The Spring Interfaith Council (formerly the Spring Interfaith Dialogue Council) was founded through a simple but powerful invitation by Barbara Lashley of the Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. In the 1980’s Barbara brought together clergy and lay leaders from diverse faith communities across the Spring and Klein area to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Plymouth United Church, Wildwood Baptist and Congregation Jewish Community North are listed as some of the early participants.

The Thanksgiving service was originally celebrated at the Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. After some years, the service evolved into a community-wide gathering hosted by different congregations throughout the area. It was around this time Barbara invited all faith communities to join in on the other activities of the Spring Interfaith Council. Some of the congregations that joined Barbara were Cypress Creek Christian, Klein UMC, Northwoods Presbyterian Church. And Anais Watsky of Congregation Jewish Community North, Jean Thomas of Northwoods Presbyterian Church and Afshan Jilani  of Masjid Al Salam became some of the more pro active members of the Spring Interfaith Council. From those early gatherings grew a tradition of meaningful dialogue and collaborative service.

Some of the Council’s first activities or public events included community town hall discussions exploring the common ground and unique traditions of the Abrahamic faiths, followed by forums addressing local needs such as after-school care for children. Partnering with the Cypress Creek YMCA, Council members helped support the launch of an after-school program that continues to benefit local families.

Another foundational program, the Interfaith Dialogue Dinners, was introduced by Council member Cynthia Stetzer. Adapted from a model developed by Interfaith Ministries, these dinners created welcoming spaces where neighbors of different faiths could share meals, stories, and respectful conversations. They quickly became one of the Council’s signature programs and continue to foster understanding and lasting friendships.

In 2009 Jean Thomas attended the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at her home church, Northwoods Presbyterian. She was deeply moved by people of all faith traditions giving thanks for the many blessings in a collective manner. After that service, Jean became Northwood’s representative to SIDC. Then in 2012, the Chair of the council retired and Jean was asked to lead SIDC. Under Jean’s leadership the Spring Interfaith Dialogue Council focused on three major interfaith events: the Interfaith Dialogue Dinners, the Clergy Breakfast, and the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. In January 2019, Jean stepped down as the Chair Person of the Spring Interfaith Dialogue Council  and the baton was passed on to Nancy Agafitei and Linda Barry.

Under Nancy Agafitei and Linda Barry’s leadership the original programs,Thanksgiving Service and Dialogue Dinners, stayed strong. More community based initiatives were added; making fleece blankets for foster kids, helping legal immigrants in citizenship application, fostering recycling and up cycling within the SIC community. Read More in the Activities Page

In March 2024, the Spring Interfaith Council reached an important milestone by adopting its Articles of Organization and becoming an official nonprofit association. At that meeting, the first bylaws were adopted (attached) and the first officers were elected: 

Nancy Agafitei  (Chair) (Hosanna Lutheran)

Linda Barry (Vice Chair for Internal Communications) (Holy Comforter Episcopal)

Ooma Lakshmanan  (Vice Chair for External Communications) (Hindu)

Paulette Moore-Hall (Treasurer) (John Wesley Methodist)

Julie Mahler (Secretary) (Congregation Jewish Community North)

At the first annual meeting on Jan. 16, 2025, the following persons were elected to fill expired terms:

Richard Corl (Secretary) (Spring Quakers)

Diane Hunt (Vice Chair for Internal Communications) (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

At the second annual meeting  on Feb. 2, 2026, Diane Hunt was elected Chair to replace Nancy Agafitei whose term was expiring. The position of Chair for Internal Communications remains vacant. See below for the current list of board members.

Today, the Spring Interfaith Council continues to bring together people of all faiths and backgrounds through dialogue, service, education, and community events. In a time when division often dominates public life, we remain committed to demonstrating that understanding, compassion, and cooperation can build a stronger, more connected community for everyone. SIC is unique in that people are still interested in various religions working together to enrich the lives in the place where we live. The community supports other interfaith organizations such as Northwest Assistance Ministries and the Hope Center Houston.