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Find this page more easily with your mobile device:  “Bringing hope and understanding to our community as we respectfully embrace our diverse sense of sacredness.” Council Officers for June 2011 - May 2012
President - Rev. Rodger McDaniel
Treasurer - Doug Fowler
Co-Secretaries - John Peacock and Jeff Weinstein
For June 2011- May 2012 - Listed in order of date:
Meetings
June 22, 2011 We would like also to invite you and your choir director to a meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne to talk about the possibility of having an interfaith choir perform during the 9/11 Observance. Please contact the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne for details about times.
July 18, 2011 at NOON (bring a bag lunch) First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) SPECIAL MEETING to prepare for some very important programs in September: the 10th Anniversay 9/11 Observance, and the International Day of Peace Observance later in September.
Meetings of Cheyenne Interfaith Council general membership. Unless otherwise specified, these meetings are at noon on the third Tuesday of every month, AND all participants should bring their own "brown bag lunch."
September 20, 2011 Highlands United Presbyterian Church
Dr. Mark Stock, Superintendent of Schools, is the invited speaker. Agenda October 18, 2011 Southeast Wyoming Islamic Center (updated 10-6-2011)
November 15, 2011 Mt. Sinai Synagogue Bring your appetite, not a "bag lunch" as the meal will be provided.
December 20, 2011 Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
January 17, 2012 Islamic Center of Cheyenne
February 21, 2012 Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne
March 20, 2012 First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
April 17, 2012 Cheyenne Veteran's Medical Center Chapel
Other Upcoming Events
Many of these events are organized by our member faith communities. We work to support our various faith communities by participating as much as possible. Events organized by the Cheyenne Interfaith Council will be identified as such.
Ongoing Programs being offered in the Cheyenne Area
"Bibles and Beer" Facebook Page (This interest group was started in May 2011)
Initiated and sponsored by Highlands United Presbyterian Cheyenne Church, "a weekly happy hour called “Beers and Bibles.”" Anyone (21 years and older!) interested is welcome. Bring an open mind, a desire to listen and learn and enough money to pick up your own tab. We meet at 5:30 till 6:30 at Uncle Charlie’s. Organized by CIC President, Rev. Rodger McDaniel, who notes: "I know this may not be for everybody, but then I know of no single spiritual experience that is." More information can be found on his blog at: http://blowinginthewyomingwind.blogspot.com/2011/04/bibles-and-beers-interested.html or contact Rev. McDaniel via Facebook.
"Bibles and Burgers" (the sequel ... or is it the spin-off). Yep, you got it. "Bibles and Beer" has grown in participation that there was an interest in forming a (first rate) second shift in a different venue, at a different time, so even more people could participate. It does not appear that the minimum age of 21 is required for this group, but people should keep in mind that this is still meant to be an opportunity for adults to interact as the group studies the Bible together.
Bring an open mind, a desire to listen and learn and enough money to pick up your own tab.
Starting September 19th we will have a lunch time Bible study called "Bibles and Burgers." It will start at 11:30 AM at 2 Doors Down. Come in, order a burger (or whatever you prefer) and come upstairs for a great discussion. (UPDATE 10-6-2011
NEW TIME and NEW LOCATION! Starting Monday October 10, 2011 we're moving to a new location and new time, NOON. We'll meet at the COMEA Shelter dining room from noon till 1 PM. COMEA will serve a very nice lunch for $8 (cash or check). FREE parking. If you're planning to attend let Rev. Rodger McDaniel know so we can give COMEA a head count. COMEA is on West Lincolnway...Lincolnway and Stinson 1504 Stinson Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001We will start with the Book of Job. Feel free to invite others! Facebook Page
Both of these recurring gatherings share some common guiding principles:
Some basic rules have been established to make this comfortable for people from different faith traditions:
1). No arguing (debating). That does not mean we cannot voice differing perspectives. We don't have to agree on everything. We can learn from each other by listening to each other.
2). Stick with what the text says. Repeating someone else's sermon doesn't help. What can we learn from the text. This does not mean sacred literature from various faith traditions (Talmud, Koran, etc.) which references the text cannot be considered.
3). Tip the server generously. It's a lot of work to take care of a group that usually is not spending a whole lot. At least we can pitch in to help those who are providing us with "a neutral place" to meet.
The public is welcome to join either or both gatherings. Both events have details available on Facebook being moderated by Rev. Rodger McDaniel. Since the two groups are at different places in the Bible, both will also have their own web-page on this site so that people who do not use Facebook can know (as best as possible) where in the Bible the respective groups are at. (If you want to join in the on-line discussion, you will need to have a Facebook account and contact Rev. McDaniel to join that conversation. Here's an interesting fragment which comes awful close to being "older than dirt." Thursdays – Noon in the social hall at Mt. Sinai Synagogue 2610 Pioneer Ave. Bring your own brown bag lunch. Starts 11/03/2011 (Cheshvan 6, 5772) with Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman Join in a lively exploration of the core texts of the Jewish people. A working knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary to have meaningful participation in this group. Most of the reading and discussions will be in English with references to specific Hebrew words or phrases. Texts for these sessions are available at the meetings. You are welcome to bring your own if you wish. Topics will vary depending of the specific interests of the participants. Meet in Social Hall, unless otherwise specified. No fees. No prerequisites. Donations encouraged. See Mt. Sinai's website for further details.
Coming Soon: Learn to read and chant the Holy Q'uran - TBA
Sponsored by the Southeast Wyoming Islamic Center
Hebrew – ( Beginning) Reading Prayers Thursday nights – 6:00 PM – ongoing; at Mt. Sinai Synagogue2610 Pioneer Ave. This class is open to the general public on a "space available basis." Starting 10/27/2011 Ends 1/26/2012; Teacher - Jeff Weinstein See Mt. Sinai's website for further details.
Hebrew – Intermediate Prayers & Torah Wednesday nights – 6:00 PM – ongoing; at Mt. Sinai Synagogue
Israeli Folk Dancing Sundays 1:00 pm - 3:00 PM – ongoing; at Mt. Sinai Synagogue 2610 Pioneer Ave. This class is open to the general public on a "space available basis." Starting 10/16/2011; Teacher -- Bea Montross See Mt. Sinai's website for further details.
Israel: A Monthly Series at Mt. Sinai Synagogue Open to all, whether or not joining the Mt. Sinai Synagogue trip to Israel
in June, 2012
"The Battered Bride Project...where the gifts of Forrest king and Leah Zegan meet the needs of our community" a special commentary by Rev. Rodger McDaniel. The Battered Bride Project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/batteredbrideproject features art by Forrest King to help getting people to discuss the epidemic of domestic violence in a forum where participants can look at this problem from within their various faiths as well as by sharing personal experiences. Mr. King would like to invite people to join an ongoing dialogue about this on the Facebook page. He encourages "sharing" and "liking" the listings via Facebook page in addition to the live presentations to help expand awareness of this problem.  This project is in cooperation with Safe House and has been embraced by member organizations of the Cheyenne Interfaith Council. October 16, 2011 Sunday at Highlands United Presbyterian Church January 14-15, 2012 at Cheyenne Hills Church January 14-15, 2012 at United Methodist Church Here's an example of how this project is doing more than theoretical good in our community: "When I made the decision to take my kids to church last Sunday, it was to begin the process of reaching out and stepping away from the violence that had come into my life over the last year and a half. My husband decided to come with. We had no idea what the service would be. When I walked in and saw the poster for the Battered Bride, I was scared and empowered all at the same time. It was all he or I could do to sit through that service. At the end I had to run to the bathroom to hide the tears. On the way home, when we stopped to get something, my 16 year old daughter said, "Mom, are your next flowers going to be your last? I don't have a dad (he has abandoned his children) and if you don't make this change I won't have a mom either." She heard the message that was presented and she held me to the fire. I went home and told my kids that if they heard a raised voice or disturbing noises coming from my room to call the police. I confronted my husband. I told him to seek help by the end of the week or find a couch to sleep on, because he would no longer stay here. You see three nights ago, he choked me so hard that he almost crushed my trachea. I really thought that it was my last moment in life. I am a strong, independent, and powerful woman. It just goes to show there is no "type" to be abused. Some of his is PTSD from military service and some is plain anger and depression. I never saw early signs of this. He swears he will get help this week and I told him under no circumstances will there ever again be violence in my home. This conversation needed to happen a year ago. So thank you! Your work had a profound impact on this family. My 14 year old boy and 16 year old girl and her boyfriend talked about the issue all the way home."  It is a sad reality that Domestic Violence is not isolated to any specific faith or faiths. It is a problem found within all faith communities despite their respective teachings against its occurance. This makes it an "Interfaith Problem" for which there needs to be "Interfaith Solutions." Together we can work to end this blight which is an affront to all we together hold as sacred. Get involved. Start by contacting Forrest King to arrange for a presentation at your place of worship and sacred learning. MORE - TBA Introduction to Judaism – A Series of Three Week Classes Wednesdays – 7 pm – starts 11/02/2011; Teacher – Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman at Mt. Sinai SynagogueMeet in Social Hall, unless otherwise specified. No fees. No prerequisites. Donations encouraged. See Mt. Sinai's website for further details. November (11/2, 9, 16) – Jewish History (including thought & values)
Events occurring only on specific dates
January 1, 2012 New Year's Day Happy New Year everyone. Here's a link to an interesting interfaith discussion about: The Pursuit and Practice of Happiness Is an Awareness of the Suffering and Pleasure of Others. May you find it an interesting way to start the new year. 1957-2012 Mrs. Pamela “Chuli” Pechulis, 54, of Cheyenne died Jan. 22 at her home.January 16, 2012 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. / Equality Day - which some communities observe with a National Day of Service, MLK/Equality Day is observed here in Cheyenne with a variety of activities which will be listed once they are publicized. January 27, 2012 Memorial Service for "Chuli Pechulis" at Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne Starts at 1:30 PM. She was born Dec. 8, 1957. She worked as a nurse for 37 years, and she was actively involved in the Cheyenne community, serving on the Cheyenne Interfaith Council, Day of Giving and Family Promise. She was also an active member of Mt. Sinai Synagogue. Mrs. Pechulis enjoyed the outdoors, her pets and spending time with her family and grandchildren. Her family will celebrate her life at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne. Cremation is under the direction of Schrader Funeral Home. Friends may contribute to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, 800 Southwest Drive, Cheyenne, Wyo. 82007. Condolences may be offered to the family online by going to www.schraderfuneral.com. Source: http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2012/01/26/obituaries/09obit01_01-26-12.txt February 8, 2012 Tu B'shivat (New Year ["birthday"] of the Trees) a meal followed by Kabbalistic Seder will be held at Mt. Sinai Synagogue starting
Events which have already occured this fiscal year are listed below:
March 10 - August 11, 2011 "From Just Surviving to Thriving" Workshop series (note: all of the sessions but the first two were during this year).
Presented by Stop Suicide Cheyenne in partnership with the WY Dept. of Health, Grace for 2 Brothers and theLaramie County Library. These are free, one-hour long, stand alone workshops will be held monthly at the library starting March 10.
Six FREE Workshops 5:30-6:30 pm, Cottonwood Room in the Laramie County Library March 10 - Achieving Wellbeing "There’s got to be more than this ..." You’ve probably said these very same words about something in your life. Maybe your career isn’t fulfilling, your relationship isn’t clicking, or you have a dream that just won’t come true. Wanting more is normal. It’s not selfish, and it’s not greedy. It just means you recognize the possibilities in life. We’ll discuss the three significant HAPPINESS FACTORS you can tap into to increase satisfaction, handle stress, and overcome adversity. Led by Lee Neeley, Ph.D., Licensed Professional Counselor, Laramie County School District #1. April 14 - Emotional Intelligence The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. It is an amazing journey - and you, alone, are responsible for the quality of it. This workshop will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your own Emotional Intelligence; identify what has worked, what has failed and what you are willing to change; learn to navigate life’s challenges while remaining calm; and increase self awareness. Led by Jeff Randall, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, F.E.Warren Air Force Base. May 12 - Navigating Life’s Potholes Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on. We will discuss how to accomplish this in today’s hectic lifestyle! Led by Dianne Lowe-Carpenter, L.C.S.W., Director of Counseling and Campus Wellness at Laramie County Community College. June 9 - Riding Out the Perfect Storm Rogue waves occur in the ocean when a number of physical factors, such as strong winds and fast currents, converge to create a perfect storm. Much like these rogue waves, problems in life can build to the point where a person feels like he or she is drowning in a sea of overwhelming emotions - helplessness, hopelessness and fear. Whether the perfect storm is yours or a loved one’s, this workshop will show you how to weather it. Panel discussion led by Lee Neeley, Ph.D., Licensed Professional Counselor, Laramie County School District #1. July 14 - Letting the Sunshine In Everyone gets the blues now and then. But when it lasts longer or hits harder, it’s OK to ask for help! And the encouraging news is that it can often be successfully treated. Learn effective tools to help you feel relaxed, rejuvinated, and on your way to letting the sunshine in. Led by Stephanie Wortman, L.C.S.W., Private Practice Psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma. August 11 - Reaching Out Our presenters will discuss their real-life experiences with loss, working with people touched by suicide, and reaching out for help - and will share helpful resources. Led by James Ednie, Musician and Founder of Rock for Life Suicide Prevention and BJ Ayers, Executive Director of Grace for 2 Brothers. This workshop will be held in the Willow Room. Funded with Federal Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Block Grant Funds. (Wyoming SATP info) Co-Partnered with Stop Suicide Cheyenne, Wyoming Department of Health, Grace For 2 Brothers Foundation, and Laramie County Library. For more information see brochure or contact:
Kristi Leavitt Community Relations Director Peak Wellness Center Mail - PO Box 1005, Cheyenne, WY 82003 Physical address - 510 W. 29th Street Office - (307) 635-2753 www.PeakWellnessCenter.org July 10, 2011 - Second Annual Cheyenne Interfaith Council Picnic at Lyons Park Gazebo next to the Kiwanis House from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. MAP
Come prepared to Make Friends Eat Good Food Play and have Fun Hamburgers and Hot Dogs provided by CIC, please bring a side dish or a dessert to share For further details, please see our flier. (Please see flier for instructions in case of rain). Also please see article in the July 9, 2011 edition of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle Second Cheyenne Interfaith Picnic planned for Sunday Cheyenne Interfaith Division 5 Softball practice schedule
August 1 7 PM Brimmer 1
August 4 7 PM Brimmer 2
August 8 8 PM Brimmer 1
August 11 7 PM Converse 3
August 15 9 PM Brimmer 1
August 18 6 PM Brimmer 2
August 22 9 PM Brimmer 2
August 29 6 PM Brimmer 1
Sept 1 8 PM Brimmer 1
Sept 12 6 PM Brimmer 1
Come on out and join in the fun either by playing or supporting our team (Cheyenne Interfaith) in other ways.
OPERATION BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES is a project of Needs Inc. in cooperation with Laramie County School District 1 being assisted by the Cheyenne Day of Giving. Needs goal is to distribute supplies to the well-over-1,000 students (kindergarten through college) this year. We all can help. There are collection boxes for donated supplies at various businesses around Cheyenne. Various faith communities are also doing their own collections for this project. Check with yours. Other options for helping include making donations through Cheyenne Day of Giving or bringing your donations directly to Needs Inc. Here is a link to a list of needed items, based on the LCSD1 website, which can help you know what is needed to help. Laramie County School District 1 distribution for kindergarten through 12th-grade and college students will take place Aug. 17-19 at the Cheyenne Needs Inc. office. Distribution will continue throughout the year 900 Central Avenue (Verification of financial need is required) For more information please contact Needs Inc., (307) 632-0409.
September 1st, 2011 (Thursday) 7 pm presented by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne “Live From the Starving Ear”
featuring Roy Zimmerman, A performance of wickedly inventive satirical songs. In twelve albums over twenty years, Roy Zimmerman has brought the sting of satire to the struggle for peace and social justice. His songs have been heard on HBO and Showtime; he has recorded for Warner/Reprise Records; he's been profiled on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and he's a featured blogger for the Huffington Post. Roy’s YouTube videos have garnered over six million views and tens of thousands of comments. Joni Mitchell says, "Roy's lyrics move beyond poetry and achieve perfection." His website is: http://royzimmerman.com/ . There is nothing off limits including the Tea Party, the economy, same-sex marriage, Socialism, Creationism, guns, taxes, abstinence and yes, Obama all come under tuneful scrutiny. More can be found on Twitter, My Space, Facebook, and Wikipedia Price of admission is a suggested $15 donation. For further information call the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne 638-4554.September 6, 2011 9:00 AM
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center has invited Nancy Berlinger, Ph.D, M.Div, to speak on ethical issues to the medical staff at the hospital in September. She is Deputy Director and Research Scholar at the Hastings Center, a nonpartisan bioethics research institution.
"It’s against our religion”: the ethics of religious objections in healthcare Presentation will be September 6th at 9:00 AM in the Hospital Meeting Rooms C & D. Please see flier for more details. For more information about this event or to suggests topics for the discussion, please contact:
Rev. T. Patrick Bradley, MA, BCC
Director, Pastoral Care
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
214 E 23rd Street
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Direct line 307-633-7586 Pat.Bradley@crmcwy.org
 September 11, 2011 - 10th Anniversary in Remembrance of 9/11 Observance The theme of the Cheyenne Interfaith Council Observance is “Remembrance, Healing, and Hope." On the 11th, there will be a presentation by Hands in Harmony starting at 2:45 PM at the Capitol. The Interfaith Service will begin at 3:00 PM with a program that includes music, readings from the Quran, Hebrew Bible, Gospel, Greek Orthodox, and other traditions ... Each faith community is asked to bring a meaningful “broken” item to the September 11th commemoration. All broken items will be brought forward and used by a local artist, Forest King, to create a work of art symbolizing the transition from brokenness to hope.
Please arrive by 2:30 PM to assure your ability to be present. Participants in the Interfaith Service should be there by no later than 2:15 PM to prepare for their parts. Thank you.
Please see attached flier for further details.
Press Release. Please also see WTE article: 9/11 events slated for city Program This segment runs 52 seconds.
In the spirit of healing and the resilience, the HBO Documentary Films: Beyond 9/11 - Portraits of Resilience has been added to this page:
This film runs about 50 minutes.
Disclaimer: The HBO Documentary Films: Beyond 9/11 - Portraits of Resilience was produced by HBO and TIME, and does not reflect any official position or endorsement by the Cheyenne Interfaith Council. It was placed here solely at the discretion of the webmaster because of its focus on reflections by survivors of the events of 9-11-2001. Because finding or making peace can be enhanced by increasing understanding between peoples in conflict, the next two embedded videos are offered with the hope of improving understanding, but also with the same caveat as the HBO Documentary above.
The following originally comes from TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design). That organization sponsored a remarkable discussion between the mother of one of the victims of 9-11 and a mother of one of the conspirators of 9-11. The encounter is both disturbing and inspiring on many levels. I can't imagine what it is like actually walking in either of these women's shoes, but I can see what I might learn from what they are sharing with the hope that knowledge will lead to greater peace in the this world. - Webmaster.
9/11 healing: The mothers who found forgiveness, friendship
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