"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing," was more than the opening line of the first hymn at the service, but the solemn wish for God's grace to unite the entire community in thanksgiving.
Participants in the interfaith service included Cantor Robert Heyman; Abraham Rachlin read Freda J. Hodes' "A Poem of Welcome"; Mayor Edward W. Cahill read the President's Thanksgiving Proclamation; the Rev. Charlotte Davis; Sister Margie Kelly from Holy Name of Mary Parish Outreach. Scripture readings were conducted by Barbara Myers. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Brenda Overfield, and the offering prayer by the Rev. Robert Howard. The service concluded with prayers by the Fr. Gregory Cappuccino, and a benediction by Deacon James O'Hara. The president of Temple Gates is Arlene Novick.
The President's Proclamation, sent by President Bill Clinton, which Mayor Cahill read, spoke of the American spirit. "We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving Day," the mayor read. "Our nation is free, prosperous and at peace.
"Sharing in God's blessings is at the heart of Thanksgiving and at the core of the American spirit.
"As we celebrate this Thanksgiving, let us remember with gratitude that despite our differences in background, age, politics, or race, each of us is a member of our larger American family and that, working together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish in this promising new century."
In prayer and quiet reflection, the many assembled at Temple Gates of Zion to give thanks and to sing praise for the good graces bestowed on Valley Stream and its residents.
