This November, representatives from 11 faith communities gathered at St. Andrew’s, Burke, for the 41st annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. The event was centered around the theme “Hearing One Another,” chosen by clergy who regularly meet to build interfaith relationships. The theme emphasized the mission of nurturing understanding and connection across diverse traditions.
The service showcased a rich tapestry of traditions, reflecting the breadth of faiths present. Offerings included a traditional Hindu dance, a Quranic reading on gratitude, a Presbyterian call to worship, Muslim mystic musical selections, Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, Jewish Scriptural music, and Christian hymn singing. Each moment highlighted the beauty of diversity while fostering mutual respect. Attendees also contributed to FACETS, a local nonprofit supporting individuals facing financial and food insecurity—a tangible act of compassion that united participants in service to others.
The keynote speaker, Vanessa Avery from Sharing Sacred Places, challenged the audience to practice the art of listening, particularly in moments of disagreement. Her work in interfaith dialogue and insights into the significance of sacred spaces offered a framework for engaging meaningfully with others, even amid differences. Avery’s message served as a timely reminder of the shared responsibility to create spaces for understanding in an increasingly polarized world.
As the service concluded, clergy offered blessings from their respective traditions, sending attendees out with renewed purpose. A bagpiper’s rendition of Amazing Grace marked the procession out to the parish hall, where fellowship and conversation took place. In that moment, the unity and hope that emerge from committing to relationships with one another became palpable.
The gathering was more than an event; it was a living expression of interfaith collaboration. The transformative power of “Hearing One Another” was evident, as strength was found in diversity and common purpose. We give thanks for the Interfaith Clergy Colleague gathering and the participating faith communities, including St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Burke; Congregation Adat Reyim; Burke Presbyterian Church; Burke United Methodist Church; The Durga Temple; St. Peter’s in the Woods Episcopal Church, Fairfax Station; The Rumi Forum; Silverbrook United Methodist Church; St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church; Sydenstricker United Methodist Church; and St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Springfield.
