Members of the Palisades clergy participate in the Palisades Interfaith Thanksgiving service. Photo courtesy of SRF
In keeping with a long-standing Pacific Palisades tradition, clergy from eight religious’ institutions in the Palisades will participate in a Thanksgiving service, 7 p.m. Monday, November 20 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 575 Los Liones Drive.
Presented by the Pacific Palisades Interfaith Council, the theme this year is “Sorrow, Solidarity, and Hope.”
Each clergy member contributes a scripture reading, a blessing or a song that transcends denominational differences to reflect the overarching theme.
The hour-long service is inspirational and offers hope, unity and love.
Participating clergy include those of Corpus Christi Parish, The Parish of St. Matthew’s, Palisades Lutheran Church, Community United Methodist Church, Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, the Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For years, this Circling the News editor had heard positive word of mouth about the service, but had never attended until I was editor of the “original” Palisades News.
The service proved to be an absolutely wonderful and an uplifting experience, and now I always make a point to attend. The service rotates between the different religious institutions, and this will be my first time attending at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
My one regret was that I waited so long before I joined this remarkable celebration. Regardless of one’s faith or beliefs, this service brings the community together in giving thanks and contemplation.
It is always interesting watching the heads of the religious groups—they seem to be close-knit, they kid and seem to enjoy each other’s company. I’ve been told they routinely meet to discuss the spiritual issues facing this community.