The International Day of Peace Celebrations on September 21, brought together about sixty people – ages from 9 months to 99 years. The theme of the evening was “Let Peace Begin with Me”. After dessert in our new fellowship space, the Raging Grannies sang a few songs and children from the Meeting brought everyone into the Meeting room singing “All God’s Children Got a Place in the Choir”.

A touching moment was when Jawad Khaki, of the IMAN Center in Kirkland remembered how after September 2001, Eastside Muslims were looking for a place to worship. They approached several congregations – “Eastside Friends Meeting” he said, “ was the first group to say Yes! You can worship here.” Even though they ended up finding another space for worship, he has never forgotten EFM’s kindness and welcoming hospitality. All three speakers, Jawad Khaki, Rabbi James Mirel of Temple B’nai Torah and Pastor Rick Russell of Eastgate Congregational Church have worked together for many years to promote religious dialogue and in general, helping people get to know each other. 

Eight Ideas for creating Peace ... in the family, neighborhood and world:

1. Treat other people the way you would like to be treated — a core idea in all the world’s religions.

2. Take time to listen.

3. Share your hopes for peace with others.

4. Consider how each decision in your life contributes to peace. Does it?

5. Get involved with organizations working for positive change – there are so many, working in so many different ways!

6. Write Letters to the Editor responding to news about issues of peace and justice with a positive message.

7. Reach out to someone whose views are diametrically opposed to yours. (see #1)

8. In everything, remember that Peace can begin with you, and me, working together!