In a remarkable interfaith gesture, northwestern Nevada (USA) celebrated its 24th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service on November 25 at Sparks United Methodist Church with various religions/denominations coming together to pray.

Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, and Native American prayers were read on the occasion giving thanks to God. Participants included Tom Butler, United Methodist pastor; George C. Bratiotis, Greek Orthodox Protopresbyter; Rajan Zed, Hindu statesman; Matthew Cunningham, Catholic chancellor; Laurie Chappelle, Episcopal rector; Teri Appleby, Jewish rabbi; William Bartlett, Buddhist priest; Clair Earl, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints elder; Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, Muslim imam; Irwin Sharp Fish, Native American spirituality teacher; Roya Galata, Bahai singer; Gene Savoy Jr., International Community of Christ Bishop.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed recited from ancient Hindu scriptures Rig-Veda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita in Sanskrit and then translated into English. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, read from Taittiriya Upanishad “Om saha naavavatu, Saha nau bhunaktu, Saha viiryan karavaavahai, Tejasvi naavadhiitamastu, Maa vidhvishhaavahai” and then gave the English translation as: “May we be protected together, May we be nourished together, May we work together with great vigor, May our study be enlightening, May no obstacles arise between us”.

The Shepherd’s Bells Choir of Reno Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd lead by Toni DeSalvo; Reno Stake Choir of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lead by Mildred Earl; St. Cecilia Choir of Reno Trinity Episcopal Church lead by Art Johnson; Reno Buddhist Church Nembutsu Singers lead by Robert Daniel; Sparks United Methodist Church choir lead by Cindy Sabatini; Roger Hogan of Reno Baha’is; provided various musical selections including “Call to Worship”, “Thank You for These Gifts”, “Amazing Grace”, “We Plow the Fields”, “Three Homages”. Audience also participated in congregational hymns “Come Ye Thankful People Come” and “We Gather Together”.

The food items collected on the occasion were donated to Food Bank of Northern Nevada and monetary donations collected went to Family Promise. Thanksgiving, a national holiday in USA, has been an annual tradition since 1863, when people gather to give thanks primarily to God.

In the picture taken on the occasion (from left to right): William Bartlett, Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, Teri Appleby, Rajan Zed, Gene Savoy Jr., Laurie Chappelle, Matthew Cunningham, and Clair Earl.

-Sampurn Media