Faiths Together presents third annual Giving Thanks event

For the last two years, members of churches of every creed have gathered in The Woodlands to celebrate Thanksgiving in their own unique way. This year, that tradition continues to grow.

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, Faiths Together will sponsor its third annual Giving Thanks event, a religious Thanksgiving observance. This year the event will be held at 7:30 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 7801 Bay Branch Drive.

Faiths Together is a fellowship of faith communities which honors spiritual diversity by building relationships and understanding among people of different faiths.

"In light of the national tragedy of Sept. 11 and all that has followed, congregating with our neighbors during this national holiday season of Thanksgiving holds the promise of being particularly meaningful and comforting," said Susan Daniels, a member of Faiths Together and the Bahai community. "The observance will provide the opportunity to express gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy and to seek spiritual healing for the losses we have suffered both as individuals and as a nation."

Last year, over 700 people attended the observance, which was held at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church. This year, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, people attending the program are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to Interfaith of The Woodlands' food pantry.

This year, churches of Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Bahai and Christian faith, among others, will participate in the event.

"The Giving Thanks program gives people an opportunity to come together with a diverse group of congregations here in The Woodlands and focus on how much we have in common instead of our differences," said Sherri Duchin, a member of Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands. "As a Faiths Together committee member, the experience has enriched me personally and given me the opportunity to make friends with people of other faith traditions."

The featured speaker at this year's observance will be Chuck Ducharme, executive director of Interfaith. The program will include readings selected from various faith traditions, as well as a performance by a choir composed of people from the Hindu Friends of The Woodlands congregation.

The choir from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also will perform.

"We are excited that people of different faiths will have the opportunity to come together with a feeling of unity and love and respect for one another," said Jan Chappell, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "I am particularly impressed with the people of this area who are open-minded enough to enjoy our differences and mingle with people of other faiths.

"I hope that people will take the opportunity to seal the strength that comes when people come together and recognize what they have in common."

This year's event is open to the public free of charge. Child care will be available for preschool-aged children. To make reservations for child care, call (281) 362-1100.

"It is more important than ever for people of faith to gather and demonstrate mutual love and respect in a divided world," said Sylvia Campbell, a member of The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church. "This promises to be a rich experience for the whole family to share. If you come this year, it will be an annual tradition in your family."

For more information on the Giving Thanks program, call Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands at (281) 362-1100.

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