Sunday, March 29, 2009
Service Turns to Discussion After Unexpected Snowfall On Sunday, March 29th students from Washington University and St. Louis University participated in the 2nd Spring DISC (Day of Interfaith Service for Collegians) Day. However, this spring DISC day turned into discussion only after the unexpected snowfall canceled our community garden project. Students gathered at Westminster Presbyterian Church for an afternoon of discussion around faith and the environment. At the beginning of the discussion students were asked to describe two things. First, they were asked to describe what community meant to them, and second, they were asked why they do community service. Check out the video posted for their answers. Later, students broke out into small groups to watch clips from the movie "Renewal", a documentary about the interfaith environmental movement. After seeing the clips students had discussion questions to share in their small groups before discussing as a whole. Overall, the snow could not keep these volunteers from coming together for a great interfaith discussion. Special thanks to Westminster Presbyterian Church for opening their doors for our group!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Interfaith Partnership/ Faith Beyond Walls Head to the Metro-East On Saturday, March 21st Interfaith Partnership/ Faith Beyond Walls partnered with McKendree University in Lebanon, IL for a spring DISC (Day of Interfaith Service for Collegians) Day. Volunteers were part of the Interfaith Group on McKendree's Campus and gathered to clean up the town by picking up trash. After the project, students gathered to discuss the joys and frustrations of interfaith work. It was a great day of sharing and service. Thank you McKendree University Interfaith group for putting your faith into action!
February
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Intersection of Faith and the Environment On Monday, February 16, 2009-Presidents Day Interfaith Partnership/ Faith Beyond Walls partnered with Nishmah, a St. Louis Women's Project for the 2nd FYI (Faithful Youth Impact). High school students representing the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith gathered together to talk about the impact their faith has on the environment. First, students participated in a mini-service project where they used recycled plastic bottles to create bird feeders to later be used in a community garden. After completing the bird feeders, students gathered for an interfaith discussion. Students were given text from the Q'uran, Torah and the Bible, then asked questions related to the environment based on the sacred text. For example, one question asked based on the Quranic text "Do not transgress the balance" (55:8) was "how do we not transgress the balance?" This sparked great discussion all around the table. After discussing the sacred text students were split up into groups and given news articles related to the environment. Students soon learned how their daily choices impact the environment. Upon leaving, students were given a tour of the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis. This was a fun and informative day for all. Special thanks to the Islamic Foundation for being our gracious host!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Not Only Restoring Apartments but Restoring Lives While Volunteering On Saturday, January 31st 12 volunteers representing different faiths and organizations came together to help women and children get a new start on life. Volunteers came out to Lydia's House, a transitional housing unit for women and children who are escaping domestic violence. Volunteers helped clean and restore apartments for two new families to have a place called home. After completing the projects, volunteers enjoyed lunch with one another and talk about the effects domestic violence has on the whole family. Thanks volunteers for putting your faith into action!
