Keeping the Traditional Alive At Our Thanksgiving Interfaith Devotional

Pictured: InterFaith Devotional held at 3200 Scotty Hill Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303 on November 22, 2021

With around 150 people in attendance, the Monday evening devotional held in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was a wonderful reunion for our Interfaith community that couldn't meet last year due to COVID-19 guidelines.

Participating this year was The Reverand Nancee A. Cekuta from The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Pastor John P. Locke from The St. James Lutheran Church, Clerk Michelle Downey from The Fayetteville Friends Monthly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends, Rabbi Dov Goldberg from the Beth Isreal Congregation, and President Jeff Quick from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This devotional has become a Fayetteville tradition over the years. There were messages, music, and prayers that reminded us of the purposes of the Thanksgiving holiday. Even the children had a part in this year's event as Pastor John P. Locke, with guitar in hand, taught the children to sing, "We got so much so much so much to be grateful for."

Many commented on how refreshing it was to see how other organizations worship. "Singing, praying, and taking a moment for silent reflection gave me a whole new perspective on the importance of unity and gratitude for those who live near us in our community," stated one attendee.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the event came afterward, with those in attendance joining together to meet and socialize in the church's cultural hall for light refreshments.

The host this year was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the event is hosted by a different organization each year. If your faith-based organization would like to participate with us next year, please let us know! It will be fun!

STYLE GUIDE NOTE: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the Church's name, go to our online Style Guide.