Welcome to the Interfaith Story Circle!
Our mission is to increase capacity for intercultural understanding, build diverse community connections and grow compassionate leaders through the ancient art of storytelling.
“Special People and Special Place! Interfaith Story Circle gives you an opportunity to join and walk together with faith and compassion.”
~Suman Joshi (Hindu tradition)
In order to maintain the safety of our participants, our meetings are currently cancelled until further notice.
Opening Prayers...
God, help us to still our bodies,
our minds and hearts as well,
so that our stories may wield their power
and take us where they will.
~Gert Johnson
I bow to the one who signs the cross.
I bow to the one who sits with the Buddha.
I bow to the one who wails at the wall.
I bow to the OM flowing in the Ganges.
I bow to the one who faces Mecca,
whose forehead touches holy ground.
I bow to dervishes whirling in mystical wind.
I bow to the north,
to the south,
to the east,
to the west.
I bow to the God within each heart.
I bow to epiphany,
to God’s face revealed.
I bow. I bow. I bow.
~Mary Lou Kownacki, O.S.B.
The following prayer was inspired by Megan McKenna’s chapter on Words in Israel’s tradition in her book “Keepers of the Story” (Orbis Books, 1997). McKenna says according to the Hasidic tradition, God created man and woman because he was lonely and wanted to tell HIS stories to us. Also, that whenever people gather to tell stories, even God comes to listen. God is enchanted by our stories. In fact, the Rabbis tell us that one of the ways that God keeps holy the Sabbath, the day of rest, is by studying the Torah. Then he prays and looks for stories to listen to and eavesdrops on those who tell!
Creator Spirit, come be present.
Eavesdrop on the tales we tell.
Enable us to share their wisdom,
tell them “true”, tell them well.
~Gert Johnson
Closing Prayer...
Lord, we are thankful for the stories..
for those who have told ..
those who listened…
and those who have been prompted to tell in return.
for all those present who have helped us to….
celebrate the richness and diversity of our traditions…
discover that which we hold in common……
connect with each other in “mind and heart”..
by sharing our stories….
sharing the “Light”
~Gert Johnson
We’d love to have you host!
If your religious or cultural community is interested in hosting one of our gatherings, please review our page outlining how our events work. You may also download our facilitator guidelines so you may be prepared to host a successful event!