Events Archive ~ The Guibord Center

“What About Animals?” A Faith at the Table Event

The Guibord Center presents a viewing and discussion of its short film on faith and animals, created for Animal Defenders International.

About this Event

Are you a person of faith who loves all kinds of creatures? Ever notice that most religious traditions don’t seem to say much about how we should treat them? The Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, The Guibord Center’s Founder and President Emerita and a longtime fan of Animal Defenders International, decided to rectify that situation.

In 2017-18, as part of its support for ADI—a nonprofit that advocates with governments worldwide to ban the use of animals in circuses, laboratory testing, and other inhumane practices—The Guibord Center funded and produced ANIMA: Animals. Faith. Compassion. This short film highlights the core beliefs of a dozen spiritual traditions in support of compassion for animals. In doing so, ANIMA brings the missing voice of faith into the conversation on animals and their treatment.

We invite you to join us for a vegan meal and viewing/discussion of ANIMA with Dr. Lo Sprague, President of The Guibord Center and the film’s executive producer, and ADI representatives. Dr. Lo will share about the making of this important documentary and the support it’s received from many local faith leaders. ADI staff will discuss the film’s impact on ADI’s advocacy and their work to return captive animals to sanctuaries in their native lands.

This free public event is organized by The Guibord Center – Religion Inside Out and hosted by UCC Simi, a welcoming and affirming congregation. Special thanks to the Simi Valley Interfaith Council for providing dinner. We welcome all people ages 16 and up from all faith and philosophical traditions. Space is limited; please register in advance so we can provide sufficient food and seating.

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Sacred Stories of Animals, Faith and Compassion

This dog wearing a yarmulka and owner are participating in the “Bark Mitzvah” at Temple Beth Shir Shalom in Santa Monica. Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels serves as an Advisor to The Guibord Center.

In Faith and Life

Tales recounting the compassion of animals weave their way through our many faith traditions, touching our hearts and making us better people. Guest speakers Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips of Animal Defenders International (ADI) will offer moving real-life stories of the compassion of the animals they’ve rescued, while Sura Das from International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and other faith leaders will delight us with animal tales from their spiritual traditions.

The event takes place at the Hollywood Vedanta Temple, a hidden gem of peace and tranquility in the Hollywood Hills. Our guests will enjoy refreshments after the presentation on the beautiful grounds, with an opportunity to talk further with our presenters and one another.

Detailed directions to the Hollywood Vedanta Society will be emailed prior to the event to all registered guests.

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What It Takes To Be Interfaith Allies

Ever wondered what’s involved in building a thriving interfaith partnership? And how leaders motivate their congregants to engage in interfaith alliance? Ruth Mandernach of Encino Presbyterian and Rabbi Eric Morgenstern of Kehillah Chen V’ Chesed will share the story of how their working partnership has evolved from landlord and tenant to committed interfaith allies. They’ve learned to navigate differences and disagreements, discovered the unexpected, and made joyful connections along the way.

Join us for dessert (with vegan options) and a candid conversation with these two interfaith leaders. Bring interested people from your communities to ask questions and share ideas! We welcome all people ages 18 and up from all faith and philosophical traditions.

This event is organized by The Guibord Center – Religion Inside Out and co-hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Encino and Kehillah Chen V’Chesed. It is free and open to the public. Please register in advance so we can provide sufficient refreshments and seating.

Questions? Contact Lisa Patriquin, Program Director for Youth and Young Adults at lisapatriquin@theguibordcenter.org or 508-776-7812 (calls only–no voicemail or text)

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Ananda’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Guibord Center is honored to join hundreds of friends from around the world as they gather in the birthplace of Ananda, Ananda Village in Nevada City. This week-long program will weave together all aspects of Ananda’s worldwide mission—fulfilling the will of the Masters, spiritual community, yoga in daily life, the path of Self-realization—into an experience of divine friendship for all. Culminating in the Temple of Light dedication of Saturday July 6th, this week celebrates the joy shared through our worldwide Ananda family, honoring the work inspired by Yogananda, through his disciple Swami Kriyananda.

For information on how to sign up, visit www.ananda.org/50th

African Spiritual Roots of Gospel Music

With Dr. Daniel Walker and the Gospel Music Workshop of America Los Angeles Chapter

Gospel music is a powerful and influential art form through which generations of African Americans and others have expressed faith and hope in the face of oppression. Join historian Dr. Daniel E. Walker and the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Los Angeles Chapter on a compelling journey to discover gospel’s spiritual beginnings in Africa. You will not want to miss this inspiring event!

Dr. Walker is a globally recognized scholar and founding director of the Gospel Music History Archive at the University of Southern California Digital Library. The Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc., founded in 1967 by the late Rev. James Cleveland, is the largest gospel convention in the U.S. Honoring Rev. Cleveland’s vision, the LA Chapter lends its talents to community and charitable events each year.

This special evening will conclude with a reception. Free and open to all. Please RSVP so we can plan to accommodate you.

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