Chatham United Methodist Church Hosted Abraham Interfaith Lunch

Pastor Jeff Markay and guest speakers, among the are the Peace Islands Institute members.
Pastor Jeff Markay and guest speakers, among the are the Peace Islands Institute members.


Date posted: May 4, 2019

By C. ZIEGLER

The Chatham United Methodist Church hosted its 6th Annual Abraham Interfaith Lunch on Tuesday, April 30th. The theme of the event was to embrace faiths of all kinds while joining together to help refugees in need. “You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:19) Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35) “Was not the earth of God spacious enough for you to flee for refuge?” (Quran 4:97)

Members of different faiths from Judaism to Islam to Christian literally and figuratively “broke bread together” in an effort to understand the backgrounds and experiences that helped mold who they are as citizens who volunteer time and money within their communities to provide food and shelter for the less fortunate.

Over 120 people of all faiths gathered to celebrate and share food generously prepared by the Peace Islands Institute. The menu included grilled vegetables and meat, garbanzo beans and rice, string beans and sauce, and baklava for dessert.

Offering a place for all to pray, meet together for conversation and fellowship, the Chatham United Methodist Church (CUMC) allowed for an inclusive and prayerful vision to become reality. “The guests may have entered the doors as strangers, but they left having made new friends and a new understanding of faith,” said Peggy Melvin.

The Chatham United Methodist Church Senior Pastor, Jeff Markay was host and gave the opening remarks. Markay is known for, among other things, his outreach and networking abilities to provide food and shelter to refugees, homeless, and others on the fringes of society. “His compassion and hope for all to grow in appreciation of each other is infectious, “ said one guest. 

CUMC Associate Pastor, Sharon Yarger gave the invocation. Speakers on the topic of Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Those that Welcome Them included Osman Dulgeroglu of Peace Islands Institute; Mary and Gerry Gannon and Frank of Refugee Assistance Morris Partners (RAMP); Jenny Tananbaum of the Saturday Morning Fun Club at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield; the Rev. Julie Yarborough and Robby of One World One Love; Andrea Wren-Hardin of First Friends; and the Rev. Kristin Markay of Lambeth Refugees Welcome (London).

The message of the speakers was that despite a difference in faith and background, the driving force in helping those in need, whether they be refugees, asylum seekers, or homeless, is more powerful than language, country of birth or religion. Working together as all of God’s children can make a positive change in the world.

Source: TAPintoChatham , May 2, 2019

Tags: | | | |


Related News

President Fox speaks about Fethullah Gulen and Gulen Movement

Vicente Fox served his term as President from 2000 to 2006. He was the first candidate from an opposition party to be elected president since 1920. Under his leadership, the country experienced a stretch of fundamental economic strength and stability. The perspectives of the Institute are inspired by the life and works of the distinguished contemporary scholar and civic leader Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish Muslim scholar, thinker, author, poet, opinion leader, educational activist, and preacher emeritus. He is regarded as the initiator and inspirer of the worldwide social movement of human values known as the Hizmet (Service) Movement or the Gülen Movement.

The Alliance for Shared Values Statement on Ankara Attacks

The Alliance for Shared Values deplores the bombing attacks perpetrated against peaceful protesters today in Ankara. We are deeply saddened by the increasing number of losses and injuries and offer our condolences to the families and friends of the victims. It is now more important than ever that we do not fall prey to the pernicious intentions behind these attacks.

Hizmet Relief ends Cataract Campaign, starts Water Well Campaign

Hizmet Relief, shortly after changing its name, starts aid campaigns one after another. It finishes the “Cataract Campaign” and rushes to finalize “Water Wells Campaign.” The cataract campaign started in July, the Hizmet Relief had targeted to collect $10,000 to treat 100 people. $300 more was collected, which will give 103 people their eyesight back.

Turkish Cultural Center Vermont gives awards at Friendship Dinner

The Turkish Cultural Center is the Vermont’s premier source of information on Turkey, its history, culture and heritage. TCC awards paid tribute to outstanding individuals and organizations whose contributions markedly strengthen peace, harmony and diversity. TCC recognizes and celebrate the altruism, philanthropy and selfless commitment of distinguished individuals or organizations working toward a better peaceful world.

66 U.S. senators sign letter asking Turkey to release Pastor Andrew Brunson

The letter, signed by 43 Republicans and 23 Democrats, warned that the U.S. may decide to take unspecified measures” to ensure that Turkish government “respects the rights” of U.S. citizens to remain in Turkey without fear of being persecuted.

‘I like the vitality of the participation and the vitality of hospitality within the Hizmet Movement’

I believe, certainly in the United States as I’m experiencing the Hizmet Movement, I’m experiencing extraordinary hospitality, a great warmth of people, a genuine spirit, an openness, a compassionate style.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

Turkish gov’t profiling went on until 2013, report claims

Dutch police arrest Erdogan backer for threats after failed Turkish coup

Explained the secret: Gulen gave it as a gift

IFLC Sydney 2016

Turkish cultural day in the Philippines

Judge says judiciary still under tutelage, implies gov’t responsible

Somalian students condemn plot against Kimse Yok Mu

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News