One of the best ways the Council can support the ministries of pastors who work long hours and give so much to their congregations is for us to offer them a time of refreshemnt, reflection and renewal on a regular basis. Starting September 20, 2006 Rev. Margo Tenold, Co-Executive Director of the Council, will lead twice-monthly meetings offering pastors the opportunity to experience different styles of prayer and then reflect on their experience with others in a small group.

On August 8, 2006, the World Council of Churches together with worldwide fellowships of Lutheran and Reformed churches, issued a call to end violence in Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine. The statement by the World Council and its partners calls upon leaders from Israel, Hezbullah, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, the United States, the European Union, and the Arab States.

Now, more than ever, we need to build bridges of understanding. Last year, over 250 people from diverse religious communities in the South Bay gathered together to celebrate "Fasting and Feasting Together: A Family Reunion of All Abraham's Children." The event was so rich in meaning and enjoyment that we knew we must get together again. On September 21, from 6 to 7 pm in the Circle of Palms in downtown San Jose, we will gather for "Breaking Bread Together: An Interfaith Reunion." Everyone is invited! It will be an opportunity to build understanding and relationships. At the end participants may sign up for an interfaith dinner group!

Working with the National Council of Churches, leaders of several religious traditions have come together to encourage faith communities to engage in a Season of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East. They have created a website with resources of prayers, litanies, scriptures texts and songs for peace. They also welcome others to submit their prayers and liturgical offerings for peace. We are encouraged to pray for all who suffer from the violence and injustice in the Middle East, both those from our own faith traditions and those we may consider "the other." Click on Season of Prayer to visit this website and see these resources. Please encourage your churches, neighborhoods and friends to join in prayers and works for peace. (Thanks to Churches for Middle East Peace at http://www.cmep.org/ for the photo.)

Thirty one Christians gathered in May for a week of prayer, reflection, study and community and came away feeling their lives had been refreshed and transformed, their faith renewed and deepened. Dr. Luther Smith of Candler School of Theology spoke to our hearts and minds with his class on the Disciplines of Hope. Sister Donald Corcoran of Transfiguration Monastery (Benedictine) in Windsor, New York challenged us and inspired us with her grasp of theology and the pracitcal applications of faith in her class on Personal and Social Transformation. There were also short presentations on Centering Prayer and Healing Touch.

Delegates to the 2005 General Assembly of the National Council of Churches USA and Church World Service, held this week in Baltimore, Md., deplored the fact that as the House of Representatives begins debate on anti-torture provisions in the 2006 defense bill, some high ranking U.S. government officials have declined to support the provisions.

"As delegates to the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches USA and Church World Service, we find any and all use of torture unacceptable and contrary to U.S. and international legal norms," the delegates said.

Welcome to the Santa Clara County Council of Churches web site. We are building this new site from the ground up and we need your help with stories, photos, links, and more. The web address will remain the same, www.councilofchurches-scc.org

Are you looking for a church to attend? Check out our Member-Congregations area. Are you curious about our mission, our staff, or our board? Visit the About Us section. Do you want the latest news from the Council and member congregations? Visit the News area!

There's a lot happening in Santa Clara County. Check out the latest events by visiting our events area (and you can even add an event to the calendar).

Click "read more" below to read more about the Council.