The Venice Interfaith Community Association
Fostering Interfaith Respect, Understanding, and Cooperation
A Warm Welcome!
Upcoming Activities November, 2008 click here
Founded in 2004 The Venice Interfaith Community Association (VICA) was born from the dual observations that (1) our community was growing, not only in size, but in diversity, and (2) faith-based organizations are a powerful force for community betterment. Since then, VICA has encouraged all people of faith to join together to be an active presence in Venice area community affairs. We do this in several distinctive activities:
The seminars on World Religions, “Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?”
brings speakers from world religions to this seven-week series held in the winter months to area residents and visitors to explain their faith groups’ beliefs and customs. In 2007 over 200 people heard presentations from representatives of the Hindu, Muslim, Native American, Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon), and Unitarian Universalist communities. These seminars are supported by grants from the Plantation Community Foundation.
The Taste of Faith gathers area congregations under one roof to share food, hear music, and have conversation from the different faith traditions represented in our community. This has been a bi-annual fundraising event to benefit local social service organizations.
The Thanksgiving Eve Community Worship Service continues the 15-year tradition of an interfaith service of thanks and sharing resources with a program of readings and music. The collection is donated to area food banks.
Kids Creating Community was started in 2007 by VICA organizational member, the Venice United Church of Christ, and has expanded for the purpose of fostering understanding among children from different faith groups. Click here for more information.
Dialogues held on the third Tuesday of each month (except June, July, and August) featuring presenters on topics ranging from biblical archeology to the issues of separation of church and state to the significance of liturgical clothing and symbols.
Workshops on Bowen’s Family Systems Theory designed for congregational leaders.
Direct Community Services, such as the coordinating the relocation and move of the residents of the Grove Terrace Housing Complex.
Join Us!!!
The Venice Interfaith Community Association invites you to join our community. We welcome and affirm all people of good will who wish to share their traditions, learn the traditions and beliefs of others, and work together to improve the quality of life for all members of the Venice community. For questions and more information, please contact Judith Bacon by email (click here).
Membership
Membership is open to individuals and institutions in the Venice area. Meetings are held nine times a year. Click here for more information.
Venice Interfaith Community Association (VICA)
PO Box 2022, Venice FL 34284-2022
Comments on our website? Please contact Nan Kritzler (click to email )
Updated 11/9/08
P.O. Box 2022, Venice, FL 34284-2022 
Tel: 941-496-8263
Tel: 941-496-8263Current Leadership:
Ed Martin, Sarasota Friends Meeting - Doug Roach, Epiphany Cathedral
Bottom: Shirley Bascom, Baha'i (Secretary) - Rev. Lori Rivera, Suncoast Cathedral, Metropolitan Community Church (Treasurer) -Janet Onnie, (Venice United Church of Christ) (President) - Don Hughes, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice
Not pictured: Rev. Sarah Brown, Our Savior Lutheran,
Keith Backhaus, St. Mark's Episcopal
