"We have the ability to achieve, if we master the necessary goodwill, a common global society blessed with a shared culture of peace that is nourished by the ethnic, national and local diversities that enrich our lives.” - Mahnaz Afkhami
MnMN's Charity Golf Scramble on June 12th: A Message from 🌟Laila Franklin🌟
Hi there lovely folks!
This is Laila Franklin, from the Minnesota Multifaith Network.
I am a graduating senior from the University of St. Thomas receiving my BA in Entrepreneurship and minoring in Business Analytics and Theology for the Common Good. During my time at St. Thomas, I participated on the Women’s Golf team. I also served as a Peer Minister for two years.
It is my absolute honor and pleasure to welcome YOU to MnMN’s first ever golf fundraiser event! This tournament will be hosted at the course where my golf journey began at the age of three. The executive nine-hole golf course, Brookland Golf Park, is a fun challenge for people of all skill levels. This course, and all affiliated members and staff, emphasize and embrace a culture that is welcoming and friendly to all, which is why I call this place home.
Golf is a game that is near and dear to my heart, and I cannot wait to share it with you all! Being surrounded by the beauty of creation is one of my greatest admirations of this glorious game.
I look forward to teeing off with you and furthering the mission of a more united, loving community.
Keep being GREAT!
June 12, 2024, 4-6:45pm , Brookland Golf Park. Registration open now here!
🔆 NEW 🔆 Member Submitted Material on MnMN Website
Today a group of members of MnMN who call themselves the Religious Pluralism Minnesota (RPM) group, is placing a new resource on MnMN’s website, "Christians in Pluralism Group Address Anti-Judaism in Biblical Texts." This is the first of what MnMN hopes will become a lively and valuable resource to members, namely, “member submitted material” for use by, and/or dialogue among members of MnMN. An email address is provided with the announcement below, and others are encouraged to submit responses to this submission or submit something on a topic relevant to interfaith relations and work. Submissions will be subject to MnMN’s curation and MnMN’s publishing such submissions does not imply agreement or endorsement. Comments on this item can be sent to religiouspluralismmn@mnmultifaith.org. New submissions on other interfaith matters can be sent to info@mnmultifaith.org.
From MnMN Board Chair, Prof. Anantanand Rambachan:
I am very happy to share with you the news that my most recent book, "Pathways to Hindu-Christian Dialogue, (Fortress Press, 2022) has been chosen as the winner of the Best Book in Hindu-Christian Studies, in the Philosophical-Theological Category for 2024 by the Society for Hindu-Christian Studies.
In the words of the selection committee, "We recognized the stellar contribution of its seven essays, so personal and yet too so insightful on larger issues in India and the West, in academic and interreligious circles today. Needless to say, we appreciated how it also captures the wisdom and insight of your long career in Hindu-Christian learning."
The book will be honored at the 2024 meeting of the American Academy of Religion (San Diego), with a book panel on Friday 22, November at 7.00 pm.
Partner Events
Luther Seminary: Aus Memorial Lecture "Bonhoeffer, the Gospel, and the Other"
Tuesday, June 11th, 6:00pm, Olson Campus Center, St. Paul. Complimentary meal provided.
Join us for this interactive, “salon”-style event in person on the seminary campus or online from anywhere through Faith+Lead. Tripp Fuller and Andrew Root will lead rich conversation about the remarkable life and enduring relevance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Before his imprisonment and martyrdom for working with the German resistance, Bonhoeffer lived and shared the gospel in an increasingly dangerous world. Come discover how Bonhoeffer’s ideas of who is “Other” impacted how he lived—and died—as a witness for his faith.
Established in 1978, the Aus Lecture series focuses on evangelism in memory of George Aus, a prominent evangelist and professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary from 1939 to 1973.
KOOTASCA BIG VIEW: Mental Health & the Workplace with Dr. Chris Caulkins
During our adult lives, a large proportion of our time is spent at work. Our experience in the workplace is one of the factors determining our overall wellbeing.
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Time: 9:00 - 12:30 (Lunch provided for in person attendees.)
Registration: Please send registrations to Amy at amyb@kootasca.org or 218-212-2810.
Space is limited at this venue so please register early.
Location: KOOTASCA Conference Room, Central Square Mall, 201 NW 4th Street, Grand Rapids
Mindful Movement Series Friday, June 7th, 6:00pm, Carondelet Center.
Please join us for a series of four different styles of movement in Tai Chi and Qigong. We will be engaging our senses as we do movements outside Carondelet Center at 6:00 PM on the first Fridays in June-Sept. The four different styles or programs are Tai Chi for Rehabilitation, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Chi Chih, and Qigong. Slow movements can be powerful in healing especially when we are connected to nature. Relax your nervous system, engage the mind differently, and slow down to the rhythm of your breath and the earth.
Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God Thursday, June 13, 1-3pm, In-Person, Carondelet Center, $20
We usually pray with words and song. Sometimes we pray by walking or other movement. Seldom do we use doodling in color as a way to draw closer to God. Praying in Color can change the way you pray and how you experience God, by using the right side of your brain. This is not about coming up with a finished product, or being an artist. If you are looking for a new way to communicate with God, Praying in Color could be right for you.
TASMN: Turkic Cooking Class Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, 2:00-4:30pm CST, 6565 Oakley Drive NE Fridley, MN
In our Turkic Culinary Journey series, we celebrate the rich and vibrant culinary traditions that span across Turkic-speaking regions, including Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and many more. Building on the success of our first season, we’re thrilled to take you on an even more captivating journey into the heart of Turkic cuisine.
Trust Network: Is it Just Us? Election Polarization in the USA and Global Trends
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (CDT) Virtual. Free of cost.
Join us on Jun 5, 2024, 12:00 PM (CDT) for a virtual conversation on election polarization in the U.S. and global trends featuring Prabha Sankaranarayan, President and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International and Tiffany Easthom, Executive Director of Nonviolent Peaceforce.
This free event is brought to you by these TRUST Network partners: Nonviolent Peaceforce, Restorative Justice Community Action, Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute, and Mediators Beyond Borders International.
Sahan Journal: Black Entrepreneurs Share Their Success StoriesThursday, May 30th, 6:00-7:30pm, Capri Theater's Paradise Community Hall, Minneapolis. Sahan Journal founder and CEO Mukhtar M. Ibrahim and reporter Alfonzo Galvan will sit down with the Black entrepreneurs who are making it in Minnesota. They’ll discuss their journeys, challenges, the economic landscape in the state, and what they think future leaders need to know.
The Public Utilities Commission: Unnatural Gas: Challenging Methane Gas Proposals at the PUC Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 12:00. Webinar. The Public Utilities Commission is considering a number of proposals related to utility companies’ use of methane gas. Methane is often called “natural” gas and is positioned as a “cleaner” or “safer” alternative to coal, but it’s really just another greenhouse gas that releases carbon into the atmosphere when burned. Given our state's goal to phase out all carbon-based energy, it is critical that climate justice voices are heard in the public comment process to challenge utility companies’ use of this carbon-producing gas! Join the virtual lunch and learn more by registering here.
Policy Fellowship at Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public AffairsDeadline to apply is open until Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 11:59 pm CST. The Policy Fellows program is one of the country’s most respected public affairs leadership experiences for emerging and mid-career professionals. The nine-month program is unmatched in its interaction with public officials, leadership training, diversity of participants and perspectives, and opportunity to undertake important projects that benefit the wider community. Apply here.
Overdose Prevention for Faith Communities Light lunch and program to follow. Register here, and contact bethany.tollefson@centracare.com with any questions.
Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing June 11th, 12:00pm, Free Webinar. What does it mean to be fully alive? Catherine Duncan in her book, "Everyday Awakening", explores three life changing events and the five practices learned. Life is the ultimate continuing educator. Realizing and living our true life is a sacred gift we all deserve. This webinar will explore what it means to live from the inside out - body, mind, and spirit - and to feel vibrantly alive. Please contact the Bakken Center's community relations office (mindprg@umn.edu) as far in advance as possible if you require accommodations or if you have any questions or comments. Register here.
Mark Your Calendars
IPL: Spirit of WaterJune 15, 2024, 5:00-8:00pm. Join us for a celebration with Mississippi River! Gather with us to connect, play, learn, pray, celebrate, and honor the spirit of water. This year, we will meet at Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul for a community celebration featuring speakers, music, booths, food, art, and play areas for children. The event is co-presented by R.I.S.E. Coalition, United Theological Seminary, and Friends of the Mississippi River. Learn more here!
Institute on Theology and Disability Annual Conference Registration Open!June 17th-20th, 2024, Boston MA or Online. Register here. We invite you to join us, in person or virtually, as we explore this critical intersection as academics, practitioners, and interested others. This conference seeks to be as accessible as possible to as many as possible, so if you find registration to be inaccessible for any reason, please email info@theologydisability.org – we look forward to a fruitful time together!
Wisdom Ways: Annual Summer Solstice Festival June 21, 2024. Join us for food trucks, music, community, and more! If you are interested in tabling at the Summer Solstice Festival, please enter your information here. If you are interested in volunteering at the festival please complete the form here.
Friends for a NonViolent World People Camp 2024August 11-17, 2024. Northern Pines Retreat Center in Park Rapids. Early Bird Registration ends May 31st. People Camp is a unique, one week, intergenerational community living experience open to all. Register here. Learn more about People Camp here!
Transformative Family Dispute Mediation Training Program
August 19th -23rd, 9:00am-6:00pm, Adath Jeshurun Congregation, Minnetonka, facilitated by Dan Simon. A weekdays only opportunity that qualifies for court certification to practice in Minnesota under Minnesota Rule 114. Early bird pricing is $1,500 until June 1st, and $1,900 after. Read more about transformative meditation as an approach here. Register for the course here.
Resources
United Religions Initiative: World Biodiversity Day Video Project
URI is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world.
Every year on the 22nd of May, the United Nations recognizes the astounding diversity that is woven together to create the web of life. This diversity is often beautiful and completely necessary for us to breathe and thrive. Please take 3 minutesto learn about the inspiring work of Cooperation Circles who are protecting biodiversity in many ecosystems around the world. This year's video highlights 10 CCs, in six regions.
In the past couple of years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to travel to south and east Asia. Observing Buddhism in places like Thailand, China, Japan, and Malaysia, is eye-opening in that Buddhism as practiced can look quite different from the meditating monk imagery we so often see. Below, let’s explore what Buddhism looks like in some of the countries where it is most prevalent.
"Weekend of George Floyd memorials begins with prayer service" by Estelle Timar-Wilcox, MPR News, May 2, 2024 Faith Leaders from local churches, mosques, and synagogues gathered in downtown Minneapolis on Friday for a morning of prayers. They opened a weekend of events marking the day that George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police four years ago Saturday. Read more here.
Submissions to the Newsletter
All are welcome to submit events and news for inclusion in our newsletter. To make a submission, please email us. Submissions for the next newsletter are due Friday, June 7th. MnMN Organizational Partners and Individual Members have first priority. If you are not yet an Organizational Partner or Individual Member, we encourage you to join us!
.png)
(1).png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpg)
