September 4, 2007 > 'It's All About Love' 'It's All About Love' Submitted By Rev. Jerome Brown News stories highlight daily conflicts between religious and political factions. In Union City, however, a multi-faith group feels their diverse beliefs are a reason to come together. They are living the words of Bishop George Berkeley, who said, "Religion is the center which unites and the cement which connects." Residents and organizations of all faiths are invited to unite and connect on September 15 when Union City's 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee presents "It's All About Love," which has been organized by its Faith-Based Event Committee. The fundraising affair at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church is a prelude to a faith based festival to be held in the park at Kennedy Community Center in 2009, part of a year-long series of events celebrating Union City's 50th anniversary. The Event Committee has been meeting for several months to plan the fundraiser and, in the process, has united members of many faiths in a common goal. The group's "traveling meetings" have included visits to participating congregations, where they gained deeper understanding and appreciation of how others worship. "This is really changing lives," said Event Committee Chair Rev. Jerome Brown, pastor of the Brown Temple Church of God in Christ. "The love and hospitality that we are finding across all religions are phenomenal. None of us ever thought we'd see the day when there would be a Sikh and a Pentecostal minister sitting together in a Buddhist temple." "Best of all," said Brown, "we can't go anywhere without eating! All of the churches share food, so that is one area where we are all the same." Program and displays "It's All About Love" will be held at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church, 32975 Alvarado-Niles Rd. The program will begin at 5 p.m. with an hour-long opportunity to browse tables featuring information about 19 local churches and temples. Buffet and multicultural show Next, attendees will sample foods from different cultures as part of a buffet provided by local religious organizations. A multicultural show will provide entertainment ranging from 100- member choirs to Taiko drummers and from dance to poetry. Participating organizations: _Bethel Baptist Church _Brown Temple Church Of God In Christ _Buddhanusorn Thai Temple _Christian Life Center _Community Seventh Day Church _Hillview Baptist Church _Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer _Luz Del Valle Church _New Covenant Evangelistic Center _New Hope Baptist Church _Our Lady of the Rosary Church _Primera Iglesia Bautista _Purple Lotus Buddhist School and Temple _Sikh Temple of Fremont _Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church _St. Anne Catholic Church _Tri-City African Methodist Episcopal Church _Union City Apostolic Church _Victory Center A.M.E. Zion Church The event is expected to sell out, so advance tickets are strongly recommended. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by sending a check payable to the Union City 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee. Ticket requests should be mailed to the attention of Myrla Raymundo, C/O the Union City Historical Museum, 3841 Smith Street, Union City, CA 94587. Visit www.UnionCity50.com for more information about Union City's 50th Anniversary Celebration. Union City, California's 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee P.O. Box # 963 Union City, CA 94587 1-510-675-5420 www.UnionCity50.com unioncity50th@comcast.net