Embedded Files
CRC hosts gatherings that strengthen neighborly relationships and bring people together around food, conversation, and culture. Picnics, dinners, seasonal events, and our participation in local festivals and cultural days offer simple ways for neighbors to meet, share time, and enjoy moments of community life in a warm and welcoming setting.
Thanksgiving Gatherings
Thanksgiving Gatherings
Although Thanksgiving is traditionally a time when families gather, our Early Thanksgiving Dinners bring together the broader “human family” — friends, neighbors, and community partners from many different backgrounds. While people may hold different views about the history of the holiday, we focus on its enduring themes of gratitude, hospitality, and sharing what we have.
Each year, the evening features a blend of Turkish dishes and classic American Thanksgiving favorites, creating a table that reflects both culture and connection. Guests enjoy a keynote reflection, music, and quiet moments of prayer, followed by warm conversation and a shared meal. The gathering offers a thoughtful and welcoming space to appreciate the blessings we share and the friendships that continue to grow in our community.
Turkish–Mediterranean Cooking Classes
Turkish–Mediterranean Cooking Classes
Our Turkish–Mediterranean Cooking Classes bring people into the kitchen for a shared journey of flavor, culture, and conversation.
Rooted in a culinary tradition shaped at the crossroads of East and West, these sessions offer a glimpse into a rich mosaic of influences that have come together over centuries.
Over a six-month season, participants meet once a month to prepare both savory favorites and sweet classics, learning not only recipes but also the stories and traditions behind them.
Each session ends with a shared table, where everyone sits down to enjoy the dishes they prepared.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly—people often come for the food but leave with new connections and a deeper appreciation for the culture.
Classes take place on the last Friday of each month, from 11 AM to 2 PM.
All ingredients and materials are provided; you only need to bring your interest in good food and good company.
Currently, the program is in its second season, and the next season is expected to begin in March 2026.
Annual Friendship Picnic
Annual Friendship Picnic
Held at CRC’s picnic area by the pond, our Annual Friendship Picnic offers a relaxed summer afternoon where families and friends can simply enjoy being together. After a pause during the pandemic, the picnic has returned with its familiar mix of grilled food, homemade side dishes, children’s activities—including a bouncer and outdoor games—and friendly matches of basketball, soccer, volleyball, or badminton. Music, conversation, and the easy rhythm of the day give neighbors a chance to reconnect and spend time with one another in a cheerful, open-air setting.
Participation in Festivals & Cultural Days
Participation in Festivals & Cultural Days
CRC takes part in local festivals and cultural days to stay connected with the wider community. These events give us an easy, friendly way to meet new people, share a bit about who we are, and enjoy the traditions that make our region unique.
Whether hosting a booth, offering food samples, or simply taking part in the day’s activities, we join these gatherings with a simple aim: to be present, to listen, and to contribute to the sense of community around us. Below are a few examples of festivals and community events we have been glad to take part in over the years.
Easton Heritage Day
CRC musicians sharing examples of traditional Turkish music as part of a broader cultural celebration
Faith & Blue and You
Bringing law enforcement officers and community members together through conversation, shared activities, and mutual understanding
Pleasant Valley Middle School's Unity Night
Joining families, students, and educators for an evening celebrating diversity, connection, and community spirit
Saylorsburg Community Day
Taking part in a local community celebration alongside neighbors, families, and local organizations
Women's Community Health Fair
An annual gathering offering health screenings, wellness resources in partnership with local healthcare providers and community organizations
Slate Belt YMCA – Welcoming Week
Participating in Welcoming Week activities that highlight inclusion, hospitality, and community belonging
Cultural Celebration Day at the PA Capitol
Cultural Celebration Day at the PA Capitol
CRC participates in the Annual Cultural Celebration Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg—an event that reflects Pennsylvania’s cultural diversity and shared civic life. Organized by the Peace Islands Institute of Pennsylvania in collaboration with community partners from across the state, the gathering brings together individuals and organizations representing a wide range of cultural traditions.
The day includes cultural exhibits, traditional music and performances, food from different regions of the world, and a Cultural Parade on the Capitol grounds. For CRC, participation in this event is an opportunity to be present in a broader public space, to share culture through simple human encounters, and to engage with neighbors from many backgrounds in a spirit of mutual respect and goodwill.
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