Updated 9 November 2011

On Thursday, October 13th and Sunday, October 16th, 2011, the members of Al-Ahad Islamic Center in Allentown, PA, and New Goshenhoppen United Church of Christ, in East Greenville, PA, agreed to visit each other's place of worship to better understand each other, and find the common ground between the two faiths.
 
35 Christians journeyed to the Al-Ahad Center for evening prayer and worship on Thursday. They were introduced to Islamic customs and practices, toured the center and were then invited to observe the service. On Sunday morning, 45 Muslim brothers and sisters arrived at New Goshenhoppen UCC.  Guests from the Al-Ahad Center came into the sanctuary, some sitting as a group, others side-by-side with new friends they had made on Thursday evening.
 
Russ Gates, the Associate Pastor of Outreach and Discipleship at the New Goshenhoppen UCC had the following words to say about the event:
 
"As we parted, it was the express hope of both communities that we might continue this process through mutual events. These might include theological discussion, topical conversations, outreach to the needy in the world around us, and of course, fellowship and food! May Allah/God continue to bless our time together."