We were fortunate to have 29 volunteers representing a variety of faith traditions, including Jewish and Christian, as well as representatives already working in the interfaith space (Terry Kyllo of Paths to Understanding and Kirstin Joyner of Bothell United Methodist Church) join us to create more affordable housing during this year’s Interfaith Build.
Additionally, students from Northwest Yeshiva High School contributed over the two-day event.
Each day began with a blessing given by Alan Bunin of the Jewish tradition. Also giving blessings/prayers were Pastor Chad Johnson of Grace Lutheran, Tamar Libicki of Congregation Beth Shalom, Terry Kyllo of Paths to Understanding and Kristin Joyner of BUMC. At lunch, we celebrated many faiths’ roles in building stronger communities.
These Interfaith Build days were a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together, and all of the participants agreed to keep the momentum going throughout the year by seeking other Interfaith activities to participate in. Joining forces with the work of Paths to Understanding, Faith Action Network and the work of BUMC will provide an avenue for deeper connection in the Interfaith space.
Next year, the plan is to schedule Interfaith Build closer to Sept. 11, because it was the tragedy surrounding Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that provided the original motivation to begin the Interfaith Build.