Pacific Palisades Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Offers Message of ‘Sorrow, Solidarity and Hope’

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The annual Pacific Palisades Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, which took place on Monday, November 20, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Los Liones, focused on the theme of “Sorrow, Solidarity and Hope.”

Clergy of the Pacific Palisades, which meet once per month as part of the Pacific Palisades Interfaith Council, took turns articulating a message of optimism and love of others. 

President of the Interfaith Council Trevor Brazier from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered the opening remarks. After that, the 200 or so people in attendance joined the clergy in singing the congressional ham “Come, We Thankful People.”

Then, Dr. Grace Park of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church explained what the primary goal of the Interfaith Council is “to foster respect and understanding with one another.” 

Brother Satyananda from the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine was sick and unable to attend.

Speaking on the theme of sorrow were Reverend Bruce Freeman from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and Reverend Wayne Walters of the Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades. Then Terri Ann Driggs sang “We Can Be Kind.”

Addressing the theme of solidarity were Reverend Matt Hardin of Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church and Monsignor Liam Kidney of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, after which a collection was taken. The money will go to benefit people experiencing homelessness in the area.

The laity were then invited to the join the Pop-up Interfaith Choir in sining “For the Beauty of the Earth” arranged by organist Carl Hammer, who was joined by violinist Melinda Bassett.

Finally, speaking on the theme of hope were Reverend KC Robertson and Reverend Christine Purcell of St. Matthew’s Parish, who offered a prayer of unity for which the congregation stood.    

Then, Rabbi Amy Bernstein from the Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation joined Didi Carr Reuben in a musical duet of “Prayer for Peace—Haporeis Sukkat Shalom,” with Rabbi Steven Reuben of Kehillat Israel playing piano. Following the song, Rabbi Reuben close the service with the Kaddish (which is recited during Jewish prayer services).