Common Word Community Service Gilroy 2016

GILROY, California — On Sunday, March 6, 2016, forty Christians and Muslims united to serve 120 meals to the homeless and hungry at St. Joseph’s Family Center. Yasmine Daneshvar of South Valley Islamic Community and Annah Liyah Cardoza of Lincoln Glen Church helped lead orientation with Mr. Aziz Baameur and Rev. Larry Albright. Volunteers enjoyed conversation after breaking into buddy groups, then prepared the meal together. Zayd Hussain and his grandfather Mohammed Idris barbecued their amazing chicken again, then graciously refused to disclose their secret recipe amidst numerous inquiries. Pastor Albright offered a prayer of thanksgiving before the meal. After guests had eaten, volunteers dined together and enjoyed further conversation. Two volunteers, Nazmeen and Zayd, decided to spend their birthday serving others, and were surprised when a cake arrived with lit candles amidst a choir singing happy birthday. Sister Sarah Sherfy offered a closing prayer after the festivities, thanking God for the wonderful unity all experienced while serving our neighbors in need.

Photos courtesy of Joel Colombero and Aziz Baameur. Image curator: Nathan Flohr