Food for the hungry, plus gratitude

Posted: Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, The Charlotte Observer

COLUMNIST » Tim Funk

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Interfaith service

On Tuesday night, about 1,500 people from various houses of worship are expected to attend the 33rd annual interfaith Thanksgiving service – my pick as one of the most interesting and inspiring religious events in Charlotte.

Every year, there's a different host and clergy take turns giving the main sermon.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road, is this year's host for the 7p.m. service, sponsored by Mecklenburg Ministries.

The Rev. James C. “Jay” Leach, senior minister at Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte, told me the title of his sermon is: “Meeting on the Common Ground of Gratitude.”

Also on the program:

• Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Baha'i members of Mecklenburg Ministries' new Youth Leadership Council will read from scriptures.
• Rabbi Judy Schindler of Temple Beth El will explain the Jewish tradition of blowing the shofar (ram's horn).
• Dot Siler of First Baptist-West will tell the “Story for Children of All Ages.”
• An interfaith adult choir of more than 150 will sing, as will a 50-member interfaith children's choir.
• Rabbi Murray Ezring of Temple Israel will end the service with the “Going Forth” – including an invitation to attend next year's service, at Temple Israel.

This year's money offering will go to Crisis Assistance Ministry.

And if you're going, bring some canned goods – they'll go to food pantries.

Tim Funk: 704-358-5703; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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