Riverside Interfaith Council Newsletter – Summer 2025

Membership Drive: Join Us and Strengthen Our Community

The Riverside Interfaith Council warmly invites you to become an active voice in our community by joining our membership drive. Your participation is vital as we seek diverse perspectives to better serve Riverside. While we proudly offer free membership options accessible to everyone, we encourage joining as a full member to participate actively in guiding our council through voting in board elections.

Memberships are available on a sliding scale to ensure affordability for all. Both free and full members receive identical benefits, with the exclusive addition of voting privileges in board elections reserved for full members.

For detailed information and to join today, visit: https://www.riversideinterfaithcouncil.org/membership.html

Faith Chat: Exploring the Baha'i Faith

On Thursday, March 20th, we were delighted to host our first Faith Chat of 2025. JoAnn and Barry Rayshal from the Riverside Baha'i Community offered attendees an enriching and insightful overview of the Baha'i faith. Their engaging presentation sparked meaningful dialogue and fostered deeper understanding among those present. We are grateful to the Rayshals for sharing their spiritual journey and wisdom.

National Day of Prayer: Celebrating Unity and Diversity

Our annual National Day of Prayer event on Thursday, May 1st, at the Culver Center in downtown Riverside was a resounding success. Approximately 70 attendees gathered to celebrate interfaith unity and community spirit. Each presenter passionately represented their community's faith tradition, inspiring attendees to participate enthusiastically, even singing and chanting in languages new to them.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed presenters:

• Larry Gonzalez, Riverside Chief of Police

• The Rev. Dr. Mary Crist (Blackfeet), St. Michael's Episcopal Ministry Center

• Ruben Baeza, Wiccan

• Steven Robillard, Riverside City Councilperson, Ward 3

• Threshold Choir

• Rev. Sonja Prince, Riverside Center for Spiritual Living

• Elias Valencia, President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)

• Cantor Bob Sirotnik and Barbara Sirotnik, Temple Beth El

• Ipyani Lockert, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity

• Abimael Rubio and Kim Lincoln-Hawkins, SGI-USA, Riverside Buddhist Center

• Erin Thomas, Co-Pastor Calvary Presbyterian Church

• JoAnn Rayshal, Riverside Baha'i Local Spiritual Assembly

• Kathy Bolte and Karen May, Kirtan

• Gernaro Waheed, Riverside Interfaith Council

A special acknowledgment to the Culver Center for graciously providing their beautiful event space. Photos from this memorable day can be found on our Facebook page and website.

We look forward to building on this success for next year's event on Thursday, May 7, 2026!

Riverside Pride: Celebrating Inclusivity

On Saturday, May 10th, the Riverside Interfaith Council participated in Riverside Pride at White Park, enthusiastically engaging with the local LGBTQ+ community. We deeply appreciate the commitment and efforts of our volunteers who represented us wonderfully: Mary, Ruben, Cassi, Lynn, and Michael—your warmth and welcoming presence made all the difference. Thank you!

Faith Caravan: Bridging Faith Communities

On Sunday, June 1st, we successfully launched our first Faith Caravan of the year, bringing together 34 participants eager to explore local faith communities.

Our journey began at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where Reverend Benjamin Alforque captivated attendees with insights into the Catholic tradition and his own spiritual path. The enlightening talk deeply resonated with our audience.

We then proceeded to Temple Beth El, where Rabbi Guershon Kwasniewski provided an illuminating presentation on Judaism. Rabbi Kwasniewski's detailed explanations and tour of temple items were highly appreciated.

We extend our gratitude to Reverend Alforque, Rabbi Kwasniewski, and both host communities for their generous hospitality and enriching presentations.

Thank you all for your continued support and engagement with the Riverside Interfaith Council. We look forward to another season filled with community-building events, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

Warmest regards,
Riverside Interfaith Council Team