JCMA News – 21st May 2020

Dear JCMA members and friends,

This has been an unusual last few months testing our patience in great times of change and an opportunity to find new ways to connect and work together. I see that our faith leaders have all been tirelessly working to reach out to community members to ensure their communities are informed and kept safe and have ways we can all continue to practice our faith in these challenging times. Our hearts go out to all communities across the globe who have been and continue to be so badly shaken and affected by the pandemic. We pray for peace and unity as we move forward into this next new phase of our lives.

Here are a few items of note this week.

Celebrating Eid Ul-Fitr – Sunday 24thMay

With the holy month of Ramadan coming to an end this weekend, I would like to wish our Muslim members and communities Eid Mubarak. May the day be filled with joy and blessings. In a statement issued by the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) the day of celebrating Eid Ul-Fitr was determined to be Sunday 24 May. Under the current circumstances of COVID-19 lockdown, Eid prayers can be performed within homes in congregation with a minimum of three people together with the option of Khutbah. The statement from the Australian National Imams Council can be viewed here:https://www.anic.org.au/

NationalVolunteer Week18th to 24th May

JCMA thanks all of you have volunteered and made a contribution to JCMA past and present. The roles are many ranging from a position on the JCMA Board, on committees and event management teams and on the schools program. We thank you all on this special National Volunteer Week 18thto 24thMay.

New To JCMA Schools Program – Project Education Officer

I am pleased to announce that Ian Grant joined JCMA in March this year to work two days a week on the Schools program.His background in developing Intercultural support programs has been used to good advantage as we work on further developing our intercultural capability development programs for schools. More details of his experience and background can be found on our websitehttps://jcma.org.au/jcma-staff/

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

This week marks theWorld Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.I know as Victorians we are proud to belong to a state made up of such a diverse range of cultures. Many of us accept our diversity as a strength and we are all working in our own ways to support one another and dialogue with each other in ways that seek to unite us in what are very challenging times. At JCMA we love to share our stories and cultural practices with each other. We acknowledge that culture is a part of who we are and fulfils our intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual lives. It builds greater understanding and connection and underpins the fabric of our socially. Let us continue to pray that in these challenging circumstances we all come out of this time stronger, with more unity and finding peace.

Future of Faith and Activism: Clergy on the Front Lines’- Sunday 24thMay

The CCJ (Council of Christians and Jews) have an online event this Sunday, Future of Faith and Activism: Clergy on the Front Lines’.Details below and in the attached flyer.

Topic: Future of Faith and Activism: Clergy on the Front Lines’.

Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black and Rev Alexandra Sangster are our guest panellists.

Date: Sunday 24 May,

Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST)

Use this link:https://erea.zoom.us/j/94704617575?pwd=OTY4K0RqWWVIVGM1WFI4VnRiVTlCdz09

ID: 947 0461 7575 ~ Password: 537172)

Contactccjvic@bigpond.net.aufor more information.

We wish all the very best for you and your families and hope you continue to stay safe and well.

Kind regards,

Ginette

Executive Officer