by Anne Thorward, Cantor Paul Buch, and the Rev. Thomas Johnson

You may have noticed articles entitled “spiritually speaking” appearing regularly in this newspaper. How did that happen? Half a century ago, the Claremont Ecumenical Council was formed as a collaborative association of faith communities and nonprofit organizations that serve Claremont residents. In 2005 members voted to change the name to Claremont Interfaith Council, which is more inclusive of a diversity of faith groups, and has met monthly ever since.

Our primary mission is to serve communities by fostering interfaith relationships, supporting one another’s ministries, and promoting inclusivity. We do this by discussing local concerns, learning about and attending each other’s events, welcoming guest speakers from CIC members, local officials and community leaders, and listening carefully to one another. As Cantor Paul Buch said, “Together, we can build bridges, foster understanding, and strengthen the fabric of our diverse city.” Over the years, CIC has included faith groups and nonprofits doing social justice work from surrounding communities.

Every year CIC leads two significant programs for the wider community: the Thanksgiving eve interfaith service and the baccalaureate celebration in June. Both events are open to the public, and we encourage community participation. Join clergy, lay members and community folks this year for an evening of reflection and gratitude at the Thanksgiving eve service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 26 at Claremont Center for Spiritual Living at 509 S. College Ave.

CIC meeting locations rotate among the various religious and service organizations represented by council members. Changing meeting venues allows attendees to learn about others in a very direct way. With such turmoil in the world right now, a gathering of diverse people of faith and charity may bring some peace to folks individually or as a group through this small act of just being together.

CIC connects in fellowship the second Tuesday monthly from 9 to 10:15 a.m. On November 4 we will be at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 435 Berkeley Ave., Claremont. On Tuesday, December 2, CIC meets at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1700 N. Towne Ave., Claremont. A lovely breakfast is prepared for all by the host organization. It is always delicious.

Currently CIC has 25 members. Learn more about us on Facebook at facebook.com/claremontinterfaithcouncil, or be our guest at an upcoming meeting. Annual dues help cover the costs of our two largest events: $75 per organization or $50 per individual. President, vice president, and officers are elected each September.

Clergy, spiritual leaders, and laypersons from local religious and service organizations are warmly invited to attend and participate. For more information or to RSVP to the November or December meetings, contact Marianne at corsynergy@gmail.com.

Anne Thorward is a Unitarian Universalist and president of Newcomers Access Center; Paul Buch is cantor at Temple Beth Israel; and Thomas Johnson is a semi-retired Lutheran pastor and professor.