INTERFAITH CONNECTION

Interfaith Works promotes interfaith understanding,

and serves the community through
charitable, social and educational endeavors.
APRIL 2009

GREAT STRIDES FOR HUNGER

The Thurston County CROP Walk Committee is not resting with their feet up, even though they are very proud
that the 2008 Walk raised $59,500 for hunger relief. Having raised over $980,000 in it’s 28 year history, this
year’s Walk will break the million dollar mark. This year, the committee challenges walkers to step out and raise
$65,000 to feed hungry neighbors in Thurston County and around the world.

The 2009 CROP Walk, the 29th in Thurston County, will take place Sunday, May 3,
following the same 10K (6.2 mile) route around Capitol Lake that has been used for several
years. Participants will walk in solidarity with folks around the globe who have to walk great
distances just to get food and clean water; “We walk because they walk”.

Eight local hunger-relief agencies will receive 25% of the total funds raised here. They are First Baptist Church
Sunday Dinner Feeding Ministry, Garden Raised Bounty, Out of the Woods, Salvation Army /Olympia
Community Kitchen, Senior Services for South Sound / Meals on Wheels, St. Benedict’s Community Dinner
Program, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Thurston County Food Bank.

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EMERGENCY OVERFLOW SHELTER EXPANDING

Interfaith Works Emergency Overflow Shelter program (EOS) has operated every winter, November 1 through
March 31, for nineteen years. Now, with homelessness increasing dramatically, Interfaith Works is preparing to
partner with Family Support Center to extend shelter services year-round, beginning June 1.
In this partnership, Interfaith Works will continue to manage the program November through March, and Family
Support Center (FSC) will manage the program April through October. The expanded program will operate in
(Continued on page 2)

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, P.O. Box 1221, Olympia, WA 98507

(360) 357-7224  InterfaithWorks@comcast.net  www.interfaith-works.org
Emergency Overflow Shelter
(Continued from page 1)

much the same way, with local congregations providing volunteer hosts to staff the shelter. However, FSC is
trying to make arrangements for the shelter to be housed in a single location, eliminating the need to move from
site to site every two weeks. Until those arrangements have been made, the bi-weekly moves will continue.
Family Support Center staff are presently recruiting congregations willing to host and staff the shelter for two
weeks at a time. It is hoped that some congregations that have not previously participated in the EOS will join in
the rotation, and that congregations that have already provided shelter in the past year will take another two-
week term each year. Currently, three faith communities have signed up for a second spell.
Of course, operating the shelter all year will require not only more staff and possibly more host sites. Using the
bedding supplies twice as much will wear them out more quickly, requiring replacement more often. A mattress
costs $100. A durable, washable blanket costs about $20, a set of sheets is $10-20. And, if a stable location is
found for the shelter, there will be a monthly rental fee.
To date, twelve or thirteen congregations have participated in the annual Emergency Overflow Shelter program.
For the program to operate year-round more communities will be needed to host, staff, and support the pro-
gram financially. You can help by volunteering, sending financial support, and encouraging your own congre-
gation to become involved in the shelter program.
This year alone the EOS provided about 2000 bednights (one client, one bed, one night) to women and families
with children. Please, help homeless women and families! To volunteer yourself or your congregation, or to
ask questions, please phone Interfaith Works (357-7224) or Phil at Family Support Center (754-9297 ext.200).
Financial contributions may be sent to Interfaith Works, with EOS on the memo line of your check.

Great Strides for Hunger

(Continued from page 1)

There are several ways YOU can participate—as a walker, a sponsor, or volunteer on Walk Day. And you can
make a financial donation to the Walk. Now, it’s easier than ever to donate because you can do so on-line. You
can create your own personal web-page, and add links to your social networking site. For more information, go
to www.cropwalkonline,org.
If you would like to volunteer to be a helper or walker, contact Interfaith Works at 360-357-7224 (M-Th., 9 a.m. -
2 p.m.), or Chairman Wayne Gruen at 352-9703. For more information about CROP Walk, visit our website at
www.oly-wa.us/interfaith/CropWalk.php.
Get involved. Hunger is a huge and growing problem in our community. Please, help make this the most
productive Walk ever. Help CROP Stop hunger.

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 REMEMBERING CHERI GONYAW
Interfaith Works has lost a friend. Cheri Gonyaw, Executive Director of Interfaith
Works (then called Associated Ministries of Thurston County) from 1994 to 2000,
died at home on Sunday, March 22, 2009. Born July 13, 1940, Cheri lived her whole
life in the Olympia area, graduating from Olympia High School in 1958. After
college, she worked for the State of Washington until retiring from the Department of
Health & Human Services in the early 1990s.
A long-time member of First Christian Church of Olympia, Cheri has served that
congregation for many years as an Elder, a spiritual leader in the congregation, and
as their ‘Deed’ committee coordinator, facilitated that church’s participation in
Interfaith Works Emergency Overflow Shelter, CROP Walk, and many other social
justice/outreach programs. It was through her membership at First Christian that she
learned that Interfaith Works was seeking a new executive director. She was
selected and hired in September of 1994, and served until June 2000.
During her time at IW, Cheri was instrumental in developing a number of notable
programs, including Violent Toy Turn-in, later renamed Toys for Peace; AM/FM; and
from 1995 to 2000, the Summer Lunch Program, a federally funded program to
provide nutritious lunches for local low-income children during the summer months.
AM/FM: Associated Ministries Festival of Music, was an annual concert featuring a
variety of musical performances by choirs and ensembles from local congregations,
and a major choral work performed by a mass choir made up of the combined choirs
of several churches. The program continued from 1996 to1999.
Violent Toy Turn-in was held in conjunction with The Olympia Center’s annual
Children’s Day Celebration. Its purpose was to encourage children and parents to
exchange a violent toy or video for a non-violent one. Many local merchants
contributed non-violent toys for the event. This program ran from 1996 to 2002.
Even after retiring from Interfaith Works in 2000, Cheri continued to support and
participate in programs and events of Interfaith Works. She spent much of her life
serving her church, her God, and her community. She will be missed.

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 4TH ANNUAL INTERFAITH YOUTH CAMP
Plans are underway for the 4th annual Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp, to be held this year
from Sunday, August 23 to Friday, August 28 at YMCA Camp Seymour. A collaborative
effort of Interfaith Works and Associated Ministries of Tacoma, along with a number of
congregations of diverse faiths, the camp will host 60 campers who will be entering the 7-9th
grades in the fall.
This is a summer camp with swimming, hiking, kayaking and sailing, archery and soccer, and
campfires. What differs is the time spent talking and learning about one another’s religions,
beliefs, and customs. Adult faith-leaders from many traditions will be resources to the campers
of their faith as well as to the campers of other faiths. No proselytizing whatsoever is allowed.
Applications are available online at www.soundinterfaithcamp.org or by calling 360-357-7224.

SEE ART BEAT OF THE SPIRIT PHOTOS ON-LINE

Art Beat of the Spirit, the 5th annual World Sacred Music Festival of Olympia, was an artistic success, fun,
and inspiring. In addition to musical performances from fifteen world music artists, there were
participatory workshops, ethnic food, and an especially moving exhibit of beautiful sacred art in the
gallery. Informational booths on local non-profits, faith communities and other organizations took up one
whole room, and many participants came away with a variety of purchases from the marketplace,
including baskets, jewelry, cosmetics, foods and musical instruments.
This amazing festival was created by a dedicated
planning committee who worked all year to make it
happen. In addition, one hundred thirty-four
volunteers staffed the event, from admissions, to
hospitality room, ushers and stage hands, MCs and art
gallery guides, poster hangers, sound technicians, and
much, much more. Interfaith Works thanks everyone
who made the festival happen!

Arpan, photo courtesy of Terry Liberty

Thanks to the volunteer photographers, you can see some of the highlights. For a smaller photo gallery,
go to www.olysacredmusic.org/2009/2009_photos.html. There are more pictures in a slide show format
at www.olysacredmusic.org/2009/WSMF09-slideshow/index.html.

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 WHAT IS JUST ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY?
Rozanne Rants, Olympia FOR

Two recent vigils on the steps of the State Capitol were arranged by the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation’s
Committee for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (CADP). Cal Brown and Darold Stenson had each been con-
victed of murder and were sentenced to be murdered in return. In both cases prisoners received stays of exe-
cution hours before they were to occur.
Formed in the mid-90's, the mission of the CADP is to abolish the death penalty in Washington State. The
group is a committee of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), a worldwide organization committed to seeking
ways to bring nonviolence, peace, and justice to our world since 1918. Virtually all mainstream Christian de-
nominations in the U.S., as well as the organizational bodies of many other faiths, have explicit statements op-
posing the death penalty.
With the recent abolition of the death penalty in New Jersey and New Mexico, fifteen states are free of this form
of punishment. Sadly, Washington State continues to hold on, while most people remain unaware of the tre-
mendous cost we pay for a practice that accomplishes nothing. And, our country’s use of the death penalty sets
us apart from the nations known for having good human rights records, including the European Union, and
aligns us with those known for human rights abuses.
Nationally since 1973, 130 innocent people have been releasedâ, sometimes after more than 20 years on
death row. How many innocent people have been executed? The simple alternative is life in prison without pos-
sibility of parole. The money saved could be spent on mental health, antipoverty, and other programs that are
proven to reduce crime.
We study issues such as human rights, costs, effectiveness, suffering, and morality and bring them to the atten-
tion of our State Legislature and fellow citizens. In addition to vigils, our outreach activities include tabling at pub-
lic events, speaking to groups, and designing educational games and activities. The Olympia FOR Committee
for Alternatives to the Death Penalty meets monthly. Call Rozanne, Committee Chair, or Chuck at 705-8520 for
information. We invite you to join us.

NEW HOURS FOR IW OFFICE

In the face of higher energy costs, poorer air quality, accelerated climate change, and economic
challenges, many businesses are re-thinking the traditional five-day system, and so are we. So, in
an effort to reduce personal expenses, gas emissions and operational costs, and to increase our
staff productivity, Interfaith Works has embarked on a ‘pilot program’ of a four-day work week.
Until further notice, Interfaith Works office hours will be Monday through Thursday, 9:00 A.M. to
2:00 P.M.

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 INTERFAITH WORKS THANKS OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Laura Abernathy Frederick & Mary Jane Adair All Souls Unitarian Universalist Community
Glen A. Anderson Juanita Anderson Anonymous Kenneth & Donna Armitage Vicki Armstrong
Clyde & Elizabeth Bachman Baha'i Assembly of Olympia Baha'is of Thurston Co. East Marie
Louise Bammert Ann & Maxwell Berry Scott & Trina Bishop Bonita Bourgault Karen &
George Bray Bob Brighten Carol Britton Margaret Carmichael Kasey Carter Center for
Spiritual Awakening Jeremy & Heather Clarke Patricia Collins Community for Interfaith Cele-
bration Community of Christ Alan Corwin Joanne Thornton Curtz Donald & Cherie Davidson
Dee Dick Dispute Resolution Center Lee & Rene Doran Edith Downing Leslie Edwards-Hill
Dr. William A. Ehlers First Church of Christ Scientist First United Methodist Church Rosemary
Frady James Fulton Barbara Gibson Gloria Dei Lutheran Church GoodSearch M. Jeanne
Gordner Wayne & Carol Gruen Elie & Beth Halpern Edward & Muriel Hastings Genevieve
Hathaway Hilari Hauptman George & Mary Jo Hinkel Richard & Ramona Hinkle Marguerite
Holcomb Jean Holz Jackie & M. J. Huetter Karen & Jacob Jackson Elaine "Steffe" Jewell
Leland & Joanne Johnson Lisa Johnson Marge Johnson Zula Johnston Tom & Samara Jold-
ersma Anne Kellor Jeanne & William (Terry) Kirkpatrick Sandra Kreis Arlene Kuczinski
Lacey Community Church Lacey Presbyterian Church Judith L. Langhans Leif & Barbara Lantz
Pat & Marilyn LaViollette Patricia Lazar Carolyn Lehman Raven Lidman Karen Lohmann
Clain Lust Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Nancy Mackin Masjid Al-Nur (Islamic Center
of Olympia) Billie Mazzei Carol McKinley Thomas & Elsa McLain Helena Meyer-Knapp
Miles Barbara J. Monda Katy Murray Nalanda Institute Nancy C. Nelson & Associates Inc.
William & Rachel Newmann Molly Oberbillig Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation Olympia
Friends Meeting Olympia Supply Co. Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation Open Gate
Zendo Pacific NW Assoc Church Libraries-Tacoma Lois & Philip Parker Donna Patrick Mary
Lou Pearson Kathleen Peppard Patricia Perry James C. Pluntze Susan E. Preciso Presby-
tery of Olympia Providence Health Systems Truxton & June Ringe Bonnie Rose Daniel Roselle
Connie Ruhl Mary Russell Daniel C. Ryan Donald & Donna Sattelberg Pam Schroeder Ruth
Shearer Char Simons Lynn Ruth Slater Luther Smith John & Marlys Soltman South Sound
Buddhist Peace Fellowship St. Andrews United Methodist Church St. Ephrem Orthodox Mission
St. John's Episcopal Church St. Michael Parish St. Placid Priory State of WA-Dept. of Personnel
Bernard & Joyce Steckler Dickie (Baker) Stentz Theresa & Dale Stubbart Shirley & Edward Swan
Frances Tanaka Janet & Mike Tanaka Roger Tanquist Temple Beth Hatfiloh Thurston County
Ministries in Higher Education Tumwater United Methodist Church Vicki Turnbow United
Churches of Olympia United Methodist Women United Way of King County United Way of
Thurston County Unity Church of Olympia Robert & Elizabeth Utter Arthur Vaeni & Sally Gove
Marijke van Roojen Wim & Rae Verhoef WA State Arts Commission Connie Walker Ruth We-
ber Westminster Presbyterian Church Scott Whitney Fran Williams Judy Williams
Wendy Wilson David & Dolly Yates Ann Yeo Rich & Melissa Young

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 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
A listing of some of the activities and events of Interfaith Works members and cooperating organizations.
IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details and events at www.interfaith-works.org.

April 27 Faith Communities Disaster Preparedness Workshop. Held at Bucoda Christian Assembly,
Monday 102 Main Street, Bucoda, WA 98530. For information contact Bill Terhune, Chaplain, South Bay
7:00 pm Fire, at 360-791-9701.

April 28 Alternatives to the Death Penalty Committee of Olympia FOR.. Meets monthly on fourth
Tuesday Tuesdays, at MIXX-96 meeting room, corner of State St. and Washington. For information contact
7:00 pm Rozanne or Chuck, 705-8520, or rozannerants@yahoo.com.
May 3 CROP WALK—Thurston County’s 29th Annual Walk to Stop Hunger.
Sunday Registration begins at 12:30 pm, the walk begins at 1:30 pm. The route is 10K
12:30 pm (6.2 miles) around the lake. Contact 357-7224.

May 3 “Journeying with Serious Illness”, a monthly meeting beginning in April for people and/or their care
Sunday providers. Based on the book Healing into Life and Death by Stephen Levine. Meets at Olympia Unitarian
7:00—8:30 pm Universalist Church, 2200 East End Str. For information, call Tom or Samara Joldersma, 352-7487.
May 6 Video “Thomas Berry: The Great Story”, about the life and work of this famous cultural historian
Wednesday and eco-theologian. Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW. FREE. Co-sponsored by Earth Care
7:00—8:30 pm Catholics of Olympia & Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee . Info: 459-5825.
May 10 Network of Strength Breast Cancer Support Group Mother’s Day fundraising walk. 3 miles,
Sunday begins at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater. Call 360-556-8361 to register or go to
8 am networkofstrength.org.
May 12
Interfaith Earth Stewardship Committee. Meets in the library of First Christian Church, 7th
Wednesday
and Franklin, on second Wednesdays. For information, e-mail LeslieHR@aol.com.
Noon
May 17 Olympia FOR Annual Meeting and Elections. Everyone is invited to enjoy cake and
Sunday refreshments and celebrate another year of the Olympia FOR’s accomplishments. At Traditions
4:30—6:30 pm Fair Trade Café, 5th and Water.
May 20 The Qadim Ensemble. Their repertoire includes Arabic, Jewish, Turkish-Sufi, Hebrew-Yemenite,
Wednesday Armenian, Greek and Moroccan music, celebrating the common musical and spiritual heritage of the
7:30 pm region’s cultures. Evergreen Recital Hall, Tickets $15/10 students. Info at www.qadimmusic.com.
June 26-28 Creating a Culture of Peace. A three day immersion in the spirituality and practice of non-
Friday—Sunday violence. Developed by FOR, based on Pace e Bene, and broadly interfaith. At St. Michael Parish.
9:30—5:30 pm Contact David Bellefeuille-Rice at 943-6264. Cost $35.00.
August 23-28 Puget Sound Interfaith Youth Camp The 4th Annual Interfaith camp for 7th to 9th graders, to be
Sunday—Friday held at YMCA Camp Seymour. Applications available on-line at www.soundinterfaithcamp.org,
or call 360-357-7224. Sponsored by Interfaith Works and Associated Ministries of Tacoma.

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 CROP WALK is May 3
Last year walkers raised over $59,000
for hunger relief.
You can help
top that in 2009.
To volunteer, walk or
pledge call
352-9703 or 357-7224

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