September, 2007 Calendar In This Issue: Women of St. A's Potluck Speaker Prayer Retreat Day Adult Study Class Forming: Becoming A Blessed Church Coming Home Expressions of Faith Blessing of the Animals Fromin Five Sponsor Interfaith Dialogue

by The Rev. Hartshorn Murphy

I meet monthly for breakfast at Fromin's Restaurant with a clergy colleague support group composed of The Rev. Bill Wood from First Presbyterian, The Rev. Jim Bolene of St. Paul's Lutheran, The Rev. Patricia Farris from First United Methodist and Rabbi Jeffrey Marx from the Santa Monica Congregation. Over the last year and more, we have wanted to invite Christians and Jews into a dialogue with our Muslim brothers and sisters around the problem of terrorism and the response of people of faith to it.

On Sunday, September 30th, we are sponsoring a screening of a brief film on Islamic terrorism entitled "Obsession", followed by a panel response featuring an Imam and several other speakers, including the Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, the ecumenical officer from the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. There will also be time for audience questions and some dialogue/discussion. Our goal in this is to increase understanding, build bridges and acknowledge the Sacred within all three great biblical monotheistic traditions.

The event will be held from 2-4pm, Sunday, September 30th at Simkins Hall at the First United Methodist Church, 11th and Washington, Santa Monica. Free parking is available across from the church. All are welcome.