In moments of both pain and hope, we are reminded of the values that must guide us forward.
The recent attacks on The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints in Michigan and the synagogue in Manchester, England are painful reminders of the need to end political and hate-fueled violence in our country. No one should fear gathering to pray, learn, or serve in their community. A healthy, pluralistic society requires that every person be free to practice their faith—or no faith at all— without threats of judgment or violence. Protecting this freedom is not optional; it is foundational to our Democracy and our shared humanity.
Both nationally and globally, the message is the same: dialogue across difference is not an abstract ideal, it is a necessary practice that protects human dignity, strengthens communities, and creates the conditions for peace.
As we look ahead, may we carry that hope into our daily lives by connecting with one another, listening across our differences, and showing up for the interfaith and cultural programs happening right here in Jacksonville. Every gathering, every conversation, is an opportunity to practice the peace we long to see in the world.
Elizabeth Andersen
Upcoming Events
October 4
11 AM – 7:30 PM
Turkish Food Festival
In partnership with the Atlantic Institute, the Istanbul Center’s Food Festivals celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Turkish culture. These festivals, held twice a year at our center and once a year at the “World of Nations Celebrations” organized by the City of Jacksonville, provide an opportunity for community members to come together and savor a diverse array of flavors and dishes. These events attract thousands of attendees, creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that fosters a sense of unity and harmony in our community.
Food Festivals not only offer a delightful gastronomic experience but also serve as a platform for learning about the history, customs, and traditions associated with each cuisine. Through these events, we encourage participants to expand their culinary horizons and develop a greater appreciation for the cultural diversity that enriches our world.
We are thrilled to join the 2025 Jax River City Pride Parade, a 1.5-mile celebration through the historic Avondale/Riverside/5 Points community. This parade began in 1978 at Willowbranch Park during the first Jacksonville LGBT Pride picnic and has since garnered thousands of supporters along its route. It’s a perfect chance to create a vibrant sign representing Jax RC & LOUD Pride!
We at OneJax are delighted to invite you to a coffee and donuts gathering with faith leaders across the community dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue and collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and explore how we can work together to build a more inclusive and harmonious Jacksonville.
Please Join Us for October’s gathering, as we celebrate Sukkot in the Sukkah!
Register using the link below. Location information will be shared with all confirmed registrants, prior to the event.
Your presence and participation would be greatly valued, as we believe that each voice contributes to the rich tapestry of our community.
Please RSVP by October 6th to confirm your attendance. We look forward to the pleasure of your company and the enriching discussions that await.
Istanbul Center invites you to join our Cooking Class & Luncheon. It will be on Saturday Oct 11 from 11am to 1pm.
We will be learning to make Argentinian Chicken Empanadas are savory pastries made by folding dough around a seasoned chicken filling. The filling typically includes shredded chicken, onions, peppers, and spices like cumin and paprika, often enriched with olives, hard-boiled eggs, or green onions for extra flavor. They are baked or sometimes fried until golden, producing a flaky crust with a juicy, aromatic interior. Popular as street food and at family gatherings, chicken empanadas are a beloved part of Argentina’s culinary tradition.
The program is open to public with registration. The cost is $15 per person
As part of our Together Against Hate Speaker Series, we invite you to explore how hate and oppression have impacted many communities, with stories woven from both the Holocaust and the history of Jacksonville. This meaningful program will shed light on the past while inspiring dialogue about how we can work together for a more compassionate future. The event is free and open to the community, and all are welcome to take part in this important conversation.
We invite area faith communities to join the “Love Thy Neighbor: Chalk the Walk” campaign in support of Will Not Be Erased — a movement to affirm LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and love in our city.
How you can help:
On October 25 & 26, chalk loving messages, affirmations, or prayers on sidewalks in your neighborhood, around your place of worship, or in public spaces.
Use bright, colorful chalk and kind words — let your creativity and compassion shine.
Take photos or short videos of the chalk messages and share them on social media. Tag:
#LoveThyNeighbor #OneJax
@OneJax; @WillNotBeErased
Your name or social media handle
Encourage your congregation, small groups, youth groups, and families to join in.
Why it matters:
In recent months, attempts have been made to remove LGBTQ+ affirming symbols and crosswalks in our city. Will Not Be Erased exists to resist erasure and preserve visibility through murals, sidewalk art, and installations.
This simple, visible act is a non-confrontational way to show love, solidarity, and welcome in our community.
It helps shift hearts, opens conversations, and bears witness to God’s inclusive love.
Call to action:
Please invite your members to participate.
Ask your communications teams, to include this in your bulletin, email newsletter, or social media feed
Let’s make October 25–26 a city-wide moment of love and light. Together, we can help ensure that nobody is erased.
October 28
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Faith Leader Military Awareness
and Support Training
We invite you to join us either virtually or in-person for this meaningful training workshop.:
Join us for a special evening of unity and reflection at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Gratitude Service. Together with friends and neighbors from many faith traditions, we will lift up words of hope and thanks, honoring the blessings we share as a community.
This cherished annual gathering invites people of all backgrounds to pause in the spirit of gratitude, celebrate what unites us, and embrace the season of thanksgiving. Through prayers, readings, and music, we will be reminded of the strength we find in one another and the power of gratitude to bring hearts together.
You are warmly invited to join us in giving thanks, sharing peace, and celebrating the many voices that make our community whole.
