Visit with members of a local congregation or tradition you want to get to know better in a relaxed and friendly environment. These events are often highlighted by a holiday celebration or tour, food, and Q and A.
- Free and inclusive: events are open to the public at no cost.
- Celebrate diversity: Each event spotlights different faith traditions and is an ‘open door’ invitation to meet and learn more—from Islam and Bahá’í to a spectrum of meditative practices.
- Engage in meaningful interaction: Whether through celebration, music, or meditation, these gatherings invite you to listen, learn, and engage in thoughtful dialogue.
1. Grand Opening – Es-Selam Mosque
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Where: Es-Selam Mosque, 17630 Bosniak Lane, Granger
What: Celebrate the mosque’s official opening with the local community. DMARC will be a part of an interfaith welcome and prayer at the ceremony on the morning of Sept. 27. Details are forthcoming, so stay tuned.
Visit iccbosniak.com for more details
2. Bahá’í Celebration: Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
When: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Where: Harkin Institute
What: A “19-Day Feast” featuring Devotional, Administrative, and Social components from 5:00–5:50 pm, followed by a lecture at 6:00 pm by Herbert Moyo.
comparisonproject.wp.drake.edu
3. Songs of Gratitude Interfaith Benefit Concert
When: Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 6:30 pm
Where: West Des Moines Christian Church, presented by the Des Moines Area Religious Council
What: A community-building concert featuring multiple faith traditions.
4. Meditation Workshop & Dialogue
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Meredith Hall, Drake University campus
What: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and practice three different meditation styles over three concurrent blocks during the first half of the event. Instructors of these sessions collectively represent the meditative traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Christianity, as well as transcendental meditation and other meditation practices not associated with a particular religious tradition. During the second half of the event, all of the instructors will be available for dialogue and Q&A.
- Free, open-to-the-public event with a light breakfast.
- First half: three concurrent meditation sessions led by instructors from Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Christian, Transcendental, and non-affiliated traditions.
- Second half: group dialogue and Q&A with all instructors.
comparisonproject.wp.drake.edu
Quick Event Summary Table
| Date | Time | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27 | TBD | Granger (Es-Selam Mosque) | Grand opening ceremony |
| Oct 23 | 5–5:50 pm + lecture | Harkin Institute | Bahá’í Feast + lecture |
| Nov 2 | 6:30 pm | West Des Moines Christian Church | Multi-faith musical performance |
| Dec 6 | 9 am–12 pm | Meredith Hall, Drake University | Meditation across traditions + open dialogue |
