INTERFAITH CONNECTION

Interfaith Works promotes interfaith understanding,

and serves the community through
charitable, social and educational endeavors.

IW WELCOMES ISLAMIC CENTER

The Board of Directors of Interfaith Works is pleased to welcome the Islamic Center of Olympia
(Masjid Al-Nur) as our newest member faith community.
The Islamic Center of Olympia is the focus of religious, educational and social activities for the
Muslim community in Olympia. During the early 1980s, members of the Cham Muslim community
from Cambodia relocated here and established a temporary structure that has served local
Muslims well beyond its time and capacity. In the ensuing years, the community has attracted
many Muslims from over twenty-five different ethnicities plus a growing number of converts.
The Cham community donated a 2-acre piece of prime real estate to build a more permanent
Islamic Center to serve the community’s needs. That center is currently under construction. It will
be used for religious, educational and social activities for the Muslim community of Olympia and
the surrounding area.
Olympia Muslims have for some time engaged in programs of outreach and relationship-building
with a number of other local faith communities, and have recently celebrated the Sacred Season
of Sukkoth & Shabbat with the Jewish community of Temple Beth Hatfiloh. Leaders and other
members of the Islamic Center have participated in a number of Interfaith Works programs as
well. Imam Mohamad Joban, who has since relocated to the Seattle area, took part in several
interfaith prayer events and the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration. In 2006, children of
the mosque sang at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, and they will do so again on
November 23, 2008. Other members have been active in the formation and growth of Puget
Sound Interfaith Youth Camp. And this past summer, Imam Twahiru served as Islamic faith leader
at the camp.
Our community is blessed by the diversity and the community-mindedness of the Islamic Center
of Olympia. And IW is certainly enriched by their membership and participation.

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, PO Box 1221, Olympia WA 98507

(360) 357-7224 * InterfaithWorks@comcast.net * www.interfaith-works.org
Issue No. 2008-11

November 2008, p. 1
 THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
by Luther Smith
We are having a Celebration! It's our 25th annual
Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration. The theme this
year is Giving Thanks: A Presentation by Many
Faith Traditions. We will hear from a diverse group
of faith representatives in poetry and music, singing
and instrumentals, expressing how their faith tradition
shows gratitude for the many blessings they receive.
The event will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian
Church, 1925 Boulevard Rd SE, in Olympia on
Sunday, November 23, 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Free-will offerings given at the celebration will be
shared by Interfaith Works and GRuB (Garden Raised
Bounty). Both organizations bring great benefit to the
Thurston County area, one by tilling the spiritual soil to
expand our understanding of the diverse peoples and
faiths of our community, the other by tilling the physical
soil to grow fruits and vegetables for those in need.
GRuB grows inspired, self-confident, and community-
minded youth through educational and employment
opportunities, helps low-income families to help
themselves by building raised-bed gardens at their
homes, and improves the quality of life and nutrition of
low-income seniors through
therapeutic garden programs.
Children are welcome at this
interfaith celebration.
Presentations are short and
varied. Children’s and
adult choirs, vocal soloists
as well as instrumental
soloists, prose and poetry,
will all resound together as
expression of our gratitude.
You are invited to bring non-perishable food donations
for the Thurston County Food Bank.
So come, bring food if you can, and celebrate together
the richness of our blessings!
November 2008, p. 2
PEER-TO-PEER
EDUCATION COURSE
submitted by Eleanor van Noppen
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Education Course is a nine
week, two hours per week, course. The topic is
recovery for any person with a serious mental
illness.
The course is designed to offer an opportunity
for growth to ANY individual who experiences
mental illness. Carlene, Eleanor and Katy, a
team of trained “mentors” or Peer-teachers, will
present the classes. They are experienced at
living well with mental illness.
NAMI’s Peer-to-Peer Education Course is
offered FREE OF CHARGE. Although your
mentors are members of Thurston/Mason
NAMI, you do not need to be a member of
NAMI to take Peer-to-Peer.
WHEN: Every Wednesday from January 21
through March 25, 2009. Class will be from
1:30-3:30 in the afternoon.
WHERE: In Lacey on the Intercity Transit bus
line #62. It is near Carpenter and Martin Way.
FOR INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER: Call
360-455-4277, you may leave your name,
address and phone number. An application will
be sent to you. Return application to the
Thurston/Mason NAMI office, address below.
This application and a brief telephone interview
are required to take the class. No new students
will be accepted after the first class. All
information is CONFIDENTIAL.
4305 Lacey Blvd, Suite #28, Lacey WA 98503
(360) 493-6021 Helpline (360) 866-0403
Website www.namitm.org
email namitm@live.com
 ENHANCING EARTH CARE IN OUR FAITH COMMUNITIES: FOOD
by Leslie Romer
At the Earth Care meeting on
September 22, one of the most
popular topics for discussion was
food.
Our presenter on the subject was Cy Englert, South
Sound representative for the North West Earth
Institute. He spoke about the key food issues
covered in the Institute’s newest discussion
program: “Menu for the Future.” These issues tie
closely with both environmental justice and earth
stewardship. With major holidays looming on our
calendars, this seems an appropriate topic for this
month’s newsletter.
In our small group discussions, we talked about the
broader impact of our food choices, our successes
and our challenges. We recognized that eating
non-organic foods means that farm workers have a
greater chance of experiencing chemical hazards in
their workplaces. We recognized that eating foods
that are out of season or not grown locally means
that they must travel a long distance, and thus use
more energy resources for their transport (and
contributes more to Global warming) than locally
grown foods. Fresher food is often better for our
health, as well. We recognized that experts may
not agree on whether organic foods are healthier
for us to eat, but organic foods are definitely
healthier for the Earth to produce. And we
recognized that meat requires much more energy
to produce than vegetables, and thus also
contributes to Global Warming.
Here are the food choices participants identified as
supportive of a Healthier Earth:
• Read labels to learn where your food comes
from and what the ingredients are.
• Shop for locally grown/raised foods and locally
grown/raised organic foods at your nearest
Farmers Market.
• Subscribe to a Community Supported
Agriculture program – pre-pay for a weekly bag
of produce from a local organic farm. Eggs,
poultry and meat can also be purchased this
way.
• Choose more organic foods.
• Buy food at the local Food Coop.
• Buy bulk foods.
• Eat seasonally
• Buy seasonally and preserve for eating in other
seasons.
• Eat less meat.
• Purchase meat that has been grown locally.
• Have a home organic garden and practice water
conservation.
• Buy Fair Trade/ Organic/ Shade Grown coffee
for your faith community
• When feeding the homeless, include organic,
locally grown, fresh food.
• Serve healthy homemade treats.
• Reduce waste in your faith community through
recycling, and food composting or a worm bin.
• Have a “Menu for the Future” discussion class
in your faith community.
November 2008, p. 3
 THANKS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - by Kathy Erlandson
For a little nonprofit organization, Interfaith Works plays a big role in our community. Together we accomplish a lot!
And as executive director, I want to say “Thanks!” to everyone who makes it possible.
Thanks to the IW Board of Directors for the energy, professionalism, encouragement & dedication they bring:
Richard Miles Kasey Carter Susan Apt Marge Johnson Kathleen Peppard Rich Young
Thanks to our member organizations for their tremendous support through leadership, spiritual guidance, provision
of volunteers, space for meetings and events, and financial contributions:
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Community St. Benedict's Episcopal Church
Bahá'í Assembly of Olympia St. Ephrem Orthodox Mission
Bahá'í Assembly of Thurston Co. East St. John's Episcopal Church
Center for Spiritual Awakening St. Michael Catholic Parish
The Community for Interfaith Celebration Temple Beth Hatfiloh
Community of Christ Temple Lien Hoa
Congregation B'nai Torah Tumwater United Methodist Church
First Christian Church The United Churches of Olympia
First Church of Christ, Scientist Unity Church of Olympia
First United Methodist Church of Olympia Westminster Presbyterian Church
Friends Meeting of Olympia CROP Walk of Thurston County
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Dispute Resolution Center
Islamic Center of Olympia Fern Haven Center
Lacey Community Church Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation
Lacey Presbyterian Church The Priory Spirituality Center
The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd Providence Spiritual Care Network
The Nalanda Institute South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation Thurston County Ministries in Higher Education
St. Andrew's United Methodist

Thanks to our PC delegates for their dedicated participation in monthly meetings, program committees, & events:
Juanita Anderson Wayne Gruen Pat Lisoskie Vonnie Tallon
Cherie Berthon George Hinkel Carol McKinley Roger Tanquist
Jeremy Clarke Steffe Jewell Tom McLain Connie Walker
Alan Corwin Terry Kirkpatrick Pat Perry Wendy Wilson
Leslie Edwards-Hill Tia Kremer Dan Ryan Stacy Winokur
Sr. Monika Ellis Jeanette Larson Jim Shulruff
Barbara Gibson Larry Larson Luther Smith
Jeanne Gordner Lorna Linden Scott Stevens

Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who participate in Community Meditation & Prayer for Global Peace, Interfaith
Expressions, Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, Legislative Chaplains, 'Perspective' column, Study Circles for
Interfaith Dialogue, World Sacred Music Festival, Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp, Emergency Overflow
Shelter, Moments of Blessing, Thurston County Crop Walk, Interfaith Connection, Annual Meeting, fundraising, and
more.
Thanks to the many individuals who also support IW financially. And thanks to our readers, and everyone who
cares about this wonderful organization. Together we are doing great things. Happy holidays to you!

November 2008, p. 4
 HAVE YOUR CAKE & EAT IT TOO!
With prices rising everywhere, do you find yourself torn between
family recreation, gifts, and charitable giving? IW can help you do
both. Buy tickets for yourself and others to the Olympia Jazz
Senators Holiday Benefit Concert.
Tickets make wonderful gifts. Your purchase would help the
environment by not using wrapping paper, which wastes valuable
resources and clogs the landfill. You’d get to enjoy live music by
local performers, and you would be supporting Interfaith Works.
Voila! Problem solved.
The concert is at 7 p.m. Friday, December 5, at SPSCC’s Kenneth
J. Minnaert Center, and tickets are $20 general, $15 for low-income.
Buy tickets now! Advance tickets are now available at Traditions Fair Trade, and online at
www.buyolympia.com or directly from IW by calling 357-7224.

HOLIDAY SERVICE OF SEEKING SACRED ART

REMEMBRANCE
Interfaith Works is seeking submissions of sacred
submitted by Jean Holbrook, Unity of Olympia
artworks for the March 7, 2009, World Sacred
The holidays are filled with all kinds of traditions Music Festival. This year, art will be displayed
and activities meant to inspire joyful from March 6 through March 15 in the art gallery at
celebration. They’re filled with singing and SPSCC’s Minnaert Center for the Arts.
feasting, parties and family gatherings. It’s hard to
Congregations and individuals are invited to submit
celebrate, though, if the heart is grieving and
works of sacred art in any media or form, to be
weighted with the loss of a loved one, a special
considered for this very special exhibit. These may
relationship, a job or even a beloved pet.
be original works submitted by the artist, or other
Recognizing how difficult it can be to enjoy the works owned by individuals or congregations.
holidays with a heavy heart, Unity of Olympia
To submit art for consideration, download the
lovingly and warmly invites the community to
application from www.olysacredmusic.org Fill
experience this uplifting service specifically
out a separate application for each work of art.
designed to support those in grief. Don’t miss
Deadline for submissions is January 5, 2009. Send
this unique opportunity to make your holidays more
the completed form either by e-mail to
than you thought they could possibly be.
interfaithworks@comcast.net or by USPS mail to
December 7, 2008 Interfaith Works, WSMF, PO Box 1221, Olympia
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. WA 98507.
Unity Church of Olympia
1335 Fern Street SW, Olympia
360-943-5757

November 2008, p. 5
 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Interfaith Works is pleased to announce some of the activities and events of our members and cooperating
organizations; IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details & events at www.interfaith-works.org
The IW Program Council meets at Temple Beth Hatfiloh (8th & Washington,
November 18
downtown Olympia) to plan and execute the programs and projects of Interfaith
Tuesday
Works. (No meeting in December; following meeting January 20.) All interested
7 - 9 p.m.
persons are invited. For details, call Interfaith Works at 357-7224.
November 23 Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration: Enjoy music and poetry from different faiths,
Sunday showing how they give thanks; at Westminster Presbyterian Church (1925 Boulevard
2:30 p.m. Rd SE, Olympia). See p.2 “Thanksgiving Celebration” & visit IW’s website for more.
December 4
Washington Association of Churches Annual Dinner & Celebration at Seattle University.
Thursday
For details, see the ad on p. 8, visit www.thewac.org or call Amanda at 206-625-9790.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
December 5 Free Concert – The Gary Scott and Joe Baque Jazz Duo promise a stellar performance at
Friday First Christian Church (7th and Franklin). Both Gary and Joe are jazz greats in their own
Noon – 1 p.m. right. Free coffee and cookies at 11:30 a.m. See p.7 “Fridays at the First” for details
December 5 The Olympia Jazz Senators perform Duke Ellington's Nutcracker at SPSCC's K. J.
Friday Minnaert Center for the Arts as a benefit for Interfaith Works. Come enjoy big band
7 p.m. jazz while supporting IW. Details on p. 5 “Have Your Cake & Eat It Too!”
December 9 IW newsletter deadline
Tuesday Deadline for articles, calendar items, and ads for the December IW newsletter
12 noon (coming out about December 16).
December 10 All are welcome to meetings of IW's Earth Stewardship Committee in the library at
Wednesday First Christian Church (7th & Franklin, Olympia) -- 2nd Wednesday of most months.
12 noon For details, please contact Leslie Romer at LeslieHR@aol.com or 357-7638.
December 12 Free Concert Brianna Kramer, mezzo-soprano, brings her unmatched artistry to vocal
Friday classics and contemporary selections, at First Christian Church (7th and Franklin). Free
Noon – 1 p.m. coffee and cookies at 11:30 a.m. See p.7 “Fridays at the First” for details.
December 13 Lament and Praise in Advent - Explore and practice the prayer of deep faith which cries out
Saturday to God in distress. Register by December 5. $50. Call The Priory Spirituality Center at 438-
9:15a.m.- 3p.m. 2595 or visit www.stplacid.org for details on this and other Priory programs.
December 14 Sacred Harp Singing at Traditions Café (5th & Water, downtown Olympia). Denson edition
Sunday singing. 2nd Sunday most months. Visit http://pnwshs.org/ or call Glen Buschmann (360)
4-6 p.m. 352-9009 with any questions.
December 19 Free Concert – First Christian Church (7th and Franklin, Olympia). Kippy Lou Scott will wow
Friday us again in this encore appearance with her enchanting harp and captivating performance.
Noon – 1 p.m. Free coffee and cookies at 11:30 a.m. See p.7 “Fridays at the First” for details

November 2008, p. 6
Unity of Olympia is accepting donations for the
Salvation Army Christmas Food Baskets. You may PAID AD
drop off non-perishable food from 9 to 5 Monday
through Friday through Dec. 2, 2008. 1335 Fern Lacey Community Church
Street SW, Olympia, 360-943-5757
Christmas Cookie Sale
FRIDAYS AT THE FIRST & Fair Trade Bazaar
First Christian Church invites everyone to their
series of free concerts in their church at 7th & Saturday, December 6
Franklin, downtown Olympia on Fridays at 12 noon. 10:00am till 2:00pm
Each concert is preceded by free coffee and
cookies at 11:30. Choose your favorite homemade cookies…
Dec. 5 - The Gary Scott and Joe Baque Jazz Dozens of varieties!
Duo promise a stellar performance! Both Gary and Come early for best selection…
Joe have played with big-name bands and singers
and are jazz greats in their own right. Shop for Fair Trade foods and crafts…
Dec. 12 - Brianna Kramer, mezzo-soprano, brings
her unmatched artistry to vocal classics and Enjoy lunch while you shop…
contemporary selections. She shares her heart and
Lacey Community Church
touches ours.
4501 19th Ave SE
Dec. 19 - Kippy Lou Scott will wow us again in this Lacey, WA
encore appearance with her enchanting harp and 360-491-1741
captivating performance. Definitely a “don’t miss”
season finale! Call for information or directions.

For more details, email ccfirst@qwestoffice.net, visit

www.firstchristianolympia.org or phone 943-8025.

SUPPORT THE INTERFAITH WORK

We appreciate your one-time gift or monthly contribution, no matter the amount.
I would like to support the programs and activities of Interfaith Works

Amount of Gift:______________ ( ) one-time ( ) monthly _____Please send information about affiliate membership
Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: same as on reverse? _____________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Phone:___________________ E-mail:_______________________________________________________________
Please include this form and make checks payable to Interfaith Works, PO Box 1221, Olympia WA 98507.
Your gift to Interfaith Works, a 501(c)3 organization, is deductible as allowed under federal tax law.

November 2008, p. 7
 PAID ADS

www.shortstaylodgings.com

OLYMPIA CHORAL SOCIETY

♫♫ ♪ ♫♪ ♪ ♫♫
FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT
“Light and Joy”
Fri, Sat, December 12-13 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 14 at 2 PM
North Thurston Performing Arts Center
600 Sleater-Kinney Road in Lacey, north of Martin Way
Director: Terry Shaw
Website: www.olympiachoral.org Phone: 360-705-6462

For information about running a $10 ad, contact InterfaithWorks@comcast.net or 357-7224

Non-Profit Org.
Interfaith Works U.S. Postage
PO Box 1221 PAID
Olympia WA 98507 Permit No. 325
Olympia, Wa 98501

Return service requested

November 2008, p. 8