On a chilly fall evening, the Rev. Angelo David, of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, provided words of welcome after “All Things Bright and Beautiful” was sung by the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos choir, alongside members of other faith communities, with the audience joining in.
And from there, an evening of religious fellowship unfolded in peace and harmony, as part of the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, Nov. 20.
St. Mary’s sanctuary held many people of many faiths—offering empathy and understanding. Expressing faith and community, nine different places of worship all together in peace and harmony sharing the likeness in beliefs.
“Be thankful…not only on this day but…beyond the celebration,” Rev. David said. “The gift of sharing and the gift of love is what we can celebrate daily. We can really be there for each other. Especially when things are not going the way we think they should be.”
He concluded with, “When things are challenging, we know there are always good-hearted people ready to step up, even when they’re in the background.”
This event was sponsored by the Los Gatos Interfaith Clergy Council. The members are Congregation Shir Hadash-Jewish Silicon Valley, Los Gatos United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, Skyland Community Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the West Valley Muslim Association.
This was Rev. David’s first Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, and he is looking forward to more of these gatherings.
“I’m very happy to be here and host this event,” he said. “We are thankful for the presence of you, especially those of you who came with children.”
Then, the Rev. David Watermulder, from the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, called the gathering to worship, welcoming Democrats, Republicans and Independents who may be sitting next to each other here—or possibly at an upcoming Thanksgiving gathering. Encouraging all to get along in Thanksgiving time as well as all year.
“We represent different faith traditions, and we have very different ways to think about—or talk about—God,” he said. “We respect each other, we work together on things.”
Hyujae Lee, pastor at Los Gatos United Methodist Church, then led the responsive Thanksgiving prayer. Words recited back included “Reach out with care and courage, so the goodness of life may be shared by all people.”
The hymn “Let There Be Peace on Earth” wafted through the air, followed by prayers for peace by Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy of Congregation Shi Hadash and the Rev. Erica Rader, associate pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos.
“As we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving, we remember the early years of our nation, which included great harm to Indigenous people and enslaved people,” Rader prayed, shifting between gratitude and more serious notes, as she mentioned “the Ohlone people, whose legacy we honor and continue to recognize.”
Cantor Devorah Fedler-Levy added, “on this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we lament the oppression and violence that has wounded transgender, non-binary children, and we stand against those who would do harm to them. We should continue to be reminded that we are all created in the image of God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.”
After they concluded. Tooba Ahmed, from the West Valley Muslim Association, read a scripture passage that emphasizes the boundless mercy and blessings of Allah. This section of the Quran highlights the wonders of creation, such as the sun, moon and oceans, and reminds readers to be grateful for these provisions.
This was followed by another choral number, this time “This is My World,” sung by the choir with the audience, rising up to their feet, again joining in. This audience of many faiths were able to see the words that were shown on screens on both sides of the sanctuary. In joining the voices from different faiths and the choir those in attendance sang in harmony.
Bishop Jeff Cole, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also cited scripture. Cole spoke of Psalm 100, a psalm of joyous praise and thanksgiving that calls all people to worship God for his goodness, mercy and faithfulness. He referred to serving God with gladness.
Rabbi Rafi Ellenson, of Congregation Shir Hadash, then gave a sermon beginning with what a joy it is for him to be in celebration. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called a beloved community one that strives together across religious, racial and ethnic lines,” he said, “in pursuit of a better future for us all, a community who comes together to imagine not only the world as it is, that works together in creating a vision of the world to come—a community dedicated to emphasizing gratitude.”
Going on, Ellenson prayed, “May we all feed our souls, our bellies and our beloved communities with artistry, with beauty and with intention. Amen.”
Following Rabbi Ellenson, Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia, chief community officer for Jewish Silicon Valley, urged attendees to turn “our collective gratitude into a bountiful and meaningful offering.”
“The beneficiary of tonight’s offering is the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI),” he said. “I serve on the community advisory council and have benefited directly, and immeasurably, from the wisdom and fellowship.” He introduced Rovina Nimbalkar, who represents NAMI.
“Many people come to us when they are scared or unsure,” Nimbalkar began. “We listen, we walk with them, and we help them find the path forward. Every year in Santa Clara County, we serve over 13,000 individuals and families. We partner with synagogues, mosques and churches to suggest clients that may need extra support. This allows us to help people who might never have otherwise found mental health support.”
“This Little Light of Mine” proved the offertory anthem. Then, the Rev. Ricardo Avila, rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, provided a final blessing.
“May your hunger feed compassion for the suffering of others. If darkness overwhelms you, may the inextinguishable spark of divinity in your soul call for daylight. In your moments of joy, may you sparkle so bright that others could see their way.”
He concluded with, “Should you ever feel lost near the gracious hand of God, let him take yours. Never forget to give thanks. Never take a single thing for granted. Pray for those who suffer for lack of what you have.”
The Interfaith evening ended with everyone singing “America the Beautiful,” before moving to the nearby hall for refreshments and continued fellowship.
