Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 September 2005 — Page 13
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2005
THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER
PAGE B3
AL-ISLAM IN AMERICA
Interfailii groups to remember Sept. 11th
By IMAM MIKAL SAAHIR
Immediately following the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history, Imam W. Deen Mohammed, leader of the largest Islamic community in America issued the following statement. “We are shocked and dismayed. Muslims please stay calm and remain in our good senses. We need prayers right now. People who do terrorist acts are not in their good Muslim behavior. We should ask ourselves, would Prophet Muhammed, prayers and peace be on him, kill innocent men, women, and children? Even if a Muslim becomes a terrorist, his answer would be no to this question: “Would Prophet Muhammed kill the innocent...?” Imam W. Deen Mohammed, Sept. 11, 2001 On Tuesday Sept. 11, 2001, America entered a period of test and trial. In the following difficult days we remembered that as a teacher gives a test, G-d also gave us a test and a trial. These tests and trials are given so that we may pass them - not fail. By remaining calm, level headed, as believers in G-d regardless of the title of our faith, we are continuing the struggle to pass this great test and trial. If we remain united upon the principle of preserving democracy, then we can pass this test. However, if anger, emotionalism, compounded by separatism and ignorance prevail we all will fail this test. Every Sept. 11 since that dreadful day the faith communities in Indianapolis have united to remember the events and sacrifices of that day. Believers from the Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and other faith traditions have visited areas of the city to help senior citizens with painting their homes and with other yard work. This year on Sunday Sept. 11 this interfaith group will be in the Haughville area helping the senior citizens. The Nur-Allah Islamic Center, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Christamore House are the host-sponsors. Last year one of the senior citizens was asked how she felt about two religions coming together to work. She responded, “Two religions - one God.” This statement is an
excerpt of the many conversations overheard among Muslims and Christians as they worked side by side, painting houses, picking up litter, pulling weeds, trimming trees, and mending fences. Also joining Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims this year included volunteer service organizations and college student groups. Nearly a quarter of the participants were children, the youngest was 9- Some traveled more than two hours, getting up at 4:30 a.m., to arrive on time. Two adults and five youth were among the early risers who traveled from Bedford, Ind. When asked why they traveled so far to participate, Leila Dailey, a Disciple of Christ from First Christian Church, Bedford, said her community is not very diverse. She added that she wanted to be around people from different faith traditions. “The concept is good to commemorate 911, plus it provides a cross cultural experience for the kids,” said Dailey. The day opened with an interfaith prayer service where 25 people were on hand to share prayers and poems from various faith traditions. Additionally, an updated statement, Neighbors in the City - Peace for All, was issued by Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Syeed, secretary general, Islamic Society of North America, and Rev. Sharon Watkins, general minister and president, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, and read at a service taking place on the premises of the Christamore House located at 502 N. Tremont. Past partners include Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with area groups to engage citizens in beautifying the city. KIB has been central to the Respond to the Call movement in Indianapolis, working with Nur-Allah Islamic Center and Disciples Home Missions since 2002, when 9-11 Respond to the Call began. The day always closes with a presentation to firefighters and police, recognizing and thanking them for their work. This year Fire Stations 1 and 18 along with the Indianapolis Police Department Westside District will be recognized. As we recognize the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, our nation, sadly, is engaged in a war. Therefore, our work to build bridges of understanding and tolerance with persons of all faiths and religious traditions is critical.
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WORLD
CHRISTIAN CHURCH Disciples Of Christ EST. 1866 A City On A Hill 4646 N.Michigan Rd. Ik.
Tom Benjamin, Jr. W Senior Pastor & Resident Bishop
Forget what you have heard.
The Fables and The Myths About "Christianity & Islam" Come "Get the Truth"
on Wednesday, September 7,14,21 and 28 at 6:30pm. A Video Teaching Series on "Christianity and Islam" will be led by Tom Benjamin, Jr. at Light of the Church Christian Church 4646 N. Michigan Rd. Then on Wednesday, October 5 at 6:30pm Come be apart of The dialogue between "Christians and Muslims" The Study Is Open To the Community
For more information call 317-254-5922 - Phone 317-202-7507 - Fax www.lightoftheworld.orgwww.tombenjamin.com
Once again, members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Muslim community will come together to make Sept. 11a day of action and hope by serving in soup kitchens, housing projects, neighborhood schools, hospitals and nursing homes. And this year, we’re inviting the broader faith community to join us as we dedicate ourselves anew to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our creator. At a time when the world is focusing on war, let us demonstrate to the world that peace is possible when people put aside their differences to work toward the common goal of changing the world by starting in our own neighborhoods. As we remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, let us also reach out and build bridges of hope and understanding with
each other and among all religious faith traditions, all races, and all cultures. In doing so we honor not only those who died four years ago but also those who have died in the resultant wars. Three times now, Christians and Muslims have come together in peace, to work together and become friends. We now extend that friendship to the broader faith community as we work toward a more peaceful world. Note: Portions of this article are excerpts from the 9-H press kit. For questions or comments send them to: Al-Islam in America, C/O Imam Mikal Saahir, Nur-Allah Islamic Center, 2040 E. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN46205. Or e-mail: [email protected].
The Tpiscoyah Church WeCcomes You.
Sunday Holy Eucharist Summer Schedule 8 a.m., 10 a.m. 1 p.m. Santa Misa services in English & Spanish ■ree Parking in Bank One Garage (Between Ohio & Market St. Access on Pennsylvania St.)
Iglesia Episcopal Misa en EspanoJ Domingos I p.m. Bienvenidos www.ccdndy.oig j\ /
Weekday Offerings Visit www.cccindy.org or call 317.636.4577 Services Broadcast on WICR, 88.7-FM 5 p.m. Sundays
On Monument Circle Downtown Indianapolis www. cccindy. org
Progressive Baptist Church
Where the Word is Preached and Miracles are Performed Join us for our Pastor's 11 th Pastoral Anniversary!
Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Guest Revivalist
If you are looking for an exciting, energetic, young and powerful Christian experience... We invite you to join us here at the church where the Word is preached and Miracles are Performed
Rev. Michael K. Jones Senior Pastor
Anniversary Schedule! Revival: Who: Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Senior Pastor Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL When: Tuesday. September. 6th - Thursday September. 8th 7:00pm Nightly Mini Health Fair There will be blood pressure screenings, chair massages, and the Rev. Charles William Prostate Mobile Unit. When: Saturday. September. 10th Morning Worship: Who: Rev. H. Bruce Maxwell, Senior Pastor Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church Nashville, TN When: Sunday September. 11th
All are Welcome
4625 W. 59th Street Indianapolis, IN 46254 Phone: 317-347-9261 Fax: 317-9264 Email: [email protected] & www.pmbchurch.com
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