Common Word Community Service Gilroy 2017 II

GILROY, California — On Sunday, October 1, 2017, more than forty Muslims and Christians united to serve 150 meals to the homeless and hungry of Gilroy at St. Joseph’s Family Center. Br. Aziz Baameur of South Valley Islamic Community led volunteer orientation with Pastor Larry Albright and his daughter Kristen of Lincoln Glen Church. Many new volunteers from both communities participated for the first time. All got acquainted in small buddy groups before preparing a halal meal together. Br. Mohammed Idris Husain once again prepared savory chicken. Before meal service, Br. Afzal Mattu led his community in afternoon prayers, then Sr. Catherine Miramontes oriented volunteers to the wider work of St. Joseph’s Family Center. Pastor Larry Albright of Lincoln Glen Church offered a prayer of thanksgiving before guests enjoyed dinner. Afterwards, volunteers also dined. Finally, Br. Aziz Baameur offered a closing prayer, thanking God for the joy of serving our neighbors in need together.

Many thanks to South Valley Islamic Community and Lincoln Glen Church for sponsoring, to Br. Aziz Baameur and Rev. Larry Albright for organizing, and thanks be to God for blessing us all with the strength and means to serve our friends who live outside.

Photos courtesy of Sr. Justine Mariscal, Br. Noah Cardoza, and Br. Aziz Baameur. Photo curation: Br. Nathan Flohr. Photo publication: Sr. Annah Liyah