EXPERIENCE PEACE 2015

Fasting for Peace, Celebrating Unity

Thank you all for a wonderful event! We had perfect weather, a great turnout and many special moments. Hope you had a joyous Experience! Namaste.

A significant and joyous event that brings together those who seek to promote peace. FAST. PRAY. CELEBRATE!

Friday, June 5th, 2015

Fasting begins at noon.

Saturday, June 6th, 2015

Celebrating from Noon to 7PM. Fasting concludes at noon followed by light lunch, an interfaith prayer service, workshops and activities, and an outdoor concert!

HIGHLIGHTS

An inclusive fast to promote peace – all are encouraged to participate!
Light lunch provided on June 6th
An interfaith prayer service featuring a keynote speaker and prayers of peace from various traditions
A concert of live music, singing and chanting
Inspirational workshops
Activities for children
A silent auction featuring great prizes
Delicious food on the evening of June 6th
An important fundraiser that benefits the mission and works of The Assisi Institute

FULL EVENT DESCRIPTION
Great saints and sages from the ancient yogis of India to today’s Pope Francis have invited people to practice fasting as a means of creating inner peace, peace between people, and peace among nations. Fasting and prayerful meditation, connects us to God, alleviates suffering, and builds compassion and love. All of these form the basis for true, lasting peace. The Assisi Institute invites everyone who supports peace to join us in an experience of fasting.

Beginning on Friday, June 5th, participants – both local and remote – will begin a 24-hour fast from solid food while praying and meditating. If a fast from solid food is not possible, fasters may choose a different, individually meaningful fast, such as a fast from speaking or a fast from electronic media. Additionally, fasters are encouraged to hold an intention for the peace they would like to encourage, such as inner peace, peace from conflict, or peace from illness/suffering. The fast ends at noon on Saturday, June 6th, with an afternoon of peaceful celebration. The celebration will include an Interfaith Prayer Service featuring a keynote speech; presentation of this year’s Dove Award to Norma Holland, WHAM news anchor and Rochester humanitarian; music, food, instructional workshops on a peaceful lifestyle, and fun activities. Families with children are welcome. The day will end with a joyous Kirtan featuring accomplished, spiritually oriented musicians.

MORE ABOUT FASTING
Fasting is an ancient practice that is more contemplative than it may sound. Fasting is not just “suffering without food.” The practice is intended as a symbolic emptying of oneself. The purpose is to hold the willingness and intention for “something better” to fill up the emptied self. In the case of this fast, we hold the intention for PEACE (in whatever way is most meaningful to you). Fasting, along with meditation and prayer, is a transformative practice that works.

Do you intend to fast?
Whether you are local or fasting remotely, subscribe to the fasting participants mailing list so we know you are joining us!

This list helps us do a head count and allows us to be supportive by sending encouragement, announcements and more. We respect your time and privacy, we will not email excessively, and will not share your information. Sign up now!

Direct link: https://eepurl.com/bjjya5

Fasting Guide
The fasting guide has tips for how to plan and personalize your fast.

» Download Fasting Guide (.PDF)

Share your intention and ask for support!
Below is a sample email that you can modify and use to share your fasting intentions when seeking support from your family and friends:

» Download Sample Appeal Letter (.PDF)

Thank you for your participation and we wish you a peaceful fast!

FUNDRAISING

You DO NOT have to fast or attend to raise funds!
Simply click on button below and SHARE the fundraising page via Facebook, email etc.

https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/experience-peace-2015/323782

Those who choose not to fast, are also encouraged to help raise funds, spread the word, and attend the day!

Those fasting are encouraged to share their intentions with their family and friends and to ask for their support with fundraising. Each participant is encouraged to explain why the experience will be so meaningful and powerful.

The funds raised through the event will support the mission of The Assisi Institute. A portion of the proceeds will support the humanitarian projects and children of Shantipuri Friends Foundation, an orphanage for children located in Puri, India. A portion will also support a meditation outreach program for Rochester youth.

Be sure to join the event on Facebook. Every participant and donation makes a difference; thank you for your generous support.

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
All are welcome to attend and participate by:

Fasting and fundraising
Supporting those fasting by making donations (to support Assisi’s mission)
Praying and meditating
Sharing meals
Singing and chanting
Participating in various activities and workshop

EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, June 5th, 2015

12:00 pm: Fasting in diverse ways begins.

Saturday, June 6th, 2015

12:00 pm: Welcome, symbolic release of doves, and a simple vegetarian meal provided by the Assisi Institute
1:15 pm: Interfaith Prayer Service in the Assisi Temple featuring representatives from diverse spiritual traditions, a keynote speech, and presentation of the 2015 Dove Award to Norma Holland.
2:45–4:00 pm: Workshops, Activities, Fellowship
4:00–5:00 pm: Food Vendors will be available on the grounds for vegetarian feasting.
5:00 pm: Kirtan Concert featuring music from multiple faith traditions, performed by talented amateur and professional musicians
7:00 pm: Celebration concludes

LOCATION
Experience Peace 2015 will take place at The Assisi Institute at 1400 North Winton Rd, Rochester, NY 14609. Those fasting can participate locally or remotely. All are encouraged to join us for both the fast and celebration, if possible.

For inquiries, please contact: events@assisi-institute.org

SPONSORS
Thank you to our generous supporting sponsors. Please support these conscious companies and the good work that they do!

Title Sponsors: