Homemade baklava, stuffed grape leaves, kebabs and the chance to make a friend from another faith? Sign me up! On Saturday, February 21, First Baptist will partner with our Muslim friends at the Palmetto Care & Share Institute to host an Interfaith Iftar Dinner. The Palmetto Care & Share Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Turkish-American residents of South Carolina, dedicated to building bridges among diverse communities. This meal reflects our communities’ shared commitment to promoting peace, compassion and multifaith dialogue.
What is iftar? During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset and then break their daily fast with an evening meal known as iftar. For Muslims, one of the most meaningful traditions of this month is sharing this meal with friends and neighbors of different faiths to foster understanding, friendship and community.
Many of you met two of our friends from Palmetto Care & Share, Fikret and Zeliha Burgazli, when they shared during this Advent’s joint Sunday School series in the Fellowship Hall. The Barzaglis first came to FBG for Amanda Tyler’s lecture on ending Christian nationalism in early 2025. They were curious to see what type of church would host a lecture like this. During his Advent presentation, Fikret shared, “It is an unsettling time to be an immigrant in America, especially a Muslim, but after attending this event, I knew if my family needed help, I could come to this church and be safe.”
My family is looking forward to this opportunity to connect with our Muslim neighbors, show hospitality to a cultural group often maligned by our civic leaders and enjoy a (free!) delicious meal. Join us! Muslims fast during Ramadan, but you do not need to fast to attend. Children are enthusiastically welcome to participate; no separate childcare will be provided. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited. Register on Realm Connect (tinyurl.com/FBGIftarMeal), by scanning the QR Code or by calling the church office.
—Camille Loomis Rehnborg, Minister of Spiritual Formation and Outreach