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Interfaith Explorations

Oh, No! Not Critical Race Theory!!

Watch Professor Gloria Ladson-Billings, University of Wisconsin-Madison, speak on the distortions and misinformation currently being spread about Critical Race Theory and how to challenge and undo these. See her presentation, available on YouTube here, or click on the image below.

Professor Ladson-Billings’ talk was hosted by The Creating Beloved Community team of Taking a Faithful Stand for Equity on November 14, 2023.

Fox Cities International Day of Peace Celebration

Date: 
Sunday, September 17, 2023 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: 
Erb Park, 1800 N Morrison St, Appleton

The International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence.

Along with Unity of Appleton, Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and others, ESTHER is a co-sponsor. 

The free, fun & family-friendly program will include:

  • Live music
  • Storytelling
  • Peace pole painting
  • Games and crafts for the kids
  • Dancing, treats and more

Building Healthy, Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems

Date: 
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 - 7:00pm - 7:45pm

Building Healthy, Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems

ESTHER Issue Briefing and Action on the 2023 Farm Bill

May 31, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85498608717

One tap mobile: +13126266799,,85498608717# US (Chicago); +16469313860,,85498608717# US

Every 5 years, the omnibus Federal legislation known as the Farm Bill is reauthorized, offering an opportunity to make an impact on nutrition assistance, energy, the health of the environment, and more! In 2023, the Farm Bill reauthorization is viewed by many as the next best chance to impact climate change. 

Please join a short Zoom session for a briefing on the Farm Bill and to participate during our time together in taking action in support of building healthy, equitable and sustainable food systems through the reauthorization of the Farm Bill. This will be a quick, but consequential action.  

Hosted by ESTHER Leadership Board board representative from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (ELCA), Nancy Jones. RSVPs appreciated to njjones.wisconsin@gmail.com.

Video: Fall Gathering 2022

Our Fall Gathering was a huge success. Thank you to all who helped make this possible, and all who participated. 

Anyone who would like to watch the video can find it online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jfM40AFFFY

Please enjoy and share your feedback. 

 

WISDOM Welcomes new Community Organizer

WISDOM is excited to welcome a new member to their organization, Raabia Wudoch. She is a community organizer for WISDOM and will be serving the north-central area of Wisconsin. Wudoch holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a minor in Social Justice, and just earned her Master’s in Public Administration from UW Oshkosh.

When deciding on a master’s program, Wudoch wanted to be a public servant and work with a nonprofit organization. She is very passionate about social justice and has always been outspoken about various issues. With WISDOM, she will be able to utilize her passions and educational background, providing the organization with new perspectives and experiences. 

Wudoch is originally from Pakistan and is part of the Muslim community in Appleton. This faith perspective will not only widen WISDOM’s outreach, but it will create representation for the Muslim community. Wudoch states, “I’m really passionate about my community. Muslims are always in the back and their voices are often overlooked.” Having a person of color from a different faith background will help those people speak up and have their voices heard.

We are so excited to see what she accomplishes with WISDOM and will be here to provide any guidance that she needs.

 

The Condor and the Eagle - Showing and Discussion

Date: 
Thursday, August 20, 2020 - 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Location: 
Online Showing

—Traducción disponible en español al final de la página—

The Condor & The Eagle Film PosterPlease join the ESTHER Environmental Justice Task Force & the UU Fellowship’s Green Sanctuary Justice Action Ministry in a Unitarian Universalist community screening and discussion with the filmmakers and protagonists of the award-winning climate justice documentary, The Condor & The Eagle

The discussion will also include Anakhwet Guy Reiter, Executive Director of Menīkāaehkem - Menominee Rebuilders, who can address the efforts of Wisconsin’s Indigenous people to combat harmful extractive industry projects.

When: Thursday, August 20th at 7:30pm-10 CT 
Where: Online

Details & Registration: HERE

New Mosque Groundbreaking Ceremony

Date: 
Sunday, August 9, 2020 - 2:00pm
Location: 
2680 Marathon Ave, Neenah, WI 54956
Architect’s rendering of new FVIS mosque

Architect’s rendering of new mosque for Fox Valley Islamic Society

Fox Valley Islamic Society announces the groundbreaking ceremony for its new mosque. The event will occur on Sunday, August 9, 2020, at the site of the new facility, 2680 Marathon Avenue, Neenah, WI  54956. Planning for the mosque has been in process for an extended period, and with widespread community support, the City of Neenah issued a special-use permit about a year ago to allow construction on this site.

All are invited to attend the ceremony. Please plan to wear a mask and observe social distancing at the event.

RSVPs to the Islamic Society are requested by August 3 to aid in planning, using one of the following:

The Society’s longstanding “Under the Tent” interfaith event, typically held at the Mosque on the first Sunday in August, will not be held in 2020 because of the risks associated with the pandemic. The Society’s members hope you will be able to attend this groundbreaking instead.

Bread for the World Offering of Letters

Date: 
Thursday, April 30, 2020 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: 
Zoom Webinar

Bread for the World -Have Faith, End HungerA Special Invitation for ESTHER Faith Communities & Individual Members 

from Bread for the World Midwest Regional Organizer, Zach Schmidt
& Prince of Peace ELCA Advocacy Team

When Prince of Peace’s ELCA Advocacy Team realized our annual Bread for the World Offering of Letters would need to go virtual, we also realized it was an opportunity to invite area congregations to join us in advocating for the hungry. 

We are excited to announce that our 2020 Offering of Letters will be kicked off with a special webinar for ESTHER member faith communities and individuals.    

Please plan to join us on Thursday, April 30, at noon for this fabulous opportunity to join with neighbors throughout the Fox Valley to address food insecurity and nutritional needs even as we are physically distanced.

Please leave a message at esther-foxvalley.org/bfw2020 to request the registration link.

Better Nutrition, Better Tomorrow: BFW's 2020 Offering of Letters to Congress

Need more information?  Learn more at these links:

What is Bread for the World?  https://www.bread.org/about

What is an Offering of Letters?  https://www.bread.org/2020-offering-letters

Does an Offering of Letters make a difference

https://mcusercontent.com/21e150991dfbc30d825d18137/files/5324e849-95ed-48d4-98f6-34ef0be3fae3/offering_of_letters_recent_victories.pdf

See the attached articles for more information.

Religious Leaders Caucus Meeting

Date: 
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: 
Zoom Meeting

CANCELLED

Religious Leaders Caucus ZOOM Meeting

Date: 
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: 
ZOOM
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