Posted on 11/10/2004 4:13:33 AM PST by a_Turk
The potluck dinner Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Mount Prospect puts a new spin on the traditional meal - a Ramadan feast.
Church members will break bread with their Muslim neighbors at the unique dinner that will feature a combination of Turkish and American dishes. The ecumenical event begins at 6 p.m. with Muslim and Christian prayers in the church Narthex, followed by the meal at 6:30 p.m.
According to the Rev. Kirk Reed, senior pastor, the dinner is sold out with 130 reservations, including church members and Muslims living in the Northwest suburbs.
Turkish Muslims participating in the event are active with the Niagara Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting global fellowship, and are working with Mount Prospect officials to build a community center.
"Our mission with the dinner is to build up bridges, not walls, between the two communities," said Kemal "Kevin" Oksuz, Niagara Foundation executive director.
Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer and charity, and is observed by more than 6 million American Muslims. While the feast technically is not celebrating the end of Ramadan, the idea to come together was developed during the holy month.
"We're doing this in the spirit of Ramadan, knowing it's such an important observance," said Bob Martindale, church staff member.
The joint prayer service and dinner is not the first step in forging a relationship between the two faith communities, Martindale adds. In October, Muslim neighbors began volunteering at Trinity United's PADS shelter program by bringing dinners.
For the potluck feast, they are bringing such Turkish foods as lentil soup, shepherd salad, sarma or stuffed grape leaves, beef filet with Turkish rice, baklava and fruit. Trinity members will provide salads and vegetables.
"Due to misunderstandings and misconceptions, we don't know each other," Oksuz said. "Whatever we know about each other is from a third party. We need to see each other more and then we will know each other."
Reed is beginning his ninth year leading Trinity church members. In 2002, Mount Prospect officials honored him as a "Shining Star" for breaking down social and cultural barriers within his church and throughout the village.
He and his church members also have been driving forces behind the last two Diversity Walks in Arlington Heights, held to promote learning about the cultural and ethnic contributions of Northwest suburban residents.
"That account banned or suspended."
Doesn't sound like a great loss.
Is Hillary going to be there? If so, I hope she doesn't forget to bring her bible.
They are hard working folk - and very family oriented. That said - I dont want to worship with them
Now hsaring food might be a good thing - specially if theyve got baklava and that strong coffee
Not bashing Turks, just that church.
I know
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