Neighbor News
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
In a program unique to the Bay Area, the Tri-City Interfaith Council hosts it's 54th annual Thanksgiving Service.
The 54th Annual Tri-City Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Monday, November 23, 7:30 p.m., at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 43148 Mission Blvd, Fremont. The program is sponsored by the Tri-City Interfaith Council. This year’s theme, “Our Common Home,” focuses on gratitude for the earth. TCIC President Moina Shaiq, a member of the Muslim community, will share a reflection during the service.
The liturgical fabric of the service is rich in readings from sacred prayers, chants, songs, as well as beautiful traditional costumes, dancers, and musicians. The importance of passing the sacred tradition to the next generation is highlighted at the conclusion of the service when younger members of many of the Tri-City’s faith communities receive a symbol of their tradition from an older member.
Those who attend are invited to bring refreshments for a time of fellowship following the service. A financial offering will also be received for Tri-City Volunteers. Participants are also invited to bring non-perishable foods for the Tri-City Volunteers foodbank.
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Parents are encouraged to bring children and youth for this inspiring and educational program. The Thanksgiving service provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the varied cultural and religious traditions that are such an important part of our community. A reception follows the service where people can greet one another.
Since 1962 when three Protestant Christian churches gathered for Thanksgiving worship, this holiday service has evolved to reflect dramatic historical changes and diversity in the Bay Area. Vatican II encouraged interfaith dialogue between Catholics, Protestants and the Jewish community. Then in the late 1980s representatives from other faith traditions joined in the celebration. Now, it is common to have people representing the Hindu, Baha’i, Muslim, Ohlone Indian, Unitarian Universalist, Latter Day Saints, Unificationist, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, and Zoroastrian communities joined to share in the Thanksgiving Service.
