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A Discussion Group of the
National Storytelling Network
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Interfaith Story Circle of Dutchess County, NY
The Interfaith Story Circle of Dutchess County, founded by Rev. Gail Burger of the Dutchess Interfaith Council and storytellers Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi and Muriel Horowitz, with help from Kusum Gupta, seeks to provide a “kitchen table” experience where people can get to know one another by sharing stories from their various faith traditions as well as their life experiences. Each gathering of the Interfaith Story Circle centers on a specific theme and reflects the marvelous diversity of the people involved as well as the particular personality of the faith community that hosts the event.
Click here for details about our Fourth Annual Peace Story Concert.
Click here for details about our Third Annual Peace Story Concert.
Click here for an article "Stories Bridge Differences"
about our 2006 “Peace Tales -- Stories of Hope and Tolerance” concert.
In 2005-2006, our programs have included a wide range of topics and locations.
The circle started this season in the meeting room of the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association/Masjid Al-Noor with “Stories of Home” led by Mary B. Summerlin, a professional storyteller. Her recollections of childhood and family in rural South Carolina resonated with many of the members of Masjid Al-Noor who had grown up on farms in Pakistan. As Mary shared her tales, members of the congregation responded with personal reminiscences as well as questions and comments.
Rev. Jim Audlin, also known as Distant Eagle, told stories from the traditional teachings of Native American elders, pointing out similarities in Buddhist and Christian teaching stories, during an evening circle called “Stories of Light”.
We had two story concerts as well as evenings devoted to tales about welcoming strangers and naming traditions.
On Jan. 29, 2006, the circle presented an afternoon of “Peace Tales -- Stories of Hope and Tolerance” at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Poughkeepsie,
On May 23, the circle presented a special evening at Locust Grove, an historic site in Poughkeepsie, NY. As part of an exhibit about Anne Frank, various storytellers and community members shared stories of “Hope and Courage” that involved personal accounts of the Holocaust, a story about a Rwandan refugee, a tale about surviving the partition in India, insights from Sudanese immigrants and many more.
Linwood is a retreat center run by the Sisters of St. Ursula that overlooks the magnificent waters of the Hudson River in Rhinebeck, NY. This special place, known for its beauty and hospitality, provided the perfect setting for the Dutchess Interfaith Story Circle’s end-of-the-year potluck supper followed by “Miracle Stories”. Thirty people listened as professional storytellers and accomplished amateurs shared folktales, midrash and personal accounts of the many ways wonder and miracle appear in our lives.
The Interfaith Story Circle of Dutchess County does not meet in July or August but will resume in September. A story concert “Building Bridges Through Stories” is planned for late August or early September. A schedule will be posted when available.
Click here for future meetings of this story circle.
For further information, contact Lorraine.