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Mission and Vision

About Us

MISSION: The Groton Interfaith Council is an association of religious organizations and individual community members in Groton, Massachusetts. The mission of the Groton Interfaith Council is to foster understanding, respect, justice and peace among people of a variety of religious traditions through worship, fellowship, education, and service.

VISION: Inspired by our different faiths and our common values, we thus bind ourselves together in association for mutual enrichment and community service and agree to honor the differences among us in theology, polity, worship, and practice. Together we will seek ways to create more understanding and acceptance of people of diverse religions and cultures.

Christmas Tree Lighting 2011

Christmas, Holiday Events

On Sunday, December 4th at 4:00, the Groton Interfaith Council hosted the annual Groton Christmas Tree Lighting service on the Town Common (across from Filhos).

This year, the honorary tree lighter was Marion Stoddart. The service also featured the singing of our favorite Christmas Carols, prayers and readings from four Groton clergy members, and the Groton Interfaith Brass.

Following the service, the Union Congregational Church hosted a reception with warm beverages and goodies.

Sukkot 2012

Holiday Events, Sukkot

In Judaism, the sukkah is a temporary structure that symbolizes shelters in which the Israelites dwelt during 40 years of travel in the desert after leaving Egypt. This year’s GIC sukkah was felled prematurely by unusually high winds, but not before serving as the focal point of a joyful interfaith celebration of Sukkot on Sunday, kicking off the week-long harvest festival that follows the solemn Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Ramadan Break-the-Fast Dinner 2011

Holiday Events, Ramadan

The Groton Interfaith Council welcomes the entire Groton community to a “Break-The-Fast” Pot Luck Dinner on Sunday, August 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the First Parish Church, 1 Powder House Road, Groton. We will honor our Muslim sisters and brothers who have fasted each day from sunrise to sundown for one month. Ramadan is “a sacred time for contemplation, good conduct, self-restraint, and generous giving to the poor” (Lahaj). Shua Arshad will give a short explanation of Ramadan followed by a joyous shared dinner. Any dish is welcome. Hot and cold drinks will be provided. For questions, contact Shua Arshad at 978-448-2103 orshuakarshad@gmail.com or Steve Boczenowski at 978-448-5013 or boczeno@gmail.com .