Interfaith Connection

“Unity” - A Faith Born in 1889

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:42:19 -0800

On our Interfaith Connection podcasts these past three years, Rev Dave and I have explored many faith traditions: Baha’i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Taoism and Zoroastrianism. This month we’d like to share with you an exploration of the “Unity” faith tradition. Although this tradition was born in 1889, it is still little known to many. Join us as we dive into an exploration of a spiritual faith tradition that helps us develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, God and the world.

Interfaith Explorers, with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman, is brought to you by Spiritual Life Center. Spiritual Life Center is an Interfaith, Unity community located in Sacramento, California for spiritual seekers and life explorers. We honor the many paths to God and support people of all faiths in learning and applying positive spiritual principles in their daily lives. Follow SLC on Instagram @spiritual.life.center and on Facebook at facebook.com/SpiritualLifeCenter.

The Interfaith Magic of 2023

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800

December finishes off the 2023 Interfaith Connection Podcasts. This was a year of magic in many ways around interfaith. Dave and Rachel review the year and the magical occurrences that made it award winning. We look at the events and how to see them again on social media. We also take a look at some of the wondrous things ahead for 2024.

“The Golden Rule – Ethic Reciprocity”

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0800

There is a basic rule of humanity that seems to appear in all faith traditions – it is the Golden Rule. Listen as Rachel and Rev. Dave explore ethic reciprocity (you’ll have to listen to understand the term!) and how it fits into our lives and in the faith traditions of the world. (poster by Norman Rockwell)

The Mystics of Interfaith

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Our October podcast steps back from interviews and takes a look at the role of mysticism in interfaith on three levels. First there are the mystical arms of some faith traditions. Secondly we will look at mystical rituals and protocols of religion and spirituality. Finally we will look at mysticism from different movements. This is a diverse and eye opening journey into the world of mysticism and the part it plays in interfaith. Join us for the journey!

The Legacy of Leone Thorne

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Our September 2023 podcast takes a look at the other side of the coin in searching for spiritual answers. Leone Thorne grew up in a Lutheran household attending a church in Rio Linda, California. She found her spiritual answers and bloomed right where she was planted. In doing so, she extended the legacy of her family at the home church she grew up in, which is now over 100 years old. She has been the organist at her church for over 65 years. From the beginning of her life, she has been very active as a worshiper, and now shares her amazing journey with us.

Rev. Christine Bouten – On the Quest

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700

The August podcast unites us with an old friend – Rev Christine Bouten. She is an ordained interfaith minister, serving at Spiritual Life Center for 9 years. She is a life-long learner with a golden thread of training with teachers, shamans, and gurus. The learning has taken her to Japan, India (at an ashram), Hawaii for shamanic training, Egypt, and special training at Stonehenge. Join us as we find that the quest brings us home from where we started.

Beads, Bells and Candles

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Our July podcast explores the use of beads, bells, and candles in faith traditions. Many faith traditions use these items in rituals and tradition. We explore the different ways they show up ranging from the Christian rosary to the use of lights during Diwali, the festival of lights.

Janism – An Ancient Religion

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Our June podcast explores the little known religion of Jainism. This faith tradition is active mainly in India yet there is an active community in the Sacramento area. The faith is based on non-violence and doing no harm in all actions – even to the level of wearing a mask to not ingest flying insects.

We look at the Jain approach to forgiveness, to reincarnation, to rituals, to love and marriage, and many other areas. Join Rev Dave and Rachel Lyman as they explore a faith tradition that is fascinating and austere in its approach to living.

The Bemused Priest At The Belfry

Thu, 25 May 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Our May podcast speaks to a force of self and faith discovery at UC Davis. Rev. Dr. Portia Hopkins joins us in a wide ranging conversation. Rachel and Portia discuss the truth that faith is community not about withdrawing into our personal pain lives when we find that life is hard. Portia discusses the way that faith helps us recognize and understand and be grateful for the hard things in life. She has a down to earth and whimsical approach and suddenly you have a new close friend. Join us!

The Divine Overcome with Rev. Rick Harrell

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0700

The Center for Spiritual Awareness has been a formidable congregation in West Sacramento and in the region since 1998. Recently Rev Georgia, CSA founding minister, retired.

Rev. Rick Harrell stepped into the position. He brings a strength and dynamic approach to the human overcoming in partnership with the Divine. Join us in this wide-ranging conversation about his life, his spiritual journey, and his visions. His excitement about life spreads far and wide as he discusses life and the amazing congregation that is CSA. Join us on this podcast!

The Ramadan Challenge with Dr. Irfan Haq

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0700

This episode of Interfaith Connection is from the W.O.W. Wednesday program on March 8, 2023. Dr. Irfan Haq, a noted Muslim scholar, and Rev. Dave Lyman discuss Ramadan and other facets of the Islam faith tradition. This includes one of the finest descriptions of the process of praying five times each day. Join us in listening to this evening. The program will be aired on SacFaith TV on April 1st at 4 PM.

Interfaith Programs on the UC Davis Campus

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 02:00:00 -0800

Join us as we interview Rev. Lauren Jewett, the minister at CA House at UC Davis as she talks about her organization and their living program. In addition, we look at the Interfaith Campus Council, an organization consisting of over 10 faith groups on campus coming together in different ways to make a difference. Listen as we learn about speed faithing and the Interfaith Harmony Week.

SALAM Executive Director Abdul-Qawiy

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0800

Some 35 years ago a vision became reality in the Sacramento region. The Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims (SALAM) mosque began in Sacramento. It was the dream of Dr. Metwali Amer and his wife, Professor Rosalie Amer. It has served as a beacon for learning, worship, and social assembly ever since. Join us this month as we interview Abdul-Qawiy Abdul Karim, the executive director of SALAM in his first year at SALAM. In this delightful and sacred conversation, we get to know him.

The Great Adventure Continues

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0800

This month Rachel and Dave step back to take a quick look at Interfaith Explorers accomplishments for 2022, and what lies ahead. They review the year’s podcasts, programs and field trips, and talk about some great adventures that still await us in 2023. Listeners and program participants are encouraged to give feedback on their interfaith experiences, and suggestions for activities in the coming year.

Interfaith Adventures - Kauai

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 02:00:00 -0800

This month Rachel sits down with Suzanne Joy-Livingston, a long-time friend in the interfaith world. Recently Suzanne spent two months on the Hawain island of Kauai. During the time she explored the interfaith communities of the island. Join us as we touch into Hindu, Buddhism, and Unity in a different culture.

Darshana Exhibit – Viewing the Sacred

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 11:12:00 -0700

Rachel has the opportunity to talk to Dr. Bijay Nair, a Sacramento region Coordinator for the Darshana Hindu exhibit. This exhibit consists of twenty-four panels designed to give a sacred glimpse into the Hindu civilization and faith. We will learn of the exhibit’s travel throughout the United States, and it’s scheduled visit on November 5 to Spiritual Life Center.

21st Century Peace Symbol!

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0700

This month Dave and Rachel take a look at the Oneness symbol, a Symbol representing seven major religions. This Peace Symbol for the 21st Century has a long history with Spiritual Life Center. We break it down by each faith tradition symbol and explain where you can find its position on the Oneness symbol.

Taoism and Confucianism – Religions?

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 02:00:00 -0700

Rachel and Rev Dave tackle the details around Taoism and Confucianism. We dig in and find they are more of a way of living around ethics and tradition rather than religions. In fact, they are very similar. Join us as we realize how little we know and put out a plea for help!

Zoroastrianism – The Foretelling of Christianity

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 02:00:00 -0700

July features an in-depth conversation with Greg Voelm, noted historian and best-selling author. He has appeared in the New York Times and has lectured at Berkeley, The University of San Francisco, and the University of California, Davis. Greg gave a presentation to the Men of Spirit group at Spiritual Life Center on Zoroastrianism, a little-known 4,000 year-old faith tradition which was the foretelling of Christianity.

Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest faith traditions on Earth – and yet little is known about it. We explore this faith tradition’s dual cosmology of good and evil. Many of the concepts from the Zoroastrian faith were adopted by the Abrahamic religions. The three wise men- call Maji - were Zoroastrian Priests on a journey to honor Jesus and the birth of Christianity.

Women of Faith – An In-Depth Conversation

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 02:00:00 -0700

This episode is a recording of the June 15th Wednesday night service held at Spiritual Life Center. During the service, we had in-depth conversations with Rachel Lyman from the Christian/Catholic/Unity faith tradition; Durriya Syed from the Muslim faith tradition; Kedi Davidson from the Baha’i faith tradition; and Karen Fujikawa from the Hindu/Unity faith tradition. Join us for this wonderful give and take around the major topics posed. Settle in for a packed hour of conversation and give and take and spiritual exploration. These are powerful voices!

“Four Buddhist Sanghas in Sacramento” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 26 May 2022 02:00:00 -0700

The May podcast explores the Buddhist faith tradition. Interfaith Explorer Rachel Lyman has a conversation with Rev. Dave about Buddhism as a faith tradition. The podcast then explores four active thriving Buddhist sanghas or communities in the Sacramento region. In addition the Interfaith Explorers have scheduled field trips in the next month to two of the Buddhist communities.

“Clinical Pastoral Chaplains – Care for People of All Faiths” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0700

The April podcast explores the compassionate care of two Clinical Pastoral Chaplains working in hospital settings with people from all faith traditions. Interfaith Explorer Rachel Lyman interviews Kris Sullivan (UC Davis Medical Center) and Rev. Dr. Maureen White (Kaiser Hospital Morse) about their respective training and experiences.

“CMPs – Therapeutic Musicians” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0700

Rachel invites two Certified Music Practitioners to talk about their program ranging from training to impact on both the practitioner and on the patients participating in the program. It is a healing program that is helping people of all cultures and faiths. Join us with Ann Roach and Sally Scion in our March podcast.

“Living the Baha’i Faith” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0800

Our February podcast is a special one. We get a chance to explore one of the youngest Faith Traditions – the Baha’i. We interview Jared and Kedi Davidson from the Elk Grove area. Both grew up Baha’i and have practiced the faith all their lives. Join us as we explore what it means to be Baha’i – both in the faith tradition and in daily life.

“Past-Present-Future Interfaith Explorers 2022” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 02:00:00 -0800

The Interfaith Connection podcasts of 2022 start off with a bang. Dave and Rachel explore all the possibilities for the year with a wide-ranging discussion of the different topics we are looking at. In the end, we challenge our subscribers to participate as interfaith ‘warriors’ stepping into a deeper way of participating. Join us!

”The Interfaith magic of 2021” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 02:00:00 -0800

December finishes off the 2021 Interfaith Connection Podcasts. This was a year of magic in many ways around interfaith. Dave and Rachel review the year and the magical occurrences that made it one of a kind. We look at the events and how to see them again on social media. We also take a look at some of the wondrous things ahead for 2022.

”A Sikh Presence in Sacramento” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 02:00:00 -0800

November is a month to celebrate the Sikh faith tradition and Interfaith Explorers celebrate in style. This month we have a great conversation with Goldy Shergill. She is one of the Sikh activists in the Sacramento region that has been educating the Sikh youth and educating the community about Sikhs. We cover a wide range of subjects with this amazing opportunity to connect with this heart-based woman.

“Rabbi Nancy – Hands On at Congregation Beth Shalom” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 02:00:00 -0700

“Interfaith in Elk Grove!” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Interfaith continues to grow in the region. In our podcast, Rachel interviews Akram Keval from the Interfaith Council of Elk Grove – the newest interfaith council in the region. We learn about Akram’s role in interfaith in Sacramento and some of the exciting visions being birthed in the diverse and electrifying community to the south.

"Shining The Light" | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 02:00:00 -0700

We expand our exploration of the value of light and the truth that one of our conscious steps of achieving spiritual growth is spiritual light that is already present and active in our lives. We nurture this light and grow it knowing it is already ever present within us.

This month Rachel and Dave shine more light on all the spiritual aspects of light moving beyond the festivals into the very basic foundation of light in our rituals and our worship.

We continue our trip in history.

“And At Last We See The Light!” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 02:00:00 -0700

We explore the value of light and the truth that one of our conscious steps of achieving spiritual growth is to recognize the spiritual light that is already present and active in our lives. Rachel and Dave look at the different approaches to light in different faiths and explore some very popular light festivals which are major holy days. We take the trip of history and learn how it moves from fires in small corners of caves to major conditions of the things we do.

"Rev. Dave’s Inspiration/Transformation” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Since 2005, Rev. Dave Lyman has represented interfaith in the Sacramento region. He was the Assistant Minister of Prayer Chaplains and Pastoral Care at Spiritual Life Center from 2008 to 2015 and speaks at various churches throughout the West region. He is also a Board member of the Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento. In 2015, he and his wife Rachel facilitated the Interfaith Connection, a Wednesday night program on interfaith that was one of the most successful in the country. He serves as the Senior Minister for the Interfaith Explorers.

“Durriya Syed – The Interfaith Feminine” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 27 May 2021 02:00:00 -0700

One of the strongest voices – male or female – in the Sacramento region for interfaith has been Durriya Syed. She has won numerous awards for her humanitarian and interfaith work. Join Rachel Lyman as two long-time friends talk about the evolution of interfaith for a Muslim woman.

“Couples practicing more than one faith tradition” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0700

What happens when a couple brings more than one faith tradition into their relationship? How does it work? In our April podcast, Rachel talks to two couples who honor and practice more than one faith. We learn the challenges and joys multiple spiritual practice, so join us for this fascinating topic.

“Interfaith in America” | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Interfaith has moved from an extreme to mainstream but in many locations in the country has been mainstream for a long time. Join us as we explore some of the amazing organizations and events in the United States highlighting faith traditions working together. This will be filled with information and ways to get involved in the different parts of Interfaith.

“Talking Interfaith - Moran and Fish" | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0800

We explore interfaith in the Sacramento community. Guests in February will be Rev. Michael Moran, co-founder of Spiritual Life Center; and Jon Fish, former President of the ISB (Interfaith Service Bureau), now the ICGS (Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento). Join us for fun-filled conversations about the evolution of interfaith in the Sacramento region from two long-time interfaith activists.

Rev. Michael Moran was an award-winning broadcaster who in 1984 became a Unity minister. He, along with his wife Rev. Faith, became led ministries in California, Oregon, Kansas, and Missouri. They co-founded Spiritual Life Center in 1998; and in 2007 they were awarded the two highest honors in the Unity church - the Charles Fillmore award and the Myrtle Fillmore award. They were the first husband/wife team to be given the awards. Rev. Michael’s work in the field of interfaith created opportunities for education and sharing between different faith traditions in the region.

Jon Fish is past President of the ICGS (Interfaith Council of Greater

Sacramento), and a long-time interfaith advocate in the region. His long-time work in interfaith was based on a belief that, “We hold a strong commitment that we are each a child of God living in the same house. The more we get to know each other and understand that truth, the better our world will be. We don’t all have to agree, but it would be grand if we would all get along.”

"Past – Present – Future" | Interfaith Explorers with Rachel and Rev. Dave Lyman

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 02:00:00 -0800

In this Interfaith Connection podcast, Rachel and Rev Dave discuss the birth of “Interfaith Explorers; their experiences in the Sacramento region and the importance of building bridges to promote understanding and peace between people of all love-based faith traditions.