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Welcome to OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation’s monthly community newsletter, iConnect. Each month, we come together to share updates on our offerings—whether it’s our enriching paid courses or the free programmes available on our website. Beyond that, we also love highlighting news from our vibrant community and passing along information, events, and opportunities from those who call OneSpirit home. iConnect is your space to stay connected, inspired, and engaged with all that’s happening within our ever-growing community.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Albert camus
Happy October, dear friends!
As the leaves turn and the air grows cooler, we find ourselves reflecting on the beauty of change here at OneSpirit. Much like the shifting seasons, we are in a time of transition and transformation. This past month, we expressed our loving farewells to Christo, Linda, and our dear Nicola, as they embark on new journeys. Ava, who many of you had the pleasure of working with, also said goodbye to OneSpirit this month. Though we will miss them all dearly, we know our community is better for having known them, and their presence is truly irreplaceable. We are deeply grateful for the time and energy they devoted to shaping OneSpirit into the vibrant space it is today.
In addition, we received the sad news that one of our beloved ministers, Paul Elliston from the class of 2010, passed away in 2022. For those who were not aware, we want to take this moment to honor Paul’s memory and ensure that he is held in our thoughts, as we always seek to acknowledge members of our community who have passed, no matter when we receive the news.
As we navigate this time of change, we are also embracing growth, creativity, and collaboration. Exciting new initiatives are on the horizon for our students and ministers, and we can’t wait to share them with you! Be on the lookout for fresh content across our website and social media, designed to make our space even more inspiring and engaging. As Birch Pathway enrollment closes, we are already brimming with new ideas and preparing for the next enrollment cycle with renewed energy and purpose.
It’s truly an exciting time to be part of this ever-evolving community, and we are deeply thankful for your continued presence on this journey with us. Wishing you all a peaceful, reflective, and vibrant start to autumn!
That’s all from me, hope you enjoy the ‘news’ – Kailee xx
Sections You May Find in Our Newsletter
- Professional and Personal Development Offerings
- Offerings from our Community
- Minister Spotlight of the Month
- Supervisor Spotlight of the Month
- A Monthly Review of our Socials
- Words for your Heart, Mind, and Soul
- Special Announcements from the Ethics and Standards Committee, Chaplaincy Special Interest Group, Anti-Racism Reading Group, Accredited Supervisors Group, and OneSpirit Tutors
- Awareness, Religious, and Spiritual Days for the month
- OneSpirit’s Contact Information
How to Express Interest in an Offering
For more information about our courses, retreats, workshops, or events, feel free to visit our ‘Courses and Retreats‘ page. On this page, you’ll find all the latest updates, cost details, introductions to facilitators, and inspirational materials related to each offering. If you’re interested in an offering from our community members, their contact information will always be with the posting.
Reach out if you need any assistance!
OneSpirit’s Professional & Personal Development Offerings
Join us in Scotland for a Legal Weddings CPD Workshop
Enhance Your Ministry and Personal Growth with OneSpirit’s Group Supervision Sessions!
We are thrilled to unveil our revitalised Group Supervision sessions, crafted to enrich your ministry and foster personal development. These gatherings create a supportive environment where ministers can share their experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers, guided by our accredited supervisors.
Scheduled for the first Monday of each month, these sessions offer a warm, inviting space for deep reflection on the multifaceted nature of ministry.
As one supervisor eloquently expressed, “We learn so much when we meet with fellow ministers; it reminds us that we are not alone in our work and in the world. Being a minister encompasses many roles—whether as a parent, a caregiver, or someone tending a garden. We intentionally broaden our understanding of work to include ‘expression’, moving away from a capitalist model that only acknowledges paid employment. We seek to affirm the inherent value in every person’s life, recognising that whatever you are doing can be deepened by exploring its textures and challenges with fellow ministers. Bringing a spiritual lens to our experiences, in both profound and practical ways, creates a healing atmosphere.”
Session Overview:
- Welcome: Each session begins with a warm introduction to build connections among participants.
- Breakout Rooms: Smaller groups provide personalised attention and focused supervision.
- Group Size: Limited to six participants per room, ensuring an intimate experience.
- Duration: Each session lasts two hours, balancing depth with manageability.
This is an invaluable opportunity to deepen your ministry’s impact and enhance your spiritual journey. We look forward to welcoming you to our next session!
More details will be available soon. In the meantime, learn more about our Group Supervision offerings here…
Explore the various Foundations of Belief: A Transformative Course
Join us for the Foundations of Belief course, an excellent initial step towards our comprehensive training programme—all at no cost to you! This course features seven engaging modules, each filled with captivating lessons designed to deepen your understanding of the diverse tapestry of beliefs that shape our world. As you advance through a series of reflective questions accompanying each lesson, you will enhance your grasp of these subjects.
At OneSpirit, we are passionately committed to exploring various faith paths. This endeavour invites a willingness to scrutinise our own prejudices, hidden biases, and underlying beliefs, allowing us to fully appreciate the vast array of spiritual traditions. Centred on the religious beliefs most predominant in the United Kingdom, this course reflects our identity as a UK-based educational charity. While we acknowledge the broad spectrum of global spiritual diversity, our curriculum is meticulously crafted to spotlight the traditions that resonate most within the UK context, yielding an extensive and locally tailored understanding.
We envision this complementary course as a catalyst for inspiration, a beacon of encouragement, and a supportive milestone on your personal and professional spiritual journey. Whether you’re embarking on our two-year Spiritual Development & Ministry Training programme or have just discovered us, this course offers valuable insights into some of the faiths that embody the essence of ‘interfaith.’
This course is and always will be free of charge and commitment. Discover more and register today!
OneSpirit’s Community Offerings + Announcements + Thoughts
OneSpirit Reflections: Minister Holly 
Exciting Opportunities at OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation – Bridging Beliefs, Building Community
We’re delighted to announce that OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is hiring for a key position within our vibrant community! We are seeking a passionate individual to join us in a role that will significantly contribute to our mission of fostering interfaith dialogue and community building. You can learn more about the role by clicking here: Continuing Professional Development Coordinator in Scotland.
If you are feeling called to apply for this role, but have further questions, please reach out. We invite you to join us in making a difference and help shape a more inclusive and compassionate world! For more details on how to apply, click the PDF below, or the position title above. To apply, or get more information, simply email admin@osif.org.uk.
Universal Worship Services with Rev Malaika 
Rev Malaika invites you all to uplifting services that are held at no cost, though donations to support the monastery’s charitable initiatives are warmly welcomed.
Join in every third Sunday of the month throughout 2024, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, in a sacred space that embraces everyone, regardless of faith, to celebrate unity and peace.
The next service will take place on the 20th of October! For further insights and to plan your visit to the Monastery — a haven of tranquillity right in the heart of Manchester — please visit The Monastery’s official website.
Here, you can discover more about this extraordinary venue’s history, its commitment to the community’s well-being, and the array of events that take place within its serene walls.
We look forward to sharing this spiritual journey with you at Manchester’s modern-day, multi-faith Monastery, where each occasion is infused with energy and grace.
International Day of Older Persons
On 1st October, we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, a time to reflect on the wisdom and guidance of our ancestors, whose teachings continue to shape our world.
As we honour their legacy, we also embrace the fresh perspectives that younger generations bring, creating a beautiful balance between past and present.
This exchange strengthens our communities and ensures the enduring relevance of our shared wisdom.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
From 31st October to 4th November, millions across the globe come together to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. This vibrant occasion, rich in cultural significance, marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Each flickering diya (lamp) embodies hope and the positivity that Diwali inspires, illuminating homes and hearts.
At its core, Diwali represents a time of renewal and reflection. The festival invites us to cleanse our spaces and minds, symbolising the removal of negativity and the welcoming of positivity. Homes are adorned with intricate rangoli designs, bright decorations, and glowing lamps, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity. These lights are not merely decorative; they serve as a reminder of the inner light that guides us through life’s challenges. Click here to read the entire post.
Sounding the Medicine Wheel – Online Course Offering 
- Part 1: November 3rd 2024
- Part 2: November 17th
- Part 3: December 1st
- Part 4: December 15th
- Part 5: December 29th
- Part 6: January 12th 2025
- Part 7: January 26th
- Part 8: February 2nd Imbolc
Click here for a video Testimonial from the last journey. For more information please visit my website at: https://harawillowhealing.co.uk/coursesandworkshops/.
Hara Willow ૐ MSc, MCoSH, Cert. Couns, MYAI
Ministry of Sacred Sound, Transpersonal Psychologist
www.harawillowhealing.co.uk & hara@amazinglyfe.com
Share Your Thoughts & Testimonials With Us!
To further establish our organisation and amplify the positive impact of interfaith ministry globally, we’ve set up a Google page! While this is beneficial for us as a charity, it’s even more valuable for those who join our training and walk alongside us. It gives our organisation greater credibility and shows the world who we are—that interfaith and the power of love are spreading and strong.
Now, when you tell someone about OneSpirit and they search for us, they’ll find our profile. It would mean the world to us if you shared your thoughts! Your feedback can guide someone considering our training or any of our offerings. This community is vibrant and essential, and we can’t have an ‘online profile’ without showcasing you—you are what makes up the ‘One’ in ‘OneSpirit’!
Scan the QR code, or simply follow the link here.
Exploring Life Through Ceremony Women’s Circle – Autumn/Winter 2024
Suppose you could claim ceremony as your own… a powerful tool to help navigate life.
This circle is for you if
… you’re intrigued by ceremony and what it may offer you
… you want a deep connection with a community of women, in a nurturing space, which will help you navigate all that life brings
… you’re facing challenges, transitions, thresholds, endings or new beginnings in life and would welcome some support
… or you’d just love to be part of a women’s full moon circle, meeting together over the winter months
This will be a gathering on Zoom, to learn about ceremony, time in ceremony (perhaps a ceremony we co-create together), and sharing with and witnessing one another in ceremonial and sacred space. If you’re not sure Zoom can be a container for sacred ceremony, join me for a FREE taster session on Thursday 17 October 2024 7 – 9.30 pm and find out for yourself! Places are limited with an investment of £198.
Full Moon Circle Dates (held via Zoom from 7 – 9.30 pm):
- Friday 15 November
- Sunday 15 December
- Monday 13 January
- Wednesday 12 February
- Friday 14 March
Find more information here: https://www.revjoroyle.co.uk/circle-ceremony.
Have you seen our recent posts over the last month?
Awareness, Spiritual, and Religious Days
Please note that these dates are sourced from the Interfaith Network and other resources, such as UN Awareness Days. If a day is missing, please don’t take offence—it’s not intentional! Our research is comprehensive, but it’s easy to miss a day. We always strive to be inclusive—as interfaith is at the heart of everything we do—but occasionally something may be overlooked. You can find more information by clicking here.
October 2024
- International Day of Older Persons
- International Day of Non-Violence
- Navratri – Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival observed in honour of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra, and again in the month of Ashvin.
- Rosh Hashanah – Rosh HaShanah is the New Year in Judaism. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah. It is the first of the High Holy Days, as specified by Leviticus 23:23–25, that occur in the late summer/early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere.
- World Space Week
- World Teachers’ Day [UNESCO]
- World Habitat Day & World Cotton Day
- World Post Day
- World Mental Health Day [WHO]
- International Day of the Girl Child
- World Migratory Bird Day [UNEP]
- Yom Kippur – Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism and Samaritanism. It occurs annually on the 10th of Tishrei, corresponding to a date in late September or early October. For traditional Jewish people, it is primarily centred on atonement and repentance.
- International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
- International Day of Rural Women
- World Food Day [FAO]
- International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
- Sukkot – A Torah-commanded holiday celebrated for seven days, beginning on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei. It is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals on which Israelites were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Global Media and Information Literacy Week
- World Development Information Day & United Nations Day
- Disarmament Week
- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage [UNESCO]
- International Day of Care and Support
- World Cities Day
- Nov Diwali –Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.