Upcoming Events

— June 13 through August 15: -Introduction to Islam classes. The objective of this course is to help those interested in furthering their understanding of the history and basic teachings of Islam at beginners level.  The course will cover topics such as Islam: The religion of the Universe, Prayers, Essentials of Islamic Faith, Belief in Angels, Books, Prophets, Resurrection and Hereafter, Jesus in the Qur'an, Ramadan, Hajj. A detailed syllabus for the course and flyer is attached. The course will be free of charge but registration is required. Those who are interested in taking the course are requested to register by sending an e-mail toinfo@ischouston.org along with their full name and e-mail address. The classes are for Women only on June 13-August 15, 11:30am-1:30pm. They will be held in Turquoise Center, Bogazici Room, 9301 W. Bellfort Ave. 77031. Please click here for a syllabus.

— June 20: World Refugee Day 2009 - In Houston, a coalition of refugee resettlement agencies and community organizations has formed to highlight what the refugees in our city are doing to establish new homes, while also honoring and celebrating their roots. Their aim is to raise awareness about the 21st century's refugee challenge. Around the world people are forced to flee their homes due to war, political violence, exclusion, and the competition for scarce resources in troubled states. Come join them for this free community event! There will be live performances, children's activities, educational documentaries, ethnic dance & music, refreshments, recreational activities, art displays, games and more. Map Westland Family YMCA- 10402 Fondren, Houston, TX 77096 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information click here.

—June 26: Church Restoration Group workshop - Attendee of this workshop will discuss disaster preparedness, recovery and build a disaster plan for their place of worship. The Texas Regional Office of Partners for Sacred Places is sponsoring this workshop for all congregational leadership, staff and volunteers. This free event will be held at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church-3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Space is limited; please RSVP by Friday June 19, 2009. To register or for more information please call 713-503-5636. For more information about the Church Restoration Group please click here.

— June 27: Church Restoration Group workshop - Attendee of this workshop will discuss disaster preparedness, recovery and build a disaster plan for their place of worship. The Texas Regional Office of Partners for Sacred Places is sponsoring this workshop for all congregational leadership, staff and volunteers. This free event will be held at the San Leon Community Church - 805 10th St., San Leon from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Space is limited; please RSVP by Friday June 19, 2009. To register or for more information please call 713-503-5636. For more information about the Church Restoration Group please click here.

— July 8: Twelve Moments of Spirituality and Healing: Jewish - The contemplative aspects of the world’s great religious traditions are presented in this series of free lunchtime programs. Spiritual practice can offer the possibility of healing—physical and psychological—as it deepens a sense of meaning and connection to what matters most. This series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A parallel monthly meditation series is held at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on selected Thursdays. For the M.D. Anderson meditation schedule and directions, please call 713-792-7184 or email mjkenned@mdanderson.org. Admission is free and open to the public. Event begins at 12pm at The Rothko Chapel located at 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006.

— Aug 9: The Lanuage of Peace Concert - Deadline to purchase tickets for the Interfaith Dinner, Concert and Dialogue. See below for event on Aug 9. To purchase tickets please call 281-870-9999.

— Aug 9: The Lanuage of Peace Concert - Interfaith Dinner, Concert and Dialogue. A concert performed by John Hardesty,, Nanda Banerjee and Max Dyer. It will be held at Sandy's Market 12171 Katy Fwy. Between Dairy Ashford & Kirkwood. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 281-870-9999. The deadline to purchase is August 3, 2009. Tickets are $15 per person and include dinner & concert. Registration is from 5:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m. The events ends at 8:30 p.m.

Aug 12: Twelve Moments of Spirituality and Healing: Buddhist - The contemplative aspects of the world’s great religious traditions are presented in this series of free lunchtime programs. Spiritual practice can offer the possibility of healing—physical and psychological—as it deepens a sense of meaning and connection to what matters most. This series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A parallel monthly meditation series is held at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on selected Thursdays. For the M.D. Anderson meditation schedule and directions, please call 713-792-7184 or email mjkenned@mdanderson.org. Admission is free and open to the public. Event begins at 12pm at The Rothko Chapel located at 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006.

— Sept 9: Twelve Moments of Spirituality and Healing: Baha'i - The contemplative aspects of the world’s great religious traditions are presented in this series of free lunchtime programs. Spiritual practice can offer the possibility of healing—physical and psychological—as it deepens a sense of meaning and connection to what matters most. This series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A parallel monthly meditation series is held at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on selected Thursdays. For the M.D. Anderson meditation schedule and directions, please call 713-792-7184 or email mjkenned@mdanderson.org. Admission is free and open to the public. Event begins at 12pm at The Rothko Chapel located at 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006.

— Sept. 19: The Amazing Faiths Project Faith Tour - This is a monthly opportunity for the general public to explore various faith traditions and join in directed conversation about the tenets of each faith, their practice, beliefs and sites of worship or community gatherings. This month, participants will visit the Da'wah Center. Transportation is provided from Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston located at 3217 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006. Please note all parking is on-street and somewhat limited, please carpool if at all possible. The tours conclude at Rothko Chapel with a structured discussion and evaluation. Buses will leave IM at 9 a.m. and you will return to IM by 1 p.m. To register or for more information, please click here.

— Sept. 24: The Amazing Faiths Project - Spiritual Gatherings for Women. Three times a year the Amazing Faiths Project offers a gathering of women at a places of worship or faith community sites. The community of faith present their beliefs and practices during a brief 15-30 minute educational session. Following the presentation attendees engage in an answer and question session. Women from various faith traditions and beliefs participate in a directed small group dialogue while they share a culturally sensitive dinner provided by the host community. To register or for more information, please click here.

— Oct 2: 2009 Valley Conference -This year's theme is "Spirituality and Meaning in Aging - This 23rd annual conference is sponsored by the UT Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing Center on Aging. Rabbi Samuel Karff will be the keynote speaker discussing spirituality and aging.

— Oct 14: Twelve Moments of Spirituality and Healing: Hindu - The contemplative aspects of the world’s great religious traditions are presented in this series of free lunchtime programs. Spiritual practice can offer the possibility of healing—physical and psychological—as it deepens a sense of meaning and connection to what matters most. This series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A parallel monthly meditation series is held at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on selected Thursdays. For the M.D. Anderson meditation schedule and directions, please call 713-792-7184 or email mjkenned@mdanderson.org. Admission is free and open to the public. Event begins at 12pm at The Rothko Chapel located at 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006.

— Oct. 18: The Amazing Faiths Project Faith Tour - This is a monthly opportunity for the general public to explore various faith traditions and join in directed conversation about the tenets of each faith, their practice, beliefs and sites of worship or community gatherings. Transportation is provided from Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston located at 3217 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006. Please note all parking is on-street and somewhat limited, please carpool if at all possible. The tours conclude at Rothko Chapel with a structured discussion and evaluation. Buses will leave IM at 9 a.m. and you will return to IM by 1 p.m. To register or for more information, please click here.

— Nov 11: Twelve Moments of Spirituality and Healing: Muslim - The contemplative aspects of the world’s great religious traditions are presented in this series of free lunchtime programs. Spiritual practice can offer the possibility of healing—physical and psychological—as it deepens a sense of meaning and connection to what matters most. This series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A parallel monthly meditation series is held at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on selected Thursdays. For the M.D. Anderson meditation schedule and directions, please call 713-792-7184 or email mjkenned@mdanderson.org. Admission is free and open to the public. Event begins at 12 p.m. at The Rothko Chapel located at 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006.

— Nov. 12: Dinner Dialogue - The Dinner Dialogue is the cornerstone event of the Amazing Faiths Project. In this annual event, people gather in groups of 8-10 in private homes to share a meal and engage in a moderated discussion about the role of faith or spirituality in their lives. For more information, click here. The dinner will take place from 6:30-9 p.m.

— Dec 9: Twelve Moments of Spirituality and Healing: Christian - The contemplative aspects of the world’s great religious traditions are presented in this series of free lunchtime programs. Spiritual practice can offer the possibility of healing—physical and psychological—as it deepens a sense of meaning and connection to what matters most. This series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A parallel monthly meditation series is held at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on selected Thursdays. For the M.D. Anderson meditation schedule and directions, please call 713-792-7184 or email mjkenned@mdanderson.org. Admission is free and open to the public. Event begins at 12pm at The Rothko Chapel located at 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006.