Above: You’re invited to another community potluck celebrating peace and interfaith friendships. (image cropped from photo posted to flickr by Fort A.P. Hill)
Next week, St. Mark’s Church is hosting another “Neighbors for Peace” community interfaith potluck. You can think of it as a pre-Thanksgiving celebration. In addition to all the side dishes provided by participants, the church will be serving up turkey and some prayers.
The following invitation has been issued to readers:
Join Southborough Neighbors for Peace and The United Parishes of Southborough for an Interfaith Thanksgiving Potluck and Service on Sunday, November 19 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The meal begins at 5:30pm with turkey provided. Bring a dish or your choice—side, salad, dessert—to share and get to know your neighbors!
At 7pm, an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will begin. It will include readings and prayers from varied faith traditions, as well as a call to assist those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and Thanksgiving hymns. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The website provides a link to sign up for bringing a side dish. It also provides a longer explanation for the event:
People of all faiths—and people who do not worship in a particular faith—are invited and encouraged to attend a community wide potluck meal to establish and strengthen the bonds of friendship amongst all people in Southborough. . .
The idea of a interfaith group germinated over a cup of coffee at Red Barn Cafe by a Muslim, Dr. Safdar Medina, and a Christian, The Rev. Phil LaBelle. They met as neighbors in Southborough to discuss ways to build bridges rather than erect walls in light of recent rhetoric in our country. Recognizing that both desired peace in their families, nation and world, it became clear that education and understanding about other religious beliefs would help address the uncertainty and fear that often arises when encountering someone different.
Our desire is to bring together a group of like-minded residents of Southborough and neighboring communities to establish the Southborough Interfaith Collaborative — a group that would promote peace and the respect and dignity of all people. We hope to accomplish this work through community social events, service projects, educational opportunities, and speaking for peace and understanding.
This event will be social in nature, providing a chance to meet neighbors across faiths and also an opportunity for those who may be interested in working together a chance to learn more. For those interested in participating in the collaborative but unable to attend this meal can send an email to Phil LaBelle, phil@stmarkssouthborough.org.
