On December 8th at 5:00pm, Plymouth Congregational Church (4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines) holds a Soup Supper and Carol Sing.
11/02/2024: Meet My Religious Neighbor: Diwali Celebration with Hindu Temple in Madrid
On November 2nd at 5:00pm, the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Iowa (33916 155th Lane, Madrid) holds diwali services and celebrations.
The celebration begins at 3:00 pm and concludes with fireworks as follows:
| 3:00 PM | Lakshmi and Ganesha Abhishekam |
| 4:30 PM | Anna Koot and Govardhan Pooja |
| 5:00 PM | Darshan followed by thirtha, prasadam, and dinner (available for purchase) |
| 6:30 PM | Fireworks at dusk |
10/16/2024: Dharma Discussion and Meditation
| October 16th, 6:30pm, Pure Land of Iowa, 8364 Hickman Rd, Clive |
| We will be joining this regular-meeting meditation group to hear about Buddhist dharma (teaching, truth) and practice Buddhist meditation. Visitors should dress comfortably (but also modestly), remove shoes at door, avoid pointing outstretched legs toward sacred objects (altars) or people (monks). Please also bring a face mask.Those leaving from Drake can meet outside the Olmsted Center at 6:00 pm. Rides are available from members of the Interfaith @ Drake student club. Below, is the entry for this session on the Pure Land of Iowa website. |
| Meditation and Discussion This is a group for people who practice sitting meditation and have an interest in gaining greater understanding of “Dhamma/Dharma” however it is construed, and how we can improve the quality of life for ourselves and everybody else. The format will be a short, guided meditation, followed by the introduction of a concept or two, 20 to 30 minutes of discussion, and a closing 30-minute meditation. Comfort breaks can be taken at any time. Total time about 90 minutes.To protect everybody, we will be maintaining the recommended social distancing, and we will wear our masks. That being the case, you might want to try meditation while wearing a mask, just to get used to it. |
| Bhante Dhammapala Bhante Dhammapala ordained with a Theravāda bhikkhu from Sri Lanka in 1979. Along with a group of 19 others, he practiced in the forestlands of northern California for two years. However there was extremely little support for a Theravāda saṅgha at that time and place, so the group disrobed, and disbanded, and pursued education and a livelihood. Bhante’s commitment was strong however, and he continued to practice religiously, daily for the next 30 years.In July, 2011 Bhante re-ordained as a bhikkhu, and set forth as a missionary, taking the Dhamma to the people. A vocation he continues to energetically pursue. |
09/15/2024: Meet My Religious Neighbor: Mawlid at Islamic and Education Center: Ezan
On September 15th at 6:00pm, Ezan: Islamic and Education Center (6206 Douglas Ave, Des Moines) holds a “mawlid” observance of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Join the community at Ezan: Islamic and Education Center for the observance and celebration of “mawlid” (“mevlud” in Bosnian), the birthday of Prophet Muhammad’ (pbuh). At the event, the community will recount the life of, recite Quranic verses and poetry involving, and sing hymns about the life of the Prophet (pbuh).
Men and women should be covered to ankles and below elbows; women should also cover hair. (A scarf is fine.) Shoes will be removed upon entering the building.