Multifaith Thanksgiving celebration planned in Modesto

About 15 faith traditions will be represented in the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Monday at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Modesto.

"I really think it's an opportunity, even in the midst of holding our deepest convictions or beliefs, to be a community together in Modesto," said the Rev. Erin Matteson, co-pastor of Modesto Church of the Brethren and coordinator of the event. "We need to be bridge-builders for peace for the good of our community, for the strength of our community. In a world that still has too much hatred and violence and fear of one another, this is a place to come together to learn more, to connect with others who are different than us, and it provides a faith forum for us to do that."

Participants will include people from Catholic, Ba'hai, Jewish, Muslim, Christian Scientist, American Indian, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Protestant, Mormon, Unity and pagan traditions. Each has been invited "to share an expression of gratitude or thanksgiving from their tradition," Matteson said. A community bell choir will perform.

"People can expect a variety of music and spoken expressions, litany or blessings," she added.

The purpose of the service is not to encourage people "to make some eclectic soup mix. I think that is a great misunderstanding of what interfaith means," Matteson said. "It's simply that we acknowledge our differences; it's a small experience to another faith tradition. The hope is to understand one another better."

An offering will be taken to benefit Inter-Faith Ministries. Nonperishable food, cash or checks will be accepted. Checks should be made out to IFM.

Child care will be provided, and refreshments will follow the service. St. Stanislaus is at 1200 Maze Blvd. For more information, call (209) 484-5937.

Bee staff writer Sue Nowicki can be reached at snowicki@modbee.com or (209) 578-2012.