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
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, Sufi poet Hafiz, 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. Previous events have featured the Afro-Semitic Experience, a jazz ensemble; Celtic-Christian author John Philip Newell; Dr. Charles Kimball, author of “When Religion Becomes Evil;” and Stephan Bauman, former chief executive of World Relief. Our next event in the series in the spring of 2019 will focus on how worship centers can serve and be served by individuals with disabilities. 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. In 2019 the tour will visit the Annoor Islamic Center; Forsyth County’s first Hindu temple, the Sri Mata Hindu Temple; and Temple Emanuel, a Reform Judaism worship center. 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, symbols from the Day of the Dead, elephant idols from Hinduism, menorahs from Judaism and many others. The 2018 festival on Sunday, November 4 at Highland Presbyterian Church will be our seventh annual event. Contact interfaithws@gmail.com.
Compassionate Winston-Salem
Interfaith Winston-Salem provided the impetus in 2013 for the City of Winston-Salem to become the 18th city in the world to sign the Charter for Compassion. Our Compassion Corner project has placed benches on playgrounds at more than 15 local elementary schools. Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County is now partnering with Compassionate Winston-Salem to design and build Compassion Corner benches. School staff, parents and children will be able to build their own benches at the Habitat shop. We also assisted in creation of Triad Restorative Justice, a nonprofit that is introducing restorative practices to the community. 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 sponsored an Interfaith Good Neighbor Team in collaboration with World Relief to help resettle a refugee family from Ethiopia in Winston-Salem. Volunteers came 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. 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.