Interfaith Council Spring programs
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"Meet the Interfaith Council"
January 25, 5:30 p.m., Interfaith Center
“ How did the IFC begin? What are its purposes? What is it doing now? What is the role of the Chaplain?” Panelists Steven Bell. Scott Colley, Dale McConkey, and David McKenzie will address these and other questions. Event includes food from the India Grill and music provided by Megan Yalkut and Jeff Lidke.
"Renewal Judaism: History, Teaching and Practice"
A Lecture-Demonstration by Jacqueline Westhead
February 10, 7 p.m., Interfaith Center
Dance therapist, musician, and teacher, Jacqueline Westhead, will share an overview of the development of Jewish Renewal and some of the music and teachings of this trans-denominational movement. Participants will be invited to experience the practices of chant, meditation and dance-movement.
"Religious Tolerance and Nonviolence—A RILAC Panel"
Feb 15th, 5 p.m., Interfaith Center
Respecting and living in harmony with people who are different from oneself is a fundamental teaching of many traditions. RILAC panelists will address the topic from scripture and personal experience.
Feb 22, 5 p.m., Interfaith Center
Led by local Muslim leader, Muhammad Shorbaji, a panel of Muslims will talk about the core teachings of Islam and what it means to be a Muslim living in America.
“Afro-Latins: Dance and Spiritual Continuities between Africa and the Americas”
Multimedia Lecture by Dr. Yvonne Daniel
March 1, 8 p.m., Science Auditorium
Dr. Yvonne Daniel will present a multimedia lecture exploring how Caribbean and Latin American dance interconnects with African dance and spiritual traditions. Dr. Daniel, professor emerita of dance and Afro-American studies at Smith College, has written several books on dance and religious practices in the Caribbean and United States. She also has performed with Cuban and Latin American dance companies.
March 8, 5 p.m., Interfaith Center
A panel of practicing Christians from multiple denominations addresses the question of pluralism. Additionally, the role of the Christian faith on today’s campus will be explored.
“The Biology of Transcendence: A Blueprint of the Human Spirit”
A Lecture and Workshop by Dr. Joseph Chilton Pearce
March 26th, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Science Auditorium
International author and lecturer Dr. Joseph Chilton Pearce will speak about his groundbreaking theories about biology, human development, and spirituality. Author of the best selling works, Crack in the Cosmic Egg and the Magical Child, Pearce argues in his most recent work, Biology of Transcendence, that intolerance and violence arises only when human beings do not cultivate their God-given biological potentials.
"Voices and Images from the World Parliament of Religions"
March 29th, 5p.m., Interfaith Center
From July 7th--July 13th, 2004, over 7,000 people from around the world came together in Barcelona, Spain to discuss the role of religion in addressing several 'world crises,' including overpopulation, war, and malnutrition. The occasion was the historic 4th Parliament of World Religions. At this event, more than 100 religious traditions were represented. In this presentation, Dr. Lidke discusses the key ideas from the parliament and invites discussion on how these ideas might be implemented by the Berry community.
April 4, 5 p.m., Interfaith Center
A panel of practicing Jews speak about the core beliefs, practices, and traditions of their faith at the time of Passover.
Film Screening: “Stolen Summer”
April 13, 7 p.m., Science Auditorium. Discussion led by Steve Bell.
A beautiful and poignant film about the trials that unfold between a Jewish boy and his Catholic friend as they grow up together in the United States in the 1970s. Stretches and confronts the boundaries of ecumenicity.
On Going Classes/Events
Dances of Universal Peace
Jan 30th, Feb. 27, Mar. 27 & Apr. 24. 4-6 p.m., Interfaith Center
Dr. Ellen Johnson leads this participatory program in which she teaches simple dance steps in a circle as well as songs from many cultures.
Tai Chi Class
Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15, Interfaith Center
Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi is a meditative martial art which aligns the body, breath, and mind through a series of synchronized body postures. Taught by Dr. Jeffrey Lidke, this weekly class incorporates both Qigong and Deng style 108-movement slow form Tai Chi and is open to all levels.
Meditation Class
Thurdays, 5:15-6:00, Interfaith Center
A weekly class on the fundamentals of meditation practice, including posture, breath, and mental-quieting techniques. Taught by Dr. Jeffrey Lidke, the class primarily emphasizes the techniques of Yoga and Zen, but is open to practitioners of all faiths.
Praise and Worship Service
Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Interfaith Center
Led by Jennie Clements and Emily Bagwell
Take time to get away and rest in God's presence and worship through song and prayer. Rooted in the Christian faith and open to people from all traditions.