Hudson Valley Storytelling Alliance
Stories all year long, up and down the river

Organizations Hudson River Storytellers Interfaith Story Circle (Tri-City Area, Capital District) Interfaith Story Circle (Dutchess County) Story Circle of the Capital District

Interfaith Story Circle of the Tri-City Area

Click here to read about
Our Next Event / Meeting
 
 
Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties
one weeknight monthly, various locations, September - June
Audience: adults
Information: Gert Johnson (518) 374-0637

For storytellers, parents, teachers, ministers, counselors, liturgists, lovers of story, ...

A storytelling group for people of all faiths. Persons who minister to others within their faith tradition, shape character and instill values, counsel or simply wish to have their spirit uplifted by story are welcome. Come to tell and/or listen, share resources and methods and make contact with others who are drawn to the spiritual and moral power of storytelling.

This storytelling group celebrated its fifteenth anniversary in September 2008. Chidren at the Well is a project of this group.

This is a "come when you can" opportunity. Books, resources and handouts on storytelling will be available. Feel free to bring a friend. Hope to see you from 7:00-9:00 p.m. (7:00-7:30 sharing/telling by facilitator on monthly topic, 7:30-9:00 time for open telling).

Additional information about the Interfaith Story Circle is available here.

A note from Gert Johnson:

Looking forward to a wonderful year of interfaith sharing through story. Each year we become a bit more diverse ... each new person/tradition bringing unique insights and gifts to our circle, each one breaking down the barriers that sometimes exist between us and building up what we have in common. Grateful to all of you who, in your own way, help this to happen. Peace. Prayers.

2011-2012 Programs

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 7-9 pm

Theme: Sharing Stories From our Cultural and/or Faith Roots

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
125 Eagle Street, Albany, NY (corner of Madison Avenue and Eagle Street)

Facilitator: Marni Gillard

Marni writes:

"During the first half-hour I'll share tales and my journey of "letting in" the Irish stories (long avoided because of difficult words, war themes, etc.)

The rest of the evening is for YOUR TALES: share a memory that shows your "culture" or "faith" tradition, or just come listen. Maybe give a glimpse of your neighborhood, school, or any aspect of life that FEELS like CULTURE. Folktales/anecdotes welcome.

My tales are IRISH, CATHOLIC, BIG FAMILY, HISTORICAL. My culture includes being a Brownie, singing in the car, joining choir, traveling as an AFS foreign-exchange student, and hanging out at the neighborhood park, swimming pool, and my Italian friends' houses.

YOUR cultural and faith tales are welcome whatever CULTURE or FAITH mean to you. Stories are 10 min. or under so many can share."

You can park in the New York State Museum Parking Lot. Come a few minutes early to see the beautiful renovations.


Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7-9 pm

Theme: Gift Wrappings

Community Reformed Church of Colonie
701 Sand Creek Road, Colonie, NY

Facilitator: Rev. Bruce Cornwell

Often, the actual gifts we are given are only a small part of the gift itself. The giver has wrapped the gift in a journey of creativity, mystery, planning, and love. This part of the gift is more precious than the gift itself. As receivers, these are the true gifts that we cherish and the stories that we share.

Come to listen or to share a story about wonderful gifts, given or received in your life. All are welcome!

The Community Reformed Church is on the corner of Watervliet Shaker Rd. and Sand Creek Rd. in Colonie, NY. The church phone number is 869-5589. For more information, call Anne Snyder at (518) 869-5247


Sunday, Nov. 6, 2-4 pm

Fundraiser for Children at the Well: Youth Storytellers for Peace & Understanding

Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY

The Interfaith Story Circle invites you to be charmed by Peggy Lynn, “The First Lady of Adirondack Music”, Cantor Glenn Groper and Micki Groper, guitarist Joe Hetko, Hindu dancer Amoha Ramanath, and fine area storytellers.

Silent auction, raffles, desserts, teas and coffee, and more.

Tickets: $20 for students, $30 everyone else

Click here for a copy of the flyer.

If you would like to become a sponsor of the event and/or take out an ad in the program, click here for a copy of the form.

More information: 518-785-7842, paulabweiss@gmail.com


Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7-9 pm (6:30-7:00 Tour of the Sanctuary with Rabbi David Eligberg )

Theme: Sacred Holidays

Temple Israel, 600 New Scotland Avenue, Albany NY (just east of S. Allen Street., next to St. Peter’s Hospital)

Facilitator: Sandor (Sandy) Schuman

What makes a holiday sacred, or more or less so? Stories convey the historical basis for holidays, as well as their symbols, practices, and meaning. Sometimes, through the telling of a holiday story, we say something on a more personal level about ourselves, our families, and our communities. Sandy will open the circle with his story, Same and Different: The Never-Ending Story of Chanukah, and then invite others to share their stories of sacred holidays.

Parking: Enter the building from the parking lot, which is located behind the building and can be accessed from either New Scotland Avenue or Hackett Boulevard.

Directions: TempleIsraelAlbany.org or call 518-438-7858


Sunday, January 22, 2 pm

Winter Lights: A Spiritual and Intergenerational Sharing

Stories, Song and Dance from a Variety of Religious Traditions

Great for families with school age children!

The Shrine of our Lady of the Americas, 283 Central Ave. (at North Lake), Albany, NY

A Benefit for Children at the Well, an interfaith venture of youth storytellers for peace and understanding.

Refreshments served

Suggested Donation: Individuals: $10; Families: $15 -- or whatever is within your means -- every donation is gratefully received

Call 374-0637 for further information


Tuesday, February 7, 6:00 - 8:45 p.m.

Stories of Strong Women -- Under the Tent of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar

Islamic Center of the Capital District, 21 Lansing Road N., Schenectady
(Going West, turn right at Ethan Allen Furniture Gallery, just before Mohawk Commons)

Photo of Audrey Seidman and Dr. Mussarat Chaudhry The Abrahamic family has crystallized mainly into three religious communities -- Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Our Tent of Abraham series began in 2006 when we celebrated the confluence of our holy days with stories from our faith traditions. Now, in our sixth year of coming together, we will share stories about the strong women in our scriptures, histories, and communities, welcoming your stories as well. All members of the human family are welcome!

Click here to read an article about this program.

Program
6:00 – 7:00 Welcome and Pot-Luck Supper -- Please bring a vegetarian dish to share
7:15 - 8:45 Stories of Strong Women -- All storytellers and listeners are welcome!
Stories should be under 10 minutes and may be personal in nature.

This circle will be facilitated by Dr. Mussarat Chaudhry, Nancy Marie Payne and Audrey Seidman

Click here for a copy of the flyer.

For additional information, please call Audrey Seidman, 459-0661


Thursday, May 10, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Theme: Prayer Power in Places Dark and Light

Congregation 0hav Shalom, 113 New Krumkill Road, Albany, NY

Facilitator: Rabbi Dan Ornstein

Stories about people who pray and the power of those prayers to help them through life.


More programs will be announced soon.


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