This is MARC

"One World Many Faiths"

Interfaith Resources

This Archive preserves former items from historic on line pages. This revision is on March 23, 2005

The Annual Meeting of the Mall Area Religious Council (MARC) on September 18th, 2004 was held this year at National American University located at Mall of America. The Theme: "Interfaith: One World Many Faiths, Beliefs, Races, Cultures" was fully reflected in the folks from many of the 38 member Congregations and Faith Groups in attendance. The lively discussion and dialogue was the "Marketplace Interfaith Movement in America and Worldwide" at its best.. 

Highlights included:
+CENTERING time was around the theme "Building Understanding & Respect for All Peoples" with a reading from the Qur'an by Arlene El-Amin (Masjid An-Nur Islamic Center) and prayer by Rev. Kenneth Williamson (Unity South Church.
+KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS was a scholarly presentation this year on "Baha'i Faith as a World Religion" by Massoud Kazemzadeh and David Sterling.
+INTRODUCTIONS in small groups was facilitated by Ellie Watkins (Southtown Baptist Church and MARC Board Member). The result - new friendships happened - and growing respect for the neighbor's Faith while celebrating ones own Faith.
+ Welcomed nine new Member Congregations and Faith Groups as a sign of the increasing diversity in MARC membership - matching the growing diversity in the employees and 42 million annual visitors to Mall of America.
+ REPORTED continued expansion of the Places to Worship signboard at the Mall offering 41 options - telling shoppers, employees and new residents of all faiths - the locations and schedules of local Worship Sites.
+ANNOUNCED a new Golden Rule Window Exhibit entitled "ONE WORLD MANY FAITHS' at the entrance to National American University in partnership with the Mall Area Religious Council.
+REVIEWED MARC's intentional, slow, step-by-step adherence to Mall policy over 12 consecutive years of "interfaith events and spiritual presence" which has built trusted credibility with Mall Management. 
+DISCUSSED numerous recent conversations with Mall Management to explore a partnership for the opening of a highly visible Interactive Information Kiosk (with focus on service to the Mall's population-mix of increasing Faith and Cultural diversity). MARC has reserved $15,000 hopeful for the day Mall Management is ready to partnership in this (or similar) project of service to the needs of our diverse communities in faith and culture at Mall of America and beyond in our local neighborhoods.
+DIRECTED MARC president, Rev John Chell, and the Board of Directors to continue conversations with Mall tenants who are often just discovering our "interfaith story", purpose and presence at Mall of America - in which MARC is always seeking new partnerships and ways to build respect and understanding among the vast, varied cultures and beliefs of God's diverse and changing community at Mall of America.
+ELECTED MARC Board of Directors with representation from the following Faith Groups: Baptist, Baha'i, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim, Methodist and Unitarian Universalist.
+DECIDED to arrange 3 Table Dialogue options for MARC Member Congregations and Faith Groups to meet with the Board of Directors around the topic: "Are there ways in which you can assist MARC and in which MARC can assist your Faith Group or Congregation in serving the local mix of cultural, religious and racial diversity needs?"
+CLOSING WORDS of encouragement and blessing were offered by Rev. DeltonKrueger (past MARC President and Co-founder) He noted MARC's interfaith model and growing recognition through the MARC website (meaningstore.org) and in USA, Canadian and worldwide publications.
Written by John Chell

Holy Days and Holidays of Thanksgiving Around the World 
   Mall of America, Bloomington, MN  USA
TDecember 2003

    
  Guest Service Centers 
         Mall of America

  Invitation is extended to visit the 4 Guest Service Centers (first floor) to see and use the new Mall of America Religion information Blue Book, prepared and placed by MARC. It includes Places to Worship, interfaith information on World Religions, and brochures with information on the Mall Area Religious Council.  Also on display is a small copy of the Golden Rule Poster for use in school, congregation, office or home along with purchase information on this 24" X 30" world religion poster at Pathway Books and Gifts.  

MARC Vision statement  
"Provide an Interfaith Presence at Mall of America in promoting mutual recognition and understanding among all peoples and religions, while fostering cooperation, meaning, compassion and peace in our conflicted world".

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