Faith is a universal foundation for belief systems. Nearly everyone has a belief in something or someone. We share a need to commune with others and share these beliefs. Recently, we have seen turmoil in the world. There are tragedies, deaths and wars because people do not want to listen, love, and understand one another.
The Grand Valley Interfaith Network seeks to change that by increasing understanding of other people’s belief systems and working together to reach shared goals. This organization stands for peace and understanding. Their motto is to “speak truth with love and kindness.” The members hold to joy, service, compassion, and look to each other and their faiths to receive the help they need. They look for ways to serve those in the Grand Valley year-round.
GVIN (pronounced "given") is currently searching for ways to assist various populations in our community, including the homeless and houseless. They run frequent food drives, partnering up with participating congregations in the area. They educate on rights and the legislation that protects those rights, and share resource guides to give direction and hope to individuals who need it.
Every year during the week of Thanksgiving, the Grand Valley Interfaith Network holds a ThanksGVIN interfaith service to share in a holiday and reach out to the community. Members are invited to share thoughts on the chosen theme, which was “Learning & Loving” this year.
The members meet once a month to discuss service projects, upcoming events, and read their Covenant of Cooperation. One section of their Covenant states that they commit to “express sincere appreciation for each other as we recognize our human fallibility, acknowledging each other’s, and our own, strengths and weaknesses, while maintaining a sense of humor as we live through both difficult and joyous times together.”
For more information, visit http://www.GrandValleyInterfaithNetwork.org or Email GrandValleyInterfaithNetwork@gmail.com