Pacific Palisades residents of all faiths, churches and ideologies gathered at Corpus Christi Church for the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on the evening of Monday, Nov. 24. The pews quickly filled with Palisadians greeting one another for the special service, the room abuzz with camaraderie and positivity, the night sky above dotted with stars.
The service started with an upbeat performance of “Thanks Be to God” sung by a choir including members of Corpus Christi as well as Community United Methodist Church, Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation, Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, Palisades Lutheran Church, The Parish of Saint Matthew and The Self-Realization Fellowship.
Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
Clergy from each of the places of worship addressed the crowd with readings and there were times for fellowship, greeting strangers and silent worship throughout the service.
During the sermon, Reverend Eric Schaefer of Pali Presbyterian spoke of the importance of living a life of service, saying his late father has served as his inspiration since childhood. Schaefer, who as of last month has been at the church for 20 years, said that personal growth, prayer – or meditation – and giving back are all keys to happiness in life.
“What a wonderful night for our community to come together and celebrate all the blessings we have in our lives,” Schaefer told the Palisadian-Post regarding the event. “The clergy all look forward to this special evening worshiping together.”
The Reverend Lester Mackenzie of St. Matthew’s shared Schaefer’s sentiment, saying, “I’m excited we were together and had different faiths under one roof offering hospitality to one another.”
Rabbi Amy Bernstein of KI said, “People in the Palisades coming together to honor and celebrate what we are grateful for is a powerful way to strengthen a network of care and compassion. I truly believe this is how we will heal our communities – one coalition for good at a time.”
Reverend Catie Coots of Community United Methodist Church said, “In a world where faith is something that causes us to fight with each other, it is nice that here in the Palisades we can find the ways of community and unity through our various faith traditions.”
The service was followed by a buffet of desserts, cider and coffee – treats most welcome on the cool fall evening.
“I don’t remember when we’ve had such a wonderful attendance,” added Pastor Wally Mees of Pali Lutheran Church. “And the invitation Reverend Schaefer gave to find our joy in service to others was just what we need to remember at Thanksgiving and each day of our lives.”
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