OUR MISSION: To promote understanding and mutual respect among those of all faiths and beliefs by:
· Providing all residents with free learning opportunities
· Collaborating with other community organizations to promote interfaith learning experiences.
· Cultivating the potential for compassion that lies in all of us.
Journeys
Throughout history, the meal table has been a place of communion. On the first Sunday of each month, Interfaith Winston-Salem brings together people from many traditions for the “Journeys Breakfast Club.” After conversation over a buffet meal, we hear someone share his or her faith journey. Speakers have included Muslims, Jews, Pagans, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, shamanists, atheists and others. The meal begins at 8 a.m. at the Golden Corral Restaurant near Hanes Mall and concludes around 9:45. The program is free and the meal costs around $10. Reservations are not required. Contact interfaithws@gmail.com
Fourth Thursday Conversations
On the Fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. beginning in January 2018, we gather in the Activity Building at Highland Presbyterian Church, 2381 Cloverdale Ave., for a conversation on an interfaith issue. After a 15-20 minute presentation, we divide into groups to respond. We conclude by sharing with the full assembly. Contact Truman Dunn tldunn104@gmail.com
Interfaith Book Club
On the second Tuesday of alternating months beginning with January, we discuss a book chosen by the group, most often related to one or more faith or non-faith traditions. Authors have included Krista Bremer, Karen Armstrong, Sam Harris, Eboo Patel, Dana Kaplan, Swami Achuthananda and Marcus Borg. The discussions are held in the parlor at Highland Presbyterian Church on Cloverdale Ave. Contact Barbara Bowman bbowman2@triad.rr.com
Carlton Mitchell Interfaith Series
This series honors the late Dr. Carlton Mitchell, head of the Religion Department at Wake Forest University. October 21, 2017 the program will focus on the current refugee crisis. Stephan Bauman, former president and CEO of World Relief, is the keynote speaker. Contact interfaithws@gmail.com
Interfaith Tour
Each spring, Interfaith Winston-Salem organizes a tour that visits three houses of worship. Included in the sites visited are a mosque each year, the Jewish temple every other year, and an orthodox worship center every other year. Although adults are encouraged to attend, the focus is on youth in middle and high schools. The tours conclude with a free pizza party. Contact interfaithws@gmail.com.
Festival of Faith and Culture
Children in kindergarten through the fifth grade learn about multiple cultural and faith traditions through arts, crafts, music, dance, food and other disciplines during this Sunday afternoon event each autumn. The projects include Buddhist prayer flags, fish designs for Christianity, Arabic calligraphy from Islam, elephant idols from Hinduism, menorahs from Judaism and many others. The 2017 festival at The Enterprise Center Nov. 5 will be our sixth annual. Contact interfaithws@gmail.com.
Compassionate Winston-Salem
Interfaith Winston-Salem provided the impetus in 2013 for the City of Winston-Salem to become only the 18th city in the world to sign the Charter for Compassion. Our Compassion Corner project has placed benches on playgrounds at more than 10 local elementary schools. We assisted in creation of Triad Restorative Justice, a new nonprofit that is introducing restorative practices to the commumity. Contact Truman Dunn tldunn104@gmail.com.
Muslim-Christian Conversations
In an effort to bring improved understanding between Muslim and Christian neighbors, we began a series of gatherings in summer 2017. The goal is to create learning and relationship-building opportunities for Christians whose perceptions and fear of Muslims has intensified in the current political climate. Contact Truman Dunn tldunn104@gmail.com.
Interfaith Good Neighbor Team
Interfaith Winston-Salem and Compassionate Winston-Salem are sponsoring an Interfaith Good Neighbor Team in collaboration with World Relief to help resettle a refugee family from Ethiopia in Winston-Salem. Volunteers come from several faith traditions. Contact interfaithws@gmail.com.
Interfaith High School Service Clubs
With high school students playing a key role, Interfaith Winston-Salem is organizing Interfaith Service Clubs in local high schools. The clubs focus on respect for religious identity, mutually inspiring relationships and common action for common good. Students at Reynolds High School began the first club in 2016-17 and a club is planned at West Forsyth High School for 2017-18. Contact interfaithws@gmail.com.
Feeding the Homeless
On the third Friday of each month, a diverse group of Compassionate Winston-Salem volunteers prepares and serves a hot meal to overnight guests of the Bethesda Center, one of Winston-Salem’s homeless shelters. There is a variety of ways to become involved. Contact interfaithws@gmail.com.