All posts by Tim Helton

2019 Feast of Faiths

The Ventura County Interfaith Community is excited to announce the date and time for its 2019 Feast of Faiths. This year, the Feast of Faiths, a gathering of individuals from various religions to discuss their beliefs with those of other faiths informally over dinner, will take place from 4 to 6 pm on Sunday, November 3rd at the Islamic Center of Conejo Valley. The Islamic Center is located at 2700 Borchard Rd., Newbury Park, 91320.

Understanding is the theme for this year’s Feast of Faiths.

Members of various religions – including but not limited to Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Bahá’ís , Quakers, Unitarian Universalists, and Buddhists – will share a meal. The purpose of the dinner is to promote dialogue and friendship between people of different religions. Halal-style and vegetarian food will be served.

Seating this year is limited, so get your tickets early. The suggested donation for tickets purchased by October 25th is $26 for adults and $15 for students. After October 25th, general admission tickets are available for $30 and student tickets for $20. Children eight and under will be admitted free.

Click here to purchase tickets online

Or register by sending a check to Ventura County Interfaith Community at 3482 Barca Street, Camarillo, CA 93010.

Join us in a march for peace and justice

The Ventura County Interfaith Community is proud to partner with Peace Catalysts International (www.peacecatalyst.org) in a march to promote peace and justice on September 22, 2019.

The march is timed to coincide with a number of other marches scheduled to occur worldwide, and supports freedom of religion. It recognizes government’s role in safeguarding the practice of faith without fear of discrimination, intimidation, or reprisal, and it celebrates the nations commitment to equal justice and protection under the law to all races and to those most vulnerable.

The march will begin at the parking lot between Sam’s Club and McDonalds, 2401 Rose Avenue, Oxnard and proceed to Rio Lindo Park, 901 Blanca Place, Oxnard. Starting time for the march will be 1:00 and the march will conclude at 3:00 after presentations by representatives of several faith communities.

To find out more, email tim.mcdonell@peace-catalyst.net or visit www.interfaithmarch.com.

4th Annual Interfaith Labor Day Harvest

Volunteers are needed for the 4th Annual Interfaith Labor Day Harvest  Monday, Sept. 2nd from 9 am – 1 pm at the Abundant Table Farm in Camarillo (1012 W. Ventura Blvd off the 101 at Central).  Now more than ever we need to gather as a united community and serve alongside one another.  This Labor Day, serve with people who are committed to strengthening the fabric of our community.  We will help tend a non-profit, organic farm and harvest produce for local food pantries while also growing our appreciation for each other and farm workers who help feed our families every day.  (Service hours are available for students). Registration is free and easy at http://labordayharvest.com/  Our work together concludes with lunch and live music. 

For more  information, contact labordayharvest@gmail.com

VCIC Presents at Catholic University Series

The Ventura County Interfaith Community is proud to present the following topics at the Catholic University Series:

Do all Faiths Believe in Heaven – March 19 – 7:30-9:00 pm

A panel of people from different religions in the Ventura County Interfaith Community discuss their varying beliefs about the afterlife. Does heaven exist for members of the Baha’i faith? What will it be like for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What about Buddhists, how do they see the afterlife? How do Muslims think about the afterlife? Join us in the Serra Center of Padre Serra, 5205 Upland Rd., Camarillo, CA 93012.

Do all Faiths Believe in God’s Healing Power – April 9th – 7:30-9:00 pm

A panel of believers representing Trinitarian Christians, Jews, Quakers, and Unitarian Universalists talk about their understanding of pain, suffering, and healing. Why do we suffer? Do we have to wait for the afterlife to be healed? How do these faiths define healing? Come learn with us in the church hall at St. Mary Magdalen, Corner Of Las Posas & Crestview, Camarillo, CA 93010.

Click here for a flyer with further information and click here for further information on the University Series.

2nd Annual “We Are One” Celebration, Saturday, January 12, 2019

Please join us for the second Annual “We Are One” celebration in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! This year’s event will be held Saturday, January 12, 4 pm-6 pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1201 Paseo Camarillo Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. Come together as a faith community in the spirit of fellowship and unity to enjoy speakers and choirs from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Camarillo Stake, Evangel Christian Fellowship, St. Paul’s Baptist, and Bethel AME Baptist churches. All are welcome, bring a friend!

No Room at the Inn

Dear VCIC Members and Friends,

Please join us for the 25th annual No Room at the Inn event benefitting the homeless in Ventura County! Hundreds of nativities will be on display! This year’s event is being hosted by the Camarillo United Methodist Church, located at 291 Anacapa Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010.

The Opening Reception on Friday, Nov. 30, 6:30pm – 9:00pm will feature nativity displays, light refreshments, entertainment, Silent Auction, and free ornament. Suggested donation $30/person through Nov. 26, $35/person after.

Weekend Exhibit on Saturday, Dec. 1, 10:00am – 6:00pm will feature nativity displays, entertainment, and Children’s Corner. Suggested donation $5/adults, $1/children.

With over $480,000 donated to the homeless since 1993, please help us continue the tradition (especially during the wake of the recent fires in Ventura County), while enjoying the holiday season!

Click here for more details.

Much Thanks,

Catherine Blickenstaff

 

Online Class on Jewish Views of the After Life

What Happens After I Die? – Jewish Views of the Afterlife
An On-Line Class to be Led by Rabbi Michael Lotker
When: 7-8:30PM (Pacific Time) Thursdays Nov. 8, 15 & 29
Cost:  None!
How Do I Enroll?  Send an email to Rabbi Lotker at lotker@aol.com
 
Many Jews are surprised to learn that Judaism has always held that there is something beyond the grave – a life in the “world to come.”  We just don’t know (or teach) the details because no one has come back to tell us and because Judaism’s focus is on this life rather than the life in the hereafter.   In this class, we will explore the wide range of authentic Jewish beliefs about the afterlife and how these beliefs have affected Jewish traditions of burial and mourning.  In our sessions we will examine what the Bible has to say, the Rabbinic and Talmudic thoughts and commentaries, the amazing world of medieval commentary, mystical and Kabbalistic insights and well as what modern thinkers contribute.  We will also explore Jewish funeral and mourning customs and their origins and even address the world of near death experiences and the possibility of communication between this world and the next.
 
To enroll, please send an email to Rabbi Lotker at lotker@aol.com and you will receive a link allowing you to join the class.

Feast of Faiths

Ventura County Interfaith Community’s annual Feast of Faiths, a gathering of individuals from various religions to discuss their beliefs and practices with those of other faiths informally over dinner, will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, November 11th at The Center for Spiritual Living, 340 Mobile Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010.

Members of various religions – including but not limited to Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Baha’i, Quaker, and Buddhist – will share a meal. The purpose of the dinner is to promote dialogue and friendship between people of different religions. Halal-style and vegetarian food will be served. Suggested donation of $22 if received by October 28, or $27 at the door. Student (8 and older) suggested donation of $12 by October 28, or $15 at the door.

For more information or to reserve your place see the 2018 Feast of Faiths Flier or contact Teri Helton at teri@terihelton.com.