Christians, Jews, Muslims, and 10 other faith communities spanning Kane and Kendall counties came together Sunday, Nov. 24.
InterFaith Aurora, an ecumenical nonprofit, sponsored its 16th annual “Thanksgiving Celebration of Music and Friendship” at New England Congregational Church in Aurora. An estimated 150 persons attended the program with the theme “Unity Through Diversity.”
Faith leaders presented songs and reflections from diverse groups throughout the Aurora area.
Reverend Brandon Perrine, New England senior pastor, opened the program with a welcome to attendees.
Presenters were Michelle Curiel, Aurora Wesley United Methodist, who gave a land acknowledgement to former Native American tribes that occupied the Fox Valley; Pamela Stutzman, Trinity United Methodist, gave the invocation; and voices of unity through diversity were Syed Warsi, Ph.D., Islamic Center of Aurora; Rev. Eric Miller, Our Savior Lutheran, Aurora; Rabbi Edward Friedman, Temple B’nai Israel, Aurora; Rev. Paige Wolfanger, Congregational Church of Batavia; Baha’i Community, Aurora; United for Peace, Aurora; Karen Christensen, Aurora Jewish Renewal Congregation; Susan Bachmeier, Aurora Human Relations Commission; Betsy Santana, advancement director, Mutual Ground domestic violence shelter and substance use disorder center; which received a freewill offering; an Rev. Scott Hull, pastor, Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, who led a litany.
Special music was offered by Aurora St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Praise and American Sign Language choirs who presented “I Need You to Survive.” Mary Hawking directed. New England’s Daniel Segner provided a prelude and postlude.
Refreshments in the church lobby concluded the event.
Tammy Helfrich, celebration coordinator, said “This event highlights how different faith communities work to bring understanding, inclusion, awareness, and friendship to work toward a more harmonious and just community.”
—Al Benson