BerryCollege Interfaith Council Fall Calendar of Programs

 

Meet the Interfaith Council

Wed, August 31st at 5pm

Interfaith Center

Presentation by members of the IFC describing the history, mission, and annual goal of the council as well as the introduction of the program calendar for Fall 2005.  A brief, general Q&A follows along with serving of gourmet Indian food from the Taj Palace

Religious Science and New Thought Spirituality*

Wed, September 21st at 5pm

Interfaith Center

Led by Reverend Leigh Waddell, this presentation will present New Thought theology with specific focus on Religious Science (a denomination of New Thought).  Pastor Waddell will additionally introduce the practice of ÔaffirmativeÕ prayer. 

Navaratri — the Hindu Festival in Honor the Goddess*

Wed, October 12th at 5pm

Interfaith Center

Navaratri is one of the most important of Hindu holidays.  Celebrated according the lunar calendar, Navaratri ("Nine Nights") usually occurs in September-October.  During this 10-day festival, Hindus throughout the world honor the different forms of the Goddess while also remembering the victory of the god Rama over the forces of evil.  At this lecture and explanatory ritual local Hindu leaders and scholars will explain the significance of this important festival.

 

Halloween Program: All Saints Day and Samhain*

Monday, Oct. 31st Noon.

Evans Auditorium

Panel discussion on the pre-Christian and Christian roots of All Saints Day, one of the principal feast days of the Christian Church. As its name suggests, All Saints Day is a celebration of past saints. The word ÒhallowÓ means to sanctify, and All Saints Day has also been known as Hallowmas—the mass for those who have been Òhallowed.Ó The day before Hallowmas is Hallows Eve, or Halloween, and coincides with the important pre-Christian harvest festival, Samhain. This presentation will introduce the audience to the basic beliefs and practices associated with both All Saints Day and Samhain and also discuss the historical relationship between Christianity and Paganism.  After  the panel presentation, the panelists will take questions from the audience.

IFC Film series #1: Oh, God*

Wed, Nov. 9th 2005 at 5pm

Evans Auditorium

ÒWhen God appears to an assistant grocery manager as a good natured old man, the Almighty selects him as his messenger for the modern world.Ó Audience will watch the movie and have a discussion afterward led by Dr. Bell.

Ongoing Classes and Events

Tai Chi Class

Sept. 13th through Nov. 8th Tuesdays, (excluding Oct. 11)

11a.m.-12 noon

Lawn outside Ford Dining Hall

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. Co-sponsored by the Senior Alumni Program.

Soto Zen Meditation Group

Tuesdays, 7:30, starting September 20th

Interfaith Center

Sessions will be led by Gareth Young, an instructor from the Atlanta Soto Zen Center (ASZC) and disciple of Michael Elliston, Abbot and founder of ASZC.  Gareth Young has been a disciple of Taiun Michael Elliston for three years and currently instructs the group at sessions held at a private residence in Kingston.

About the Interfaith Council

Created in the fall of 2003, the Interfaith Council is a group of faculty and students who work closely with a number of departments on campus to help foster a welcoming environment at Berry College for people of all faiths. It supports and promotes opportunities for people to learn about and participate in a variety of religious opportunities, both on campus and in the surrounding community.  Please visit us at http://www.berry.edu/religion-in-life/interfaith