ABOUT US
Who We Are And What We Do
Members are neighbors in the Farmington Valley and surrounding areas united in shared values. We are from all backgrounds and religions. We stand together to support justice for all and the common good. We stand for the dignity of all humanity as well as the preciousness of all living things.
We believe in the following:
We unify and strengthen our community by nurturing better understanding of our differences and commonalities, fostering constructive dialogue and advocating for those who are hurt by hate, ignorance or injustice.
Updated and approved by the Farmington Valley League of Light Steering Committee - July 2019
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FVLeagueofLight
Email us at: fvleagueoflight@gmail.com
See the latest update we sent to our Community: Click here!
Who We Are And What We Do
Members are neighbors in the Farmington Valley and surrounding areas united in shared values. We are from all backgrounds and religions. We stand together to support justice for all and the common good. We stand for the dignity of all humanity as well as the preciousness of all living things.
We believe in the following:
- Respecting and loving our neighbors
- Celebrating the richness and diversity of our religions, faith traditions and backgrounds
- Engaging in civil discourse when there are community disagreements
- Treating everyone equally
- Setting an example and empowering future generations
- Deepening our own personal spirituality
We unify and strengthen our community by nurturing better understanding of our differences and commonalities, fostering constructive dialogue and advocating for those who are hurt by hate, ignorance or injustice.
Updated and approved by the Farmington Valley League of Light Steering Committee - July 2019
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FVLeagueofLight
Email us at: fvleagueoflight@gmail.com
See the latest update we sent to our Community: Click here!
Our Past Events
Standing for Black Justice with our Partners at Avon Congregational Church on June 4, 2020
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This STAND FOR BLACK JUSTICE was a peaceful, safety-conscious event with a mission to educate and inform so we may each be the change we want to see in this hurting world.
The intention of this protest was to gather, and move forward with concrete solutions of how we can work toward meaningful and lasting change.
The intention of this protest was to gather, and move forward with concrete solutions of how we can work toward meaningful and lasting change.
Here's our statement for this time:
The multi-faith members of the Farmington Valley League of Light stand together to support justice for all and the common good. We are called to speak out on issues of injustice and foster better understanding in our community. As such, we decry any instances of police brutality and recognize the larger pattern of systemic racism in this country. We emphatically state that Black Lives Matter. As stated in our vision statement, we will continue to unify and strengthen our community by nurturing better understanding of our differences and commonalities, fostering constructive dialogue and advocating for those who are hurt by hate, ignorance or injustice. There is much work to do, and we are committed to being part of the positive change our community needs.
The multi-faith members of the Farmington Valley League of Light stand together to support justice for all and the common good. We are called to speak out on issues of injustice and foster better understanding in our community. As such, we decry any instances of police brutality and recognize the larger pattern of systemic racism in this country. We emphatically state that Black Lives Matter. As stated in our vision statement, we will continue to unify and strengthen our community by nurturing better understanding of our differences and commonalities, fostering constructive dialogue and advocating for those who are hurt by hate, ignorance or injustice. There is much work to do, and we are committed to being part of the positive change our community needs.
Farmington Valley League of Light held it's Community Gathering and Update on Thursday, February 13 from 7:00 PM. to 8:30 PM. at Farmington Valley American Muslim Center (FVAMC) 35 Harris Road, Avon, CT
We heard from members of our Community about the issues that are important to them. We discussed how the League of Light can work to unify and strengthen our community
We heard from members of our Community about the issues that are important to them. We discussed how the League of Light can work to unify and strengthen our community
Welcoming Strangers to Our Tents: Honoring the Legacy of Abraham
was held Sunday, January 26, 2020 – 2 to 4 p.m.
Farmington Valley American Muslim Center
35 Harris Road, Avon, CT
Judaism, Christianity and Islam all teach the importance of welcoming the stranger. But what is the basis for that and what does that mean for us today? Guided by a Rabbi, a Minister and an Imam, we explored and discussed sacred texts from the three Abrahamic faiths and their lessons about radical hospitality.
Rabbi Debra Cantor of B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom
The Rev. Linda Spiers of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Essex
Imam Safwan Shaikh of Farmington Valley American Muslim Center
Were the faith leaders that presented and invited those present into conversation with their neighbors!
This program was sponsored by the Farmington Valley League of Light, Neshama Center for Lifelong Learning, B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom, Farmington Valley American Muslim Center
was held Sunday, January 26, 2020 – 2 to 4 p.m.
Farmington Valley American Muslim Center
35 Harris Road, Avon, CT
Judaism, Christianity and Islam all teach the importance of welcoming the stranger. But what is the basis for that and what does that mean for us today? Guided by a Rabbi, a Minister and an Imam, we explored and discussed sacred texts from the three Abrahamic faiths and their lessons about radical hospitality.
Rabbi Debra Cantor of B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom
The Rev. Linda Spiers of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Essex
Imam Safwan Shaikh of Farmington Valley American Muslim Center
Were the faith leaders that presented and invited those present into conversation with their neighbors!
This program was sponsored by the Farmington Valley League of Light, Neshama Center for Lifelong Learning, B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom, Farmington Valley American Muslim Center
The League of Light and Clergy of Multiple Faith Traditions led the Community
in a Service of Gratitude and Thanksgiving
on Tuesday November 26, 2019
at Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main St, Avon, CT
in a Service of Gratitude and Thanksgiving
on Tuesday November 26, 2019
at Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main St, Avon, CT
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On Sunday November 17, 2019 1:00 – 4:30 p.m at Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7 Wescott Rd, Simsbury, CT
15 more people were introduced to the method of Contemplative Dialogue. For more information on this method visit our Contemplative Dialogue Page |
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The Farmington Valley League of Light endorsed the Youth-led day of action on behalf of the Earth
On Friday, September 20 at 12:00 pm we joined others who gathered around the world. Our gathering was in front of the Capitol building in Hartford, CT 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT Together we witness that Climate breakdown isn’t inevitable. We know the solutions we need, and together, we have the power to make them happen!
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During September 2019 the Farmington Valley League of Light co-sponsored two Peace Events with other local and national organizations!
The Farmington Valley League of Light and other Community Organizations participated in the 4th Annual Community Gathering for Peace
Sunday, September 15 at 6:30 pm Alice Clover Pinney Memorial Park, Unionville, CT We shared messages and music to promote peace in our community, our nation, and our world. Our theme this year was LOVE. |
The Farmington Valley League of Light joined Campaign Nonviolence and other organizations to Make Peace a Reality on
Saturday, September 21 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm First Church: West Hartford Center (at the corner of Farmington Ave. and North Main St.) This is the first time we joined in this annual Pace e Bene International gathering making a stand for Peace and Non Violence on International Day of Peace. Those attending engaged in dialogue, walked the church’s labyrinth in moving meditation, prayed silently, and extended compassion to all in the name of Peace. |
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WE WERE DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT OUR FRIENDS AT FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, FARMINGTON, AVON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, AND THE FARMINGTON VALLEY AMERICAN MUSLIM CENTER ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2019
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First Church, Farmington, Emanuel Synagogue, Farmington Valley American Muslim Center, and Avon Congregational Church are working together to cosponsor a refugee family this fall with IRIS.
This evening was a fund raiser with inspirational speakers including husband and wife refugees from Homs, Syria and the Executive Director of IRIS , Chris George, at an event called “Welcoming the Stranger” on September 8 at 7:30 at Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford.
This evening was a fund raiser with inspirational speakers including husband and wife refugees from Homs, Syria and the Executive Director of IRIS , Chris George, at an event called “Welcoming the Stranger” on September 8 at 7:30 at Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford.
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On Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. members of the Farmington Valley League of Light joined our friend, member and collaborator Deacon Art Miller, other individuals and organizations in a special act of solidarity.
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A group of nearly 200 gathered together at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills to lift our voices as one, proclaiming that the only antidote to hate is love. The idea was born in response to the horror of divisiveness and hate that roams eagerly throughout the world.
People video'ed the spontaneous gathering and shared it on social media. Hopefully inspiring others to do the same and maybe love will find a place in fragile and broken places.
There were no physical meetings outside of the few who are organizing this event. Lyrics to We Shall Overcome were sent to participants in advance and were handed out to those gathered.
People video'ed the spontaneous gathering and shared it on social media. Hopefully inspiring others to do the same and maybe love will find a place in fragile and broken places.
There were no physical meetings outside of the few who are organizing this event. Lyrics to We Shall Overcome were sent to participants in advance and were handed out to those gathered.
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On Monday, August 19th at 6 p.m. approximately 140 people joined together at First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 South Main Street in West Hartford for the
PRAYING WITH OUR FEET Event. Members of the Farmington Valley League of Light stood together with others to decry Cruelty and Injustice at Our Borders & in Our Communities. Afterwards we proceeded for Candlelight Vigil Walk at 8 p.m. to the West Hartford Town Hall.
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The Farmington Valley League of Light was honored to be a co-sponsor of this event!
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In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched with Dr. King. When Rabbi Heschel returned from Selma, he was asked by someone, ‘Did you find much time to pray, when you were in Selma?’ Rabbi Heschel responded, “I prayed with my feet."
This was a night of education and conversation regarding the draconian and cruel immigration policies that are being proposed and, in some cases, already imposed in our names. Various opportunities to take action were presented that evening. It was truly a time of prayer with our feet! We invite you to read additional pieces from the Hartford Courant: |
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ON Wednesday evening July 17, 2019 around 85 folks joined us for BACKGROUND, A MOVIE AND FACILITATED CONVERSATION on White Supremacy in America
at B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom, 180 Still Road Bloomfield, CT Background was offered by: Dr. Bilal D. Sekou, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Hartford who shared insights and context regarding the rise of these types of movements.
The movie was White Right: Meeting the Enemy: Director Deeyah Khan sits down face-to-face with Neo-Nazis and white nationalists after receiving death threats and racially charged hate mail from the Far Right movement. In the film Deeyah tries to get behind the hatred and the violent ideology, to try to understand why people embrace far right extremism with some surprising outcomes. Small Group Conversation finished off the evening: Small-group facilitated round-table discussions focused on what we learned and experienced during the evening. Please Be Advised: This award- winning* film contains strong language and subject matter that may be disturbing for some to watch. We are lending our copy of this film to Non Profit groups to share with their Communities. Please contact us at: fvleagueoflight@gmail.com for more information. *White Right:Meeting the Enemy has received the following awards and recognitions!
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Watch the Trailer
View a Canadian TV interview with the Director, Deeyah Khan
This evening was sponsored by
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On Sunday April 28, 2019, nearly 25 people received training on Contemplative Dialogue
Our country has never been more divided- even in our own families. People attending this training learned and practiced the 4 basics - becoming more self-aware about of how we make meaning, engaging with intent to understand and connect, being open and non-judgmental and being mindful of emotional reactions.
Based on how well this training was received we're exploring other ways to offer further training and support. |
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Our Dialogue Trainers:
Mike Smoolca, a founding member and Chairperson of the League of Light, and Paul Uccello, a League of Light member, have received intensive training and personal mentoring on Dialogue through the Center for Contemplative Dialogue. They have applied their training in various ways in their lives and careers. Both Mike and Paul are enthusiastic about the value of the dialogue techniques that they share in training sessions. |
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Mike Smoolca has retired from a career in business and technology and is currently an adjunct faculty member for the CT Community College System, He has gained extensive experience in education and training during his career as a consultant as well as through the courses he teaches. Mike has also led workshops on a range of topics connected to spirituality, Mike is a Spiritual Director and provides leadership to the local Christian Contemplative Community.
Paul Uccello was a Business Executive for many years and led an initiative in his company that used dialogue techniques to help create changes in the organization's culture. Paul has a M.B.A. and is also a Graduate of the Hartford Seminary with a Masters in Religious Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Interfaith Chaplaincy. Paul now serves as an interfaith hospice chaplain.
Paul Uccello was a Business Executive for many years and led an initiative in his company that used dialogue techniques to help create changes in the organization's culture. Paul has a M.B.A. and is also a Graduate of the Hartford Seminary with a Masters in Religious Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Interfaith Chaplaincy. Paul now serves as an interfaith hospice chaplain.
We had a wonderful turnout on Saturday April 6, 2019 for an informative and practical on: What Can Faith Communities Do about Climate Change?
Hosted by B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom (BTS) in Bloomfield,CT
Hosted by B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom (BTS) in Bloomfield,CT
Nearly 40 attended the Farmington Valley League of Light - Community Gathering and Update on February 13 at 7:00 PM. to 8:30 PM. at the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center (FVAMC) 35 Harris Road, Avon, CT!
We updated members of our Community about our work, asked for their feedback and ideas and presented many options for the active involvement. The members that attended were very engaged, members provided valuable insights and ideas and we formed 3 teams (Advocacy, Program and Strategy) that will provide the foundation and support for our work going forward.
We updated members of our Community about our work, asked for their feedback and ideas and presented many options for the active involvement. The members that attended were very engaged, members provided valuable insights and ideas and we formed 3 teams (Advocacy, Program and Strategy) that will provide the foundation and support for our work going forward.
The Farmington Valley League of Light holds Workshop on Embracing the Other - 10/28/2018
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October 28, 2018, 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Embracing the Other: Let’s talk about Difference and Connection - Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, 31 Colton St, Farmington, CT Our religious traditions teach us that we should treat others with love, kindness and generosity. Yet, our impulses and actions often betray those core values. Too frequently, fear and suspicion affect our relationships with those we perceive as “different." On Oct 28 we heard from several outstanding speakers who represent 3 traditions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) on the topic of “embracing the other.” They guided us, provide lessons and stories from their own religious backgrounds and offered inspiring perspectives about connecting in a fractured world. Following this portion of the program, shared a dialogue method that will help us engage more deeply with those who see things differently than we do. The training will enable individuals, families and young adults to gain new tools to address conflict without rancor. The Farmington Valley League of Light was honored to partner with Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, Farmington Valley American Muslim Center, B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom and the Neshama Center for Lifelong Learning to host this program. |
The Farmington Valley League of Light was honored to participate in the 3rd Annual 9/11 Community Gathering for Peace held on 9/11/2018
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This event took place as Alice Clover Pinney Memorial Park, School St, Unionville, Connecticut
We joined local community organizations on September 11 to share messages and music for UNITY as we came together to promote peace in our community, our nation, and our world. |
The Farmington Valley League of Light was honored to co-sponsor the Responding to the Trauma of Children at our Borders Community Teach-In held July 23,2018 at B'nai Tikvoh-Sholom, 180 Still Road, Bloomfield, CT
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We were honored to support Lawyer Moms of America in A Day of Action for keeping Families Together at noon at the State Capitol on June 29,2018
The Farmington Valley League of Light supports the Muslim Coalition of CT and the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center at the 2018 Taste of Ramadan
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The Farmington Valley League of Light was honored to assist with this year's Taste of Ramadan Event held in Avon!
We invited our fiends and members to attend this annual Interfaith experience with explained the importance of Ramadan for Muslims and also highlighted the concept of fasting in other faith traditions. This year's event include Hindu, Jewish, Christian and Muslim Religious leaders who took part in presentations and answering questions on Fasting in their Traditions. The Taste of Ramadan panel discussion and dinner was held at the Avon Senior Center, (635 West Avon Road, Avon CT 06001) on Sunday, June 3rd from 5:30-9:30 pm. This included a breaking of the fast at sunset. |
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The Farmington Valley League of Light staffed a table at the recent March for Our Lives
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We're inspired by the Youth movement that started in the wake of the Parkland School shootings and it was our honor to supporting them and all that attended the local March for Our Lives Rally at the Hartford State Capitol Building on March 24th, 2018
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Members of our community had a presence at the March 24 event. We handed out water and healthy snacks as well as information about our Multifaith Community. We've posted additional pictures on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FVLeagueofLight)
Representatives of the Farmington Valley League of Light meet with US Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty
(From Left to Right) Valerie Eastwood, Khamis Abu Hasballah PhD, Pastor Chris Dion, Rosanne Druckman, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, Mike Smoolca, Elizabeth Zagata, Rabbi Debra Cantor
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Representatives of the Farmington Valley League of Light Steering Committee meet with Connecticut 5th District U.S. Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty on January 25, 2018.
This was a good exchange, and it helped to convey the Farmington Valley League of Light story. The group expects to arrange a follow-up session with her when our activities are more fully established. It's possible that it could take the form of a community- wide meeting. |
Vigil for the Victims of Sandy Hook and Gun Violence - Thursday December 14, 2017 (the fifth anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings)
Stand together in the Light Vigil - Tuesday August 22, 2017
Vigil Against Hate - Tuesday June 27, 2017
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In the Press:
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