Last night I went to Temple Shalom in Naples, FL where I participated in an Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration. This service of worship included people from Celebration Metropolitan Community Church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Islamic Center of Naples, Naples United Church of Christ, Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’í’s in Naples, Temple Shalom, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Naples. Together we gave thanks in a service that included music, prayers, readings, and reflections by clergy from three traditions. Following the service those present were invited to give financial gifts in support of the work of the Harry Chapin Food Bank.
So What?
As I take time to pause and give thanks this year, I do so using last evening’s interfaith service as a starting point. Not only did it begin my celebrating chronologically, but also theologically and pragmatically.
I am thankful for the opportunity to live in America in the early twenty-first century in a country that seeks to offer religious freedom to those within its borders both for those who choose to practice a religion and those who chose other paths. I am aware that our nation’s ideal has rarely been realized, but hopeful it will be in the future.
I am thankful to be a part of a faith community that thinks collaboratively rather than competitively and values the wisdom and strength provided by other traditions. I am aware that many who follow Jesus practice hate and speak words that condemn other faiths, but hopeful love will triumph in the future.
- What is the role of your faith in the equation of your personal giving of thanks today?
- How has your own involvement in interfaith worship and/or service provided or refined your framework for engaging issues within your community? for giving thanks?