On the first Saturday of the month, the Arcos family hosts a "Pancakes and Prayers" interfaith devotional at their home in the historic Stockade district of Schenectady. People from all faiths are invited to come and share in a pancake brunch followed by interfaith prayers and readings. "The reason for having the brunch is so that people from all faiths and traditions can mingle and get to know each other. I feel it's important to build a sense of community before we sit down to worship together," says JoAnn Arcos.
The Arcos' made pancakes and quiche and everyone brought additional dishes to share. Last month, the interfaith devotional revolved around the theme of Thanksgiving. Among the faiths represented at the devotional were Hindu, Catholic and Bahá'í. After readings and prayers from various faiths, people are invited to share a prayer, poem, reading or thought with the group. The Hindu family shared a beautiful reading on what it meant to be a true seeker and a Catholic woman spontaneously closed the devotional with a heart-felt prayer.
John Rafalak, a Bahá'í from Scotia, later showed the video of the musical devotionals Pittsburg Bahá'ís are holding. This prompted discussion about what Bahá'ís are doing to promote a sense of unity in the world. "People everywhere want to feel connected. This is one way I can make that happen," says JoAnn Arcos. The next Pancakes and Prayers will be held on Saturday, December 5, 10:00 am at 114 N. Ferry Street, Schenectady.
Look in the calendar for other upcoming devotions in the cluster.
