The Inter-Congregational Partnership Committee, or ICPC, was formed in 2002 and now is comprised of members of Bethesda Jewish Congregation (BJC, www.bethesdajewish.org), Maqaame Ibrahim Islamic Center (MIIC, https://miicbethesda.org/), and Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church (BHPC, www.bradleyhillschurch.org), the three faith communities that share sacred space at 6601 Bradley Blvd. in Bethesda, Maryland.

The ICPC works to nurture connections between the three faith communities throughout the year by organizing shared service projects, social/topical events, and an annual interfaith service.

There will be an Interfaith Service on November 17 at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary. There will be will be a conversation among faith leaders about peace in a divided world from the three faiths located at 6601 Bradley Blvd. The service will also highlight an interfaith choir, prayers, and reading sacred texts from the three traditions. There will also be a brunch after the 10:30 service and an Interfaith Thanksgiving Assemble-a-Basket event. Tickets are required for the brunch (click here to purchase).

ICPC Events: Recent and Recurring

· The annual Thanksgiving service is led jointly by the clergy of BJC and BHPC and by clergy or lay leaders of MIIC, and/or other area Muslim communities (these have included Idara-e-Jaferia Islamic Center of Burtonsville and the Islamic Community Center of Potomac), during which the offering is donated to a charitable organization. A separate interfaith service is offered for all children. Following the service is a catered lunch, to which all are invited.

· Pulpit exchange. BHPC’s clergy gives a sermon on the bimah at a Friday night service at BJC, and the Rabbi speaks from BHPC’s chancel during a Sunday church service.

· Speaker and discussion programs, including subjects of national, international, and interreligious interest, such as the annual presentations by members of New Story Leadership, book discussion groups, author presentations from all three communities, and a workshop on conflict resolution.

· Joint service projects, such as house building and renovation projects with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Maryland, and grounds cleaning and planting at the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda.

· Awareness-raising programs in support of the people of Darfur and the Uyghur community in China, and gun violence prevention.

· The annual Interfaith Picnic, held in the spring, featuring kosher/halal food selections, and family and children’s activities.

· Potluck dinners involving members of our Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities at the homes of individual members.

The ICPC invites you to join in conceiving, planning, and executing events that encourage connections between BJC, BHPC, and MIIC to advance our shared interests and learn more about each other and our faith traditions.

To learn more or find out about our next meeting, please contact the chairs of the ICPC, Evelyn Ganzglass from BJC and Judy Ozone from Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church. We meet by zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 4:00 pm.