Members of nearly two dozen faith groups will gather Saturday, March 2, from 2-5 p.m. at University Heights Baptist Church for the second Ozarks Festival of Faiths.
This year’s theme is “Doing good together.” The event features informational booths and performances, and is free and open to the public.
“In an effort to combat divisiveness and polarity, the Have Faith Initiative and the Interfaith Alliance (of the Ozarks) have partnered to bring the Ozarks together,” Deanna Carpenter, community coordinator for the Have Faith Initiative said in a press release. “This is a celebration of faith and unity. As we come together, let us focus on working side by side to assist with bettering our community. In 2024, we will be working with the city and nonprofits to tackle some of the city’s biggest mental health issues and the underserved.”
Meet people from other faiths, ask them questions
A variety of faiths will be represented at the Ozarks Festival of Faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Bahá’í, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism and Unitarianism. There will also be Native American groups along with members of several Christian denominations. Faith groups will display information about their beliefs and how they serve the community. Representatives from those groups will be on hand to answer questions.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been an active participant in the Have Faith Initiative and with the Festival of Faiths event because it brings together the best parts of our community,” said Devon Jarvis, Springfield stake president. “And even though the organizations or core doctrines may vary within these groups, the desire to work together, to do good in the community and to work together to better our city are what unite us. It is an example of the good that can happen when groups and individuals put aside differences, learn about others and their experiences, and then work hand-in-hand to solve significant issues that affect our community.”
Guests can check also out the community connection room, meditation room, children’s activity center, non-profit displays and teen activities while tasting international snacks. A candlelight vigil and an appearance by Springfield Mayor Ken McClure are also planned.
Interfaith music and dance performances are scheduled to start at 3 p.m., emceed by Kevin Howard and Chris Louzader from 98.7 The Dove. The performances will be live-streamed on the Have Faith Initiative’s website.
Help fill a school bus with donated items
Organizers are asking guests to help fill a school bus with supplies during the Ozarks Festival of Faiths. Requested items include:
- Hygiene items
- Toilet paper
- Laundry soap
- Home cleaning supplies
- New socks and underwear
- Multi-ride bus passes
- Fidget toys
- Sharpened Yellow No. 2 pencils
- Glue Sticks
- Composition notebooks
- Plastic school supply boxes
A full list of requested items can be found on the Have Faith Initiative website. Those supplies will be donated to schools in the Springfield district.
“Come celebrate ‘Doing good together,’ as we learn and appreciate the diversity of faiths in our Ozarks,” Carpenter said. “Then jump in to help lift our community by volunteering with a non-profit you feel connected with. Together we can make a bigger impact as we link arms in our efforts.”
About the Have Faith Initiative
The Have Faith Initiative is comprised of Springfield and Greene County faith leaders who convene and collaborate on issues of faith in the community. The group was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is a collaborative under the Community Partnership of the Ozarks. More information is available on the Have Faith Initiative’s website.
Want to go?
What: Ozarks Festival of Faiths
When: Saturday, March 2, 2-5 p.m.
Where: University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 S. National Ave., Springfield
Admission: Free
For more information: Visit the Have Faith Initiative website, or follow them on Facebook
