SHINE MORE LIGHT
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Shine More Light will bring together interfaith high school teens (grades 9-12) with the shared goal of learning more about one another’s faith and traditions to bring about greater understanding and harmony in the Wayne Community.
Students will share an experience that will deepen their understanding of one another’s religious and cultural heritages, traditions and tenets. We seek passionate, engaged and committed high school students who will seize this opportunity and make the most of the program.
PARTICIPANTS’ COMMITMENT: Shine More Light will meet approximately once a month from January through May.
Most sessions will take place on Sundays from 5-6:30 pm. Program participants will agree to make these sessions a priority, with the goal of attending each scheduled gathering. We seek a commitment to attend a minimum of three sessions over the course of the program.
PROGRAM EXPERIENCE: The group will engage in a round of visits to Houses of Worship/Cultural Centers (Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Hindu), exploring each religious tradition’s theology, traditions and values. Time will be set aside during each gathering for sharing, reflecting and developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for commonalities and differences. A cultural dinner and conversation will be part of each session. The group may engage in a social justice/community service project, to be determined by the participants.
PROGRAM DATES (5:00-6:30 pm):
January 25, 2026 Judaism
February 22, 2026 Christianity
March 8, 2026 Hinduism
April 19, 2026 Islam
May 17, 2026 Wrap up
PARTICIPANTS’ FINANCIAL COMMITMENT: There is no cost to participate.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION and CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION: Letters of recommendation and certificates of participation will be offered to each student who completes the program. They can be used for college applications, National Honors Society volunteer hours, and for other requirements and purposes.
SPONSORING HOUSES OF WORSHIP/CULTURAL CENTERS: Congregation Shomrei Torah, Packanack Community Church, Peace Islands Institute, North East Islamic Community Center, Preakness Reformed Church, Saint Timothy Lutheran Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, United Methodist Church in Wayne, and Vivekananda Vidyapith
REGISTRATION AND QUESTIONS: Registration will be accepted first-come first-served, with a maximum of 25 participants. To register and for contact information, please go to:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_e6dqikDMEtiypFmCDt1DLe-QIvQnBqEDqWXY54Vps3tJkg/viewform?usp=header