Interfaith community plans Thanksgiving service

Islanders can come together with neighbors of many backgrounds and beliefs at the Bainbridge Island/North Kitsap Interfaith Council hosts its 12th annual interfaith community Thanksgiving service on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church.

The service, which begins at 7 p.m., will celebrate religious diversity amid the unifying theme of Thanksgiving.

This year’s theme is “Neighboring,” with featured speakers Revs. Barbara and Jaco ten Hove, co-ministers of Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church and Barbara Lawrence-Piecuch, Suquamish Tribal Elder.

All persons are welcome, from any faith group or with no religious affiliation. A freewill offering will support Island Volunteer Caregivers, whose mission is all about “neighboring.”

The annual gathering will offer music, spoken reflections, prayers and silent meditation from many different faith groups and traditions that animate the community. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service, which will also feature a Handbell Choir and Multi-Faith Women’s Choir.

“In a time when people seem so separated from each other, it can be an important spiritual practice to strive to be ever better neighbors,” said Rev. Barbara ten Hove.

Tiffny Weighall, the current president of the Interfaith Council and a leader in the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, noted, “Giving thanks is one of the most universal activities in the human community. We cherish this opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the strong bonds among our local faith groups.”

Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church is located at Valley Road and Sunrise Drive NE.

The Bainbridge Island/North Kitsap Interfaith Council was formed in 1997 and brings together 21 faith groups for monthly meetings and periodic events.

All faith groups are welcome to join. IFC members work together to increase interfaith understanding and friendship, support our community, and lead celebrations such as the Interfaith Music Festival and the Interfaith Baccalaureate Service for high school graduates.

The IFC also participates in and promotes Crop Walk, Earth Day and various other community service activities.