Happy Diwali!

We wish our Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist friends a happy Diwali festival. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance." Preparation for Diwali includes decorating homes and workplaces with diyas (oil lamps) and rangolis (colorful art circle patterns). During Diwali, people wear their finest clothes, illuminate their homes with diyas and rangoli, perform worship ceremonies of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, and enjoy family feasts where mithai (sweets) and gifts are shared.
Source: Wikipedia
Local Faith-Based Organizations Seek Help for Afghan Refugees
           More than 300 Afghan refugees will be settling in Westland and Ann Arbor over the next few weeks. Initially they will be staying in extended-stay hotels and other temporary housing while they look for permanent homes in the area. Their most immediate needs are hygiene and cleaning supplies as well as winter clothes and blankets. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Westland is teaming up with Zaman International to assemble 60 basic needs kits, but donations are needed. If you are able, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e48aca92aa0f94-afghan
            Donations can be brought to the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints in Westland (7575 N Hix Rd, Westland, MI 48185) on Sunday, November 7 from 8 am to 1 pm.
            We will be holding a virtual Religious and Community Leaders Forum on Sunday, November 21 at 4 pm to discuss ways to coordinate support for these new neighbors. If your congregation or organization is interested in joining these efforts, please email rachelclawson@gmail.com for an invitation to this virtual meeting.
            At least two other faith-based organizations—Samaritas and Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw—will be assisting Afghan refugees. To connect with Samaritas, visit: samaritas.org or
To reach Jewish Family Services visit
https://www.jfsannarbor.org/resettlement-integration-services/
Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Troy Inter-faith Group

           The Troy Inter-Faith Group is hosting its Annual Thanksgiving Celebration virtually this year at
7 p.m., Sunday, November 21. Entitled "Gratitude Amongst Change," this event will be an opportunity for faith and community leaders to give thanks in our ever-changing world amidst challenging times. It will be an interactive hybrid-ZOOM event. Participants can join via Zoom (ID: 830 7281 6860 and Passcode: 213868) or on Facebook. Additional information is available on the InterFaith Leadership Council website at https://www.detroitinterfaithcouncil.com/activities-of-partner-organizations/.
            If you know of other interfaith Thanksgiving events, please send the information to detroit.interfaith.council@gmail.com.
       
Detroit Faith and Works Podcasts Are Now Available on Many Apps

The InterFaith Leadership Council’s 11 podcasts are now available on many popular podcast sites including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. .Visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1857758 to hear interesting conversations about religion and American life.
 
InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit | P.O. Box 252271, West Bloomfield, MI 48325
Phone: [313.338.9777] Email contact: detroit.interfaith.council@gmail.com