UPCOMING MONTHLY SERVICE DATES ARE 9/26/21, 10/24/21, 11/28/21, 12/26/21...
Interfaith. Interspiritual. Interspecies.
Guided by:
Reverend William Melton
Reverend Sarah Bowen
Reverend Erika Allison
Victoria Moran
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Welcome and Words of Inspiration
"Why We Need Rest"
by Rev. Sarah Bowen
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The Compassion Consortium Tenets of Agreement
Introduction by Rev. William
Read by Mary Lou Driscoll
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Rev. Mary Lou Driscoll is an ordained Interspiritual minister and spiritual counselor since 2011. Mary Lou has a masters degree in Nursing from Hunter College.She has over 35 years experience working as a mental health nurse. She serves as a mentor for One Spirit Interfaith Seminary students, where she participates in a weekly prayer call. She also speaks on a weekly radio podcast program, “The Power of The Word”, a heart centered Metaphysical Bible study.
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1. We acknowledge a Divine Force at the heart of the universe, and in all living beings. We may refer to this force as God, but It is known by many names and appears in different forms or as formless.
2. We recognize the common moral principles inherent within all wisdom traditions.
3. We affirm that compassion, reverence for life and nonviolence are fundamental to religious faith and moral philosophy, and are to be extended to all sentient beings.
4. We stand by the principles of inclusion, diversity, and equality, and hold these as essential in our human relations.
5. We hold that nonhuman animals are imbued with the same essence of life and love as are human animals, and that there is moral parity between us.
6. We avow that humans do not own the earth, its resources, or its inhabitants, but instead must be involved in their protection and care.
7. We endeavor to eat and live in a kind and sustainable manner, moving away from animal foods and animal-derived clothing, as well as any activities that cause harm to our fellow beings, human or otherwise.
8. We aim to provide spiritual comfort, fellowship, and food for thought to those practicing or exploring a vegan lifestyle.
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9. We offer guidance and peer support for all those seeking a more compassionate and spiritual life.
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10. We commit to sharing these principles freely, with humility and respect, in support of nonhuman animals and the earth.
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Song of Compassion
"Sanctuary Song" by Daniel Redwood
Interspecies Spiritual Practice
with Rev. Erika & some beings from Farm Sanctuary
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Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz in Conversation with Victoria Moran
Yanklowitz is the President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash, Founder & President of Uri L’Tzedek, Founder & CEO of Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy, and Founder & President of YATOM: The Jewish Foster & Adoption Network. Rabbi Yanklowitz’s writings have appeared in outlets as diverse as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Guardian, and the Atlantic among many other secular and religious publications. Rabbi Yanklowitz is a sought-after educator, social justice activist, and motivational speaker as well as the author of seventeen books on Jewish spirituality, social justice, and ethics. His best-selling books include Postmodern Jewish Ethics: Emerging Social Justice Paradigms; The Jewish Vegan; Kashrut and Jewish Food Ethics; and Jewish Veganism and Vegetarianism. He has twice been named one of America's Top Rabbis by Newsweek. In 2016, The Forward named Rabbi Shmuly one of The Most Inspiring Rabbis in America. In 2016, the Forward named Rabbi Shmuly one of the 50 most influential Jews
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Compassion in Action: A Short Story with April Tam
A personal sharing and reflection led by Erika Allison
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April Tam Smith works is finance and and is also invested in helping the vulnerable in New York City, including victims of trafficking and those previously incarcerated. She is co-owner of PS Kitchen, an upscale vegan restaurant in New York's Theater District that is, remarkably, operated as a non-profit. April is a dedicated Christian, active at Renaissance church, and she and her husband are expecting their first baby in October.
Blessings & Prayers
Fire ritual led by Rev. Sarah Bowen
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You will be invited to share the names of your
new arrivals and departed companions in the chat box.
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Group Prayer/Blessing
May all creatures everywhere be happy and free.
May the thoughts, words, and actions of our life
contribute to this happiness and this freedom for all.
May it be so. So mote it be.
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Closing Remarks & Invitation to Fellowship
If you would like to support the mission and programming of this community, please consider contributing:
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Closing Song
"Good To Be Alive" by Andy Grammar
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Spiritual Fellowship & Open Discussion
Participants who remain will be randomly sorted into small groups for 20 minutes of Fellowship. We hope you'll join us!
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If you found this service meaningful, please contribute your "offering" to help the Compassion Consortium's operating expenses. Thank you!
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The Compassion Consortium is being organized pursuant to the New York Not-for Profit Corporation Law and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (pending), and will operate as a not-for-profit spiritual and educational fellowship. Accordingly, we request that political, partisan and lobbying discussions and activities be avoided in the Consortium’s activities, forums and social media platforms. We also request that all discussions, input and contributions be conducted with decorum and in a positive spirit of respect, tolerance, civility and harmony.