Notes on "Ashes to Hope Observance of 9/11" - Bridge-building to another's culture

Kirkland Performance Center - "Ashes to Hope" Observance

OPINION:  Today is 9/11.   I was in Anchorage when it happened 10 years ago.   I decided to observe the anniversary.

I left our garage sale early to drive to Kirkland's "Ashes to Hope" Observance of 9/11 in the Kirkland Performance Center.  I'm not a big church go-er but found this service deeply moving.    

The Observance was hosted by the Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church and the IMAN Center.  IMAN is a regional non-profit Muslim organization "fostering the development of socially responsible and spiritually mature individuals."  They do a lot more for the community, too.  Their music is beautiful!   A standing room only audience of over 400 witnessed an Islamic  "Noon prayer"..... an experience to remember.

Clergy from many religions of the world preached, talked, sang and emoted.   One expressively "danced with his hands" while singing a rich, prayerful song.   His name is Rabbi James Mirel of Temple B'nai Torah.

One of the more 'awakening' moments was a roll call given for every nation that lost loved ones.   As each country was called, their citizen rose holding a sign and "the number."   Scores stood.  Clearly, 9/11 struck at the heart of the world.  Read More >>

The service was about fearlessly reaching out and "bridging" to neighbors of different faiths, colors, creeds.  Pastor Mike Anderson, of the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland "hit home."   Mike comes from a conservative, small town in Minnesota. He saw bigotry there, and admits to seeing a lot of prejudice in Kirkland.   Rev. Mike confronted his doubts head-on.  He pitched a tent in Tent City and dined in the home of a same-sex family.  Mike developed close friendships from these experiences.  His friendships moved him to overcome bias and fear; and teach his community to reach out, with courage, one person at a time.

"Imani," a beautiful song followed.  Choirs on either side of the Center, without robes, blended with the audience.  They stood and sang the mantra:  "Imani"  "Imani", over and over.  Imani means "faith". 

A collection for Habitat for Humanity provided ~$2500.

After the service a small muslin congregation served small plates of fruit.  They reminded me of my dear old Lebanese friend Saeed Kudoura and the meals we had together.  To find work, he had to change his name to "Ed".  Saeed was my 'bridge' today.

My thanks to Toby Nixon for his Facebook invitation and the poetry he read. 

Opinion by Bob Yoder
I-Phone photo by Yoder