MEDITERRANEAN PEACE DONKEYS to travel to in GOZO, MALTA for Exhibition at the Cittadella Culture Centre. An exhibition of 21 life-sized fiberglass Maltese donkeys painted by noted Gozitan, Maltese, Egyptian and Western artists symbolizing the need for peace between East and West Against a backdrop of the recent extremists’ attacks in the West and conflict in the Middle East, the little island of Gozo in the heart of the Mediterranean is making a strong stand for peace. On 15 January 2016 the island of Gozo will have 21 more donkeys on it: Mediterranean Peace Donkeys. As the first exhibition in the ancient Citadel’s recently restored Culture Centre in collaboration with the Gozo Culture Office. The Mediterranean Peace Donkey project is a peacebuilding exhibition of 21 life-sized fiberglass “Maltese” donkeys painted by premier Gozitan, Maltese, Egyptian and Western artists symbolizing the need for peace and compassion between the creeds and cultures of the Middle East and West, and more specifically throughout the Mediterranean Basin (i.e. a donkey for each of the 21 Mediterranean nations). This exhibition takes place when there has never been a more important time for the peoples of the Mediterranean countries to unite and stand together for peace in the region and globally. This unique art exhibition is a crucial example that people everywhere can participate and work together towards harmony, understanding and peace, with the island of Gozo, both historically and contemporarily, representing an intercultural bridge between the East and West. Organized by CARAVAN, an international peacebuilding arts NGO, The Mediterranean Peace Donkey exhibition uses the symbol of the renowned and endangered Maltese donkey to focus global attention on four critical needs: -Interreligious Harmony: The donkey represents “peace and compassion” in Christianity, Islam and Judaism, and in the cultures of the Middle East and West. -East-West Relations: The Maltese donkey is an historic “East-West symbol,” as four Maltese donkeys were sent to General George Washington in 1786, prior to becoming the President of the United States of America. -Humanitarian Assistance for Migrants/Refugees in the Mediterranean: As a means of journeying, the donkey also symbolizes the thousands of migrants and refugees from Christian and Muslim religious backgrounds passing through the Mediterranean region looking for a better life. The forms for the life-size fiberglass donkeys was sculpted by the premier Egyptian artist Dr. Reda Abdel Rahman, which were then fabricated in Malta.

Join Jubilee! Circle in a unique celebration of the Holy using contemporary secular music and a blend of religious traditions that honors and welcomes Christianity, Paganism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and more.

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 1801 Legrand Rd, Columbia, SC 29229 The 19th annual Season for Non-Violence begins January 30 and runs for 64 days until April 4th, marking the deaths of Mahatma Gandhi and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and in honor of their work. Hosted by Unity of Columbia, speakers from different faiths in our community, followed by Dances of Universal Peace and a light lunch. Questions contact [email protected].

In light of the turmoil around mass shootings, religious bigotry, and people’s use of belief and religion as divisive tools, Unity of Charleston announces “2016: A Year of Interfaith Understanding”. One Sunday per month for the entire year, we will give our pulpit to a speaker from another faith tradition to learn of their tradition’s basic practices and teachings. First speaker is on the Sikh faith, February 28- Islam, Dr. Shahid Husain, President of the Central Mosque of Charleston; March 20: Buddhism, Geshela Topgyal, spiritual leader of the Charleston Tibetan Society. More dates and speakers to be announced. You are invited to come to Charleston for any of these Sundays to hear these speakers. Service times are 9:30 and 11:15. Unity is located at 2535 Leeds Ave., Charleston, SC, 29405. Questions 843-566-0600.

This event will be in 2 parts. First part is a short service (around 30 minutes) with sharing on the meaning, history, and symbolism of the elements of a UU service. The second part is gathering in the Fellowship Hall to continue discussion of Unitarian Universalism and the Seven Principles with light refreshments. University of S.C. Methodist Student Network Sunday, January 31 5:00-8:00 PM 728 Pickens (between Greene & Blossom) Join us to hear students talk about their ministry, for worship and for a meal, at Wesley Foundation near campus. Questions contact Carl Evans, 803-315-5481 - Parking info call 803-799-7363 - More about the Methodist Student Network here: http://msnatusc.com/v2/.

Dances of Universal connect us to the universe by positive inspiration from numerous spiritual traditions. Hafiz put it this way, “I bow to the Friend in deep reverence and discover a marvelous secret carried in the air: this whole Universe is just as blessed and divinely crazed as I, and just as lost in this Wonderful Holy Dance.” Leader keeps us from getting too lost by teaching and leading us in chants and dances. Each dance is a practice that enhances our resonance with the Divine in ourselves and in others. We will also share some prayers and blessings. After dancing, we socialize over refreshments. Small donations accepted. Questions contact [email protected]>, 803-743-0731. Not familiar with DUP? See some at the recent Parliament of the World’s Religions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TArJLQqVRPw Also see more information about DUP at http://www.dancesofuniversalpeacena.org/

Each of us makes our own journey through the night, seeking the light of understanding. While we must make a solitary journey, we are not alone. The deep blue body of Nut, the sky mother, embraces and receives us all, and gives rebirth to us with the dawn. Members and friends of Osireion will hold a short ceremony called Lights of Nut (pronounced “noot”). Because Lights of Nut will be held in a private home, attendance is by RSVP only. You are welcome to bring a guest, however. The service will last about twenty minutes, followed by refreshments. You need not be familiar with New Egyptian Spirituality, Paganism or Osireion in order to attend, and no particular attire is required. Just come and enjoy the communion of Spirit and friends.

to bring together the many strands of our communities and promote harmony through commonality. Each participant will be providing a tea beverage which best represents the individuals part of the world/ culture, the spirit of which will be consumed and digested in congregation to overcome the barriers and challenges we face today... Attendees to include local religious leaders of various faiths and any member of the communty who are willing to engage over chai and chat...