SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — For the 31st year in a row, San Diego’s oldest Jewish and United Methodist congregations will celebrate Thanksgiving together with an interfaith service, this year at First United Methodist Church of San Diego.
Dr. Jim Standiford, senior pastor of First United Methodist, and Rabbi Michael Berk, senior rabbi of congregation Beth Israel, will jointly lead the Thanksgiving-eve service. The choirs from both institutions will sing celebratory hymns in Hebrew and English. Rabbi Berk will deliver the Thanksgiving sermon. The public is invited with worship with us.
“Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, thanking God for allowing our forefathers to survive and flourish in a new world. But in this national holiday are echoes of the ancient Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. It is fitting to celebrate this American holiday with an interfaith service, and an honor to do so with our friends at First United Methodist,” says Rabbi Berk.
Rev. Standiford adds, “The Thanksgiving Eve worship service is always a delightful time as our two congregations join together in worship. Since the act of giving thanks is a central part of both our traditions, it makes for great joy to do so together at this time of national thanksgiving.”
The location of the interfaith service alternates each year between the two institutions. In 2010 the service was held at Congregation Beth Israel. The tradition began in 1980.
Afterwards there will be a reception with refreshments in Linder Hall. In conjunction with the service, there will also be a collection for non-perishable food items to benefit Mama’s Kitchen, a support organization for those living with HIV-AIDS.
First United Methodist Church was the first Protestant congregation in San Diego County. It was founded in 1869 and has been located in Mission Valley since 1964. Serving generations of individuals and families, First United Methodist Church believes that in community, we help people experience the love of God in Jesus Christ and make a difference in the world by sharing God’s love.
Beth Israel was founded in 1861 and is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Numerous anniversary events are scheduled through May 2012. They include a year-long project to create a new Torah scroll, a speaker series featuring seven of America’s most prominent Jewish scholars, and an elegant dinner and special performance by legendary entertainer Mandy Patinkin.
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Preceding provided by United Methodist Church and Congregation Beth Israel