The Carmel Interfaith Alliance was built on one major core belief.
“We believe we have so much more in common than what separates us,” Carmel Interfaith Alliance president Jerry Zehr said. “In a time today when there are people that want to divide us, we feel it’s important we come together and say to the larger community how much we are together and thankful for the blessings of God.”
The Carmel Interfaith Thanksgiving hour-long service is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Carmel Christian Church, 463 East Main St.
“Our focus is on Thanksgiving. In all of our faith traditions, we are called on to come with grateful hearts for what God is given to us,” said Zehr, Carmel Christian Church’s pastor.
Zehr said the Thanksgiving event is the first he has hosted as part of the Carmel Interfaith Alliance, which started two years ago.
“We’re having participation from many of the different faith communities,” Zehr said.
Dr. Shahid Athar, a Carmel resident, will be presented with a proclamation from Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard and the Interfaith Ambassador of the Year Award for his more than 40-plus years of interfaith work.
“He’s a longtime Indiana resident originally from India and a part of the Muslim community,” Zehr said. “He’s quite a dynamic man.”
Zehr, Athar and Rabbi Dennis Sasso started Interfaith work in Indianapolis in 1987.
Zehr said members of the Sikh community will sing as an ensemble and members of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints will sing a duet with a piano and cello accompaniment.
There will be a dance of Thanksgiving by Blanche Wright, a member of Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis. She will be dance to the song, “He is Faithful.”
“We’ll be having readings from Hindu and Jewish communities as well,” Zehr said.
Zehr said everyone is invited to bring a non-perishable food item for their offering. Zehr said the items will be delivered to a local food bank.
The service is open to the public and child care will be provided.
