St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church is holding two special services in celebration of Thanksgiving this year: the Santa Ynez Valley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang Tuesday, November 22, AND a Thanksgiving Day Service at St. Mark’s Thursday, November 24.
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The annual Santa Ynez Valley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service co-sponsored by Bethania Lutheran Church, the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community and St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at Bethania Lutheran Church located at 603 Atterdag Road in Solvang. Representatives from Bethania Lutheran Church, the Jewish Community, St. Mark’s, Old Mission Santa Ines Roman Catholic Church as well as local Chumash, Buddhist, and Islamic representatives will join together in offering thanks. A complimentary reception follows in the church hall.
According to Pastor Christ Brown of Bethania, “This annual service is an opportunity for the Santa Ynez Valley to gather in our diversity to pray in unity for our community, our country, and our world.” St. Mark’s Priest and Rector, The Rev. Dr. Randall Day commented, “We are getting together to affirm our unity as grateful neighbors. All ages and faiths are welcome to attend and many remark each year that this service is a highlight of the holiday season.”
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On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., The Rev. Dr. Randall Day will be leading a brief Thanksgiving Day service featuring special readings and familiar harvest hymns; an opportunity to express gratitude to God for all God’s gifts. Those who wish are invited to gather for a reception after the service. The service will be under an hour.
The Rev. Dr. Day remarked, “We are happy to welcome all members of the community as well as visitors to join us in celebrating all our blessings of Thanksgiving. The holiday associated with Pilgrims and Native Americans has come to symbolize intercultural peace, opportunities for newcomers and the sanctity of home and family.”
For more info:
St Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441;(805) 688-4454 www.SMITV.org
Formed in 1926 and serving the Santa Ynez Valley at its present location in downtown Los Olivos since 1979, St. Mark’s practices a spacious Christianity and welcomes people of all faiths or none
