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| Ms. Sylvia McConico |
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| For two years I shared responsibilities as Mistress of Ceremonies at the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) Prayer Breakfast here in Tucson. In 2004 -2005 I went with the Temple ministers to Tempe/Mesa, AZ when held there. ACLC is under the Universal Peace Federation. In March this year, Rev. Betty, Rev. Toni Allen, and I attended a conference in Las Vegas. The title of it was “The American West, the Pacific Rim and Global Change: Vision, Family Values and Ethical Leadership for the United States, United Nations and the World.” The event was jointly sponsored by FFWPU, the Universal Peace Federation, the Women’s Federation for World Peace, and the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC). The main purpose seemed to repurpose Las Vegas from “What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas” to “What happens in Las Vegas can be shared with others around the world!”, as stated by Rev. In Jin Moon. We were there with 300 leaders from 40 nations and the United States with a total of 1,200 people. Plus more than 200 international guests, dignitaries from the entertainment world, politics, business, and education were also in attendance including 100 members of the Iranian-American Association. When I stand up at Temple service and invite you to join me at an event, it is because I want you to experience the power behind representing the church that so many have yet to learn about. If any of you feel impressed, please join me in this spirited adventure. Many of you have heard Rev. Betty and others refer to me as the Temple Multi-Faith Liaison. An invitation extended to me by Betty three years ago. Perhaps you have wondered just what it is that I do in that position. Here's an overview of what my life is like representing the Temple: I attend events that have been organized by organizations such at the Tucson Multi-Faith Alliance, International Center for Peace, Community Conversations, Universal Peace Federation, Jewish-Islamic Peace Walk etc. Generally, the events are for the purpose of uniting the faith groups, fostering understanding, getting to know one another, and reconciliation. Some of the events are monthly. Usually, I just attend, representing the Temple. My silent presence is felt by those in attendance. Essence and aura are felt and seen by many, though they sometimes don't understand their connection to Spirit. Sometimes, I get to contribute by speaking. Sometimes, I get to sit on a planning committee. Almost always, I take The Temple News and other printed materials for the distribution/get to know who's there table. Some specifics: In April this year, I represented the Temple at the “Rest, Reflection and Renewal” multi- faith clergy retreat. We met at the Redemptorist Renewal Center at Picture Rocks. What a beautiful setting in the Saguaro National Park West. About forty ministers and representatives contributed insight into the social isolation experienced by ministers, how to relate to none religious folks, and what sustains us. Issues such as: community, youth, adult education, preaching enhancement, relationships, social justice, multi-faith, and pulpit exchange were brought up for discussion. These questions were posed for our table groups to discuss: What motivated you to become a religious leader? What sustains you? What has been your greatest joy in ministering and what is your deepest frustration? We all agreed that another retreat was in order and will have another this fall and one in the spring of 2010. Community Conversations is a monthly discussion forum under the umbrella of the Tucson Multi-Faith Alliance (TMFA). Sat Bir Kaur Khalsa is the leader of this program. She has spoken at Temple several times, sharing her Sikh Dharma traditions with us. We celebrated five years May 28, 2009 with cake, music, and song. Memories were shared by many in attendance. I spoke in April 2009 on the subject “Faith, Sustainability and the Current Economic Climate”. In October 2008, the program was focused on the youth -- “Youth and Peace: Raising a Generation of Nonviolent Warriors”. What wisdom, courage, and strength the youth expressed and exhibited in their presentations and sharing. Most of them shared that violence is painful whether giving or receiving, does not solve problems, and does not represent who they really are. Most were atheist, but quite spiritual in consciousness. They are committed to being an example for others in their communities. Their ages ranged from 7-17. After much planning, (I was on that committee) in May 2008, the TMFA had a luncheon. Our theme was “We are one in Spirit traveling on many paths”. The presenters spoke of the opportunity to be with people who understand God in many different ways; we get to know each other without an agenda, as individuals, and connecting the face with an ideology. It has really stood out in my mind that since attending the first Community Conversations meeting in 2006, no matter which religious traditions were represented there, no matter how divergent the views on the topic of discussion, the bottom line was that there is an underlying similar knowing and truth. We were all saying the same thing using different words. The Baha’i community had a Devotional Gathering in February 2009, for the protection of the Seven Baha’i Leaders imprisoned in Iran. Yes, folks are still being persecuted for their religious beliefs/practices. There were prayers, poems, and songs offered by ministers of several faith traditions. It was interesting to sit in the room and not feel spirit during all of the invocations. The International Center for Peace, of which St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church, is a member and hosted a program titled, “Sons and Daughters of Abraham”. I attended the first meeting and was moved by the prayers offered by the Methodist minister, Muslim Imam and Jewish Rabbi. We had a delicious pot luck dinner then listened to Rabbi Tom Louchheim discuss his understanding of Our Father Abraham. On August 16, 2009, several folks from the Temple (Betty, Toni, Sally, Monica, Will, GiGi, Edna, Marlon, and I) attended the often announced “hootenanny” at St. Francis. We enjoyed a pot luck dinner, socialized, and sang to folk music. I was so disappointed that there was no music for dancing, since the flyer said it was a time for prayer, eating, singing and dancing. Now I know what a hootenanny is! On Sunday March 2, 2008, Rev. Betty and I went to the fifth annual Muslim-Jewish Peace Walk opening ceremonies at the Islamic Center of Tucson (901 E. First Street). The almost three mile walk ended at the Congregation NerTamid (at the Water of Life Campus, 3269 N. Mountain Ave.) There were activities for adults and children, as well as music and food. Joseph Carbonneau, filmed the event from start to finish. |
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| Sylvia L. McConico LLC
Speaker, Performance Artist, Workshop Facilitator, Peace Activist http://sylviamcconico.com PO Box 43772 Tucson, AZ 85733 USA 520-325-2061 Email: slmc42@gmail.com |