St Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church
Worship with joy, Grow in faith, Act for justice
Genesis
Genesis of Ann Arbor
The Cross and Star of David stand side by side in front of the building.
Many people are first attracted to St. Clare’s by the Cross and Star of David standing side by side on Packard Road. These symbolize Genesis of Ann Arbor, the joint corporation created by St. Clare’s and Temple Beth Emeth, a Reform Jewish congregation. The purpose of the corporation is to own, operate, and maintain our common property. Each congregation maintains its separate program and religious character. We share a Thanksgiving Eve service, a joint Passover Seder and an annual pulpit exchange. We jointly sponsor outreach to homeless families. Genesis was formally established in 1975. We celebrated our 25th anniversary in the year 2000, and we are proud to be part of this unique common life between two religions.
Formation
In September of 1970, St. Clare’s began renting space to the Temple. Initially, this arrangement met the needs of both congregations: St. Clare’s welcomed the additional income, and Beth Emeth needed space to accommodate its growing congregation. Separate services were held in the common sanctuary.
In June 1974, the congregations approved a radical proposal: the Christian Church and Jewish Temple would co-own their sanctuary building. A joint committee was commissioned to set forth a plan and a set of bylaws that would create the partnership between St. Clare’s and Beth Emeth.
On December 17, 1974 an agreement was signed that created a new nonprofit corporation known as Genesis of Ann Arbor, which would co-own the Church/Temple building and grounds. To meet the space needs of both congregations the facility was expanded to add additional classrooms and a library. Subsequentally, in 1994 the facility was again expanded to add additional classrooms and to provide a larger sanctuary and social hall.
Preamble to Agreement
Realizing their common humanity, the two congregations agreed “to keep their unique, separate, ethnic identities, and to respect the theological integrity of both the Jewish and the Christian view.”
For each (congregation) believed that its actions would “stand as a symbol of the power of reason and love to overcome the distrust and prejudices of their separate histories.”
May 28, 1975 was a pivotal moment in the history of both congregations: the Star of David was raised beside the cross in front of the sanctuary on Packard Road. Three days later, Genesis of Ann Arbor was formally dedicated and celebrated.
Governance
The Genesis Board is made up of four members from each congregation, three of which are elected by each congregation and one of which is appointed by the governing body of each congregation. The Genesis Board meets monthly to discuss maintenance and repair needs, as well as issues brought to them by congregants. While its main responsibility is to maintain and plan for the buildings and grounds, it was clear from the beginning that the concept of Genesis deals with more than leaking roofs and peeling paint. Genesis also handles issues revolving around cooperation and mutual understanding. As an extension of the Genesis Board, an Interfaith Resolutions Committee was formed to negotiate potential conflicts or deal with early signs of stress. There has never been a need for that committee to convene.
Genesis Activities
While honoring our commitment to maintain our unique and separate identities, there are occasions for shared events. There is an annual pulpit switch, with the Rector preaching at the Temple’s services (with St. Clare’s parishioners in attendance) and the Rabbi preaching at the Church’s services (with Beth Emeth congregants in attendance). On Thanksgiving eve, the two congregations worship together and their combined choirs sing. The service is followed by an oneg (social gathering) in the Social Hall. During the Passover/Easter season, there is an annual dessert Seder with participation from both congregations. The two congregations also come together periodically for special services such as an Interfaith Holocaust Memorial service and services focused on September 11.
In honor of the 25th anniversary of Genesis, the congregations built “Genesis House” a Habitat for Humanity house for an Ann Arbor family. The congregations participate in the Interfaith Hospitality Network (an organization of religious communities that host homeless families at Alpha House in Ann Arbor). St. Clare’s and Temple Beth Share share responsibility for cleaning a section of a local highway.