Introduction to Sikh religious thought and culture

[RCCAtl]

March 17, 2013 – 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

On Sunday, March 17, 2013, Atlanta Interfaith Leaders Fellowship members and friends will be guests of the SEWA Gurdwara Sikh congregation in their gurdwara at 10590 Woodstock Road, Roswell  30075.

Three distinct program segments are included in this event – with the first commencing at 11:30 a.m. and the third adjourning at 3 p.m. AILF members are invited to participate in any or all segments in accordance with their interests and availability.

The meeting details are summarized in the attached announcement. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.

Background:

Founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15^th Century, the Sikh religion has developed, grown, and spread to become the 5^th largest among major world religions with an estimated 30 million members. For the majority of AILF members and friends, this will be an outstanding opportunity to begin a journey towards new knowledge and new friendships within a tradition often neglected out of simple ignorance regarding its importance.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion. Worship facilities and services are open to all persons regardless of religious background. Pursuit of justice for all human beings is one of the major goals of this tradition. Sikhs are encouraged to strive for balance in their lives among work, worship and charity. The mid-day meal (lungar) at Sikh gurdwaras is generally open to the public as a charitable contribution to the surrounding community.

The Program:

AILF members and friends have been invited to participate in three distinct segments with the objective of familiarizing us with Sikh worship practices, giving us an opportunity to share in the traditional mid-day meal, providing an introductory presentation and discussion of Sikh religious thought and cultural traditions, and giving us an opportunity to add members of the Sikh community to our personal circles of interfaith friends. AILF Planning Group Chair Masarrat Husain and Planning Group member Teji Sahni arranged and will lead this event.

            11:30 AM         The regular Sunday worship service of this Sikh congregation.

            1:00 PM           The community mid-day meal – “lungar”.

            2:00PM            An introductory presentation on Sikh religious thought and practices including time for Q&A and discussion.

Who Should Attend?

Any member or friend desiring to learn more about Sikhism, wishing to meet and potentially make new friends from the Sikh community, or desiring to show support and recognition for the generosity of this Sikh congregation in inviting us to be their guests on this occasion.

As always, guests and newcomers are welcome at our events so long as they have an interest in interfaith activities and are willing to be respectful towards the members of differing religious communities. An expression of interest in interfaith dialogue is the sole requirement for membership in our Fellowship.