Indianapolis’s largest co-created community festival that aims to shape individuals and the community will host 10 days of virtual, hybrid and in-person events.
Created by artists, scholars, congregations, cultural institutions and more, the 2023 Spirit & Peace Festival events are put on with the goal of bringing people together for shared experiences.
“What does it take to nourish a community to get through hard times? This year seems to resonate well with the faith community, which is why we have a lot of religion-based events. People apply to pitch an event for the festival,” said Program Director Erin Kelley.
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She said there is a lot of dialogue to be had that should not be ignored, which is what their faith-centered events are all about.
“We believe very strongly in the community aspect of coming together and putting on programs that are beneficial to the community,” said IUPUI Senior Academy Member Christy Tidwell, who is one of the partners hosting this year’s Quiet as a Gateway event.
“We decided that with the theme of ‘NOURSIH,’ quieting of the mind, especially in this day when we have two prominent wars going on, and we have a lot of social conflict, it’s very easy to become overwhelmed.”
The religion-based events will be at these dates and times:
Making Room at the Table: The Story of the Philadelphia Eleven
The Philadelphia Eleven is a documentary film about the first women to become Episcopal priests. The film shows how the brave group of women shattered the stained-glass ceiling on July 29, 1974, by challenging the very core of patriarchal culture to seek ordination as priests.
The free event is Friday, Nov. 3, from 6:45-9:30 p.m. at The Toby at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road.
Spirit Filled Songs: Christian Worship Music – Then and Now
Experience a performance of Christian music spanning decades and genres performed by the Faithful Friends Band. Explore and experience how this music nourishes the human spirit while forming community with others through song.
The free event is Saturday, Nov. 4, from 4-6 p.m. at New Joy Lutheran Church, 316 W. 156th St.
Water into Wine, Bread into Cake: A Musical Feast – Music by Biber and Mozart
Through classical music, Colette Abel and The Abel Family Quartet share the story of two miracle children: Jesus and Mozart. The concert will begin with Heinrich Biber’s “Passacaglia for the Feast of the Guardian Angel,” followed by the “Five Joyful Mystery Sonatas.”
The free event is Sunday, Nov. 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Episcopal Church of All Saints, 1559 Central Ave.
Come to the Table: Interfaith Understanding Through the Culinary Arts
Enjoy a tasting reception followed by a presentation from Dr. Adrian Miller, award-winning author of “Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time.”
By providing an opportunity to engage with other faiths around a shared experience, food, this event invites attendees to learn about other religions not through doctrine, but through the experience of breaking bread together and sharing stories.
This free event is Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Franklin College Napolitan Student Center, 253 S. Forsythe St.
Nourishing Our Spirits: An Interfaith Dinner with the Center for Interfaith Cooperation
Enjoy conversation over dinner with members from across Indianapolis’ faith communities on the ways food rituals and practices sustain faith. Hindu, Jewish, Pagan, Sikh and Sufi prayers and reflective practices will be offered by local faith leaders as well as information on the historical and cultural significance of these practices.
This free event is Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5-7 p.m. at the Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd St.
Quiet as a Gateway
Join in as a Friends (Quaker) minister, philosophy scholar of Buddhism, art therapist and meditation instructor guide attendees in paths leading to a quiet state, which can reduce stress, enhance creativity and deepen a sense of tranquility.
This free event is Saturday, Nov. 11, from 3-5 p.m. at Indianapolis First Friends, 3030 Kessler Blvd. E. Drive.
Visit spiritandplace.org for a full festival lineup.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at (317) 762-7853 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON
