Last Meeting before the Summer!

Meeting announcement!

 

 

Tuesday, May 10th

 

Noon Potluck and Presentation from the Food Pantry

Calvary Lutheran Church in Minocqua

 

 

Agenda for meeting :

• Welcome and introduction to guests and new people
• Grace, lunch and roundtable updates (inc. Faith and Values column, Community Table, Website and Dues update)
• 15 minute presentation on the Food Pantry
• Discussion on direction for LAMA: How is it relevant? what more does it need to do? What is no longer needed? Who can commit to its programs?
• Setting up details for next year:  time and place and possible theme

LAMA purpose

Although the Ministerial Association has been going on for years ( even decades) we regularly look at our purpose. 

The purpose statements of

the Lakeland Area Ministerial Association are:

• We will respond to social issues in our community.

• We will celebrate and honor diversity within our community.

• We will support one another and encourage growth within our spiritual community.

• We will plan and oversee ecumenical worship events for our community.

In the last couple of years we have loved getting together on a regular basis (except for summers) to keep in touch and at times collaborate on different projects.

All in the Association have been involved in the Community Table and in keeping the Faith and Values column stocked with articles.

We have continued to educate ourselves in community issues and have met with many organizations and members doing good works in the community.

What others are saying about interfaith activity - from Wikipedia

"There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions" was formulated by Dr Hans Küng, a Professor of Ecumenical Theology and President of the Foundation for a Global Ethic.

 
Interfaith dialog  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia




The terms interfaith or interfaith dialogue refer to cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions (i.e., "faiths") and spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional level with the aim of deriving a common ground in belief through a concentration on similarities between faiths, understanding of values, and commitment to the world. It is distinct from syncretism or alternative religion, in that dialogue often involves promoting understanding between different religions to increase acceptance of others, rather than to synthesize new beliefs.


Throughout the world there are local, regional and international interfaith initiatives; many are formally or informally linked and constitute larger networks or federations. The often quoted  "There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions" was formulated by Dr Hans Küng, a Professor of Ecumenical Theology and President of the Foundation for a Global Ethic.


The United States Institute of Peace published works on interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding including a Special Report on Evaluating Interfaith Dialogue.

What others are doing: Dutchess Interfiath Council, Inc.

"My hope is that, in the new century, religious communities of all kinds will adopt the language of human rights and be enabled to work together more effectively for social justice."

 (Rev. Gail A. Burger)

Dutchess Interfaith Council, Inc.



9 Vassar St.


Poughkeepsie, NY 12601


Tel. 914 471-7333


Organization:


Purposes: To deepen the spiritual forces of our community; to respect the uniqueness of each


congregation in its individual style of worship, culture and tradition; to focus the attention and


energies of the religious communities on urgent community problems; to lessen inter-group


tensions and promote reconciliation; to combat community deterioration; to eliminate prejudice


and discrimination; to coordinate and consolidate, where possible, existing efforts carried out by


member groups, with due respect for principles of autonomy and integrity; to provide the


framework and facilities for groups of congregations to band together for common projects or


purposes; to develop and/or operate service-oriented programs which will address unmet needs


in our community.


Year founded: 1972


Faiths represented on leadership group or Board: Christians (R.C. and Prot.) Jews (Cons., Ref. &


Orth.) Baha’i, Unitarian.


Significant population increases among minority faiths in our area during the past 30 years:


Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist.


Changing attitudes toward "other" faiths during this time: More openness to and curiosity about  the practices and theologies of other groups. Leadership participation by minorities has increased.


Program Areas. (*indicates area considered most effective.)


Dialogue/discussion groups


Education: workshops and distribution of materials:


Public events: concerts; worship or prayer


Advocacy or Information: hunger , economic justice


Inter-institutional relationships, community coalitions


Media: broadcast


Description of a recent interfaith activities: Interfaith Crop Walk for Hunger; Annual Music


Festival; Interfaith Thanksgiving Service; Projects for "Racial Unity, Beyond Tolerance,"


HIV/AIDS Ministry; Tours of Houses of Worship.


Outreach:


Most consistent participants or audience: Roman Catholic, Protestant Christians, Jews,


Unitarians, Baha’is.


Others occasional participants: Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists.


Would you like to reach: Our goal is to have included Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus as


members with a short time.


Participation by members of minority faiths has increased during the life of our organization.


Insights or concerns: "My hope is that, in the new century, religious communities of all kinds


will adopt the language of human rights and be enabled to work together more effectively for


social justice." (Rev. Gail A. Burger)

What others are doing: Alliance for Spiritual Community

"We live in one of the most religiously diverse regions of the world (LosAngeles). I think grassroots interfaith gatherings are a key to developing harmonious relationships. There’s something about praying together, eating together, getting to know each other that leads to a sense of connectedness and the realization that we ARE all part of one family--the human family."

(Kay Lindahl)

Alliance for Spiritual Community


24032 Caravel Place


Laguna Niguel, CA 92677


Tel: 949 661-3087


Fax: 949 496-5535


Email: TheASC949@aol.com


Web site: planned






Organizational History, Purpose, and Leadership:


Year founded: 1992


Purpose: To proclaim and affirm the spiritual nature of all communities by providing education to the general public and to foster those ideas, values, and programs for individuals, neighborhoods and groups that express spiritual community.


Faiths represented on leadership group or Board: Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Muslum, Judaism, Native American, Vedanta.






Significant population increases among minority faiths in our area during the past 30 years: Islam, Buddhism, Baha’i, Hindu






Has participation in leadership and program by members of minority faiths increased during the life of your organization? Yes. People are more accepting of "other" faiths and now are most welcoming. We look for ways to broaden our outreach in these traditions.






Program Areas.


a) Dialogue and discussion groups


b) Education: classes; workshops; distribution of materials; Religious Diversity Faire


c) Public events: Prayer Breakfast; Parade–coordinate with local city council






Outreach:


Most consistent participants or audience: Christian, Baha’i, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Vedanta.


Other participants: Wicca, Hindu, Eckankar, Unitarian


Would like to reach: More Buddhist sects.

What others are doing: Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry

What does it mean to "pray together" and to speak with one voice in the public square? And how do we bring about dialogue with the extreme right/left wing groups in any of our faith traditions?"

(Sister Sylvia Schmidt, Exec. Director)

Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry


221 S. Nagales


Tulsa, OK 74127

Tel. 918 582-3147 / fax 918 582-3159 / www.TUMM.org






Organizational History, Purpose, and Leadership:


Purpose: To bring the interfaith and ecumenical communities together for understanding and cooperation.


Year founded: 1937-Ecumenical; 1971-Interfaith


Faiths represented on leadership group or Board: Christian traditions, Jewish, Unitarian, Muslim


Significant population increases among minority faiths in our area during the past 30 years: Muslim, Interdenominational






Changing attitudes toward "other" faiths during this time: There is a greater willingness to let each group speak for itself in designing and using sources of inspiration for the purpose of belonging to and living out the organization’s purposes. A reorganization of structure and purpose helps us be more inclusive.






Program Areas


Dialogue/discussion groups


Education: workshops; distribution of materials


Public events: conferences; worship/prayer together


Advocacy for religious freedom; peace; hunger; ecology; justice systems, jobs


Inter-institutional relationships, consultations; in civic and business arenas


Media: newsletter, other publications; TV broadcast; web site


New interfaith initiatives anticipated: An interfaith tour to Israel in May 2000 with planning and


participation from Muslim, Jewish and various Christian traditions.






Outreach: Most consistent participants: Christian traditions, Jewish, Unitarian, Muslim


Occasional participants: S. Baptists, Independent, Interdenominational, Buddhist, Hindu


Would you like to reach: Independent groups and Christian ministries.


Participation by members of minority faiths has increased in programs and leadership.

Helping us help each other - theme of Feb/March meetings

 

Meeting!

Tuesday, Feb 8th

Noon Potluck and Presentation from Salvation Army, part 1

Faith Evangelical Free Church in Woodruff

After last month’s meeting, we had a rousing discussion on how to help those during these financial hard times, and a request to find a way to access some comprehensive resources that will help us to help others.

So, for February and for March, we will have two people from the Salvation Army come and explain a full array of resources that we can share with those needing help!

On Feb 8th at noon, Betty Jo Graveen, District Representative for the Salvation Army, northern Wisconsin (Vilas County), will be available to share important resources in the area and to answer questions. This will be held at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Woodruff. (Click here for directions.)

On March 8th at noon, Tom Bremer, District Representative for the Salvation Army, northern Wisconsin (Oneida County), will be available to present other resources in the area and to answer questions. This will be held at St. Matthias in Minocqua. (Click here for directions.)

Agenda for both meetings :

• Welcome and introduction to guests and new people
• Grace, lunch and roundtable updates (inc. Faith and Values column, Community Table, Website and Dues update)
• 15 minute presentation

• Q&A
• Next meeting time, place and date confirmed

So in summary, circle your calendars:

Tuesday, Feb 8th
Noon Potluck and Presentation from Salvation Army, part 1
Faith Evangelical Free Church in Woodruff

and then

Tuesday, March 8th
Noon Potluck and Presentation from Salvation Army, part 2
St. Mathias in Minocqua

Happy New Year! First LAMA meeting of the year: January 11th

Hi Friends -

Our first meeting of the year will be held at the United Methodist Church of the Pines.

Hope to see you all there on Tuesday January 11th at noon.

Looking forward to good food, good friends and good news.


Click here for a map to the Church: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/umcpines/map.html

Rhinelander Homeless Shelter

Rhinelander Homeless Shelter Almost Complete


As of Dec 29, 2010, volunteers are finishing renovations at Frederick Place, the first homeless shelter in the Rhinelander area.

It's an idea a group in Rhinelander has been building up for two years. In just a few weeks, construction will be complete and a new homeless shelter will be set to open.


The Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing is putting the finishing touches on Frederick Place, the first homeless shelter in the Rhinelander area. Volunteers are busy putting the finishing touches on the home, set to open the first week in February.

"It's good to see a lot of people helping out, every day you come in you see a new face and then you got more people coming in through the door asking what they can do to help," said Aaron Liebherr, a volunteer painter.

Unlike more urban communities, Rhinelander residents say they don't see many homeless living on their streets. Instead it's a hidden problem. With no shelter in the area, people in transition, may have no have had a place to go.

"They're probably crashed on peoples couches, they may still be living in their cars even though it's cold," said Tammy Modic, the shelter's executive director. "There are people who have had to leave Rhinelander and go to Wausau to a homeless shelter ."

The house was originally a mansion built in the 1800s. In just a few weeks it will house up to 16 people. But for now, volunteers are busy getting it ready.

"Retired doctors, clergy, a lot of different builders are donating their time," said Volunteer Coordinator Kevin Eggers. "It's a busy place, so it's good to see it all together."

The group says it still need donations to pay for expenses and some of the remaining finishes. Its also hoping people will give more than just money.

"Food, bedding, pillows, to keep us going and to have people feeling this is a place of home we are going to need volunteers here after," said Modic.

Staff say the shelter is meant to shelter those living in Oneida, Vilas, Langlade, Forest, and northern Lincoln counties.







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Watch a clip about homelessness in Wisconsin here

Faith and Values column from NUUF

A Unitarian Universalist Perspective on New Year's Resolutions




It's that time of year again. A time for rituals, big hopes and the inevitable disappointments. No, I don’t mean your Super Bowl party; I'm referring to the annual rite of making New Year's resolutions. I'm going to lose that 10 pounds--again; I'm going to finally learn Italian; I'm going to take up calligraphy. Right....Maybe I need to look for inspiration elsewhere.



As a Unitarian Universalist, whose life is guided by our seven principles, I've decided to look to those beliefs for meaningful resolutions I can live by. Since my home is northern Wisconsin, the land of woods, water and wildlife, for me, the most natural place to begin is with the seventh UU principle: the belief in caring for our planet earth, the home we share with all living things. I've done some soul searching. I've asked myself some tough questions and haven't always liked the answers. Here is my big question: Am I doing all I reasonably can to tend to this beautiful earth?

Am I wasting food? Every time I order more French fries than I can eat, I contribute to greenhouse gases and climate change. Studies suggest that almost one-third of this country's oils, fats, grains and dairy products end up in the garbage. I need to think about how much food I order, purchase and, especially, consume. How much to I really need? Wouldn't those leftovers make a good lunch to reheat instead of fast food? Wait, maybe this could help with those 10 pounds.

When we moved here, I was confronted with how much garbage I create. I couldn't just put it out at the curb anymore and it would miraculously disappear into the landfill. So, now, I ask myself whether I am recycling and composting all that I reasonably can. It's amazing the products that are being manufactured from recycled materials. If I have a choice, I've started to try some of those, such as toilet paper, tissues and paper towels, made from recycled paper. When I use them, I know I'm saving a few trees. That's not much, I know, but if you join me, we could save a few acres this year. And that compost I've made will be great for next summer's flowers.

Can I combine errands so I can cut out even one trip to town each week? Am I keeping my tires properly inflated? When did I last change my oil? Can I bike or walk to some of my destinations? Hmm, this might help with those 10 pounds as well. We can't readily get away completely from automobiles and oil usage, but we can try to limit it. And at $3.00 or more a gallon for gas, saving even one gallon a week seems like a good idea.

Another principle Unitarian Universalists have is the free and responsible search for truth and meaning: each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.

So that got me thinking about how we celebrate Christmas. At least a decade ago, I started to ask myself: Did I really find truth and meaning this Christmas? Or was I just exhausted again during the holiday season? Did I have time to think about why the season is important to me? Or was I just worried that my credit cards were hurting again? Was there a way to cut back on gift giving, but still have a meaningful celebration? If you're feeling the same way, NOW, this time of year, when your family is likely feeling the same way, is the time to talk about alternatives. Daunting as this sounds, they will likely welcome the discussion. I know ours did. Here are some ideas your family might like: draw names so you only are buying for one person, or no gifts for adults. Our family decided to make a donation to the charity of each other’s choice. What a wonderful experience this has been! I’ve learned something about what my relatives hold most dear as well as about some great organizations I had never heard of before. And, now, I have a bit more time to really think about the meaning of the season.

The last Unitarian Universalist principle I've been thinking about is that we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

With that in mind, is it time for me to reconnect with a friend or relative? Is there someone I need to reconcile with? Do I need to apologize to someone? This can be very tough and I know I may be ignored or rebuffed. But at least the person will know I still care. And that might be enough to start a change in his or her heart. A phone call or a visit may be too hard. And I think email seems a bit too impersonal. So, what to do? Maybe I can find a really interesting one-of-a-kind blank card, something that will "speak" to my loved one. Then I could add a note, something like, "I just wanted to let you know I've been thinking about you and that I still care for you very much." Or "I'm sorry that I hurt you so much that we've been drawn apart. I still care for you and hope there's a way we can reconnect." This takes courage. But my loved ones and I will both be better for my having reached out.

If I can make just one of these New Year's resolutions truly my own, my small corner of the world will be a better place. Will you join me?


Elinore Sommerfeld

President, Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

www.nuuf.com

Faith and Values column from Eaglebrook Church: Everyone matters and deserves a family.

A perspective on… Faith, Orphans & Adoption

How many steak lovers are there out there?

There’s just nothing better than firing up the grill, throwing on a couple of juicy steaks, pairing it with your favorite Cab, and enjoying a nice dinner.

It’s even more fun to watch your kids enjoy your “cooking skills,” savoring the flavor, and asking for more. A few nights ago, my wife and I served up a dish called “Steak Tuscan” – and the kids were eating it up quicker than we were.
However, during our meal, my wife and I had an epiphany… one of those ‘a-ha’ moments. Our youngest child, who we adopted from China, would probably never have tasted steak had she not been adopted. She was lucky to get a few portions of rice mixed with some protein powder while she was in the orphanage.

As she ran around the table and asked, “more steak please,” we just paused and gave her a big, tearful hug. I’m sure she didn’t know what that was all about, but she politely hugged us, and went back to enjoy the flavors of Tuscany.

We then began to recount all of the things that both she and her older adopted sister have enjoyed recently… ballet and jazz dance classes, a ton of friends… not to mention three meals a day, medical care, plenty of clothes, opportunity for an education, and a roof over their heads.

Adoption changes the world… it changes it one life at a time.

It changes not only the lives of those adopted… it changes the lives of the families they come into.

You may not know this, but Sunday, November 7th is considered to be “National Orphan Day” and the month of November as a whole is “National Adoption Month.”

The United Nations has reported that the number of orphans needing help around the world now sits at 140 million.

That global crisis is felt here in the United States as well, as over 120,000 children wait to be adopted out of the foster care system and into healthy families.

That’s not the way God envisioned His creation.

There were no orphans in the Garden of Eden.

However, once mankind took the plunge of rebellion, the perfection of Eden was lost. One result… the lack of love for humanity to care for one another the way God originally designed us to live.

It did not take long for God to address this. As part of the “Torah” or “Law” that God gave to His people, there were provisions to care for those who were most vulnerable in a broken society – widows and orphans.



People ask all the time, “Why doesn’t God do something about all of the problems humans face? Why doesn’t God step in and help the orphans in this world?”

Well, throughout the scriptures we find that God has done something… He has given a response… and that response… is us.

We are the means that God wants to use to take care of the broken pieces of our society. We are the means that God wants to use to love those who are cast away and forgotten.

According to scripture… to love an orphan, to care for them, is to literally fulfill part of God’s plan, His mission, and His design for humanity in this broken world.

Some… like Jani and I… have chosen to adopt. But that’s not the only choice.



Others… may choose to support those who adopt (as finances can often be the greatest fear or obstacle to adopting). Beyond that, people may choose to support organizations that minister to orphans, or they may volunteer at an orphanage, or simply pray for those who do foster care – we all know they need it! There are a variety of other ways to be God’s hand of love into the lives of these children.



Regardless of where you are on that spectrum, let me give you some helpful websites and organizations which will help you in your journey. Here are three I highly recommend…



• “Show Hope” - www.showhope.org.

• Cry of the Orphan - www.cryoftheorphan.org

• Hope for Orphans - www.hopefororphans.com.



My personal favorite is “Show Hope,” which was created by Christian music artist, Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth. They adopted three beautiful girls from China, and created an organization to assist others who wanted to adopt by providing scholarships and helpful information along the way.



Jani & I received a scholarship from them a few years back to help us with our own international adoption. Through that connection, we now give to “Show Hope” each month to help others experience the joy of what we’ve experienced.



You see, for a follower of Jesus, life is not about “going-to-church” on a Sunday morning, getting “fed” (often times, just getting “fat”), and checking a religious thing off our list. A follower of Jesus is someone who desires to be God’s presence in this broken world… extending His kingdom into the hurting places in our society.



And one of those places is in the world of the orphan. That’s faith and values… integrated and lived out in this very real world.



Who knows, maybe some of you may feel lead to pursue adoption, to take a leap of faith, to do the seemingly impossible…



… and in just a few years you may have a little one running around the table, asking, “more steak please.”



~ Pastor Steve, Eaglebrook Church.

Meeting at Calvary Lutheran December 14th at noon!

LAMA Meeting!

We are happy to say that Bill Miller, of the Rhinelander Homeless Shelter, will be joining us this month at Calvary Lutheran ( click here to get a map) on Tuesday December 14th at noon!

Our agenda remains simple:

Noon - lunch and updates
12: 45 - presentation and Q&A with Bill
1:15 - determine next month's meeting (location to be Church of the Pines) and topic
1:30 adjourn

REMEMBER TO SEND KIM ANYTHING YOU ARE PLANNING TO DO FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY! I'll need all info by December 20th - and will circulate a draft for all to see soon after. Then we will submit to Lakeland Times.

Also, please check out this website  let us know if you want anything posted no it.  We would like:

• permission to list your groups' site on the right column
• any photos of collaborative events along with a blog post
• other additions to the right hand side of this site

Celebrating the spiritual diversity of the Lakeland Area

Representatives from area churches, fellowships, chaplains and religious and spiritual groups make up the Lakeland Ministerial Association and have been meeting regularly on a monthly basis in different area churches. The purpose of the Association is four-fold: to respond to social issues in our community; to celebrate and honor diversity within our community; to support one another and encourage growth within our spiritual community; and to plan and oversee ecumenical worship events for our community. Members mainly come from Christian backgrounds but also include the Unitarians and the Baha’i.

There is a profound focus and regard for the religious and spiritual lives of the people in this community. Discussion at each meeting usually centers on what we can learn about our communities, what we are doing for our communities, and what more can be done.

Two of our major projects are the Community Table and writing this regular bi-weekly “Faith and Values” column in the Lakeland Times. In addition, we actively support projects that address the issue of hunger, poverty and education and support each other’s events and community projects that are inspiring and uplifting.

The purpose of the Faith and Values column is to share with readers ideas and resources of healing, inspiration, vision and purpose and to expose and enrich the diversity of the vibrant spirituality of our larger community. The Faith and Values column is written by one of the Association’s various members every two weeks and focuses on giving each member’s unique spiritual perspective on topics of interest to the community.

The articles are focused on demonstrating the spiritual substance of the variety of faith traditions and practices and how this blesses everyone. Respect and dignity for the diversity of the churches and groups are celebrated as each group brings its gift to the larger community.

Every month, the Community Table is coordinated by the Ministerial Association and is energetically staffed by area churches. The idea behind it is a home-cooked community meal to all, with a focus to invite those who need to stretch their dollars at the end of the month.

The watchword is dignity to all, and no one should know who comes from the food pantry or is homeless and who isn't. So, we use china and real cups and silverware and everyone is encouraged to serve one another and help with clean up. It's a buffet style feast that includes 3-4 host churches' best foods: Grandma’s famous potato salad, Fred's silky chiffon cake, Al's mouthwatering squash casserole and on and on.

There are no agendas or sermons, just the community taking care of the community. There is something wholesome and real about serving others, and joining with others to do good works.

For more information, please contact one of the following: Rev. Edgar Wallace (356-6758), Pastor Maxine Gray (356-5080], Kim Korinek, CS (358-5350) or Charlotte Hockings (588-3560]

Schedule for Articles for Lakeland Times August ’10 to February ’11

Date due/date published	Name of Church/Faith Group
AUGUST 8.3/8.13	Ascension Lutheran
8.17/8.27	Faith Evangelical Free Church
SEPTEMBER 8.31/9.10	Howard Young
9.14/9.24	Calvary Lutheran
OCTOBER 9.28/10.08	First Church of Christ, Scientist, Woodruff-Minocqua
10.12/10.22	St. Mathias Episcopal Church
NOVEMBER 10.26/11.5	Eaglebrook Church
11.09/11.19	Holy Family Catholic Church
DECEMBER 11.23/12.3	Baha’i
12.7/12.17	Community Presbyterian
12.21/12.31	Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church
JANUARY 1.4/1.14	Unitarian Universalist
1.18/1.28	Marywood
FEBRUARY 2.1/2.11	United Methodist Church of the Pines
2.15/2.25	Ascension Lutheran

Send in your article directly to Ray Rivard ray@lakelandtimes.com (phone 356-5236) and copy Kim kimckorinek@yahoo.com with "FAITH and VALUES column" in the subject line.

• The article should:
• be 600-1000 words
• be a type of sermonette or inspirational in nature
• include your name and a picture or graphic (Ray REALLY wants this and can actually take a picture of you for the article at Lakeland Times' office.)
• Headlines should be capitalized and (optional) can include: "A (Catholic/Methodist/Bahai/etc) perspective on......." at the beginning
• Put your church and contact information at the end.
• The date the article is due to Ray Rivard and actual publishing date are written in the chart. (Example: 5.20/5.30 means that 5.20 is the due date and 5.30 is the publishing date)

Purpose of the Faith and Values Column in the Lakeland Times

Churches, fellowships, chaplains and religious and spiritual groups of the Lakeland Ministerial Association are starting a regular “Faith and Values” column in the Lakeland Times. Each article in the Faith and Values column will be written by one of its various members and will focus on giving their unique spiritual perspective on topics of interest to the community.


The articles are focused on demonstrating the spiritual substance of the variety of faith traditions and practices and how this blesses everyone. Respect and dignity for the diversity of the churches and groups are celebrated as each group brings its gift to the larger community.

Why do we need this and why now? Spirituality is big! We know from various sources that the interest in religion and spirituality is growing. It has become a major presence on the internet, a burgeoning theme in bookstores and is being discussed and practiced in business and healthcare settings as well as in growing ecumenical and interfaith groups. In fact, in the bestselling book Megatrends 2010, Patricia Aburdene documents the movement that led her to conclude that “Spirituality has become the greatest quest of our time.”

The purpose of this column is to share with readers ideas and resources of healing, inspiration, vision and purpose and to expose and enrich the diversity of the vibrant spirituality of our larger community.

Under this purpose, topics for future articles under this column may include a spiritual perspective on peace and justice, a look at inviting your neighbors to a community table, understanding the Golden Rule from a variety of religious interpretations, support for our youth, a look at healing prayer, serving one another, a spiritual perspective on growing older, balancing work and family, spirituality and health care, finding spirituality in our daily lives, etc.

The column will be written by the members of the Lakeland Area Ministerial Association (LAMA) which includes a wide variety of faith communities. Although predominately Christian, this group also includes the Baha’i, Unitarian Universalists and Native American spirituality. Other groups are welcome to join.

For more information, please contact Kim Crooks Korinek.CS, facilitator for the Lakeland Ministerial Association at kim@kimckorinek.com.

The Community Table details

Community Table:

An Ecumenical Monthly Meal for All in the Lakeland Area

Location: St. Matthias

Day: Third Tuesday of the month

Time: 4:30-5:00 Juice and coffee

5:00 The meal is served. The meal should be finished by 6:30

Workers: Made up of teams from area churches

Teams are

Ascension and Calvary Lutheran Churches

Responsible for March, July, and November 20

St. Matthias and Holy Family

Responsible for February, April, June, August, October, December

United Methodist Church of the Pines, Christian Scientists, Unitarians and Baha’i

Responsible for January, May, September

The Plan: Prepare the main entrée at home, and bring it to St. Matthias at 3:30 to be cooked/warmed. Note that St. Matthias has two stoves and three microwaves. Some people will bring the meat dish; other workers will be assigned to bring side dishes and desserts. (We want to avoid cakes or anything else that is messy.) Team members can contact each other a month in advance to determine who will bring or cook what item. The churches for each month will split the cost of the meat portion of the meal. The juices, coffee, cream, milk and side dishes should be donated and brought in by those responsible for putting on the meal that particular month.

Start the coffee and prepare juice. Set the tables and make sure juice and coffee will be ready to serve at 4:30. All food should be ready to serve at 5:00 sharp! All workers are encouraged to mix with those who come to the meal and eat with them. We want to get folks to know each other and get rid of the “us/them” kind of thinking. This is a great opportunity for folks in our area from different economic, social, cultural and religious backgrounds to get to know one another.

Contact: Lee Ann Niebuhr 715-356-6384 ext 6

Purpose of the Community Table - for the love of community

Every month, the Community Table is coordinated by the Lakeland Area Ministerial Association and is energetically staffed by area churches. The idea behind it is a home-cooked community meal to all, with a focus to invite those who need to stretch their dollars at the end of the month.

The watchword is dignity to all, and no one should know who comes from the food pantry or is homeless and who isn't. So, we use china and real cups and silverware and everyone is encouraged to serve one another and help with clean up. It's a buffet style feast that includes 3-4 host churches' best foods: Grandma’s famous potato salad, Fred's silky chiffon cake, Al's mouthwatering squash casserole and on and on.

There are no agendas or sermons, just the community taking care of the community. There is something wholesome and real about serving others, and joining with others to do good works.

For more information, please contact LeeAnn Niebuhr at lamniebuhr@gmail.com