Shiloh Baptist Church, the beautiful church that sits on a rise just south of the intersection of Lewinsville Road and Spring Hill Road, celebrates 150 years of service to the community this year.
Founded in 1872 by Cyrus Franklin Carter, who also founded other churches in the area (First Baptist Church of Vienna and First Baptist Church Chesterbrook), Shiloh was central to the post-Civil War Odrick’s Corner Community. To read more about the history of the church, please visit shilohbcva.net/our-story.
To commemorate this special anniversary, Shiloh held a series of events including a community picnic in July, and a “Spotlight on Shiloh” event at the McLean Community Center in August. The celebrations culminated in a special worship service held on September 18.
The September 18 service, in addition to celebrating the church’s sesquicentennial, also recognized Rev. Dr. Robert F. Cheeks, Jr., and his wife, Minister Constance Cheeks, for their fifteen years of leadership to the congregation. It was a joyous occasion that included the presentation of a commendation from Fairfax County by Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, and the reading of congratulatory messages from Governor Youngkin, the leadership of National Cathedral, and from Lewinsville Presbyterian Church which has been partnering with Shiloh Baptist in Bible study.
Shiloh Baptist is a member of Tysons Interfaith. At least four Tysons Interfaith communities were represented at the September 18 service. Pictured here at the service is Fazia Dean of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center.
Tysons Interfaith congratulates Shiloh Baptist on their 150 years of enduring service to the local community. We look forward to continuing to partner with them to weave the values of spiritual connection, spiritual learning, mutual support, and community service into the fabric of the greater Tysons area.
A recent lead article in the Christian Science Monitor Daily really caught my attention. On September 15, editor Mark Sappenfield published a piece entitled “Butterflies, capitalism, and the golden rule.”
Butterflies, capitalism, and the golden rule
Editor
| When the world gathers in New York next week for the United Nations General Assembly, Kim Polman will be there to talk about butterflies – kind of. Ms. Polman is co-founder of Reboot the Future, an organization built on the idea that the golden rule – cherished in various forms by all human cultures – is the basis for societal and economic transformation. Ms. Polman is not alone in thinking capitalism needs a reboot. On one hand, capitalism has generated unprecedented wealth, lifting wide swaths of the world out of poverty. But it is also at the basis of what some call the “death economy” – extractive and exploitative practices built on competition run amok. She’ll be in New York to discuss the new book she helped write, “Values for a Life Economy.” The key to pivoting from an extractive, exploitative capitalism to one that embraces all and the planet is recognizing our deep interconnection. “We are all connected, and we are all responsible,” she says. “We need to wake up to the idea that we are not just here for ourselves.” She’s talking about nothing less than a shift in our economic paradigm. From the days of Adam Smith, capitalism has been about how competition holds our lower natures in check. Can we really expect more of ourselves as humans? That’s where the butterflies come in. When the caterpillar starts its metamorphosis, its cells actively resist. It tries to stop the process. “But the cell that holds the vision of the butterfly is innate in the caterpillar,” she says. The ability to transform is already there, and it only becomes active under duress. For humans, she says, that visionary cell is the golden rule – the innate, natural impulse to treat others and the world the way you would wish to be treated. “Our work,” she says, “is to reach a tipping point.” |
Isn’t this a wonderful thought to be discussing at the United Nations? An economic paradigm shift based on a deeper understanding of the Golden Rule.
Over 40 years ago the United National General Assembly established the International Day of Peace. In 2001 they unanimously clarified the day as being dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples of the earth. This year’s Day of Peace theme is End Racism. Build Peace
With all the serious challenges to peace around the world, and right here in the US, Tysons Interfaith will highlight the 2022 International Day of Peace (September 21, 2022) with a continuation of our Oneness of Humanity series.
The Oneness of Humanity series began in the summer of 2020, when Tysons Interfaith hosted an on-line discussion about the concept of the “Oneness of Humanity,” and what it means from different faith traditions. In the ensuing months, we also explored “Since we are one, how do we deal with race?” and “Do you feel a call to take action (to build an equitable society)?” The series has continued since 2020, exploring topics of common interest to people of all faith traditions and spiritual practices.
The title of our September 21, 2002 Oneness event is: Building Peaceful Communities, Promoting Mutual Respect: A Call to Action. The event will be held on Zoom from 7:00 – 8:30 pm, and will be facilitated by Dara Feldman, an educator, international speaker, author and founder of Virtues Matter. We will explore learning language and practical skills to promote peace, and how to recognize virtues in others to build/repair relationships and foster mutual respect. We hope you will join us!
To register and learn more about this event, please visit tysonsinterfaith.org/iwe-event/building-peaceful-communities/.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
I recently visited Boston to visit my brother, and among a few other outdoor things, we visited Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed Central Park, it is a beautiful array of trees, plants, ponds, and a stunning view of downtown Boston. Several luminaries are honored there, including Longfellow, Winslow Homer, Julia Ward Howe, and Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. But three of the memorials in particular caught my eye.
Robert Gould Shaw, born into a prominent Boston abolitionist family, accepted command of the first all-black regiment of the Civil War, the Massachusetts 54th, at age 25. As featured in the movie Glory, Shaw fought for the interests of his troops, and for their opportunity to participate seriously in the war. They got that opportunity in the bloody Battle of Fort Wagner, South Carolina, in which Shaw and many in his regiment were killed. The confederate general returned to the Union army the bodies of all Union officers that were killed, except for Shaw, since he commanded a black unit. Shaw was buried with his troops in a mass grave. Shaw’s father was proud of that fact, stating, “We would not have his body removed from where it lies surrounded by his brave and devoted soldiers . . . We can imagine no holier place than that in which he lies, among his brave and devoted followers, nor which for him better company – what a body-guard he has!” The memorial to Shaw pictured below was erected in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, where some of his relatives are buried. There is also a famous sculpture of Shaw and the 54th Regiment in the National Gallery of Art.
Dorothea Dix is memorialized by one of the plainer markers in the cemetery, which is fitting for someone who was a tireless and unselfish reformer for others, even though she suffered from numerous physical and mental health challenges of her own. She grew up in Worcester, Mass. In 1840-41, Dix did a statewide investigation and report of treatment conditions for the mentally ill in Massachusetts, resulting in expanded hospital facilities in the state. She did similar studies in many other states, including New Jersey, New Hampshire, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as well as Scotland and Nova Scotia. While facilities remained inadequate, her tireless activism helped improve care for the mentally ill. She was also appointed Superintendent of Army Nurses in the Civil War, overseeing over 3,000 nurses, though her strong views sometimes clashed with other leaders. Among other things, she encouraged her nurses to provide treatment to all those suffering. One of her nurses stated, “Many of these were Rebels. I could not pass them by neglected. Though enemies, they were nevertheless helpless, suffering human beings.”
Mary Baker Eddy led Christian Science, which is part of the Tysons Interfaith group. She is honored by a beautiful monument at the side of a beautiful wooded pond. Eddy contributed greatly to American religious thought in the 19th century, and the Christian Science Monitor continues to be a thoughtful and influential publication.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
Over 40 years ago the United National General Assembly established the International Day of Peace. In 2001 they unanimously clarified the day as being dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples of the earth. The theme for this year’s Day of Peace is End Racism. Build Peace.
For the 2016 United Nations International Day of Peace, Centers for Spiritual Living formally recognized the Collective Meditation for Peace Initiative as an integral and essential element of our organization. Its driving purpose is to raise the consciousness of peace around the world.
So, what are we doing about it?
The Collective Meditation for Peace Initiative coordinates the weekly Heart of Peace Meditations on Facebook every Monday afternoon at 1:00 PM MT. Team members are “vision led” to provide an array of meditation experiences throughout the year.
The Heart of Peace team invites everyone to take a deep dive into their spiritual practices, committing to daily peace prayers in total confidence that we do have the power to change the world using affirmative prayer – Peace shall prevail! The team is fostering the emergence of a world in which compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.
Our next event “One World, One Lover, One Peace” is on United Nations International Day of Peace, September 21st the 2022 on Facebook.
To achieve enduring Peace we collaborate, connect and take actions collectively. The Heart of Peace team is always seeking ways in which it can engage people … to attract spiritual activists with a passion for peace. We began by becoming clear observers, honest evaluators and dedicated doers. We have discerned the components of peace and identified actions that synergistically bring about experiences of peace. In collaboration with other organizations, we produce events and promote those of other peace organizations and our communities such as the Global Chain Reaction for Peace created by the Center for Spiritual Living Geneva [Switzerland]. This past year we have featured the World Healing Peace Meditation, provided a Pause for Peace at the Centers for Spiritual Living 2022 Convention, produced a daily meditation guide posted on Facebook every day of the Season of Peace and Nonviolence, hosted World Labyrinth Day and the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Individually and collectively the Heart of Peace team members remain keenly alert to ways in which to remove obstacles to the free flow of peace around the world. Acknowledging that a lack of information and education about other cultures and traditions, has been one of the primary forces obstructing universal peace, team members have engaged with other organizations to break such barriers.
And, there are more ways in which Centers for Spiritual Living is bringing forth world peace …
Global Services Committee, in fulfillment of our Global Vision of “… a world in which we live and grow as One Global Family that respects and honors the interconnectedness of all life; a world where this kinship with all life prospers and connects through the guidance of spiritual wisdom and experience” works diligently worldwide connecting and nurturing global relationships. These connections make it possible for people to learn about other cultures and make personal connections – essential components of world peace.
Our Diversity Equity Inclusion Committee is dedicated to working toward a world that embraces and celebrates diversity and eliminates all expressions of prejudice in alignment with the United Nations 2022 theme of “End Racism. Build Peace.”
We envision a world that works for everyone and for all creation and are committed to doing our part to make peace magnificently ordinary rather than something exceptional to be achieved.
(Coming next: International Day of Peace, September 21, 2022 – What Tysons Interfaith is Doing to Support It)
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United Nations International Day of Peace 2022 Theme: “End Racism. Build Peace.”
Look for Peace Day activities in your own community and around the world: *Minute of silence at 12 noon (all time zones) *Peace education events *Intercultural and interfaith dialogues *Workshops on the UN Peace Day theme *Meditation and prayer *Planting peace poles *Community gatherings *Vigils *Concerts and festivals
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
Over 40 years ago the United National General Assembly established the International Day of Peace. In 2001 they unanimously clarified the day as being dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples of the earth. This year’s Day of Peace theme is End Racism. Build Peace.
It is a common practice in the US is to declare days in recognition of this or that. For years I have found that confusing when it comes to something like peace. The declaration of twenty-four hours dedicated to something such as cease-fire and non-violence, begs the question: Is it then okay to be horrid and hateful during the other 8,736 hours in a year? I know we must start somewhere, and one day is better than no days. I feel we need to be clear about our intention: we want more! We are called to do everything within our power to bring about its fulfillment. We need to be firm and not accept anything less than its fulfillment lest we give in and tolerate something less than real peace. We must be willing to go full out for all peoples – all creation – to experience the components of peace.
This year, the United Nations is acknowledging that achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members regardless of race can flourish.
It has long been a stand within Centers for Spiritual Living that we are called to create a world that works for all. This involves creating a world in which there is equity, in which all people are treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, orientation, age, ability or other unique attributes. We envision all people, all beings, and all life as expressions of God.
Our Global Vision doesn’t just suggest that we should be nice to one another. It clearly states that we envision “A World That Works for Everyone”- a world of peace and harmony, enfranchisement and justice – and that this is our work to do. It doesn’t suggest that mediocre is okay. It calls us to commit to it and lean into its fulfillment!
As Secretary-General António Guterres has said: “Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments …” In the presence of such forces, collective peace is not experienced.
We each have a role to play in fostering peace. Tackling racism and other demonstrations of prejudice are crucial and require our collective action.
In furtherance of the United Nations dedication to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples, the Secretary went on to say, “We are called to dismantle the structures that entrench racism in our midst. We can support movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We can speak out against hate speech – both offline and online. We can promote anti-racism through education and reparatory justice.”
Stay tuned as we explore local efforts to promote anti-racism and sustainable peace in our homes and communities.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
Peace is more than freedom from disturbance or the absence of war. It is a commitment to assuring the well-being of all.
Peace is more than a state of tranquility. Tranquility is a feeling – a sense of calm and quiet that is by its nature transient, ephemeral. It may be experienced in meditation or sitting under a starry sky, listening to the crickets. The aura of tranquility is often associated with a calm environment, a temporary (perhaps fleeting) sense that you don’t have a care in the world.
Though the critical components of peace do include affects such as the absence of war and freedom from disturbances, they are so much more. They include mutual respect, shared values, a commitment to put peace ahead of prejudice and rivalries. True peace will only arise when these components are recognized and the underlying obstacles to peace are addressed and resolved.
Sustainable peace is not passive. It is the work of a lifetime – the conscious commitment to assure that the components of peace are conscientiously strengthened and preserved. Fears and insecurities can cause otherwise stable individuals to waiver. Even a well-developed sense of self can be challenged by the numerous forms of inequity that are presently evident. Those inequities must be eliminated. Diligent reassurances of progress are critical to establishing lasting peace.
For peace to be sustainable it must be based on mutual respect – the recognition of the divinity of all creation demonstrated in all relationships. It goes beyond surface level interactions to supporting one another in developing human dignity – soul-level self-respect rather than ego-based pride. Such dignity is the right of every person to be valued and respected for their own sake, to be treated ethically and to experience equity in all areas of life. This is an inherent, inalienable right. This is a keystone component of enduring peace.
Open communication is essential so that common ground and shared values can be identified and used as the foundation on which to build trust. Fully embracing “oneness,” and accepting the responsibilities that come with that embrace, make sustainable peace possible.
Stay tuned for coming blog posts as we explore the United Nations International Day of Peace and actions local faith communities are taking to empower people to build sustainable peace in their homes and communities.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
Before I accepted Islam, I worked at a bank. A fellow teller disturbed me with his vehement views about Islam. He made a mistake during a transaction, but he was angry at his customer. He charged into my workspace, explained to me his error and growled, “I hope she’s Muslim.” I asked, “Why?” Then he, a non-Muslim, erroneously asserted, “There is no forgiveness in Islam.”
My heart sank. His heart, a lump of coal, ignited by ire blazed due to his inner turmoil. “Have you read the Qur’an?” I wondered. Allah is Most-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.
Accepting Islam involved letting go of misconceptions. The truth is my former co-worker feared the repercussions of his actions. Then he mercilessly unleashed his cruelty upon an innocent woman. He was an enemy of Islam.
The world is not so neatly divided into friends and enemies. Everyone harbors prejudice. As I embraced Islam, I began to wear hijab at the bank. Who knows what my former co-worker thought of me?
The journey into Islam is beautiful. I renew my vows from time to time as if a marriage. More than ever, I feel forgiven. What was so elusive to me before is palpable in this faith.
“Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful” (Qur’an 3:31).
It is believed when you take your Shahadah and enter into Islam, all your past sins are forgiven and you begin with a clean slate. Muslims repeat their Shahadah during prayer multiple times a day.
“That Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future, and complete His Favour on you, and guide you on the Straight Path…” (Qur’an 48:2)
Reading the Qur’an brings peace if that is what you’re searching for. Forgiveness comes in waves. Don’t go against the current. Rest on the shores of mercy.
My former co-worker was not punished for his mistake. He was recognized as a human in need of forgiveness. I wish he would extend the same courtesy to others, but truly he was not wronged. He himself erred. The lesson is that sometimes the most difficult person to forgive is yourself.
Have you ever said, “I’ll never forgive myself, if…”? Don’t fall into that trap! Forgive yourself. Be compassionate. Once you forgive yourself and stop blaming others, a world of positive emotions open up. Fill your heart with awe and love, hope and gratitude. You are who you are and that alone is a blessing. Believe that you can handle whatever comes your way with a little guidance and a lot of faith.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members
According to an article from the Stanford Center for Longevity, there is a relationship between volunteering and improved physical health and cognitive function. “Research also shows that volunteers report elevated mood and less depression, and that volunteers report increased social interactions and social support, better relationship quality, and decreased loneliness.” longevity.stanford.edu/three-reasons-why-people-dont-volunteer-and-what-can-be-done-about-it/ A recent contributor to Deseret News had this to say about her volunteer experience: “I’ve experienced the boost in happiness, the sense that I was part of something bigger. I made friends, formed connections that I still have to this day, and I felt more optimistic about the world when I was surrounded by people who, like me, were trying to help others.” www.deseret.com/coronavirus/2022/4/17/23024241/will-the-volunteers-come-back-nonprofit-volunteering-covid-pandemic.
Of course, volunteerism strengthens communities as well. As people of different backgrounds come together to serve our neighbors, we discover that we have much more in common than we ever imagined. Getting to know our neighbors and working together to lend a hand is an antidote to the violence, divisiveness, and acrimony we are reading in today’s headlines. Whether it is one-on-one mentoring, serving meals, doing laundry at a homeless shelter, cleaning up a local park or working at an animal shelter, or many other opportunities, each selfless act truly does help make the world a better place.
While all of this is good news, non-profits are struggling to find volunteers to meet their needs. A Gallup survey published in January 2022 concluded that, “monetary charitable donations are mostly back to their pre-pandemic levels, while volunteerism still lags.” news.gallup.com/poll/388574/charitable-donations-rebound-volunteering-down.aspx
This is being borne out by the experience of some of our local area non-profits. One example is The Lamb Center in Fairfax which provides daytime drop-in services to people experiencing homelessness. Tara Ruszkowski, Executive Director, reports that one of the Center’s biggest challenges right now is finding enough volunteers to meet their needs. “The Lamb Center has seen a marked increase in daily visits from our homeless neighbors. We are back to pre-COVID levels, serving over 100 people a day! As the number of individuals who come for services rises, our need for support increases. Now is a great time to join our efforts! We are currently seeking volunteers for our kitchen, front desk, and clothing closet. Please email barbdelisa@thelambcenter.org if you are interested in joining our volunteer team!”
So …. ready to move on, roll up your sleeves and make a difference? Check in with your local house of worship, or check out opportunities on the Tysons Interfaith Resources Page: (Be sure to take a look at the list of amazing local non-profits in our area.) tysonsinterfaith.org/resources/
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
The following log is being presented in a series of weekly installments. To read this document in its entirety, please visit: philchurch.substack.com
DAYS 29/30 (FRIDAY/SATURDAY, APRIL 29/30) – Attending an Afghan Hiring (Job) Fair. NF comes to town from where he’s living with his family in Pittsburgh to meet up with his former work colleagues, HM and JN, whom he hasn’t seen since the summer 2021 when the three worked together on US government funded projects in Afghanistan. NF has come to attend a Northern Virginia Afghan Hiring Fair, sponsored by local non-profits and attended by some corporate recruiters. The three Afghans are hopeful that this event, or others to come, or what may emerge on their computer screens each day, will open doors to productive jobs and self-reliant futures. Some leads emerge from the job fair, but more follow-up work to do with online applications lies ahead.
DAY 31 (SUNDAY MAY 1) – Eid Mubarak! Happy Eid! Ramadan concludes at sunset. Today, HM joins the families of some of his friends for special prayers followed by a celebratory Eid dinner. Phil and Connie wonder how his life and ours will readjust to returning to regular eating and sleeping hours. We wonder what the future holds for him and for us in his life. Our month together has been richly rewarding and a real learning experience for each of us.
Ramadan ends but the Easter season continues until Pentecost the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday. Our interfaith lives together with HM continue as well. Connie and Phil feel blessed to have HM in our home and to be able to support him as he faces the challenges of strengthening his foothold in our American economy and culture.
HM has a lot more to accomplish before he becomes self-reliant and, most important, before he can thrive enough to send money back to Kabul to help his family members whose lives become more precarious each day. We don’t know how long it will take and what challenges still lie ahead for HM here and his family there. But HM’s self-confidence is contagious and has infected us deeply. Our respective faiths and shared values are bonding us closely together.
So, wish us well and stand by! More good news is surely to come.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.