The 2009 November ICPJ Newsletter is now online and ready to download. See the photos from CROP Walk, read about our Iraqi Refugees Speak program, and learn more about the achievement gap in Washtenaw County.

If you’d like a print copy mailed to you, become a member today!

Join ICPJ for the 26th ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY FAIR!
Sunday, December 6th
11am – 3pm
First Baptist Church, 517 E. Washington, Ann Arbor (free parking across Washington at the Liberty Square Parking Garage)

Celebrate this holiday season in an alternative way by purchasing gifts that give back for your loved ones. The fair features handmade goods made by artisans living in third-world countries.

Find unique toys, jewelry, ornaments, leather crafts, pottery, and more!
You can even purchase farm animals, trees, and fish to be sent in the name of your loved ones to farmers in need throughout the world.

Live farm animals will be on site – so bring the whole family. Refreshments will be available for donation. Participants include: SERRV, Ten Thousand Villages, Church World Service, Heifer Project International, and others.

Sponsored by First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor. Co-sponsored by ICPJ.

See "On the Line" on Thursday, October 29, 7:00 p.m. at 730 Tappan, Ann Arbor

What happens when a group of activists, priests, celebrities, and students risk arrest to protest U.S. foreign policy in Latin America?

ON THE LINE is an inside look at the people behind one of the largest nonviolent movements in America today: the movement to close the School of the Americas/WHINSEC, a U.S. Army school that trains Latin American soldiers. In a world where politics, passion, and Constitutional rights collide, protesters discuss their activism, the dark side of U.S. foreign policy, and the challenges of protesting since 9/11.

Join community members for an engaging film, insightful discussion, and opportunities for action on this important issue.

UPDATE: People attending this film showing will be eligible to save $35 on their registration for the bus trip to the vigil to close the SOA/WHINSEC. Even though the early-bird deadline has passed, you can still get the low $135 bus rate if you attend the “On the Line” showing.

FREE and open to the public.

When: Thursday, October 29. Dessert at 7:00 and the movie will follow shortly after.

Where: Located at Memorial Christian Church, 730 Tappan, Ann Arbor. Questions?

Who: www.icpj.net ~ 734-663-1870 ~ chuck@icpj.net

You can also download the flier to print, pass out, and share with friends.

As America assesses its future role in Iraq, it is important to hear the voices of Iraqis in the discussion. Iraqi Refugees Speak is a panel discussion given by Iraqi refugees here in Michigan in which they share their  experiences of life both in Iraq and in the United States as well as their hopes for the future of both countries.

Thursday, October 22, 7:30 p.m

Ann Arbor Friends Meeting, 1420 Hill St., Ann Arbor (map, Parking structure at 650 S. Forest Ave.).

Free and open to the public. Details: 734-663-1870, info@icpj.net. Download the poster and help spread the word.

A volunteer works the garden at Mesiah's Temple, Ypsilanti

At our first Faith & Food gathering at Memorial Christian Church in March, over 70 community members representing over 40 congregations learned about congregational gardening to feed the hungry.

Since that first meeting, Faith & Food has successfully organized over a dozen congregational gardens growing healthy, fresh, local produce for low-income families. And the program has provided resources and materials to many more.

How did it go? What did we learn? How can we continue to ensure that the hungry in our community have access to food?

Find out at the…

FAITH AND FOOD SEASON WRAP-UP MEETING
Monday, Oct. 12th  6:30-8:30pm
Food Gatherers Warehouse
1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor, 48103

The meeting will begin with a tour of the Gathering Farm, followed by refreshments and a presentation. We will discuss the pilot year, what we have learned, and where to go from here. Join us to learn more about this exciting initiative to grow food for the hungry!

(Questions, contact Merilynne Rush, faithandfood@growinghope.net, 734-786-8401)