2012 Nevada Prayer Breakfast Held

Presenters at the 2012 Nevada Prayer Breakfast. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

RENO, Nev., April 24—Leaders of various religions and denominations participated and read prayers for the good of the state at the annual Nevada Prayer Breakfast held in Reno today, where the welcome address was read by Nevada governor Brian Sandoval.

Rt. Rev. Sean Savoy, MC of the 2012 Nevada Prayer Breakfast. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Sandoval said that prayer was important and added that Nevada had pulled through various tragedies with the help of faith and prayer.

Governor Brian Sandoval speaking at the 2012 Nevada Prayer Breakfast. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

 

Mary Cooper accepting posthumousVisions Award on behalf of her late husband, Onie Cooper. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Organized by the Nevada Clergy Association with the theme “A Future Together,” the event also gave Vision Awards to Reno area religious leader and civil rights activist the Reverend Onie Cooper posthumously and retired priest of Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Father George Bratiotis.

Father George Bratiotis, recipient of a 2012 Vision Award. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, speaking on the occasion, stressed the need of taking religion seriously as it was the most powerful and pervasive social force. A more inclusive and broader understanding of religion was needed, he said, and added that dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment because we are all headed in the same direction.

Rajan Zed speaking at the 2012 Nevada Prayer Breakfast. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Other speakers at this interfaith event held at the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa included Gene Savoy Jr., President of Nevada Clergy Association; Charles T. Durante, Pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Community in Carson City; Stefani Schatz, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church; Sean Savoy, Chancellor of International Community of Christ; Myra Soifer, Rabbi Emerita of Temple Sinai; Rafik Beekun, Board Member of Northern Nevada Muslim Community; Maria Sheehan, President of Truckee Meadows Community College; Nicholas F. Frey, area public affairs director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Jikai’ Phil Bryan, Priest of Reno Buddhist Center; Neal T. Anderson, Minister at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada; William C. Webb, Pastor Emeritus of Second Baptist Church; Meredith Cahn, Rabbi of North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation; Sister Patty Riley of St. Mary’s Hospice; and Evon Yakar, Rabbi of Temple Bat Yam of South Lake Tahoe.

Rt Rev Gene Savoy Jr addressing the gathering at the 2012 Nevada Prayer Breakfast PHOTO Stephan Fuelling

Shepherd’s Bells, directed by Toni de Salvo; and Orfeo Men’s Choir, directed by Jennifer Tibben; presented musical numbers.

Shepherd's Bells performing at 2012 Nevada Prayer Breakfast PHOTO Stephan Fuelling

Nevada Prayer Breakfast is a gathering of citizens—as well as civic, business, and community leaders—who wish to pray on behalf of the State and bring the spiritual resources of the community together to bear on issues that face Nevadans.

PHOTO Stephan Fuelling

From the online article written by Stephen Child posted at upiu.com.



5th Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Held

5th Annual Hindu baccalaureate service of the University of Nevada–Reno 2012 PHOTO: Debbie McCarthy

The 5th Annual Hindu baccalaureate service and dinner at the University of Nevada–Reno was held on Sunday April 15, 2012. At this event various leaders of the interfaith community gathered to bless the graduating class. The event is organized by the Universal Society of Hinduism. The dinner had an Indian theme. ICC Head Bishop the Right Reverend Gene Savoy Jr. attended and gave a blessing.

Religious leaders & others who participated in the 5th Annual Hindu baccalaurate service of UNR. PHOTO: Debbie McCarthy

 

Some of the graduates blessed at the Hindu baccalaureate service, with tilak on their foreheads. PHOTO: Debbie McCarthy



Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt at Rectory-Abbey

Some of the young children of the Community assembled for a photo during the Easter egg hunt PHOTO: Tom Fee

On traditional Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, the entire resident congregation in Reno was invited to brunch at the Rectory-Abbey on Carmel as part of the season’s festivities. More than forty adults and children spent the later morning and early afternoon together over a light repast on that sunny spring day. Young children took part in the traditional Easter egg hunt outside on the premises of the Rectory-Abbey and the East Wing.

Sophia Savoy poses in a borrowed hat during the Easter egg hunt. PHOTO: Tom Fee



Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. and Radheka Patel Wed

 

PHOTO: Gene Savoy Jr.

Ms. Radheka Patel of Los Angeles, California, and the Right Reverend Gene Savoy Jr. were married in a private ceremony in Reno on Friday, February 17. A reception followed on Sunday, February 19, at the bridal suite of the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.

Originally from New Zealand, Radheka is the daughter of Vinod and Chhaya Patel, also of Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Madison University and California State University, Northridge, with degrees in marketing and biological studies. She has been practicing Cosolargy and studying with the Jamilian University since March of 2011. She has a six-year-old daughter, Bianka.

The couple will reside at the Rectory-Abbey along with their daughters – Sonya, Sabrina, Sophia, and Bianka. Bishop Savoy’s mother, Sylvia, who relocated from Baltimore, Maryland, to Reno last summer in order to be closer to her family and The Community, will be residing at the Rectory as well.



Interfaith Initiative to Open University Prayer Room

PHOTO: Roger Weld

Northern Nevada religious leaders of various religious groups gathered together January 18, 2012, at the University of Nevada–Reno (UNR) Student Union to request that UNR president Marc Johnson provide an interfaith prayer room and chapel on campus to meet the faith needs of the diverse student body. Among these religious leaders was the Right Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., Head Bishop of the International Community of Christ and president of the Nevada Clergy Association.

The group of about twenty decided at the meeting to send a letter to the university president to ask for a meeting with him to discuss the possibilities of assigning space on campus for an interfaith chapel. All in attendance signed the letter.



Martin Luther King Jr. celebrated

Rev. William C. Webb, pastor emeritus, Second Baptist Church of Reno, delivers a rousing welcome at 2012 MLK Jr. Celebration PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The Northern Nevada Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee and the Nevada Clergy Association jointly presented the annual Martin Luther King Jr. community memorial events for 2012.

Lonnie Feemster, keynote speaker at the 2012 MLK Jr. celebration. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The 26th annual interfaith memorial service was held Sunday January 15, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in downtown Reno. The theme of this year’s event was “Remembering the Dream, Fulfilling the Mandate.” Keynote speaker was the current president of the Reno-Sparks NAACP, Mr. Lonnie Feemster.

Members of the Second Baptist Church Choir perform at the 2012 MLK Jr. celebration. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Musical selections were performed by the Second Baptist Church Choir, directed by Dr. Jesse Hall, and by the group The Power of Love, headed by Leon Smith.

The Power of Love, headed by Leon Smith, performing at 2012 MLK Jr. celebration. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The video tribute to Dr. King was coordinated by the Rev. Deacon Stephan Fuelling of the International Community of Christ.

Owing to the efforts of the late Reverend Onie Cooper of the Second Baptist Church, this event was originally brought to fruition and has continued for decades. The Nevada Clergy Association and the Holiday Committee have joined to help “keep the dream alive.” Both the Nevada Clergy Association and the Northern Nevada Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee are presently headed by ICC Head Bishop Gene Savoy Jr.

On Monday January 16, a memorial caravan, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church in Reno, followed the twenty-six miles of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Highway along US 395. This was the 14th annual community memorial caravan.

(left to right) Gene Savoy Jr., Radheka Patel, Debra and Lonnie Feemster at 2012 MLK Jr. Dinner Celebration. PHOTO: Lisa J. Tokla

On the evening of January 16, Bishop Savoy and fiancee Radheka Patel attended the 24th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration, sponsored by the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society, at the Peppermill Resort in Reno.

 



26th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service held in Reno

Rev. Susan Taylor of St. John's Presbyterian Church welcomes the congregation. PHOTO: Rebecca Willis

A worship service of prayers, readings, and music from a variety of faith traditions sponsored by the Nevada Clergy Association was held Wednesday November 23, 2011, at St. John’s Presbyterian Church.

Radheka Patel reads from Hindu scripture in Hindi. PHOTO: Rebecca Willis

Following a welcome by the Reverend Susan Taylor of St. John’s, a program of prayer and thanksgiving was provided by representatives of the Reno Buddhist Center, Temple Beth-Or, Second Baptist Church, the Northern Nevada Muslim Community, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), the Baha’i faith, and the Hindu faith. Interspersed in the program were choral selections performed by the local LDS choir, a musical tribute by Roger Hogan of the Baha’i faith, a whirling dervish performance by the children of the Anatolia Center, and a musical selection by sacred storyteller Jim Eaglesmith.

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. delivers the Benediction. PHOTO: Rebecca Willis

 

Children of the Anatolia Center perform whirling dervish dance. PHOTO: Rebecca Willis



Bishop Savoy Receives Community Service Award

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. addressing the 2011 Fall Leadership Revival PHOTO: Second Baptist Church of Reno

This fall, Bishop Gene Savoy Jr received the 2011 Community Service Award from the Second Baptist Church of Reno for his support of the late Reverend Onie Cooper and for his service as chairman of the Northern Nevada Martin Luther King Jr Holiday Commission. The award was made in honor of the Reverend W.C. Webb Fall Leadership Revival and signed by Reverend Michael L. Randle, Pastor, and Reverend William C. Webb, Pastor Emeritus, of the Second Baptist Church.

(left to right) unidentified Award Committee member, Rev. William Webb, Rev. Michael Randle, Bishop Gene Savoy Jr.



October 2011 Interfaith Luncheon Held

(left to right, from top) Rt. Rev. Sean Savoy, chancellor ICC; Rita Sloan, Life, Peace and Justice Commission, Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno; Ismail Ozdemir, president, Sierra Foundation; Rajan Zed, president, Universal Society of Hinduism; Dave Challis, president, Reno, Nevada Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; Most Rev. Randolph Calvo, Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno; Bro. Matthew Cunningham, FSR, chancellor, Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno; Rt. Rev. Gene Savoy Jr., president, NCA and head bishop, ICC; Debbie McCarthy, Fox News Radio photographer. PHOTO: Debbie McCarthy

The October 27, 2011, interfaith luncheon was hosted by the Sierra Foundation and held at the latter’s new Anatolia Cultural Center in Reno. Presentations were made by the Volunteers of America and the Sierra Foundation.



Aid Africa Trip

On October 8, 2011, a group including several ICC members will be leaving New York for South Africa, with a destination of the Global White Lion Trust in Timbavati and the Great Zimbabwe.

Additional funds are needed to cover the required amounts for this trip due to two supporters’ being unable to follow through at the last minute.

For more information on the trip or to make a donation read “Africa Appeal” on www.cosolargy.net.