Come to "Festivals of Faith & Light"

The Brookings Interfaith Council invites you to "Festivals of Faith & Light," a lively celebration of the significance of "light" across faith traditions and especially during special religious days or seasons. Light is essential to the Christian observance of Advent and Christmas, Judaism's Chanukah, Hinduism's Diwali, and more.

"Festivals of Faith & Light" will be held on Thursday, December 5, at 6:30pm in the Cooper Room of the Brookings Public Library. It will include a potluck of traditional festive or holiday foods and the sharing of interfaith stories about light.

In advance of this event, we also want to encourage you to attend the first public lighting of a menorah in Brookings, in observance of Chanukah. The menorah-lighting will be held on Wednesday, December 4, at 6:30pm, on Main Street next to Nick's Hamburgers. Come if you can to learn more about the Jewish faith and to support Jewish members of our community.

Then, at our event on Thursday night, please bring one of your favorite holiday dishes to pass, if you're able, or just show up. And invite a friend! We look forward to your presence at this festive gathering.

You're Invited to the City's First Public Menorah Lighting

The Brookings Interfaith Council heartily encourages you to attend this significant event.

 

Reminder: Campus Discussion of the "Three Religions of the Book"

Just a reminder that South Dakota State's Briggs Library will host a program and discussion on understanding Judaism, Christianity and Islam (the three "religions of the book") on Tuesday, November 19, at 7:00 pm, in the Archives and Special Collection Room on the second floor. 

This program will focus on the book Children of Abraham by F.E. Peters. Humanities scholar Ahrar Ahmad, Professor of Political Science at Black Hills State University, will introduce the topic and lead the discussion.

Briggs Library has copies of the book available on reserve for two-week check-out, and copies are also available at the Brookings Public Library.

This event is made possible by the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Join Us for a Potluck & Film Next Wednesday

The Brookings Interfaith Council will join with the Common Good Film Series to screen "The Cup," an award-winning feature film, on Wednesday, November 20, at the Brookings Public Library.

The evening will begin with a potluck at 6:30pm, as is our tradition. Bring a dish to pass if you are able, or just show up.The film will then be shown starting around 6:50. Discussion will follow for all who wish to participate.

This is a humorous and wise film. Prayer, meditation, rituals—soccer? World Cup soccer fever sweeps into a remote Himalayan monastery, and centuries-old traditions are threatened. The young monks will do just about anything to watch the final match, posing a unique challenge to the venerable lamas in charge. An inspiring tale of colliding cultures, midnight escapades and daring secret plots. A true story, filmed on location at Chokling Monastery, India, this award-winning film was made by Bhutanese filmmaker Khyentse Norbu, who is also one of the most important incarnate lamas in contemporary Tibetan Buddhism.

You can view a trailer of "The Cup" here.

Discuss Children of Abraham at SDSU's Briggs Library

South Dakota State's Briggs Library will host a program and discussion on understanding Judaism, Christianity and Islam on Tuesday, November 19, at 7:00 pm, in the Archives and Special Collection Room on the second floor. 

This program will focus on the book Children of Abraham by F.E. Peters. Humanities scholar Ahrar Ahmad, Professor of Political Science at Black Hills State University, will introduce the topic and lead the discussion.

Briggs Library has copies of the book available on reserve for two-week check-out, and copies are also available at the Brookings Public Library.

This event is made possible by the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

BIC Issues Statement on Syrian Conflict

At its October gathering, the Brookings Interfaith Council adopted the following statement regarding the civil war in Syria and the possibility of U.S. military strikes on that country. The statement will be released through local media:

The Brookings Interfaith Council applauds the choice of dialogue and cooperation over violence, and adds its voice to the call from people of diverse faiths and backgrounds around the world for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Syria.

Interfaith calls for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict have also been issued by such organizations as the Universal Peace Federation, Australians for Reconciliation in Syria, and the Charter for Compassion.

You're Invited to the Brookings Diversity Potluck

Have you moved here from someplace else and would like a way to meet the local community? Or do you ever think it would be nice to get to know some of the international members of the community, but don't know where to start?

Then this is just the event for you!

What: Brookings Diversity Potluck

Where: McCrory Gardens Visitor Center, 631 22nd Avenue

When: October 20, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm

What: Bring a dish to pass (optional) from your cultural background, or just something you like!

This is an event for the whole community, sponsored by the Brooking Human Rights Committee, SDSU Diversity, Equity & Community, and SDSU Aramark.  Its purpose is to bring people together, from here and from abroad, for conversation and friendship and good food.  This event is free and open to all.  The whole family is welcome to attend.