Are you a Christian or Muslim university student in Wisconsin? Does your faith inspire you to make a difference in your community? If so, these virtual spaces are for you.
BACKGROUND
Lent, observed in many Christian traditions, is the forty-day season of preparation for lamenting and celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of repentance, considering Christ's sufferings, and rethinking Jesus' call to "take up one's cross" and follow him. Some give up things like sugar or social media as a form of fasting. Others try to integrate a new practice into their lives like visiting folks in prison or exercising. In 2021, Lent is February 17th to April 3rd.
Ramadan, the holiest month of the year for Muslims, is a season of reflection, increased generosity and prayer, deep study of the Quran, and fasting from dawn to sunset (no food or drink during these hours). It is believed that during this month, God revealed the first verses of the Qur'an to Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). Alongside being a time of spiritual discipline, it's also a season of celebration and joy, to be spent with loved ones. In 2021, Ramadan is expected to begin April 12th through May 12th.
PURPOSE
Peace Feasts exist as brave spaces for Christians and Muslims to connect, learn about one another's sacred seasons, and build trust.They are a ton of fun!
These events are not about trying to win others over to one's own perspective - rather, they are about building mutual understanding and increased trust.
Part 1 will be a Lenten Peace Feast (Sunday, February 28)
Part 2 will be a Ramadan Peace Feast (Sunday, April 18)
We ask that you sign up for and commit to participating in bothgatherings.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Two trained facilitators - one Muslim and one Christian - will hold space for this 90 minute virtual gathering. There will be an equal number of Muslim and Christian college students participating in each gathering.
During Part 1, the Lenten Peace Feast, the group will be guided through a fun Lenten quiz, observe a Christian share a Lenten prayer, and participate in meaningful conversation about Muslim and Christian experiences of fasting.
During Part 2, the Ramadan Peace Feast, the group will be guided through a fun Ramadan quiz, observe a Muslim ritual prayer, and participate in meaningful conversation about how fasting has helped you, or those you know, become a more spiritual person.
You will receive an event timeline in advance to each gathering so that you know what to expect. :)
ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS, ORGANIZERS & EVENT SPONSOR
Janan Najeeb, President of the Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition (MMWC), will be the Muslim co-facilitator for these events. A well-known interfaith leader and mother of five, Janan believes that people who truly live their faith can come together to advocate for the voiceless, the homeless, the children who cry out in hunger, the incarcerated, the immigrants, and those who yearn for basic human rights.
Nicole Wriedt, San Diego Program Director of Peace Catalyst International (PCI), will be the Christian co-facilitator for these events. Born and raised in Pewaukee and a third-generation German immigrant with her MDiv (go women pastors!), Nicole believes that the heart of Christian discipleship is pursuing God's deep peace for ourselves andour local cities - a peace that's firmly rooted in justice.
Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) is a key sponsor for these events, which are part of the We Are Each Other's Campaign. We Are Each Other’s equips young people to engage in acts of interfaith cooperation, anti-racism, and service with their communities. Learn more in the video below.