Do you ever wish there was a place and time to hear about all the wonderful things the faith based community is doing? Do you ever wish that you could approach the religious groups to see if they can assist you with a problem that you are trying to solve? I am happy to tell you on the second Tuesday of the month from 12-1 p.m. at Northern Light Church, the Interfaith Council meets to do just those type of things.
Once a month the group gathers. The council consists of representatives from the wide variety of faith-based organizations that we have in town. These include, but are not limited to, the Christian churches representing the wide spectrum of denominations, Eckankar, Temple Sukkot Shalom, the Sikhs as well as other faith-based organizations. It is also available to anyone who is willing to share what resources they know and has a desire to make our community as solid as it can be or everyone who lives here.
The meeting starts with introductions and an opportunity to share what their group has been doing as well as updating progress on long-range activities. Faith groups in Juneau do a wide range of things. This sharing moment gives everyone the knowledge of an available resource for referrals as well as the chance for their organization to participate.
Three quarters of the meeting is devoted to a speaker who discusses issues that are important to the needs of our city. To give a glimpse at the wide variety of topics, here are a few examples. One time AEYC-SEA came in and talked about the shortage of childcare with the hope that churches might open up their space for someone to run a daycare. Another time the Suicide Prevention Coalition filled us in on what they were doing in terms of prevention and offered up training opportunities. This last meeting, Larry Olson told us about the heroin issue with some concrete things that we could do for families and people with addiction issues.
Questions and specific requests are asked after the speaker finishes. From how do I help guide my congregant through hoops that can get them affordable housing to how can I let the LGBT community know that our faith organization is open and welcoming. The Interfaith Council is, above all, a group that really wants to make things better, especially for those who struggle.
If you find yourself reading this and want to participate, but Tuesday is the worst possible day for you, then consider contacting Pat McLear, who coordinates the group. She has the exceptional ability to funnel information that is sent to her out to the council group in highly informative emails. It might not be as good as attending — there is certainly a lot to be learned at the meetings — but it is an important way of finding out about what is happening. You can reach her at fptwr67@gmail.com.
By the same token, if you have information about what you are doing and you think that the faith based community can help you, contact Pat to get a slot on the speaker list. The council will get to hear what you have to say. Without a doubt, members of the group will leave with a better understanding, the ability to pass that information on to others and to assist in making the problem better. All in all, a great way to spend an hour on the second Tuesday of the month.
• Corinne Conlon wrote this piece on behlaf on the Juneau Interfaith Council. She writes Dirt Girl which frequently appears in Outdoors.
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