December 11th Potluck to Focus on Religion and Economic Justice

BIC will next gather at 6:30pm on December 11, 2014, at the Brookings United Church of Christ, 828 8th Street South.

Our evening will begin with a potluck. We will then move into a discussion of religion and economic justice, with a special focus on what is being done locally to alleviate suffering due to hunger and other symptoms of economic disparity.

Please bring a dish to pass, if you're able, or just show up. All are welcome. Invite a friend. Please be aware that many in our interfaith community do not eat pork or may be vegetarian.

"An Israeli in Palestine": Dialogues with Dr. Jeff Halper

Please join us for one of these presentations by Dr. Jeff Halper. The BIC dialogue with Dr. Halper will be held at 7pm on Thursday, November 6, at the Brookings Public Library. Please note: There will be no potluck at this event.

Halper is an Israeli anthropologist, a human rights activist, and the coordinating director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD), an organization dedicated to ending Israel's occupation of the West Bank and demolition of Palestinian homes.

He has become a major voice against Israel's policies against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

Help us welcome Dr. Halper to our community as together we struggle to understand a very difficult situation in the Middle East that has implications around the world.

BIC TO HOST JEFF HALPER IN NOVEMBER

At 7pm on Thursday, November 6, the Brookings Interfaith Council will host Jeff Halper at the Brookings Public Library.

Halper is an Israeli anthropologist, a human rights activist, and the coordinating director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD), an organization dedicated to ending Israel's occupation of the West Bank and demolition of Palestinian homes.

He has become a major voice against Israel's policies against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

In anticipation of this visit, First United Methodist Church of Brookings has provided BIC planning team member James Murphy a venue to speak about the modern history of this conflict. Murphy teaches religion at South Dakota State University.

At 10am each Sunday from October 5 to November 23, in the Community Life Center, Murphy's forums will look at formative moments in the emergence of the modern conflict. The series will center on an autobiography of a Palestinian Christian who grew up in Galilee during the years of the formation of the modern state of Israel.

Jeff Halper

Hindu Community to Host Next BIC Event

The Brookings Hindu Community will host the next BIC event on Thursday, October 9, 2014, at 6:30pm. It will be held at the Brookings Islamic Center, 724 11th Avenue.

Yes, that's right, our Muslim friends will provide the venue for this celebratory evening being hosted by our Hindu friends. BIC is grateful for this interreligious cooperation.

The evening will start with a Hindu prayer, followed by a vegetarian dinner cooked by local Hindu families, a presentation highlighting various Hindu festivals in October, and small group discussions. It will conclude with Shanti Path (Hindu Prayer for Universal Peace).

All are cordially invited and welcome to attend this event. We hope to see you on October 9th!

Announcing Our First Interfaith Potluck of 2014-2015

Join us on September 11th for our first interfaith potluck of 2014-2015. It will be held at 6:30pm at the Brookings Islamic Center, 724 11th Ave.

Our Muslim friends will lead us in a discussion of self-discipline, based on their practice of "jihad," frequently misunderstood by non-Muslims. Come add your perspective on self-discipline from your own faith tradition.

Please bring a dish to pass, if you're able, or just show up. All are welcome. Invite a friend. Please be aware that many in our interfaith community do not eat pork or may be vegetarian.

Also, please mark your calendars! With some exceptions, we plan to meet at 6:30pm on the second Thursday of each month during the school year. Below are the dates and locations for this fall. Additional details will be forthcoming.

September 11, 2014
Brookings Islamic Center

October 16, 2014 (Note: 3rd Thursday)
Brookings Public Library

November 13, 2014
Ag Heritage Museum (to be confirmed)

December 11, 2014
United Church of Christ

Come to a Discussion on Faith & Poverty

The Brookings United Church of Christ invites the Brookings Interfaith Council to share in a program of its “fifth Sunday” series that will deal with poverty and what we can do to respond to immediate need, as well as overcome some of its root causes. The presenters will be Patty Bacon and Lisa Marotz, both of whom have extensive experience in working with the causes and the impact of poverty. The program will be held on September 14th beginning at 12:00 noon at the Church, 828 8th St. South. Participants are invited to bring a bag lunch. Coffee and water for tea will be available.

Come to a Picnic!

The Brookings Interfaith Council invites you to a picnic on Wednesday, June 18, in Shelter C at Hillcrest Park. We will begin with a potluck meal around 5pm. The shelter is reserved until dark, so we'll have plenty of time for fellowship. There will be no formal program. Drop by or stay for the entire event.

Bring a dish to share if you can. You might also wish to bring outdoor toys or games for the children and a comfortable lawn chair.

Join us if you can!