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MIC Co-Sponsored Events
Robert N. Bellah Book Event
Thursday, February 9, 7:00 PM, Angelico Hall, Dominican University campus address: 50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael. Robert N. Bellah, Professor Emeritus at U.C.Berkeley, discusses his book, Religion in Human Evolution exploring the origin of religion, ritual and myth. Reception begins at 5:30 PM. For more information, call 482-3582.
Hunger Walk Informational Rally Meeting
Wednesday, February 29, 7:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Learn how to raise hunger awareness in Marin and funds for local and world hunger relief at a rally meeting to organize the 16th annual Marin CROP Hunger Walk being held Sunday, April 29 at 1:30 PM (5 kilometer walk). For more information, call Leslie Purdy, 415-234-6515 or rlpurdy869@gmail.com
Cokie & Steve Roberts' Interfaith Passover Traditions
Thursday, March 22, 7:00 PM, Osher Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. The Osher Marin JCC and Koret Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood present an evening with Cokie and Steve Roberts titled, "Our Haggadah: Uniting Traditions for Interfaith Families." The Roberts will share their interfaith Passover traditions captured in this unique Haggadah. $15 (members) $20 (public), wine and food tasting included. For more information, call 444-8066.
Muslims, Jews and A New Song
Wednesday, May 23, 7:00 PM, Osher Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. The Osher Marin JCC and Koret Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood present an evening with Tricia Hellman Gibbs, MD (Sarah Isaias). Following 9/11, Gibbs discovered her roots in Judaism and also began an intensive study of Islam. Her recently published novel, A New Song, is the result of this research and her conclusion that there is inestimable value to be gained from knowing one’s own faith and also from studying the faith of another. Dr. Gibbs will discuss her journey back to Judaism and love of Torah, her discoveries in the study of Quran and Islam, her choice of pen name, and topics related to interfaith study. She will discuss selections from Torah and Quran, and read from A New Song. $12 (members) $15 (public), For more information, call 444-8066.
Community Events
Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America
January 24 – June 3, The California Museum, Sacramento. Sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), this exhibit tells the stories of Catholic sisters’ roles in U.S. history, including the Civil War, the California Gold Rush, and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake through photos, writings and artifacts. Witness the courage and dedication of the women who established many of the first schools, colleges, hospitals, orphanages, and other social institutions in our country and our state. To learn more about the exhibit, go to www.womenandspirit.org or www.CaliforniaMuseum.org.
Jeanne Woodford on "The Death Penalty in California: My Personal Evolution"
Tuesday, January 31, 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 240 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon. Jeanne Woodford served as the warden of San Quentin Prison and had to oversee four executions. She previously served as Undersecretary and Director of the CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. All are welcome: youth and adults, those of all faiths or no faith. Free, optional donations accepted for Death Penalty Focus and Women of Westminster. To reserve your seat, contact Holly Seerley at HSeerley@aol.com or 488-7931. Childcare is available if reserved by Jan 24.
Friday, February 3, 7:00 PM, Unity in Marin, 600 Palm Drive, Hamilton Field, Novato. Transformative Cinema Series Presents award-winning documentary. In a remote region of northern Zambia a group of women are given a unique opportunity: to learn how to make a film, as a way to speak out about their lives. Suggestion donation $10 - benefiting Camfed and Unity in Marin. For more information, call Ellen Thomas 497-3677.
College & Career Day for Students/Adults with Learning Differences or ADHD
Saturday, February 4, 9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Star Academy, 4470 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael. Hear guest speakers, a panel discussion by students with learning differences, learn about careers, colleges, and support services. Complimentary lunch. Seating limited. For more information or to register, call Dorothy Khosrovi, 456-8727, ext. 117.
The Kirtan Rabbi, Andrew Kahn, In Concert
Saturday, February 4, 8:00 PM, 215 Blackfield Dr, Tiburon. Join us for a unique evening of meditation, music and community spirit with the Kirtan Rabbi and special music guest artists. Hebrew chants, soothing vocals, dreamy loops and hypnotic world rhythms from the Hebrew Bible, the siddur (traditional prayerbook) and Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). Tickets $18 for Kol Shofar members, $25 general public. To order, call 338-1818 ext. 111 or email hben-eliezer@kolshofar.org.
Taize Service
Sunday, Feburary 5, 5:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church, 1510 Fifth Ave, San Rafael. Please join us for Taize chants, other songs,instrumental music, healing prayers and silence. For additional information, call 456-6760.
Three Amigos Interfaith Event
Sunday, February 5, 4:00 PM, PLTS chapel, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley. A pastor, a rabbi and a sheikh have become friends and share about their interfaith experiences in a witty, entertaining style. This event is based on their recently published book, Religion Gone Astray.
Celebrate the Feast of Brigit with North Bay Reclaiming
Sunday, February 5, 3:30 PM (gather) 4:00 PM (ritual), Subud Hall, 234 Hutchins Ave., Sebastopol. All ages welcome to attend this Celebration of the Feast of Brigit, Triple Goddess of Smithcraft, Inspiration and Healing. Join North Bay Reclaiming to meet Her and review our past, renew our commitments and pledge our projects for the coming time of Light. Cost: $7-$21 (sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds).
Tu B'Shevat Celebration
Sunday, February 5, 10:00 AM, Congregation Gan HaLev, San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo. The 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar, marks the beginning of a "New Year for Trees." This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. We mark the day of Tu B'Shevat by eating fruit singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land. 415-389-9590 to RSVP or for additional information.
Poetry Reading and Contemplative Music
Tuesday, February 7, 7:00 PM, Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church, 100 Tarry Road San Anselmo. Enjoy poetry and contemplative music with Stephen Iverson. Bring a poem to share. For more information, call 453-8221.
A New Take on the Gospel of Mark with Professor Anne Wire
Wednesday, February 8, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM, First United Methodist Church, 9 Ross Valley Drive, San Rafael. Using slides of Christian, Jewish, and Roman art from the centuries before and after Jesus’ ministry Anne explores what it means to see Mark as created not by an author writing at a desk. She argues instead that we have a record of the development of a complex story told in peasant gatherings during Jesus life and after among followers struggling for life under Roman rule in rural Galilee. This gospel’s creation in interactive story-telling throws a particular light on our picture of Jesus and his work. Her hearers will want to try again to hear this gospel’s particular good news for today. For more information, call 453-8716.
Philoptochos Society Lecture with Dr. Fr. John Chryssavgis
Saturday, February 11, 9:30 AM (welcome/coffee) 10:00 AM (program), Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Christian Church, 1110 Highland Drive, Novato. The public is welcome to attend a lecture and discussion by Dr. Fr. John Chryssavgis, a deacon of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and theological advisor to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Dr. Fr. John Chryssavgis is author of numerous publications including Cosmic Grace, Humble Prayer (2003) and Reflections of Abba Zosimas (2004). For more information, call 883-1998.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation Crab Feed & Auction
Saturday, February 11, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM, Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael. Silent auction with appetizers and cocktails; crab or veggie lasagna dinner; San Francisco Dungeness crab; Sher’s Boston clam chowder; caesar salad; sourdough bread; live auction during dessert; live music by Wizards of Odds; raffle. Child care by advance request. RSVP forms at web site, http://uumarin.org or call 415-479-4131.
SF Theological Seminary Presidential Inauguration
Friday-Saturday, February 11-12, SF Theological Seminary, 105 Seminary Road, San Anselmo & First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo, 72 Kensington Rd., San Anselmo. The inauguration of SFTS' 11th President, Rev. Dr. James L. McDonald, begins Friday, Feb. 11 at noon with worship and communion at SFTS' Stewart Chapel, then on Saturday, Feb. 11, the inauguration service is held at FPCSA from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by lunch at SFTS' Alexander Hall. For more information, go to www.sfts.edu.
Fully Employed: Finding a Secure Place in God’s Economy
Sunday, February 12, 3:00 PM, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael.
Can prayer bring abundance into your life here and now? Is it possible to find and fulfill your God-given purpose? Does your value depend on economic cycles? This lecture by Martha Moffett, a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, will bring deep healing and practical answers to your life. Sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Rafael. For more information, call 453-3714 or email cschurchsr@gmail.com.
John Dear Book Talk on Lazarus, Come Forth!
Monday, February 16, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Dominican Sisters Gathering Place, 1520 Grand Ave, San Rafael. Hear long time peace activist, Father John Dear talk about the Biblical story of Lazarus which, he believes, calls us to pursue a life of peace. This event is sponsored by Pax Christi of Marin and the North Bay Maryknoll Affiliates. Free admission. For more information, please contact Nancy McFarland at 707-773-0904.
Buddhism...A Teaching of Self Examination
Monday, February 16, 7:30 PM, Buddhist Temple of Marin, 390 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. Dr. Nobuo Haneda will explore Buddhism as a teaching of self-examination. Free admission. For more information, please go to: www.buddhisttempleofmarin.org.
Dances of Universal Peace
Thursday, February 23, 2012—7:00- 8:30 p.m., Santa Sabina Center, 25 Magnolia, San Rafael. The Dances of Universal Peace are a joyful form of prayer that creates community while inviting participants to experience with breath, voice and body the spiritual wisdom found in ancient sacred phrases and their meanings. These dances, comprised of chant and simple dance steps done in a circle, are the work of an international network of people who seek to bring mutual understanding and respect to the rich diversity of religious and spiritual traditions found throughout the world. Joseph Kilikevice, OP, a Dominican friar visiting Santa Sabina Center from Chicago will lead the dances. This event is free and open to the public. For details, go to: www.santasabinacenter.org.
Lenten Retreat at Santa Sabina Center, San Rafael
Friday-Sunday, February 24-26, 2012, Santa Sabina Center, 25 Magnolia, San Rafael. Lenten Retreat: Breaking the Seal that Binds Us. What holds us back from our life’s purpose? What seals us off from God and others, holding us back as people of God called to live lives of compassion with one another? Enter the spiritual desert with Jesus during this interfaith Lenten retreat and uncover the deep, rich meanings from the ancient Aramaic texts that recorded them. Their mantric sound together with chant and simple, reverent movement done by participants will provide an ever deepening experience of the wisdom found in the Aramaic words of this man of fearless strength, courage and authenticity. Joseph Kilikevice, OP is a Dominican friar from Chicago where he founded the Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality during the Chicago 1993 Parliament of the World’s Religions. He has offered interfaith retreats throughout the country for over 25 years. Fee: $375. Go online at: www.santasabinacenter.org for details.
The Reality of Healing Conference: Medicine, Prayer & Research
Thursday-Sunday, April 26-29, First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael. Four day conference features speakers sharing research, theologians addressing healing from ancient sacred texts, and workshops including: The Shamanic Practice of Healing, Passage Meditataion, Sacred Sound, Praying the Body, Healing the Earth and more. Contact: Sacred Path Ministries, 541-246-2030 or go to: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=opm6kddab&oeidk=a07e5a3g749d6dfcc5f&oseq=a021c7gnnj45dd
14th Annual Youth Forum on Spiritual Values at Vedanta Retreat
Saturday, March 10, 9:30 AM-9:30 PM, Vedanta Retreat, 9799 State Route 1, Olema. All day program of meditation, discussion, works of service and sharing. Limited overnight accommodations in the retreat center and extra activities available for those who can stay the previous night and the night of the retreat. Program includes meditation led by monks, small group discussion on the topic "Achieving Our Life's Goals," walk to a ridge-top forest and more. No charge but advance reservations required by March 3. Meals provided. For more information and to RSVP, email: society@sfvedanta.org or call 922-2323.
Classes and On-Going Groups
The Six Paramitas
Thursdays, January 5, 12 & 19; February 2 & 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Sukhasiddhi Foundation, 771 Center Blvd, Fairfax. Developing the qualities that lead to awakening. Stephen Gross is the teacher. $20 per class for non-members. For more information and to register, email events@sukhasiddhi.org.
Through the Ear to the Heart:
Sing the Music of Hildegard von Bingen as a Contemplative Practice
Tuesdays, January 17, February 14, March 6, April 3, May 1, 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Santa Sabina Center, 25 Magnolia, San Rafael. Also, Third Thursdays, January 19, February 16, March 15, May 17, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Dance Palace, 503 B St, Pt. Reyes Station. $10-20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. For more information, call 457-7727 or visit www.santasabinacenter.org.
Motherhood as a Spiritual Path
Wednesdays, January 18 - February 22, 9:30 - 11:30 am, First Presbyterian Church, 1510 Fifth Ave, San Rafael. Would you like to deepen your spiritual life and help your child develop as well? Barbara Alexander is the teacher. $150 for the series. For more information, call Jan at 456-6760 ext. 13.
Songs of the Soul Poetry Contest
Submissions due by January 31, awards presentation during the Sacred Music Festival from March 16-18, Embassy Suites Hotel, San Rafael. Seeking unpublished poetry of any length from youth and adults. The theme is "The Natural Rhythm of Wisdom." First place award $250, second place $100, third $50. For guidelines, an entry form and more information, call 472-6959 or visit www.ias.org and click on "Songs of the Soul."
Sunday Tea Gatherings
Sunday, February 5, March 4, 1:30-3:00 PM, Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, 1601 Shoreline Hwy., Muir Beach. Join us in the quiet, timeless setting of the tea house for conversation, a traditional Japanese sweet, and a bowl of matcha (whisked green tea). Your role as guest is simply to be willing to be fully present and open to the possibilities of this particular gathering of people, this particular time and space. A brief instruction will be given; no prior experience necessary. $25. Call 475-9362 to register.
Shangpa Ngondro
Wednesdays (ongoing), 7:00-8:30 PM, Sukhasiddhi Foundation, 771 Center Blvd, Fairfax. Join classes and practice sessions with Lama Palden, assisted by Annik Brunet and Stephen Gross. Suggested donation: Members $105, Non-members $140 for 2 classes and 5 practice sessions. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. To register, email info@sukhasiddhi.org.
People of Faith Against the Death Penalty
First Mondays (January 2, February 6...), 5:00 PM. Meet at the Larkspur Landing Parking Lot and walk to the West Gate of San Quentin Prison. There is a Candlelight Vigil and Community Assembly each month.
Navigating Mid-Life Transitions
Thursdays, February 2-March 8, 7:00-8:30 PM, Geneva Room, First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth St, San Rafael. This course is taught by Barbara Alexander. We will work to answer some "big" questions - Why am I here? What is my purpose? How may I be of service to the world? This class is designed to deepen your connection to your Self. $150 for the series. To register, call 456-6760. For more information, visit www.fpcsr.org.
Ancestral Voice Center for Indigenous Lifeways-2012 Events
January 29 – March 18, Novato, Mill Valley (see website). Ancestral Voice Center for Indigenous Lifeways presents programs and "intensive" courses including "Shapeshifting-The Art of Transformation." Don't miss the "Equinox Medicine Wheel Ceremony atop Mt. Tam," March 18. $50 deposit to register for the intensives. Call 897-7991 or go to www.ancestralvoice.org.
Saturday Sittings with Edward Brown
Saturday, February 4, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, 1601 Shoreline Hwy., Muir Beach. These sittings with Edward Brown include zazen, outdoor walking meditation, chi gung, talks, and discussion. Beginning and experienced students are welcome. $40, $36 current SFZC members, $32 limited income. Lunch is included. A separate teaching donation is requested. Call to register: 475-9362.
Strengthening Your Skills as a Dad
Monday, February 13, 6:30-8:30 PM, Parents Place in San Rafael. Robert Scott, MSW leads class for Dads of children 5 to 14 years old. Learn new skills and hear the latest research on parenting. $35. Pre-registration required at www.ParentsPlaceOnline.org/marin or by calling 491-7959.
Sufi Studies
Sundays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, Institute for Sufi Studies, 14 Commercial Blvd., Suite 101, Novato. Sufi Master Dr. Ali Kianfar leads classes on Understanding the Quran from 2:30-4:00 PM, The Hadiths from 4:00-5:30 PM, and Sufi Commentary on the Bible from 5:30-7:00 PM. $80 for four sessions of one class, $220 for four sessions of all classes. To register, call 472-6959 or 382-7834 or go to www.ias.org.
New Interreligious Master's Program
The Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley recently announced a new M.A. degree program in Interreligious Studies, to begin in Fall of 2012. Although the GTU has long been known for its unique mix of faith traditions, including seminaries of several Christian denominations as well as centers for Buddhist, Islamic, and Jewish studies, this is the first time a course of study has focused on the issues and importance of the emerging interreligious reality across the United States and around the world. Applications are due February 15 for the first class of students. For more information, visit www.gtu.edu.
Permaculture Design Certification Course in Occidental with Kat Steele
Monday-Saturday, March 5-10, 9 AM-6 PM, Westminster Woods, 6510 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. 72 hour Permaculture Design Certification Course offered in collaboration with Urban Permaculture Guild and the Center for Nature and Christian Spirituality. Tuition $1000 by Feb. 1 or $1200 after. Pre-registration required. Call Nancy, 454-5028.
Opportunities
Interfaith Counseling Center of the Bay Area
15 Austin Ave at SFTS. There is one Full-time room for rent and several one-day-per-week openings for therapists, spiritual directors or other helping professionals at less-than-market rates. For more information please call 256-9701.
No Waiting List for Senior Housing
The Ross Valley Ecumenical Housing Association (RVEHA) invites you to tour our Tam Houses in San Anselmo. There are currently openings for independent seniors to live cooperatively at low cost. Please call House Manager Chris Highland at 457-5633 to schedule a tour. To learn more about "the future of community living," visit http://www.tamhouse.org/ to read the latest newsletter, watch a video and see photos of our unique homes.
Nonprofits Talking Taxes
"Nonprofits Talking Taxes" is a workshop tailored for nonprofit staff and faith communities who seek other solutions to our state's fiscal crisis besides more budget cutes. Economists tell us that taxes are a mirror of community values. Poor schools, inadequate healthcare, a degraded environomnet are all reflections on our current tax and budget structure. But these structures can change to reflect the common good! For more information or to schedule a training, go to: www.nonprofitstalkingtaxes.org.
Volunteer Drivers Needed
JFCS Needs Drivers for Marin Seniors. Help provide Marin County seniors with a life-transporting experience. Become a volunteer driver for seniors who can no longer drive themselves to and from medical appointments, the grocery store, and other vital services. You will be performing a good deed and helping many Marin seniors to remain independent in their own homes. All logistics are coordinated through the JFCS office in San Rafael, and training is provided. Contact Betty Hirschfeld at 415-419-3661 or BettyH@jfcs.org to volunteer or to receive more information.