We are happy to send our newsletter to anyone who wants it. We also realize that some people who once wanted our newsletter might later decide that they no longer want to receive it. If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please notify us at 360-357-7224 or InterfaithWorks@comcast.net
(thank you to the Olympia FOR newsletter for modeling this wording!)
The community calendar and bulletin board has its own web page on our site so we can update it between newsletters.
NEXT NEWSLETTER — JANUARY
The deadline for the next newsletter is 12 noon on Tuesday, January 8. If you have ideas for articles, announcements, or other newsletter items, let us know or just email them to us at InterfaithWorks@comcast.net. Thank you!
Also, please let us know if you, someone else, a faith community or another organization would like to receive a copy of our monthly newsletter, either by U.S. mail or by email.
TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!
Just as our personal expenses keep rising, so do the costs of operating the many valuable programs of Interfaith Works. Your financial support can help IW, not only to meet rising costs, but to expand and improve existing programs, and to develop new ones. Together we can do it! There are a number of ways that you can support the ongoing work of Interfaith Works. Which one is right for you?
Encourage your congregation to increase their support of IW's programs.
Use GoodSearchas your default online search engine, and tell others! Every search earns one cent for IW. Visit www.goodsearch.com or call the IW office for help setting it up.
Pledge to make a monthly contribution of $5 or $10 or more. IW will send you envelopes for mailing your contributions.
Designate IW as recipient of your State Employees Combined Fund contribution. Designate CFD # 316251.
IT’S BAAACK!
Wow! IW’s fourth annual Olympia World Sacred Music Festival is just around the corner. In its original incarnation as an all-day festival, it is coming to the Minnaert Center for the Arts (at South Puget Sound Community College) on Saturday, March 8.
The 2008 program will include three stages, fourteen separate performances and six participatory workshops, eighteen performance groups and close to 200 performers! Performances begin at 11:00 a.m. and wind up with the grand finale, Shabava, at 8:20 p.m. Shabava, an ensemble of three musicians who play a fusion of classical Persian, Indian, Turkish, and North African music, received rave reviews from the audience at the 2007 short program festival. Another highlight of the program will be The Olympia Jazz Senators Big Band performing the Duke Ellington Sacred Concerts, joined by a choir of one hundred voices.
Visit the festival website www.olysacredmusic.org to learn about the other wonderful performers in the schedule, and to see lots of pictures of artists and past festivals. And save the date: March 8, 2008!
Contact the Interfaith Works office about running a $10 ad. Ads are approximately 3"x2" and are run subject to approval and space available. Payment and ad copy are due by 12 noon on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, for publication on or about the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Interfaith Works is scheduling clergy/faith community leaders to offer opening prayer for the House of Representatives during the 2008 Legislative Session (January 14 - March 13 or later). Details will be available at www.interfaith-works.org/legischaps.html
Clergy/faith community leaders are also invited to write Perspective columns for the Daily Olympian, published on Saturdays. The IW office will soon be scheduling for 2008 dates. Guidelines will be available at www.interfaith-works.org/Perspective.html.
The 2007 Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration was a huge success. The 300 or so people attending the event enjoyed 11 presentations on the theme of Earth Gratitude and raised almost $900, which was split between the Nancy Hoff Memorial Housing Assistance Fund and Garden Raised Bounty (GRuB). In his thank you, Blue Peetz of GRuB observed that the money they received could build a family a garden in their Kitchen Garden Project or employ a youth for 3 weeks with their program. May next year’s celebration (on Sunday, November 16, 2008) be even better!
NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR FURNITURE BANK
The Furniture Bank of Thurston County can now be reached at 705-1756. They have a long list of people (including flood victims) waiting for furniture. Donated furniture must be GENTLY USED – clean, no stains, no rips, no peeling paint and no odors. They accept beds, dressers, sofas, chairs, dining tables and dining chairs, and will pick up your items. If you have any questions, please call Donna Kelly at The Furniture Bank at 705-1756.
NEIGHBORHOOD FREE MEDICAL CLINIC RELOCATES
by Jane Jones, Executive Director
After almost four years of operation in our home at Lacey Presbyterian Church, the Neighborhood Free Medical Clinic (NFMC) will be launching from the safety and comfort of our nest to move operations to downtown Olympia. A little more than a year ago we were invited into conversation with the Olympia Union Gospel Mission (OUGM) to discuss the opportunity to occupy vacant space in their building downtown. This move would mean that the NFMC and their Community Dental Clinic would be better prepared to work together in serving the uninsured, and it would mean that many of our patients would benefit from such close proximity to the downtown transit center. The OUGM is generously remodeling space for us previously occupied by Labor Ready at 413 Franklin Street; the latest word is that the remodel should be complete in mid-January. Stay tuned for more info to come, announcing when our new address and move will be official. Once we are settled we will make plans to open a second clinic session during the week to supplement the Tuesday night clinic we have had since opening in March 2004. The NFMC remains a dedicated mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Thanks to all the faithful and generous individuals and faith communities who support the work of the NFMC in providing no-cost medical care, referral services and medications to the uninsured in our community. For those interested in serving with us or supporting the clinic in some way, please feel free to contact us at (360) 459-7200 or visit our website at www.nfreemc.org
INTERFAITH LIBRARY
Have you ever been invited to attend a church, temple or mosque other than your own, and weren’t quite sure how to dress, or how to act? Interfaith Works has just the book for you: How To Be A Perfect Stranger. Have you ever wondered what The Book of Mormon is all about? You could borrow one from Interfaith Works and find out.
Interfaith Works has a small but growing interfaith library. There are copies of the Qur’an, and the Tanakh; books about feminist theology, Islam, Christian Science, and more. There are books of devotional readings, peace quotes, and religion and public life.
If you are looking for an interfaith resource, maybe we have it. Phone the office and ask! We’ll be glad to lend you a book. And if you have a book you’d like to contribute to the interfaith library, please let us know; donations would be gladly accepted!
HELP IN FLOOD RECOVERY
by Pat Perry
There is an overwhelming desire in the community to help the flood victims. But many are not sure how to be sure that their money is well spent and goes 100% directly to those in need.
Anyone who would like to donate and know that all of their donation is going to direct relief can send checks, gift cards from Safeway, gas, Target, etc. to
Chief Chip Elliott
177 Chandler Road
Chehalis, Washington 98532.
The Doty/Dryad Fire Station Command Center, in Lewis County, is in the heart of those hit the hardest. It's the hub of all communication--who needs what and where. Chief Elliott and Pastor Dave are committing every waking hour to getting needed supplies and volunteers to those who are devastated and without transportation (vehicles buried in mud). It's a place where all can come for help. There is a valiant community spirit, determined to get through this disaster. The sad, brave and heart-warming stories are endless.
If you would like to volunteer skills or supplies for the rebuilding efforts, please contact Chris Phelps at 360-219-6622, a contractor helping to restore and rebuild.
Questions? Call Pat Perry at 360-866-1289.
WASTE FREE HOLIDAYS -
PART OF GOOD EARTH STEWARDSHIP
Do you realize that Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than at other times? The added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons add up to an additional 1 million tonsof waste each week. That’s a lot of garbage!
This year, consider doing something a little different -- give the gift of experience. Treat someone to a dinner out or a live theater performance. Or maybe give coupons for babysitting, yard work, or other services that show you care enough to give of your time, not just your money. Bake a tasty treat. Consider wrapping gifts inside re-useable containers such as cookie tins, flower pots or baskets.
For lots more ideas, and for lists of Thurston County businesses offering discounts on waste free gifts through the holidays, visit the Waste Free Holidays website at www.co.thurston.wa.us/holiday/index.htm
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
On behalf of the Board and membership of Interfaith Works, thank you to all the volunteers whose efforts have made our 2007 events and programs so successful!
Ruth Abad, Susan Alexander, Elise Anderson, Susan Apt, Elizabeth Bachman, Dickie Baker, Katy Baker, Naomi Baresel, Barry Beattie, Nathan Blood, Shannon Blood, John Bowden, Maryln Brady, Barbara Breslin, Diane Butler, Alex Callender, Kathy Carlson, Kasey Carter, Billie Clark, Pat Collins, Alan & Robin Corwin, Iris Crain, Darla, Rod Davis, Dave Devoe, Doug Drees, Joan Drittenbas, Leslie Edwards-Hill, Janette Egan, Ruth Elder, Sr. Monika Ellis, Jim & Kathy Erlandson, Maggie Foran, Rosemary Frady, John Gerth, Barbara Gibson, Cheri Gonyaw, Jeanne Gordner, Governor Christine Gregoire, Barbara Gross, Becky Grossmann, Dave Groves, Wayne & Carol Gruen, Ben Guss, Diems & Hatty & Dever Haffner-Ratliffe, Ruth Haines, Kattie Harden, LaVon Hardison, Rob Harper, Billy & Dena Harris, Peter Harris, Hilari Hauptman, Tom & Betty Hill, Ramona & Dick Hinkle, Marguerite Holcomb, Bob & Jean Holz, Janice Holz, Terry Huston, Deacon Tony Irving, Jin Chul Jeon, Steffe Jewell, David Johnson, Zula Johnston, Sarah & Maya Jolley, David Kindle, Terry & Jeanne Kirkpatrick, Tahitia Kremer, Fred LaMotte, Barbara Lantz, Jeanette & Larry Larson, Lydia Beth Leimbach, Dave Lewis, Kyle Linden, Lorna Linden, Tom Linden, Pat Lisoskie, Dan Locke, Richard Lopez, Robert Lovitt, Lowell, Eileen MacKenzie-Sullivan, Nancy Mackin, Merry Magee, Merry Magie, Sr. Mimi Maloney, Larry McCallum, Richard McCartan, Carol McKinley, Tim McKinley, Elsa & Tom McLain, Riley McLaughlin, Miles, Sue Montgomery, Kat O'Kelly, Daisy Ouye, Jim Parker, Debby Pattin, Kathleen Peppard, Pat Perry, Nancy Powers, Ralph Provencal, Pam Rader, Mark Rambo, Ceuson Ratliffe, Louise Robbins, Sr. Dorothy Robinson, Lynne Ruth, Dan Ryan, Doree Schuna, Jennifer Sheehan, Elizabeth Siegel, Aline Smith, Luther Smith, W. J. Smith, Blaine Snow, Jan Spiller, William Stentz, Scott Stevens, Phil Stutzman, Vonnie Tallon, Roger Tanquist, Tim Tayne, Nancy Torres, John & Marjorie Twelves, Judith Upton, Norma Upton, Eleanor Van Noppen, Marijke van Roojen, Connie Walker, Jo Ann Warner, Wendy Wilson, Stacy Winokur, Rich Young, Arieal Zaslav, Radio Watch, Girl Scout Troop 406, Olympia Highlanders, Salvation Army, Senior Services of South Sound, St. Placid Priory
We thank all the people who presented at our 2007 Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration, representing the following faith communities:
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Community
Bahá'í Community of Thurston County
Center for Spiritual Awakening
Community for Interfaith Celebration
Congregation B'nai Torah
First Christian Church
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Community
St. Andrew's United Methodist Church
St. Benedict's Episcopal Church
Temple Beth Hatfiloh
The United Churches of Olympia
Unity Church of Olympia
We thank all the hosts, coordinators, movers, and laundry volunteers who participated in Interfaith Works’ Emergency Overflow Shelter in 2007, which was held at the following faith communities:
Community for Interfaith Celebration
First Christian Church
First United Methodist Church of Olympia
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Lacey Presbyterian Church
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
St. John's Episcopal Church
St. Michael Catholic Church
The United Churches of Olympia
Westwood Baptist Church
Please let us know if we have inadvertently left off anyone’s name — we appreciate everyone’s contributions.
Thank you all!
GUEST ROOMS NEEDED
Do you have a guest room you’d be willing to open to a guest from out of town for just a night or two? The Statewide Poverty Action Network will provide transportation and meals for several people of low income to come to Olympia and share their stories with lawmakers. Those people will need a place to stay. Would you help?
The Statewide Poverty Action Network (SPAN) works to ensure everyone in Washington State is able to meet their basic needs and have opportunities to prosper. They strive to find real policy solutions to the root causes of poverty. Bringing real people to tell legislators their stories of living in poverty is an effective way to convince lawmakers of the need for change. But bringing people in from Omak, Walla Walla, Goldendale or wherever is expensive. SPAN would like to find a few people who have a spare bedroom they would offer for a few nights during the legislative session (January -March). Hosts would have no responsibility for meals or transportation, just a place to sleep for the night. If you can help, please call Jim Morris in Olympia (360) 915-6577. For more on the Statewide Poverty Action Network, check out their website at www.povertyaction.org.
DONOR RECOGNITION
We thank all of our generous donors, whose financial support in 2007 helped make our work possible.
Laura Abernathy, Frederick & Mary Jane Adair, C. Ames, Glen Anderson, Ann Aubuchon, Clyde & Elizabeth Bachman, Dickie Baker, Barbara Baldwin, Shannon Beigert, Trina & Scott Bishop, B. Jean Black, Dorothy Blanchard, Kathryn Blocher, Shannon Blood, Connie Bond, Judith Bouffiou, Bonita & Paul Bourgault, Karen & George Bray, Carol Britton, Jim Cammack, Helen Carlson, Peggy Carmichael, Annie Clay, Maureen Cleary, Patricia Collins, Robert Cook, Alan & Robin Corwin, Jana Dean, Dee Dick, Edith Downing, Joan Drittenbas, Leslie Edwards-Hill, Jared Erlandson, Kathy Erlandson, Bonnie Evans, Eve Fagergren, Rosemary Frady, Jim Fulton, Barbara Gibson, Jeanne Gordner, Kris Graap, Barbara Gross, Wayne & Carol Gruen, Linda Gunnells, Elie Halpern, Edward & Muriel Hastings, Ronald Hertel, Dick & Ramona Hinkle, Sheldon Hoffman, Marguerite Holcomb, Jean & Robert Holz, Lynne Holz, Brian Hovis, Sunny Hughes, Steffe Jewell, Joanne & Leland Johnson, Kip Johnson, Sharon Johnson, Zula Johnston, Tom & Samara Joldersma, Heather Jurow, Marie Kahler, Isabel & John Keeffe, Donna & John Keith, Susan Kibbey, Cornelia Kirkpatrick, John Kramer, Barbara Lantz, Jeanette & Larry Larson, Patrick & Marilyn LaViollette, Patricia Lazar, Raven Lidman, Theresa Lilley, Lorna Linden, Karen Lohmann, William Lynch, Sara & Bob Lyon, J. Paul Malmberg, Mimi Maloney, Billie Mazzei, Bob & Jerri McCoy, Margie McGinley, Carol McKinley, Tom & Elsa McLain, Riley McLaughlin, Karen Merchain, Alice Miles, Barbara Monda, William & Rachel Newmann, Roger Nielsen, Molly Oberbillig, Phil & Lois Parker, Pamela Parsons, Donna Patrick, Mary Lou Pearson, Kathleen Peppard, Pat Perry, James & Millie Pluntze, Penny Purkerson, Margie Reeves, June & Truxton Ringe, Ronald & Connie Ruhl, Si Sarton, Don & Donna Sattelberg, Laura Schrager, Pam Schroeder, Ellen Schug, Larry Scott, Joan Sheldon, Laura L. Smith, Luther Smith, Lyall Smith, R. Peggy Smith, John & Marlys Soltman, Walt & Pat Sonnenstuhl, Mary Lou Spence, Jan Spiller, Susan Strobel, Theresa & Dale Stubbart, Sherry Sullivan, Vonnie Tallon, Janet Tanaka, Mardel & Roger Tanquist, Jody Tiller, Betty & Bob Utter, Marijke van Roojen, Connie Walker, Ruth A. Weber, James Whittier, Fran Williams, Judith Williams, Leah Wilson, Wendy Wilson, Ann & Ken Yeo, Rich Young ,
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Community, Bread & Roses of Olympia, Center for Spiritual Awakening, Community of Christ, Congregation B'nai Torah, Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County, East Thurston Bahá'ís, First Christian Church, First Church of Christ, Scientist, First United Methodist Church of Olympia, Friends Meeting of Olympia, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lacey Community Church, Lacey Presbyterian Church, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Nalanda Institute, Olympia Bahá'ís, Olympia Federal Savings, Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation, Olympia Monthly Meeting, Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Open Gate Zendo, Presbytery of Olympia, Providence Spiritual Care Network, South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Squaxin Island Tribe, St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, St. Ephrem Mission, St. John's Episcopal Church, St. Michael Catholic Parish, St. Placid Priory, Temple Beth Hatfiloh, Thurston County Ministries in Higher Education, Tumwater United Methodist Church, The United Churches of Olympia, United Methodist Women, Unity Church of Olympia, Venture Bank, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Thank you so much!
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
TOGETHER! is hiring a CAPACITY Program Manager (Outreach Coordinator) This full-time position develops capacity-building outreach strategy, provides training and technical assistance, among other duties. For details, visit www.thurstontogether.org/agency/openings.htm or call 493-2230.
Paid Caregiver Needed: Elderly man can no longer live alone. Man or woman wanted to live in house for free room & board along with paycheck. Contact Joyce Gubser at 458-3974.
START THE NEW YEAR WITH A CLASS
AT UNITY OF OLYMPIA
Based on the Book: if you can see the light: Achievable Aspirations by K. J.
Tedford, MSW
Facilitator: Kristie J. Tedford, MSW and local social worker
Time: Wed. evenings 7- 9 PM at Unity of Olympia, 1335 Fern Street SW (943-5757)
Date: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2008
Love Offering Received
If you can see the light: Achievable Aspirations is a three-part book with readable text, helpful exercises, and inspiring guidance pages. It has been created for you—if you are ready to change your life for the better.
BOOK SIGNING PARTY, SUNDAY DECEMBER 30th, 11:00 AM at Unity of Olympia!
AND . . . .
Bookstore Night: Watch and Discuss “The Secret”
Time: Tues. evenings, 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Unity of Olympia, 1335 Fern Street SW (943-5757)
Date: January 8th, 1st half & January 15th, 2nd half
Facilitator: Jean Holbrook, Unity Book Store Manager
Everyone is invited to watch and discuss "The Secret" in our 2-part series.
“The Secret" contains wisdom from modern-day teachers—men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. By applying the knowledge of The Secret, they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what many would regard as impossible.” --Rhonda Byrne
