TCIC President Sister Elaine Sanchez, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family, will share a reflection during the service.
The liturgical fabric of the service is rich in readings from sacred Scripture, prayers, songs, as well as beautiful traditional costumes, dancers, and musicians. The importance of passing the sacred tradition to the next generation is highlighted at the conclusion of the service when young members of many of the Tri-City’s faith communities receive a symbol of their tradition from an older member.
Attendees are invited to bring refreshments for a time of fellowship after the service. A financial offering will be received for Tri-City Volunteers. Participants are also asked to bring non-perishable food for the Tri-City Volunteers foodbank.
Parents are encouraged to bring children and youth for 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 an important part of our community. A reception follows the service.
Since 1962 when three Protestant Christian churches gathered for Thanksgiving worship, this holiday service has evolved to reflect dramatic historical changes and diversity in the Bay Area. Vatican II encouraged interfaith dialogue between Catholics, Protestants, and the Jewish community. Then in the late 1980s representatives from other faith traditions joined in the celebration. Now, it is common to have people representing the Hindu, Muslim, Ohlone Indian, Unitarian Universalist, Sikh, Baha’i, Jain, and Buddhist communities share in the Thanksgiving Service.