Schaumburg Hoffman Estates Unity Gathering
Friendship Village of Schaumburg is hosting the Schaumburg Hoffman Estates Clergy Association's fifth annual Unity of Faith Gathering on Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Friendship Village is located at 350 W. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
The Schaumburg Hoffman Estates Clergy Association is an interfaith group that meets monthly to discuss topics including world peace, justice and more. The Association represents approximately one dozen congregations and organizations including churches, synagogues, hospitals, interfaith counseling centers and more.
The theme of the gathering which is being coordinated by Chaplain Shawn Kafader of Friendship Village, is "Women in Search of Peace: Our Journey". The content of the program is being offered by the area WISP (Women in Search of Peace) women's fellowship group.
"WISP began in the aftermath of 9-11-2001 attack on the World Trade Center," said Sr. Marianne Supan, Pastoral Associate at Church of the Holy Spirit, Schaumburg. After attending an interfaith workshop in 2002, local female religious leaders extended invitations to Jewish, Christian and Muslim congregations with the hope of finding women interested in dialogue and understanding between different faith traditions. Following the initial meetings, the name WISP was suggested by Friendship Village resident and Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church congregation member Shirley Odegard. The name stuck and a long history of sharing life and faith began. Over the years, more than 40 women have been a part of the group. "We have grown in understanding and mutual respect for one another," said Sr. Marianne.
"I hope this program offers another opportunity for those who attend to put aside fears and misunderstandings of those with different cultures and religious backgrounds," said Chaplain Kafader. Noting that sometimes women's voices are not readily heard in our religious institutions, Chaplain Kafader hopes that this unique program led by women of Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths, will not only tell the WISP story, but also offer a personal female voice in helping understand those with different beliefs.
The Annual Unity of Faith gathering will include sacred readings, music and personal sharing from Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith perspectives. The wider community is encouraged to attend. A reception will follow in order to offer attendees an opportunity for further personal sharing.
For further information please contact Chaplain Shawn Kafader at 847-884-5650.
Friendship Village is a leading Chicago-area retirement community offering a complete continuum of care including independent living garden homes and apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, skilled care, and short- and long-term rehabilitation services. For more than 37 years, Friendship Village has been providing Chicago area seniors with exceptional retirement living options. For additional information visit www.FriendshipVillage.org