Just before the Service, from left to right are— Washoe County School District Superintendent Pedro Martinez, R. Craig Eyre of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno Chancellor Matthew F. Cunningham, International Community of Christ Head Bishop Gene Savoy Junior, Matthew Fisher of Reno Buddhist Center, Baha’i teacher Roya Galata, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, Temple Sinai Rabbi Ethan Bair, Abdulrahim Barghouthi of Northern Nevada Muslim Community and Sparks Stake LDS President Joseph E. Johnson. PHOTO: Rajan Zed
This year marked the 28th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service. The performance of this interfaith service is a much-revered tradition in the Northern Nevada community and one that is largely unique nationwide in its scope of faith diversity.
This year’s service, titled “Give Thanks in Every Moment,” was held on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 7 p.m. It was hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Reno Nevada Stake at 1095 Golconda Drive. Washoe County Schools Superintendent Pedro Martinez delivered the keynote address. Monetary donations gathered were given to Volunteers of America Family Shelter, who also took part in this year’s program. Food donations were given to Restart Food Pantry.
This worship service of prayers, readings and music from a variety of faith traditions was sponsored by The Nevada Clergy Association, of which Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. is president. Bishop Savoy planned the event and also gave the closing prayer: the “Thanksgiving Hymn” from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Reverends Gary Buchanan and Michael McIntyre, both members of the Second Advent Church, participated in the program as members of the chime choir in conjunction with the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Also in attendance from the Second Advent Church were the Reverends Sean Savoy, Amanda Buchanan, Elizabeth Reece, Robert Petrovich, Francine Petrovich, and Barbara Whitney.
< To take a look at this year’s Thanksgiving Eve program, click HERE. >