Uniting Faiths and Giving Thanks

Within the pews of Christ Lutheran Church, a congregation of people from different religions and backgrounds joined on Nov. 24, the eve of Thanksgiving, to worship beneath the same roof. The annual interfaith service takes heed to the holiday spirit, uniting neighbors and preaching the universal sentiment of giving thanks.

 "Thanksgiving is a national holiday, not a church holiday," said Pastor Robert Cederstrom, who went on to explain that holding the interfaith service during this time is, "more about community." Though Thanksgiving may not be a mandated worship day, the significance behind its namesake and celebration is directly in line with the church's mission of fellowship and outreach. "It is a wonderful opportunity to promote harmony among different parts of our population," Cederstrom said.

Every Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church opens its hallowed doors to the Brazilian Baptist Church of New York as a place for its local members to worship. Once a year, parishioners of both churches are invited to sit together in their common space of prayer for the interfaith gathering.

"I think it's very good that different groups of people can get together and worship together," said the Pastor's mother, Shirley Cederstrom, who was in attendance.

The service united worshippers through prayer, song and a focus on each faith's consideration of gratitude and thanksgiving.  Barbara Hartig of Mineola, who attended the service, described the rare communal atmosphere as "very unusual, but quite informative." Between readings of Lutheran scripture, the sermon was preached by Pastor Max of the Brazilian Baptist Church in Portuguese.

Throughout the night, the congregation swayed in unity as the Baptist band's jubilant songs of thanks resounded down the aisles and angelic voices of the Christ Lutheran Church choir echoed from above. 

"I loved it; it was very peaceful," said Baptist church member Evie Teixeira after the night's ceremonies had come to a close. "It felt special."