Staff Report
All are welcome to join the annual Santa Ynez Valley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov.20, at Bethania Lutheran Church at 603 Atterdag Road in Solvang.
The service is billed as a time in which various faith groups come together in unity to offer thanks.
The annual valley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held this year at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang.
Participants will be represented by the Santa Ynez Valley’s various faith groups, including St. Marks-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Mission Santa Inés, members of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash, Santa Ynez Valley Zen Sangha Buddhist Community, Santa Barbara Islamic Center, and co-hosts Bethania Lutheran and Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community. A reception will immediately follow the service.
“This is always one of the greatest expressions of faith in this valley because so much diversity is brought together in the shared spirit of offering thanks,” said Bethania Pastor Chris Brown. “It feels especially important this year to convey support for all walks of faith, in particular because of the recent shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Diversity is not reason for fear but can be a space of unity and celebration for what makes us beautifully human.”
The public is also invited to attend a special service in celebration of Thanksgiving this year at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church at 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in downtown Los Olivos.
At 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, the Rev. Dr. Randall Day will lead the service featuring selected readings and harvest hymns focusing on an opportunity to express gratitude to God for all God’s gifts.
The service typically lasts less than an hour. After the service, those who wish are invited to gather for a complimentary reception in Stacy Hall to share fellowship and light refreshments.
The annual Thanksgiving national holiday in the United States is believed to be modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth, Mass., and the neighboring Wampanoag Indians. It is particularly rich in legend and symbolism for those of all and any faiths, Day noted.
“The holiday commonly associated with Pilgrims and Native Americans has come to symbolize intercultural peace, opportunities for newcomers and the sanctity of home and family. We are happy to welcome all members of the community as well as area visitors to join us in celebrating all of our blessings this Thanksgiving Day,” he added.
For more information, call Bethania Luther Church at (805) 688-4637 or visit www.SMITV.org.
