The 63rd Annual Tri-City Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Monday, Nov. 25 at Niles Discovery Church in Fremont. The program is sponsored by the Tri-City Interfaith Council (TCIC). This year’s theme, “Kindness Has No Boundaries,” focuses on the diversity of cultures and faiths in our neighborhoods and the importance of kindness and gratitude. TCIC President Reshma Inamdar will share a Thanksgiving reflection.
The idea of an interfaith Thanksgiving service traces back to 1962, when three Protestant Christian churches gathered for Thanksgiving worship. In the Bay Area, the holiday has evolved to include Jewish, Catholic, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Ohlone, Sikh and Unitarian Universalist communities.
The liturgical fabric of the service is rich in prayers, songs, traditional costumes and music from various faiths and spiritual traditions represented in the Tri-Cities. The importance of passing sacred traditions to the next generation is highlighted at the conclusion of the service when symbols are passed from adults to younger members of Tri-City faith communities.
Parents are encouraged to bring children and youth to this inspiring and educational program. The Thanksgiving service provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the varied cultural and religious traditions that are such a valuable part of our community. Refreshments will be available after the service.
This year’s collection will benefit TCV (Tri-City Volunteers) Food Bank which supports neighbors with nutritious food via their Marketplace on Joseph Street and Mobile Pantry which drives to various locations. TCV also feeds our local homeless population with a healthier bag lunch. People will be able to donate via Venmo at the service, or they can bring a check (payable to Niles Discovery Church) to the service. Please write TCV on the memo line.
Attendees can join in person or via Zoom. Registration is required for anyone attending on Zoom; register in advance at bit.ly/TCIC-ITS-2024. For more information about the Tri-City Interfaith Council, please go to tcicouncil.weebly.com/.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Monday, Nov. 25
7:30 p.m.
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
