Dear Rabbi Aron,

On behalf of the Board of the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council, we want to congratulate you on a long and meaningful career and wish you fresh and rewarding experiences in your retirement.  

The strength of the interfaith network in Silicon Valley is in no small part due to your work– foundational in the early years, persistent through time, innovative and thoughtful in moments of change or challenge, and always grounded in deep kindness.

We are all the beneficiaries of your belief in the possibility of common ground and mutual benefit.  You have served as a role model, and we are inspired to carry your legacy forward.  

We want to thank you for your guidance and participation in the formation and early planning efforts for SiVIC. We appreciate your support of our programs and activities.

With deep gratitude and wishes for happiness in the years to come.

Respectfully,

SiVIC Executive Committee: Girish Shah, Rev. Rowan Fairgrove, Rev. Joy-Ellen Lipsky, Garth Pickett, Diane Fisher, Somanjana Chatteerjee, Sulochina Lulla &
& SiVIC Board members

We, the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council (SiVIC) Board and Affiliates, are deeply saddened to learn of the violent incident at the Grace Baptist Church facility that occurred a few days ago. We extend our prayers and our support to the entire Grace Baptist Church community and the Grace Solutions community. We pray for the speedy and full recovery of those injured in the incident. Our prayers are with the families of the deceased.

As you have stated on your website, “This is what faith is all about. Faith is risking it all. We risk knowing both the rewards and the reality that there will be problems, pain, and conflict. We are called to this radical hospitality for those who need it the most. This is our call, our purpose, our mission, and the way we love Jesus.” From time to time our faith is tested but it is our faith that gets us through such tests. The Grace Baptist Church’s leadership shows us a true path of love and service to everyone who needs them.

Your church has been a leader in providing support to persons living with mental illness, in need of housing and in search of a meal. Your community has committed itself to following Jesus in reaching out to the most vulnerable members of the community. SiVIC and Grace Baptist Church have interacted closely in the past, from our founding Chair, Late Rev. D. Andrew Kille, a pastor at your church to Soup & Coat drive to the Compassion Games gatherings in your facility.

We offer our solidarity with you and your service efforts even in these challenging times of COVID-19. Lastly, we pray for all those affected by this tragedy, both sufferers and perpetrators and their families. We stand ready to provide support any way we can when you call on us.

With your generosity and goodwill, we can help a homeless person survive this harsh weather. Please consider making a contribution on the #Giving Tuesday.

SiVIC promotes interreligious harmony to build a more just and compassionate society. We need your support to achieve our mission. 

Your donation will make a difference in the lives of many.