Cheltenham Area Multifaith Council

Dear CAMC Members,
As we enter the season of celebration and gift-giving, we are reminded that the
greatest gift we can give each other is the gift of peace. The greatest gift we
can give to our children is to provide them with an authentic culture of peace.
A culture that promotes peace-making as a way of life. The Peace Book: 108 Simple
Ways to Create a More Peaceful World expresses an urgent call for peace. Peace
for the Children is a priority and should be addressed by our families, by our leaders,
throughout our neighborhoods, schools, youth groups, and places of worship. The
following resource guide offers suggestions for you to further explore on this
topic.
Educators for Social Responsibility: www.esrnational.org
The Lion and the Lamb Project: www.lionlamb.org
Make the Peace Campaign:
www.makethepeace.org
Marian Dondero
It is our hope and intention that this monthly newsletter will further our purpose
to…”foster understanding among religious groups in the Cheltenham area and to
enhance a greater sense of spirituality and community among us…. CAMC strives
to educate the community about different cultures and faiths while encouraging
respect for one another”.

Your input and contributions are most welcome. Please feel free to submit a featured
article, a personal journey story or seasonal reflection for the January issue.

Fall into Events and Happenings
Interfaith Healing Service
Sunday, November 23, 2008
3:00 P.M.
Beth Sholom Congregation
8231 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027

This multi-faith community healing service is for all people who have lost a family
member, friend or love one to suicide.
Sponsored By Feeling Blue Suicide Prevention Council
Education ~ Support ~ Resources
Free and open to the public

A Thanksgiving Blessing
May an abundance of gratitude burst forth
as you reflect upon what you have received.
May thanksgiving overflow in your heart,
and often be proclaimed in your prayer.
May you gather around the table of your heart
the ardent faithfulness, kindness, and goodness
of each person who is true to you.
May the harvest of good actions
bring forth plentiful fruit each day.
May you discover a cache of hidden wisdom
among the people and events
that have brought you distress and sorrow.
May your basket of blessings surprise you
with its rich diversity of gifts
and its opportunities for growth.
May all that nourishes and resources your life
bring you daily satisfation and renewed hope.
May you slow your hurried pace of life
so you can be aware of, and enjoy,
what you too easily take for granted.
May you always be open, willing,
and ready to share your blessings with others.
May you never forget the Generous One
who loves you lavishly and unconditionally.
Joyce Rupp
out of the ordinary

Dear CAMC Members,
As I prepare this November newsletter I am filled with the familiar themes and
ideas associated with our national and religious celebrations of Thanksgiving.
Our senses and our memories awaken us to the excitement of the month of November,
a month filled with opportunities to reflect and celebrate. As members of faith-filled
communities we draw our spiritual energies from the faith traditons and ancestors
who have shaped our remembrances and reflections. I recall this simple quote, “gratitude
is the memory of the heart.” Our prayers of thanksgivning and offerings evolve
from our memories and emotions. These sentiments direct us to be always mindful
of our blessings. Thanksgiving is a call to remember the many blessings that we
have and the motivation to share from our abundance throughout the year. This
thanksgiving season I hope to tap deep from my heart all that has been given to
me and marvel at its abundance.
Peace be yours,
Marian Dondero
It is our hope and intention that this monthly newsletter will further our purpose
to…”foster understanding among religious groups in the Cheltenham area and to
enhance a greater sense of spirituality and community among us…. CAMC strives
to educate the community about different cultures and faiths while encouraging
respect for one another”.

Your input and contributions are most welcome. Please feel free to submit a featured
article, a personal journey story or seasonal reflection for the December issue.

Fall into Events and Happenings
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Creative Art Series:
Mary Bryson: Still Life with Harp
October 4-26
Free and open to the public

Proclamation
WHEREAS, the period of early adolescence (10- to 15-year olds) is a distinct, developmental
period between childhood and full adolescence; and
WHEREAS, this period has been little understood nor its importance recognized; and
WHEREAS, youth between the ages of approximately 10- to 15-year olds undergo more
extensive physical, mental, social, moral, and emotional changes, with the possible
exception of infancy, than at any other time of life; and
WHEREAS, the attitudes and values young adolescents develop during these formative
years largely determine their later behavior; and
WHEREAS, parents continue as primary models and guides, even as young adolescents
give increased attention to peer groups; and
WHEREAS, the community itself is also a “classroom” in which young adolescents learn
many lessons; and
WHEREAS, much valuable information and research about this important age group now
exists and should be circulated;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that October be declared the Month of the Young Adolescent
in Cheltenham Township; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all those in our community join the celebration by extending
their knowledge about these critical years and undertaking actions that will support
the healthy development of young adolescents.
You’re Invited:
A key feature of the Month of the Young Adolescent celebration is engaging students
in local school and community activities, but also giving students a voice and recognition
internationally. The National Middle School Association encourages students to submit
creative projects that will be featured in the online publication, Expressions from
the Middle. Podcast entries are due October 31, 2008 and the deadline for artwork
is March 16, 2009. See the following web address for more information:

http://www.nmsa.org/moya/StudentEngagement/tabid/1175/Default.aspx

Dear CAMC Members,
The National Middle School Association dedicated October as The Month the Adolescent.
This is a worldwide celebration honoring 10-to 15-year olds. Created in 1997 by
the National Middle School Association, this major campaign highlights the unique
needs and characteristics of young adolescents.
I invite each of you and your organizations to review the initatives articulated
by this national assocaition in their outreach to the youth of our communities.
It is our hope and intention that this monthly newsletter will further our purpose
to…”foster understanding among religious groups in the Cheltenham area and to
enhance a greater sense of spirituality and community among us…. CAMC strives
to educate the community about different cultures and faiths while encouraging respect
for one another”.
Your input and contributions are most welcome.
Peace be yours,
Marian Dondero

When the Seminary Hits the Headlines

What’s happening at the seminaries/rabbinical schools? This summer, the Philadelphia
Inquirer carried several stories by David O’Reilly about Westminster Seminary.
A professor left over a controversial book he had published. O’Reilly’s final report
is here: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/25930754.html
This led us to think that CAMC ought to know a bit more about how various traditions
train pastors/rabbis/priests and what are the issues faced. Our panel, on September
14th, Larry Sibley, John Hougen, Gail Glicksman, and Young In Sa, will report on
Westminster, Lutheran, Reconstruction, and Won, and discuss your questions. Our
first CAMC meeting should be very informative

Join us for the International Observance of the International Day of Peace

Sunday, September 21, 2008
6:30 PM
St. Peter’s Church
654 N Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038

Ceremonial Breaking of the Ramadan Fast (Iftar) immediately following by Covered
dish supper. You are invited to bring some food to share, perhaps
(but not necessarily) from your cultural heritage.
Service of brief stories, songs and prayers for the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist,
Bahai, Sikh and other faith traditions.
Please RSVP @ [franktoia@comcast.net]
or call the church @ 215-887-1765
America Red Cross invites you to the:
Philadelphia Interfaith Conference & Luncheon

Thursday, September 25, 2008
Registration: 11:30 AM
American Red Cross
23rd & Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
No conference fee. Lunch will be provided.
Meet Everett Gillison, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, City of Philadelphia
Recent disasters and the threat of pandemic influenza have increased awareness that
faith-based communities have an important role in preparing for and responding to
emergencies. Faith-based leaders know the community’s needs and are counted on
to provide support during difficult times.

Dear CAMC Members,
I warmly welcome each of you to the readership of the CAMC Newsletter. This publication
is designed to connect our members through a meaningful exchange of information
and ideas. Your input and contributions are most welcome. The newsletter will
offer information about your events, community events and monthly featured articles.
It is our hope and intention that this monthly newsletter will further our purpose
to…”foster understanding among religious groups in the Cheltenham area and to
enhance a greater sense of spirituality and community among us…. CAMC strives
to educate the community about different cultures and faiths while encouraging respect
for one another”.

I am happy to offer my services as editor of this year’s CAMC Newsletter. Your
contributions are welcome!
Peace be yours,
Marian Dondero