Intentional Acts of Kindness
Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering
Have you ever been stopped at a red light and pondered the meaning of the popular COEXIST bumper sticker on the car in front of you? And did you further think, “In today’s environment, is it pos
sible for all these different faiths to not only coexist but also make a difference in this world?”
Well, in Taos, community leaders from all faiths and expressions have joined forces to create the Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering with the
intent of doing just that for Northern New Mexicans.
This self-described “informal group“of faith leaders has nurtured an impressive reach
of support since its inception in 2019 — their focus being to
support the spiritual, physical, and emotional health of people in the community. Pastor Cheri Lyon, of El Pueblito Methodist Church, notes that “many of the faith communities in Taos are
smaller — by virtue of being in a rural community and spread out. Collectively, we have a lot of capacity and can extend our reach in being able to support others in the community in need.”
This year, the group has actively helped those neighbors to the East who were displaced by the Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon Fires. And they continue to intently address the housing crisis with particular consideration to the need of providing shelter during the coming winter months.
The Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering’s actions support local community agencies as well. Kimberly Park, executive director of HEART of Taos, observes that in rural communities, resources and opportunities can
sometimes be limited, and working with this group has proved beneficial. She adds, “Since we all have a common mission —
supporting people and families who are experiencing hardships — the collaboration has been quite meaningful.”
This support will assist Holy Cross Medical Center and
persons with medical debt this winter. For the fifth year in a
row, Taos Medical Debt Relief Project, headed by the Taos United Community Church, is asking for donations to the fund so that those with unpaid debt can receive some relief and added cheer this holiday
season. Last year, 2.1 million in medical debt was wiped out and
all involved are hoping that this year they can beat that number.
As the year wraps up, and holiday celebrations ensue in Taos,
the Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering has a few community
events they are inviting all to attend. Celebrating an impressive 20th anniversary, Peace Chanukah will be an evening to gather for singing, candle lighting, listening to speakers of various faiths, and submitting prayers of peace. Peace Chanukah will be held on the first evening of Chanukah (Dec. 18) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church. The service will also be streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.
A few days later, as the solstice
approaches, The Longest Night service will be held near
the gazebo in Taos Plaza on Dec. 20 from 5 to 6 p.m. This event is a time to gather and acknowl
edge personal loss and grief. Its intent, too, is to hold collective
space with sorrow while knowing peace and light can follow even the darkest days.
The attitude and belief of the leaders who have joined together
to support the Taos community are captured beautifully by its member, Reverend Jill Cline
of St. James Episcopal Church: “All of us in the world come to
our experiences from a different place in life. What I truly enjoy
about working with members of the Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering is that we get to come together, with our uniqueness in faiths, to deal with and
respond to a very complex world. I haven’t met a single person in our faith communities who
aren’t always ready to help in whatever way they are able.
That’s what makes community!”
What I truly enjoy about working with members of the Enchanted Circle Interfaith Gathering is that we get to come together, with our uniqueness in faiths, to deal with and respond to a very complex world.”
– REVEREND JILL CLINE