INTERFAITH CONNECTION

Interfaith Works is an association of congregations, affiliated

non-profit organizations and individuals. Our purpose is to
promote interfaith understanding, and serve the community through
charitable, social and educational endeavors.
APRIL 2010

BUDDHIST 12-STEP GROUP 2010 WORLD SACRED

Kobai Scott Whitney, Plum Mountain Refuge
Plum Mountain Buddhist Community has joined
several other Buddhist groups in the Northwest in
sponsoring a Buddhist 12-Step Study Group. “The
roots of the 12-Step movement are found primarily
in a theistic Christian tradition,” says Kobai Scott
Whitney, facilitator for the new group, which meets
in Olympia, WA.
Whitney says there needs to be a comfortable
space for non-Christians to pursue the spiritual
elements of their recovery from addiction. “There
has also been an issue within Buddhist groups
where members feel they have to keep their history
of addiction or their current participation in 12-Step
groups a secret from their teachers or fellow com-
munity members. Even though there is a long his-
tory of Buddhist leaders going into treatment or
seeking out self-help fellowships for their addic-
tions, it’s a topic that’s still not quite out of the
closet,” Whitney says.
There is increasing attention being paid to this is-
sue and new Buddhist addiction recovery titles are
sprouting like dandelions on a spring lawn. Possibly
the most popular is Kevin Griffin’s One Breath at a
Time, in which this Bay Area musician and Vipas-
(Continued on page 2)
MUSIC FESTIVAL EVENT
Coming Sunday, April 11 to the Capitol Theatre,
the first in a concert series that will comprise Inter-
faith Works 2010 World Sacred Music Festival: Al-
Andalus Ensemble in concert. The ensemble will
be joined onstage by a traditional Spanish dancer.
This contemporary chamber trio of oud, violin and
guitar moves with grace between the classical and
the modern, subtly weaving tradition with sophisti-
cated innovation into an energetic musical tapestry
performed with a freshness and originality that has
earned the Al-Andalus Ensemble a devoted inter-
national audience. They have performed in cities all
over the world, including Madrid, Tangier, Gent,
Paris, Seville, Victoria B.C., Abu Dhabi, andWash-
ington D.C.
Historically, Al-Andalus refers to Spain from 711-
1492 AD. During these eight centuries, Andalusian
Spain witnessed a cultural melding between Africa,
the East and the West, as well as among Chris-
tians, Muslims & Jews. An outstanding model of
inclusion and tolerance. "Andalusian music" is the
courtly music of Medieval Islamic Spain
(Andalusia). Preserved and developed by the de-
scendants of Muslim and Jewish refugees after the
(Continued on page 3)

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, P.O. Box 1221, Olympia, WA 98507

office@interfaith-works.org  (360) 357-7224  www.Interfaith-Works.org

Buddhist 12-Step (Continued from page 1)
sana teacher recounts his struggles with addic-
tion, as well as his grappling with the Higher
Power (always referred to as He) that the 12-Step
programs insist that their members must find and
surrender to.
Writing on the changeable nature of the Higher
Power concept, Griffin writes, “As you work with
the Steps, your understanding of a Higher Power
may change many times. It can be helpful to know
that you don’t have to commit yourself to one con-
cept for life. In fact, oftentimes the change in un-
derstanding is a developmental process that
moves from a more external Higher Power to an
inner one.”
Other recent publications include: 12 Steps on
the Buddha’s Path, by Laura S., The 12-Step Bud-
dhist by Portland author Darren Littlejohn and
Cool Water: Alcoholism, Mindfulness, and Ordi-
nary Recovery by William Alexander. Noah Le-
vine, of Dharma Punx fame, has also inspired
many younger Buddhists to combine their search
for recovery with their Buddhist path.
There is a Web site for the Buddhist Recovery
Network at www.buddhistrecovery.com. This or-
ganization has a listing of 12-Step Buddhist Study
Groups around the world, including three in Port-
land, one in British Columbia and another four in
Washington. Kevin Griffin’s Web site is also very
helpful: www.kevingriffin.net.
The new Buddhist 12-Step Study meeting in
Olympia is at the First Christian Church, 701
Franklin St. SE Thursday evenings from 7:00 to
8:30 p.m. It includes reading and discussion of
Buddhist 12-Step literature as well as a 25 minute
sitting meditation designed for newcomers.
April 2010, p. 2
30TH ANNUAL CROP WALK
“We Walk Because They Walk”
Sunday, May 2, 1:30 pm
Begins at State Capitol Steps
Interfaith Works helps to feed
thousands of hungry people in
our community by sponsoring
the CROP Walk every spring on
the first Sunday in May. CROP
stands for ‘Communities Re-
sponding to Overcome Poverty’.
Since our first Walk in 1980, Thurston County
CROP Walk has raised over $1,000,000 for hun-
ger relief! May 2, 2010, the 30th Thurston County
CROP Walk, is cause for celebration.
CROP Walk, 10K (6.2 miles) in length, was the
very first walking fundraiser in Thurston County. In
recent years, 400-500 walkers have participated in
our CROP Walk. The motto is “We walk because
they walk”, and it reminds us that millions of peo-
ple around the globe walk great distances every
day just to get clean water, food, and fire wood for
cooking. We walk in solidarity with those we hope
to help.
Those who will benefit from this year’s Walk are
victims of the earthquakes in Haiti and Chili, and
eight local hunger-relief agencies; First Baptist
Church Sunday Dinner Feeding Ministry, Out of
the Woods, Sacred Heart Emergency Outreach,
Salvation Army /Olympia Community Kitchen,
Senior Services for South Sound/ Meals on
Wheels, St. Benedict’s Community Dinner Pro-
gram, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Thurston
County Food Bank.
There are several ways YOU can participate. You
can be a walker, a sponsor, a team leader, or a
committee member. You can volunteer to help
register walkers, serve refreshments or sell tee
(Continued on page 3)
 VOLUNTEER CENTER SEEKS
Sacred Music Festival SKILLED VOLUNTEERS
(Continued from page 1)

We are looking for volunteers who have experience

Reconquest, it is considered one of the longest con-
in planning, marketing/communications, fundraising,
tinuous traditions of art music in the world.
nonprofit management and other skills that would
One performance only:
help nonprofit organizations in Lewis, Mason, and
Al-Andalus Ensemble
Thurston Counties better serve the community. This
Sunday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. would be a six month commitment with an average
Capitol Theatre, 206 5th Ave SE, of 10 hours a month spent with the group. Here is a
downtown Olympia list of the groups that need help:
So, plan to attend and get ready to be amazed.  SOCK (Save our Countries Kids)  YMCA
Tickets are available on-line at buyolympia.com or  WA Youth legislator  Capital Kids Connection
at the door; $25 general admission, $15 low-  Bread and Roses  Growing Places
income. The volunteer would be matched up with one of the
For more information visit www.olysacredmusic.org. groups. We need at least 6 and preferably 12 volun-
teers. Is this something you might like to do or know
someone that would?

CROP Walk (Continued from page 2) Thank you for considering this opportunity,
Celina McKenney
shirts on Walk Day. And you can make a financial Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties
donation to the Walk. And with Walk-on-the-Web, (360) 741-2607
it’s easier than ever to donate, and collect support www.volunteer.ws
for your walk, because you can do so on-line at
www.cropwalkonline.org/olympiawa
IT’S
If you would like to volunteer to help or walk, con-
tact Interfaith Works at 360-357-7224 Monday – BLINTZAPALOOZA
Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., or
Chairman Wayne Gruen at 352-9703. For lots TIME AGAIN!
more information about CROP Walk 2009, visit
our website: Sunday, March 21
www.oly-wa.us/interfaith/CropWalk.php 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Temple Beth Hatfiloh
Get involved. Hunger is a huge and growing prob-
lem in our community. 8th & Washington
Please, help make this the
most productive Walk ever. Blintzapalooza, the spring event
that combines blintzes, bagels and the
Help CROP stop hunger!
best used book sale in South Sound!

April 2010, p. 3
 MORMON TEMPLES
Tom Nelson, Director of Public Affairs, Olympia Washington Stake

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints In temples members perform sacred ordinances
(commonly called the Mormon Church) is a Chris- such as marriage. Marriages in the temple are
tian church with approximately 13.5 million mem- called “sealings” because they seal a family to-
bers worldwide. In Thurston County, the Church gether for eternity. When a man and a woman are
has 19 congregations that meet each Sunday for married in the temple, their children born thereafter
services. These weekly services are held in chap- also become part of their eternal family. Couples
els, but the Church also has temples, which are who have been married civilly can be sealed later.
special buildings where members perform sacred
Once a member has performed ordinances for him
ordinances such as marriages and baptisms for
or herself, the member returns to the temple to per-
those who have passed on.
form these ordinances as proxy for someone who
Anyone, regardless of religion, may enter a Latter- has already passed on who did not receive the ordi-
day Saint chapel and attend services. However, nances while living. Members of the Church are
because of the sacredness of temples, only mem- encouraged to do genealogy for their ancestors. As
bers of the Church who are in good standing are a result of members’ work, the Church operates the
allowed to enter the temples. A member must be largest genealogical library in the world – the Family
observing the basic principles of the faith and pro- History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Church
fess such to his or her local leaders once every two also operates branch libraries throughout the world
years in order to enter a temple. The temple is open including one in Olympia at 1116 Yew Ave NE.
to members throughout the week. Members of the
The Church has 130 temples throughout the world.
Church go to the temple as often as possible, typi-
Another 22 temples are under construction or are in
cally once a month where temples are easily acces-
planning stages. In Washington there are three
sible.
temples located in Bellevue, Spokane and Richland.
Temples were built in ancient times as mentioned in
the Old Testament. The Tabernacle was carried by NEW TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE
the Israelites, which was effectively a portable tem- A new temple is being built in Vancouver, BC. This
ple. Later the Temple of Solomon was used as the temple will serve members of the Church in British
holiest place of worship and a place of instruction. Columbia and parts of northern Washington. The
The temple was a symbol of devotion to God and Vancouver, BC temple will have an open house
the faith of the people. April 9 – April 24 (except Sundays). Details can be
found at www.lds.org. During the open house the
Modern temples are places of beauty and peace public is invited to take a tour of the building. Par-
meant to inspire those who visit. The temple is a ticipants can reverently walk through the building
place of tranquility where the cares of everyday life and have an opportunity to ask questions before
can be set aside. Members can go to the temple to and after the tour. After the open house the temple
reflect on their life and to meditate. Those who at- is dedicated and open only to members of the
tend are taught about the purpose of life. Church.

April 2010, p. 4
 A RETROSPECTIVE
Kathy Erlandson, Retiring Executive Director of Interfaith Works
I’ve been executive director (E.D.) of Interfaith
Works (IW) for 9 ½ years. It has really been more
than just a job; perhaps an obsession; certainly a
passion. Before agreeing to fill the position, I had
already been participating in IW as a volunteer for
14 years. Now, I am preparing to retire. As I look
back on these 23 + years, I’m amazed at the variety
of experiences I’ve had, the events, activities and
programs I’ve been blessed to participate in, and
the huge number of amazing people I’ve worked
with and come to love.
When I first became involved as a delegate from my
own faith community in 1986, IW was called Associ-
ated Ministries of Thurston County. The executive
director at that time, and for 17 years, was Nancy
Hoff, a member of St. Michael Catholic Parish.
Nancy was an amazing woman with a vision of local
congregations working together to serve the greater
community. She had a gift for empowering others to
serve, and to lead. I immediately wanted to be like
Nancy.
Another person I met back then was Lois Parker,
then the Vice President for Social Concerns. Lois
was a real inspiration, and mentored me as, to-
gether, we planned and directed programs for social
justice and social change. Lois continued to volun-
teer with IW until 2003, and continues to be a friend
and supporter.
After Nancy Hoff retired, she was succeeded as
E.D. by Keturah Brown, then Ken Schwilk, both of
whom served as director for about two years, and
then Cheri Gonyaw. Cheri was executive director
into 2000. In September of 2000, I was asked to
serve as interim director, but by several twists of
fate, I was hired to the permanent position that De-
cember. So, here I am, over nine years later, pre-
paring to retire, and getting ready to welcome the
April 2010, p. 5
next new executive director of Interfaith Works.
People and programs have come and gone from IW
over the years; many have had incalculable influ-
ence on me. The first IW program I became in-
volved in was Day of Awareness, an annual day-
long event that brought together scores of people to
discuss a pressing social need, and to discover
ways to meet the need. Days of Awareness ad-
dressed such topics as affordable housing, advo-
cacy for the mentally ill, human diversity, feeding the
hungry, and conflict resolution. A number of those
Days resulted in the institution of lasting programs
and organizations, such as Campus Ministries,
Capitol Hospice, Jail Ministries, Food Bank, Project
Hand, and Dispute Resolution Center.
In 1990, I was IW’s Vice President of Social Con-
cerns. That winter, my committee began to admin-
ister one of IW’s longest running programs, the
Emergency Overflow Shelter program, now in its
20th year. It was conceived by Community of Christ,
which brought the idea to IW, asking for administra-
tive assistance. It began sheltering homeless peo-
ple in the church’s building in January of 1991, end-
ing its first season March 31. The next winter,
Westminster Presbyterian Church and St. John’s
Episcopal Church joined in the program, and soon it
grew to involve 12-14 congregations annually, oper-
ating from November 1 to March 31 every winter.
Since that time, the program has provided about
25,000-30,000 bed-nights for homeless people in
our community. (One night for one person is a bed-
night.)
In addition to programs of social justice and human
services, Interfaith Works has always conducted
programs that promote dialogue among people of
diverse faiths. For many years we facilitated an
(Continued on page 6)
 learn what ‘interfaith’ really means. I wish I could
Retrospective (Continued from page 5) name everyone who has been an important part of
my time with IW, but they are countless.
annual Easter Sunrise Service in the rotunda of the
I was brought up as a Christian, but since becoming
State Capitol Building. Another long-running pro-
involved in Interfaith Works, my life has be enriched
gram was Pulpit Exchange, in which ministers would
beyond measure by my association with people of
trade off preaching at one another’s churches.
many other Christian denominations, and with peo-
From 1993 -2000, we presented “AM –FM: Associ-
ple of Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Baha’i, Unitarian
ated Ministries Festival of Music”; an evening of
Universalist, and many other faiths. As I leave the
music presented by a variety of congregations and
employ of Interfaith Works, I’ll take with me a wealth
culminating in the performance of a major musical
that has nothing to do with money. (This is a non-
work by a mass choir made up of several choirs
profit organization, after all.) I’ll miss some of the
combined. Our Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration,
excitement and challenge of being Executive Direc-
first started in 1983, still continues to be presented
tor of this wonderful organization. I’m very proud
every year. Interfaith Expressions was a good
and grateful for my long association with Interfaith
name for a program that presented panel discus-
Works. But I’m ready to take a step back. It will be
sions, video presentations, and guest speakers on a
exciting to see Interfaith Works grow and change
wide variety of subjects, such as faith and health,
under new leadership. Thank you. Thank you, eve-
sacred art, and the use of Psalms in the Abrahamic
ryone who has been a part of my life at Interfaith
traditions.
Works!
Dick Hinkle was a strong example for me in the
‘90s. Dick was on more community boards, commit-
tees and task forces than I could imagine. Mary
Farrington, who passed away only recently, was
another seemingly tireless volunteer with whom I
worked for years. Shirley Ranck, once an interim
pastor at Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congrega-
tion (OUUC), had a profound influence on my own
spirituality. Mark Dowdy, pastor at The United
You Are Invited to
Churches of Olympia, Rev. Ron (McCullough) of
Tumwater United Methodist, Howard Ullery pastor
Kathy’s
at Lacey Community Church, and Arthur Vaeni,
pastor at OUUC, have been supporters and role
Retirement Party
models to me. Sister Monika Ellis, Barbara Gibson,
Carol McKinley and Connie Walker are just a few of Sunday, April 25
the many wonderful people who have helped me, 2 p.m.—4 p.m.
led me, and cheered me on as we have all engaged
in the life of Interfaith Works. Anise Ahmed, St. Placid Priory
Mohamad Ayub, Linda Blustein, Rabbi Seth Gold- 500 College St. NE, Olympia
stein, Barnett Kalikow, and Mustafa Mohamedali,
among others, have all been friends and guides as I

April 2010, p. 6
 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
A listing of some of the activities and events of Interfaith Works members, affiliated organizations, and of general interest.
IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details and events at www.Interfaith-Works.org.

March 19 Evening of Compassion: Benefit for Haiti featuring music, short stories and a Dinner of
Friday Compassion. Unity Church of Olympia, 1335 Fern St SW, Olympia, WA 98502. Reservations
6:00 pm requested. 360-943-5757 or unityoffice@earthlink.net
March 20-21 Women in Midlife: A Time of Spiritual Deepening. Conversation and experiences on
Sat, 9:00 am- changes in body, mind, emotions, and energy. Yearning and discerning an authentic path.
Sun.3:00 pm St. Placid Priory Spirituality Center, 500 College St. SE. $170. 360-438-2595. stplacid.org.
March 21 Blintzapalooza! 22nd Annual Book, Bagel and Blintz Sale fundraiser for community
Sunday charities. Temple Beth Hatfiloh, 201 8th Ave SE, Olympia. Book donations and volunteers
10:00-2 pm needed. More information at www.bethhatfiloh.org/
March 24 Ancient Chinese Healing for the 21st Century (Documentary). One hour film on the
Wednesday origins and effects of this ancient Chinese health care system integrating postures, breath-
6:00 pm ing and focused intention. All Souls UU Community, 6326 Martin Way E, #103, Lacey.
March 29 Ethical Eating Film Series #3– “Buyer Be Fair”. This month’s movie in the series looking
Monday at some of the biggest issues in ethical eating focuses on fair trade. Olympia Unitarian
7 pm Universalist Congregation, 2300 East End St NW, Olympia, 98502.
March 21 Baha’I New Year Celebration (Naw Ruz) –Planned Potluck Dinner with Program and
Sunday Dancing. The Golf Club at Hawk’s Prairie, 8383 Vicwood Lane, Lacey, WA, 98516. Open
5 pm to the public, no charge. For questions, contact Rich or Melissa Young, 360-264-4954.
Mar 29-Apr 1 Holy Week Noon Organ Concerts at The United Churches, 11th & Capitol, Olympia.
Mon-Thur Concerts are from 12:10-12:45, with a different organist playing the pipe organ each day.
Mar 31-May 19 Thurston County Master Composter Training. Receive 14 hours of free training on a
Weds & Sats variety of composting topics including kitchen and yard waste, worm bins, maintaining
6:30 pm piles, and more. Info: Cori Carlton, carltoc@co.thurston.wa.us or 867-2162.
March 31 Pastoral Skills Class. An experiential lab incorporating head and heart. Offered monthly.
Wednesday Also suitable for non-pastoral students wanting to hone listening skills. All Souls Unitarian
7—9 pm Universalist Community, 6326 Martin Way E, #103, Lacey. Call 481-2379 or 456-5697.
April 1-April 4 Holy Week at First United Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia.
Thur-Sunday Maundy Thursday Service, 6:30 pm; Good Friday Organ Concert, 12:10 pm and Vigil Ser-
Various vice at 6:30 pm. Saturday Vigil, 7 pm; Easter Sunday Services – Sunrise 7:30 am at For-
est Cemetery, 8:45 am at First United Methodist, 11 am at Washington Center for the Per-
forming Arts with No Inhibition Jazz Band. More information at www.fumcoly.org
April 9-24 Temple Open House—Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The public is in-
Mon-Sat vited to tour the new Vancouver, B.C temple before its dedication. www.lds.org
Continued on next page
April 2010, p. 7
 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
A listing of some of the activities and events of Interfaith Works members, affiliated organizations, and of general interest.
IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details and events at www.Interfaith-Works.org.
Continued from previous page
April 2 Good Friday Combined Service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1925 Boulevard
Friday Rd SE, Olympia. A presentation of Joseph M. Martin’s ’The Weeping Tree’ Cantata by
7:00 pm area Presbyterian choirs.
April 9 Robert Blecker Wants Me Dead, a 2009 documentary on the unlikely friendship between
Friday a death row inmate and Blecker, a law professor and death penalty advocate. Post-film
6:30 pm discussion with Sarah Craft of Equal Justice USA. Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave SE
(www.olympiafilmsociety.org). Sponsored by Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation.
April 11,12 Ancient Chinese Healing for the 21st Century (Documentary). One hour film on the
Sun, Mon origins and effects of this ancient Chinese health care system integrating postures, breath-
1 pm, 6 pm ing and focused intention. All Souls UU Community, 6326 Martin Way E, #103, Lacey.
April 11 World Sacred Musical Festival Event #1 with Al-Andalus Ensemble. This chamber trio
Sunday of oud, violin, and guitar is joined by Basque Flamenco dancer Laura Dobroka as they
7:30 pm move gracefully between the classical and the contemporary. Capitol Theater, 206
5th Ave SE, Olympia. Tickets: $25 general, $15 low-income. www.olysacredmusic.org
April 14 Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee. Connect with others in local faith com-
Wednesday munities around environmental concerns. Noon, second Wednesdays at Traditions.
Noon EARTH CARE SERIES #7: The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community (DVD).
~~~~~~~~ David Korten, well-known economist and author, presents on his book of the same name.
7:00 pm Discussion follows. Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW. Free, donations accepted
April 17 “Circulation Day” Give-away Event at Unity Church of Olympia, 1335 Fern St. SW,
Saturday Olympia. 8 am—Noon. Hundreds of quality items!
April 19 Ethical Eating Film Series #4– “Beware Food”. This month’s movie in the series looking
Monday at some of the biggest issues in ethical eating focuses on eating locally. Olympia Unitarian
7:00 pm Universalist Congregation, 2300 East End St NW, Olympia, 98502.
April 25 Retirement Party for KATHY ERLANDSON, Interfaith Works Executive Director.
Sunday Come wish Kathy farewell as she steps down after over nine years.
2—4 pm St. Placid Priory, 500 College St. NE, Olympia, WA 98516.
April 30 ++ Hospice Volunteer Training with Providence SoundHome Care and Hospice. 30
Friday ++ hours of training. Volunteers provide support to families and those who are dying. For reg-
9:30-4:30 istration and information contact Volunteer Coordinator Debe Edden at 360-493-4689.
May 2 30th Annual Thurston County CROP Walk for Hunger Relief. Walk,
Sunday pledge, or volunteer to raise funds for local and global hunger projects!
1:30 pm Contact Wayne Gruen at 352-9703. More information on our website
at www.oly-wa.us/interfaith/CropWalk.php
April 2010, p. 8
 Non-Profit Org.
Interfaith Works U.S. Postage
PO Box 1221 PAID
Olympia WA 98507 Permit No. 325
Olympia, WA 98501

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Olympia Choral Society presents

Superfood Solutions
The Civil War: Wildcrafted Whole Food
An American Musical
Terry Shaw, Director Penny Parsons
Fri., Sat., 7:30 Sun., 2:30
Nutritional Support for Your Lifestyle
April 16, 17 April 18 N OURISH E NERGIZE Improved Mental Clarity
Koval Performing Arts Center (N. Thurston H.S.) Healthy Immune
P ROTECT R ENEW More Energy

Support Interfaith Works with a Paid Ad $10

600 Sleater-Kinney Rd NE, Lacey, 98506
Featuring The New Life Baptist Choir penny@superfoodsolutions.com 360-357-1137
Donations support music scholarships www.superfoodsolutions.com
World Sacred Music Festival 30th Annual Thurston County
Al-Andalus Ensemble CROP WALK - Sunday, May 2
Sunday, April 11, 7:30 pm Over $1,000,000 raised
Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave SE, Olympia for hunger relief!
Tickets: $25/$15 low-income You can help - To
Available through buyolympia.com and at the door volunteer, walk or pledge call
Oud, Flamenco guitar, Violin, Multi-lingual vocals, 352-9703 or 357-7224
and Basque flamenco dance with Laura Dubroka www.cropwalkonline.org/olympiawa