Join two seasoned interfaith speakers for a Sunday afternoon educational chat that examines the role of Jesus, son of Mary (peace and blessings be upon him), in the Bible and Christian theology and contrasts with his role in the Qur’an and Islamic theology. 

5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, November 19 | MCC Conference Room | Join in person or watch virtually at staging.mcceastbay.org/live

Ahead of the holiday season, this event is intended to show that despite religious differences and worldwide turmoil, people of faith can always find common ground.

RSVP for dinner only (not for panel) required at staging.mcceastbay.org/dialogue

• – 5 p.m. – Come early at 5 p.m. and observe the Maghrib sunset prayer (about 10 minutes) in the Prayer Hall. We will serve dinner in the Banquet Fellowship Hall from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Interfaith panel discussion with Rev. Andy Lobban and Dr. Ali Ataie

Patricia Munro (Jewish community) & Edlyn Aisha Sammanasu (MCC) will open the program with a few words about the ever-present need to connect faith traditions for mutual compassion.

Sponsored by Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Livermore and the Muslim Community Center – East Bay in Pleasanton.

– More Dr. Ali Ataie: https://staging.mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie
– More interfaith events at MCC: https://staging.mcceastbay.org/interfaith
– Sign up for periodic community supporter updates: https://staging.mcceastbay.org/community-supporters
– More Reverend Andy: https://staging.mcceastbay.org/andy

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
3:30-4:30 p.m. 
St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 3350 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton
Sunday, November 19, 2023

Following the service, there will be a simple reception from 4:30 to 5:00 with light refreshments and the opportunity for attendees and presenters to converse with one another.

At this time in our world today, we are especially grateful for this opportunity to continue to build on the interfaith relationships we have established since Interfaith Interconnect was founded in 2011 as we strive to fulfill our mission: To enrich, inform, and educate ourselves and others about the great diversity of faiths and cultures in our Valley. There is no cost to attend, but an offering will be accepted to benefit Goodness Village, a local non-profit that provides the unhoused with a safe and supportive community in which to live, heal, and thrive.

Questions? events@staging.mcceastbay.org 

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Rev. Andrew (Andy) Lobban has served as the Rector of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Livermore since June 2016. During that time, he has been quite active in interfaith cooperation and dialogue throughout the tri-valley.  Andy came to St. Bart’s via Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, where he served for four years as associate clergy, overseeing much of the outreach and social justice programming. He also served as Priest and Chaplain at Good Samaritan Community Services in San Antonio, Texas. Reverend Andy completed a Master of Divinity at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. He also studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie is a perennial student and researcher involved in interfaith activities for over two decades. He holds a Master’s in Biblical studies focusing on New Testament and Biblical languages. He also has a Ph.D. in cultural and historical studies in religion from the Graduate Theological Union. His doctoral work focused on Muslim hermeneutics of Biblical texts, especially the Gospel of John. He lives in San Ramon, CA, with his wife Roya and three daughters.