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News Release
Office of News and Information
Johns Hopkins University
3003 N. Charles Street, Suite 100
Baltimore, Maryland 21218-3843
Phone: (410) 516-7160 | Fax (410) 516-5251
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February 19, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Balazs
Michael@jhu.edu
(410) 243-6630
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Open Hands Open Hearts:
Exploring Diverse Faith Traditions
A Celebration of Religion and Spirituality
at Johns Hopkins University
A lecture about the future of Catholicism, yoga for
beginners and a round of Celestial Jeopardy are some of the
highlights of "Open Hands Open Hearts: Exploring Diverse
Faith Traditions," the Johns Hopkins University's second
annual religious awareness days. Events are scheduled
Sunday, Feb. 23, through Tuesday, March 4, on the
university's Homewood campus, 3400 N. Charles St. in
Baltimore.
Presented by the Religious Awareness Days Steering
Committee, "Open Hands Open Hearts" aims to raise awareness
about the wide diversity of faith backgrounds, both locally
and globally, while pursuing a broad range of issues facing
faith communities in the modern era.
"Open Hands Open Hearts" is the result of a
collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins University's
Interfaith Council and
Campus Ministries, as well as student representatives from
a variety of Johns Hopkins faith organizations. The program
allows for public open discussion of matters concerning
faith, an idea that has excited the Interfaith Council
since its inception. After the tragedy of Sept. 11, the
idea took on new meaning and a newfound importance; the
need to foster mutual understanding and cooperation among
different faiths is vital in the work of recovery from a
long history of misconceptions and abuse and to developing
a context for building peace, organizers say.
"During 'Open Hands Open Hearts,' we invite you to
explore the questions of faith, and to engage with an
openness the diverse dimensions of self and of mind," says
Sharon Kugler, university
chaplain. "We hope to provide participants with the
opportunity to learn about various religious walks of life
from numerous perspectives, and to stimulate deeper thought
about one's own tradition and the relationship among
different faith traditions. We hope you will listen, not
just with your ears, but also with your eyes, with your
feet, with your hands, and with your heart. We hope you
will choose to join us in this ultimately life affirming
journey."
This year's schedule features lectures and panel
discussions that address various issues such as the
traditions of non-violence and a round table discussion of
inter-religious families. Students' creative contributions
will be showcased in a digital media presentation. There
will be a movie night, an Indian dance performance and an
opportunity to walk through Campus Ministries' meditative
labyrinth. New this year is Open Your Eyes, a dinner
catered by two different faith groups in an effort to
promote the knowledge and understanding of others' beliefs.
"Open Hands Open Hearts: Exploring Diverse Faith
Traditions" is produced under the auspices of the Johns
Hopkins University Campus Ministries.
Following is a list of free events open to the Johns
Hopkins community only unless noted. For more information
about these events, call the Bunting-Meyerhoff Interfaith
Center at (410) 261-1880, or go to
www.jhu.edu/~chaplain/. While the events are not open
to the public, members of the media who wish to cover these
events should contact Amy Cowles at 410-516-7160.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Sandwich Sundays, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
Just another lazy Sunday? Maybe not. Contribute and come
together. Help assemble lunches for donation to Sisters
Together And Reaching (STAR), a non-profit organization in
Baltimore for women with HIV and AIDS.
Open Your Eyes: Jewish and Hindu Students, 6 p.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
This banquet will kickoff the weeklong events of "Open
Hearts Open Hands." Please join the
Jewish Students
Association and the
Hindu Students
Council for a catered kosher dinner, and help explore
the intricacies and beauty of "Concepts of G*D" in both
faiths. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and will be served in
the Multipurpose room of the Interfaith Center. Dietary
laws observed.
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.
"Mortally Wounded or Recovering? The Future of
Catholicism," a Lecture by Chester Gillis
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
What do Catholics think of their church? What do others
think of Catholics? Does the church command respect and
authority among contemporary Catholics? Chester Gillis,
author of Roman Catholicism in America and
Catholic Faith in America, discusses these issues
and others, and the possible challenges and visions for the
future. Gillis is professor and chair of the Theology
Department at Georgetown University. Free and open to
public. Reception to follow.
Wednesday, Feb. 26 - "A Day of Motion"
Beginners Yoga Class, 9 a.m.
Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center
Learn why this ancient spiritual discipline has gained
widespread popularity in modern times. Breathe deeply,
reconnect your body-mind and join yoga instructor Christi
for a free introductory class. Wear comfortable,
loose-fitting clothing. Johns Hopkins ID required.
The Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center
The labyrinth has long stood as a metaphor for life's
journey, combining the senses of unity and purposeful
wandering into a complicated and beautiful symbol.
Labyrinths were first constructed in ancient Greece and
have passed from culture to culture since. Consisting of a
single, universal path, the labyrinth is meant to inspire
reflection and contemplation.
"Motions of the Heart: Non-Violence Across Religious
Traditions," 5 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
Can different religious traditions, each claiming to be the
true faith, come together and work toward a greater peace?
How do various faiths make peace with one another?
Ministers from the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus
will address these and other questions in an open panel
discussion. Light dinner will be served. Dietary laws
observed.
Buddhist meditation, 7 p.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
An introduction to Buddhist meditation and a short service
called the Heart Sutra, led by Hoji Scott, minister of the
Johns Hopkins University Buddhist Society.
Indian Dance, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center
Join the girls of JOSH, Johns Hopkins' all-girl Indian
dance team, and the Interfaith Council for a lesson in
Raas, a traditional Indian folk dance. Raas has its roots
in the stories of Lord Krishna, who as a young man
performed this intricate dance with the village girls. Raas
involves a pair of wooden sticks called dandiya, and is
done each fall all over the state of Gujarat, India, to
live music. The
Hindu Students Council hosts the annual Diwali
Dhamaaka, where everyone is invited to dance raas. No
dancing experience is necessary for this workshop. Wear
comfortable clothing.
Thursday, Feb. 27
"Inter-Religious Families: A Round Table Discussion,"
noon
Mattin Center 160
An informal round table discussion about issues and
concerns surrounding interfaith relationships and families.
A taco bar lunch will be served.
Digital Media Presentations, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Hodson Hall 210
A series of student presented media projects exploring
diverse faith traditions and religion in modern times.
Friday, Feb. 28
Friday Muslim Juma'h Prayer Service, 1:15 p.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
The weekly Muslim Juma'h service on Fridays offers a
reminder of the ultimate goal in life: worshipping and
obeying God. The 45-minute service consists of an
insightful lecture followed by a short prayer. Come and
find out how Muslims worship and connect to God.
Friday Night Jewish Services, 5:30 p.m.
Orthodox: Kosher Dining Hall, AMR I Basement
Conservative: basement, Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith
Center, 3509 N. Charles St.
Reform: chapel, Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
There will be singing, dancing, prayers, discussion and
meditation.
Chinese Shabbat Dinner, 6:30 p.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
There are more kosher Chinese restaurants in the world than
any other type of kosher restaurant. Come Friday night for
Chinese Shabbat and find out why. All faiths are encouraged
to join this interdenominational artery-clogging event.
Coffee House sponsored by the Hopkins Christian
Fellowship, 9 p.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
Hang out with the
Hopkins Christian Fellowship while enjoying hot drinks
and other refreshments as well as live entertainment
provided by members of the fellowship. Performances will
follow both Christian and secular themes. Karaoke will
follow if time permits.
Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m.
Karaoke Night
AMR Multipurpose Room
Join the Interfaith Council in a celebration of voice,
spirit, song and karaoke. Junk food provided.
Sunday, March 2
Hindu Aarti provided by the Hindu Student Council, 11
a.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
Join the Hindu
Student Council for its weekly prayer called Aarti, an
illustration of the Hindu faith. It includes fire, which
represents purity, and also singing of a traditional hymn.
The service lasts approximately 20 minutes and will be
followed by a discussion of Hindu philosophy.
Roman Catholic Mass, 11 a.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
Come learn about the Catholic tradition with celebrant the
Rev. Thomas Ryan. Members of the Catholic Community will be
ready to explain the symbolism and ritual of this
2000-year-old liturgy. Donuts will be served after mass.
Taizé Services, 6 p.m.
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
The Taizé service is a contemplative Christian
service of prayer, chanting and silent meditation with a
focus on peace and reconciliation.
The Gathering, 8 p.m.
University Baptist Church, 3501 N. Charles St.
The Gathering is a contemporary college worship service
that meets Sunday nights in the chapel at University
Baptist Church. The service is led by college students, and
is specifically for college students. The college pastor,
Jamie Sipsma, gives a message, and the music team leads
singing and worship. Celebrants use everything from great
music and messages to relevant art, poetry, and multimedia
in providing a safe and open place to experience God. For
information, e-mail Sipsma at
jamie@ubcbaltimore.org.
Monday, March 3, 5 p.m.
Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies Text Study
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
For many centuries, the Jewish-Christian encounter has been
marked by intolerance and often violence. In recent
decades, Jews and Christians have begun to learn to
appreciate the many points of convergence between the two
traditions while also celebrating the distinctive character
of each. In the second of four text study sessions with
scholars from the Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies,
we will study texts from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament),
the New Testament, and rabbinic literature. Dinner will be
served. Dietary laws observed.
Tuesday, March 4, 7 p.m.
Celestial Jeopardy and Dessert Night
Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N. Charles
St.
Join the fun as campus ministers compete in a lighthearted
game show format where they will test their knowledge of
each other's religious traditions. The game will be
followed by a smorgasbord of sweets and desserts.
Johns Hopkins University news releases can be found on the
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http://www.jhu.edu/news_info/news/
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