Newtown Interfaith Council continued discussions of hosting a community event when they convened for their latest meeting. Members in attendance on February 10 were Love Has A Home Here Founder and Pastor Bill Donaldson, Congregation Adath Israel representative Steve Bamberg, and Newtown Congregational Church Pastor Matt Crebbin.

During the Council's January’s meeting, the group discussed inviting different community leaders, like Police Chief David Kullgren and Superintendent Anne Uberti, to NIC meetings. The group also considered inviting First Selectman Bruce Walczak for a community leader, as well as other community organizations such as Rotary Club of Newtown and Newtown Lions Club, for a special event next month.

The first idea discussed was a type of “community gathering,” with aspects like live music and a shared meal. Crebbin suggested hosting an event on March 14, otherwise known as “Pi Day," as the date is the first three digits of pi, 3.14. Donaldson added to that idea, suggesting pizza to stay on theme with “pi.” The two also briefly discussed a possible pie contest to keep the event lively. The three did not want it to be a “complaining session,” especially with local leaders in attendance.

“Gathering community together,” Donaldson said, “the purpose is to foster more connection in the community, and more compassion.” Crebbin added he sees more people in their “camps,” and less willing to connect with others.

“How do you kind of have the ability to cross over or experience things," he said. "With the rise of social media or anything else, ‘Oh I can find my people on social media who think like me, talk like me.’ Whereas before, you were kind of like in [more of a] mixture in the community where you could have very disparate views, but you mitigated each other because you knew each other!”

It was clear the goal was to “build more bridges,” as Crebbin said. Donaldson said as people come together to share music and food, the differences do not “matter.”

As the idea of hosting a community conversation with town officials became clearer during the meeting, the group realized they wanted to hear how people are feeling and what community members need to feel more connected to the community.

Bamberg suggested invited David Kaczynski, brother of Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, to speak locally. Bamberg said he heard him speak after 12/14, and thought his words were “unbelievable.” David speaks on forgiveness, said Bamberg, who added it was “really, really strong.” He thought it would be a good idea to bring someone in who is knowledgeable on topics like forgiveness.

No official date or theme has been set for an event at this time. Newtown Interfaith Council is also seeking leaders of faith in the community and surrounding areas to join their efforts and bring different religious groups together more frequently. For more information, reach out to Crebbin via Newtown Congregational Church at 203-426-9024 or e-mail newtownCTchurch.office@gmail.com.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.