Megillah, January - February 2003

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Those of us who attended the interfaith Thanksgiving services held at St. Matthews Church this year enjoyed the evening immensely. We were able to meet with members of local congregations of diverse faiths. The non-denominational services brought out the intertwining of the religions which make up our country, including the beliefs of the Native Americans as well as Jewish, Christian, and other religious groups. As a representative of each religion brought to the altar a symbol of his or her faith, it was pointed out that we should be thankful for the diversity of our nation, under one God.

The songs we sang included "America the Beautiful", and the solo which was beautifully sung was the verse found on the base of the Statue of Liberty, which was written by Emma Lazarus: "Give me your tired, your poor...."

Each of the local Bowie congregations was well represented. It was a very fitting way to begin the holiday of Thanksgiving! We look forward to next year's Thanksgiving service and hope that more of our members will attend this inspirational service.

~Bernice Cohen