By Judy Rattner
The Interfaith Singers, accompanied by Daniel Berman, filled the sanctuary with joyous song. After a welcome from Fred Levine, Central Synagogue's president, The Rev. Dr. Roger D. Johns, from St. Mark's United Methodist Church, read the Psalm of Thanksgiving from Psalm 92 - "It is good to give thanks to the Eternal to sing hymns to Your name... Your work moves me to song."
St. Agnes Cathedral's Rev. Monsignor Robert Guglielmone delivered the evening's Invocation. William Elia, the treasurer of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, lit the Candle of Hope, calling upon God to let "all your children learn to live together in peace and friendship...when oppression, discrimination, and prejudice... [is] forgotten, and all the world [is] filled with your spirit."
Holy Trinity Church's Rev. Jeffrey Laustsen read the Call to Worship, remarking on the creative power that "pours forth its bounty in grass and grain...and the Spring and Summer and Autumn [during which] Your radiant power makes the earth yield its fruit."
"We shall share with others the food we have gathered," the congregation replied. After "A Simple Song" performed by Central Synagogue's Cantor Judith Naimark with Kate Herzlin on flute, Sister Helen Byrne of St. Agnes Cathedral delivered the Blessings of Thanksgiving.
Dr. Ming Ng, from the United Church of Rockville Centre was next, with A Call to Repentance. After more prayer and song, Deacon Janice Wunsch from Holy Trinity Church read Isaiah 11 6-9 from the Scriptures. And United Church of Rockville Centre's Dr. Robert Gunn presented the Thanksgiving Address, exploring the role of religion in American life.
Reading in unison, the people gathered gave thanks. "... Our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy as we consider the wonderful opportunities before us... As we strive together for the betterment of our society, may we do so with integrity that leads to wholeness and love that builds [and] brings joy to others."
The service concluded with a familiar hymn, "Let There Be Peace on Earth," and a benediction from Central Synagogue's Rabbi Marc Gruber. Guests were then invited downstairs, to the temple's auditorium, for an assortment of desserts and the opportunity to visit with one another.
Photos by Susan Grieco/Herald
