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15th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church of Evanston, 516 Church St, Evanston, IL
Evanston’s rich diversity will be on display at this year’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service. Hundreds of people from the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and many other faith communities will gather together to enjoy music, blessings and spoken-word presentations by representatives of many ethnic and religious traditions.
Rev. Dean Francis, senior pastor of First Church, will be the keynote speaker, and David Castillo, the church’s music director, will lead a choir composed of singers from several Evanston congregations.
“The Thanksgiving Eve service reminds me that I am a part of a community that respects the traditions of others and finds joy in celebrating together,” said Sue Murphy, executive director of Interfaith Action. “Being held the evening before Thanksgiving, it is a great way for families to experience the depth of religious expression found in Evanston.”
This Thanksgiving Eve event, inaugurated in 1998, has become so popular that the service must be held now in the largest houses of worship in Evanston.
About First United Methodist Church of Evanston
First United Methodist Church was founded July 13, 1854 as the first religious community in Evanston. It has provided leadership for the anti-slavery, temperance, peace and educational movements throughout its history. The women of the church were pioneers in social settlement work. Its membership, past and present, include founders and presidents of universities, presidents of theological seminaries, governors, bishops, missionaries, and physicians, educators, editors, jurists and corporate leaders. In 1954, it was the religious seat of the Second Assembly of the World Council of Churches. Today it remains one of the largest United Methodist churches in the Chicagoland area.
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