Before debates erupted nationally about a mosque to be built near Ground Zero, members of First United Church of Oak Park expressed a desire to get to know our Muslim neighbors. Together, with our Muslim partners, First United Church has developed a year-long program designed to increase understanding and build friendships between congregations and define our own personal beliefs more clearly.
Members and friends of First United Church are entering a year-long program of dialogue and hospitality with the Islamic Foundation of Villa Park, and the community is invited to join us. To start, Azam Nizamuddin, adjunct professor of Islam at Loyola University in Chicago, will present programs on three upcoming Sundays, Sept.19, 26, and Oct. 3, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Mr. Nizamuddin has lectured extensively on the Muslim world and Islamic civilization to churches, civic organizations, and federal agencies across the country, as well as internationally. First United Church is located at 848 Lake Street. Free parking is available in the parking lot accessible from Kenilworth Avenue.
The Islamic Foundation of Villa Park was founded in 1973 and established its large building facility in 1983. The school for pre-K through 12th grade enrolls almost 700 students. The building includes a bookstore, library, banquet/lecture hall, and a Masjid or Mosque for prayers.
An important part of the dialogue will be intentional offering and receiving of hospitality by both communities. First United Church staff and members hope these social gatherings will help us get to know each other as friends and to learn the importance of each other’s faith as we share food and drink together.
To accompany our journey together, First United Church invites participants to read the book by Dave Eggers, called Zeitoun. The story describes the experience of a home rehabber in New Orleans, originally from Syria, who is Muslim. Though he was respected in his community, the flood washed away everything about his background. He was thrown into a prison and treated as a criminal during the aftermath of Katrina. The book sensitizes the non-Muslim to the prejudices that are present in our country.
The Presbytery of Greater Chicago and the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago have an ongoing dialogue amongst religious leaders. First United Church of Oak Park is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ.
For more information, contact the Rev. Leah Fowler at (708) 386-5215.
