Monday, November 17;  6:30-8:00pm

Congregation Beth Israel –
3901 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin

The Sarajevo Haggadah is a sacred text and prayer book for Passover that is thought to be more than 500 years old. The journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah is a compelling story of different faith groups working together throughout the centuries to save and protect this treasured manuscript.

iACT is honored to partner with University of Texas Performing Arts to host a conversation and reception with Merima Kljuco, Bosnian-born accordionist and composer, who composed the “Music of the Book” representing the journey of the Haggadah. This will be a celebration of unity, and a needed positive experience during a time of widespread unrest.

You are invited to share in iACT’s 30th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration at 3:00 PM on November 23, 2014 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located at 2938 E. 13th St, Austin, TX 78702.

A reception will follow the service. We encourage you to bring your favorite dish, labeled for those with dietary restrictions, and share in the warmth of community.

Ample free Sunday parking is available on site at the church.

Free, family-friendly, all are welcome!

November 23, 2014

3:00 pm

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Red Bench – People’s Choice

The Red Bench is an on-going dialogue program designed to address the most pressing needs of our time: improving interfaith understanding and civil discourse in our society. Each conversation is centered on moderated small group discussions that are genuinely respectful and safe.  No one has to be an expert – individual participants are invited to share from their personal experiences and listen with their hearts.  The format is structured and allows each individual to be heard.  Each conversation is moderated by table hosts.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Topic: People’s Choice
Location: Bahai Center of Austin – 2215 E M Franklin Avenue, Austin, TX 78723

The event is free and open to all. A light vegetarian meal will be provided.

Sign up for out Interfaith Dialogue email list: http://interfaithtexas.org/join/

Statewide Water News

Better Neighbors provides information on a different public policy issue with local implications every month. In addition to the newsletter, you will also have other opportunities to engage around the monthly focus through webinars, phone calls, and in-person events throughout the state.

11th annual Women and Fair Trade Festival

Date: November 23, 2014

Time: 10:00 am  to  6:00 pm

Location: The Old School, 1604 East 11th Street, 78702

– See more at: http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/events/11th-annual-women-and-fair-trade-festival-2/#sthash.IjA44pJZ.dpuf

An Evening with Dan Barber on his best-selling new book “The Third Plate”

Date: December 8, 2014

Time: 7:00 pm  to  9:30 pm

Location: Paramount Theatre, 719 Congress Ave., Austin, 78701

– See more at: http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/events/an-evening-with-dan-barber-on-the-third-plate/#sthash.jDrdoCyT.dpuf

Farai Chideya on “Reporting on Race and Place in the Post-Post-Racial Era”

Date: November 19, 2014

Time: 7:00 pm  to  9:00 pm

Location: Belo Center for New Media, Presentation Room (BMC 5.102), University of Texas campus

– See more at: http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/events/farai-chideya-on-reporting-on-race-and-place-in-the-post-post-racial-era/#sthash.fgC6dtyn.dpuf

Robert Jensen on “Capitalism v. Christianity: A Tale of Two Cults”

Date: November 16, 2014

Time: 12:00 pm  to  1:30 pm

Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover Ave., Austin 78756

– See more at: http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/events/robert-jensen-on-capitalism-v-christianity-a-tale-of-two-cults/#sthash.huyQosb7.dpuf

Screening: “Which Way Home”

Date: November 7, 2014

Time: 7:00 pm  to  10:00 pm

Location: Wildflower Church, 1314 Oltorf, Austin, 78704

– See more at: http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/events/screening-which-way-home/#sthash.5lvQe6DS.dpuf

Rally for Criminal Justice System Overhaul

Date: November 7, 2014

Time: 1:00 pm  to  3:00 pm

Location: South steps of the state Capitol, 11^th and Congress

– See more at: http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/events/rally-for-criminal-justice-system-overhaul/#sthash.GoOhQAgE.dpuf

Gifts-to-the-World Market

First UMC Austin

November 23rd

This year’s Gifts-to-the-World Market will be on one Sunday only, November 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the foyer of our Family Life Center. It will feature both local and international, diverse, dynamic, and worthy charitable groups. Shopping lists will be available early, so we encourage you to make your selections and join us for this one-day event. There will be lots of animals and worthy causes for you to choose from. Beautiful cards will be provided with each purchase.

 Christmas Bazaar

Buda UMC – Buda, TX –

Saturday, November 22nd from 8am to 2pm

All items donated for sale should be new handmade items. Other items can also be donated for the silent auction.

This year we also plan to have a “fishing pond” where children can pay a quarter to fish and receive a small inexpensive item on the end of a pole.

Items already underway include Christmas Card Holders, trinket/jewelry boxes, jewelry, and quilted hot pads and a beautiful wall hanging.  http://www.budaumc.org/events/

Gifts of Hope, Saint John’s UMC (Austin) Alternative Gift Market, is slated for Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7. Two of the most popular booths at the Market are the Saint John’s Mission Booth and the Bake Shop. Once again, all bakers and crafters are called into action! For more information about providing craft items for the Market, please e-mail Nancy Williams at nnwilliams@aol.com.

If you love to bake, The Bake Shop may be the perfect way for you to contribute. Please consider sharing your specialty with Market shoppers. For more information about the Bake Shop, email Eva Jordan at evamjordan@yahoo.com.

Click here to visit the Alternative Gift Market page.

 

Fall Serving Schedule
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each Saturday

Visit http://www.freestoreaustin.org/ for the volunteer signup or to donate.

Fall Donation Hours
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each Saturday

How can I help?

Every year we look forward to bringing a little holiday cheer to our residents who won’t be able to fulfill their family’s wish list on their own.

Here are four ways you can make a BIG difference this holiday season:

1. Sponsor a Foundation Communities family for the holidays. It’s a great way to engage your family, colleagues, friends, neighbors, fellow church members, or civic club in a fun, rewarding group service activity. Sponsor request forms are due Friday, December 5. Visit the Sponsor Pageto review our guidelines and complete your sponsor registration form.
2. Donate to our Holiday Drive. This is another fun and meaningful service activity that provides supplemental items for families needing additional assistance and gift items for our supportive housing residents. Please purchase new gift items. Deliveries are accepted by appointment, Wednesday, December 3 – Thursday, December 11 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Community Financial Center, located at 2600 W. Stassney Austin, TX 78745. Click here for a map. If interested, please contact charlotte.bumbulis@foundcom.orgor call 512-610-4008 to schedule your delivery.
3. Make a holiday donation. You can donate online and we’ll go holiday shopping for you!
4. Help us spread the word to your friends and family!