May 21, 2017
Dear friends,
With the coming of spring, we traditionally think about what we can put out of our homes. But we hope you’ll join us this year in also thinking about who we can invite in.
As part of the College of Charleston’s Department of Religious Studies’ “Food and Faith” program series, and in conjunction with The Post and Courier’s ongoing effort to strengthen community ties, we’ve put together Charleston’s first-ever Spirited Brunch. On May 21, houses of worship across the peninsula will welcome city residents and visitors who are interested in learning more about the history, culture and faith of the congregations lining our streets.
The event will provide a glimpse into the food traditions of our local prayerful spaces. As we know, food is not only a symbol of our various histories, cultures and faiths: It’s also one of the very best ways to bring people together. That’s why each Spirited Brunch site will serve a representative snack. It might be something as simple as the sweet tea that’s poured at every brotherhood meeting, or as elaborate as an array of cakes baked by congregation members.
We’re very much hoping that you will join us on May 21 from 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. for this self-guided tour. Participating congregations include:
- Bethel United Methodist Church
- Brith Sholom Beth Israel
- Central Mosque of Charleston
- Circular Congregational Church
- The First Baptist Church of Charleston
- First Church of Christ, Scientist
- Grace Church Cathedral
- Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity
- Kahol Kadosh Beth Elohim
- Louis G. Gregory Baha’I Museum
- Morris Brown AME
- St. Johannes Lutheran Church
- The Unitarian Church in Charleston
Additionally, during the event, the Department of Religious Studies will staff a central hub on the College of Charleston campus, where attendees can talk to faculty members about the long history of religious pluralism in Charleston, and why it’s an essential part of our nation’s heritage. A complete annotated map of Spirited Brunch sites is online at bit.ly/2ptaF6W.
We know calendars are already chockfull, especially at this time of year. But we’re very excited about this opportunity for Charlestonians to get to know their neighbors, and hope you feel the same.
See you soon,
Hanna Raskin
Food editor and chief critic The Post and Courier 843-937-5560 hraskin@postandcourier.com
Elijah Siegler
Department of Religious Studies chair College of Charleston
843-953-3910
sieglere@cofc.edu
