Strangers No More, a group of women interested in getting to know each other by learning about their faiths, recently completed its eighth year.
The group works to make the local community a place built in the image of G-d and make friendships based on these goals. It is co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC and Women in Faith of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.
The last year of programs, held either both in person and virtually, included a discussion of antisemitism found in the Christian Bible, led by journalist and author Bill Tammeus; rituals in preparation for the Sabbath and holiday; a visit to the mikvah with a discussion of laws and practices; and Strangers No More’s annual community service project, where members heard from the head of True Light Family Resource Center about the lack of shelters for single women. This center recently opened an overnight shelter for single women, for which members of Strangers No More brought hygiene items, diapers, toys, winter clothing and more.
The next programming year begins in January, and conveners have planned programs to learn about the meaning of light and candles in their religions, share ethnic and traditional foods from their faiths, attend a Palm Sunday service at a local church, and learn about Christian and Jewish visionary women leaders.
Women of all faiths or no faith are welcome to attend Strangers No More meetings. Those interested in joining and receiving notice of meetings can check the Strangers No More Facebook page or contact Marcia Rittmaster at .