Shalom is defined as “complete peace,” a kind of peace that has to start within an individual before it can spread to that person’s community. In Shalom Circles, we encourage peace to grow and spared like a wild fire. Prioritizing peace is key for our daily routine–our family, work, and community life. 

The thief comes to still, kill and destroy; Jesus came to give you life to live abundantly. –John 10:10

Before this community became “Shalom Circles,” it was was just known as another support group for women struggling with health concerns.

We started in January 2018 to say to each other “keep going” or “አይዞሽ/አይዞህ.“

Over time, as we cared and encouraged each other, we supported one another to live happy and successful lives, individually or as community.

In the last 3+ years, we learned from each other, improved, and extend our connections within and beyond our community. The testimonies, teaching, motivation, support, love and unity allowed us to grow together.

At first, we started having teleconferences once per month in 2018, before it grew to twice per month in 2019. And fortunately, the relationships we built helped us support each other during the pandemic, as we held virtual meetings every day from March 2020 to September 2020. 

Before we knew it, the peace surrounding us during pandemic gave birth to Shalom Circles.  

In August 2020, the peace and support circles we had formed allowed to name and formalize this community.  

Together, we’ve made a space that welcomes all participants, and our teleconference meetings grew and changes, as we incorporated Zoom meetings to host virtual charity walks, fundraisers, and parties. The more we met, the better we were able to support individual needs and requests from community members, near and far. 

In conclusion, we want this Shalom fire to continue in our community and to help others to experience it. So, please go spread the peace as we continue to grow Shalom Circles so that the thief will not get room to steal the joy in our community.   

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” —John 14:27

Join us to celebrate the community of peace we’ve nurtured over the last year!

On August 28, 2021 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, we’ll be celebrating Shalom Circles’ 1-year anniversary. Please join us (at 3799 East-West Highway, Hyattsville MD 20782) as we reflect on how far we’ve come, worship, have fellowship, and raise funds to support a family in need that is part of our community.

The event schedule includes:

• Opening remarks
• Worship led by Eprhem Besufekad
• A talk on “Love and unity for community” from Priest Yared
• Time for community member testimonies
• Silent auction, dessert, and fellowship time
• Closing remarks

We look forward to seeing you there, and we encourage everyone who is able to bring a donation between $10 and $20. Thank you for being part of this community and bringing us where we’ve come thus far.

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