InterFaith Aurora to host Thanksgiving celebration of music and friendship
On Sunday, Nov. 24, InterFaith Aurora will host its 16th annual “Thanksgiving Celebration of Music and Friendship” at 3 p.m. at New England Congregational Church, 406 Galena Blvd. in Aurora.
All presenting songs and reflections from diverse groups throughout the Aurora area will celebrate this year’s theme: “Unity Through Diversity.”
“This event highlights how different faith communities work to bring understanding, inclusion, awareness, and friendship of each other in order to work toward a more harmonious and just community,” said Tammy Helfrich, the organization’s coordinator.
There will be readings from members of the Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, Baha’i and Christian communities, as well as music from multiple faith communities. The celebration is open to the public.
Offerings raised from the celebration will be donated to Mutual Ground in Aurora. Their mission is to create a safe environment where individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance use are able to reclaim their power. They support the healing of the community through education, awareness, and life changing services as a commitment to equity for all.
Prior year recipients were: The Community Fridge (2022), Simply Destinee (2021), Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry (2020), The Neighbor Project (2019), Jesse Torres Boxing Club (2018), CASA Kane County (2017), Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry (2016), and Family Counseling Service of Aurora (2015). Note: There was no service in 2023.
Participating congregations in this year’s event include the following: Temple B’nai Israel, St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, The Orchard Community, The Sikh Community, Aurora Human Relations Commission, Our Savior Lutheran, Al Aqsa Mosque, Aurora Jewish Renewal Community, New England Congregational, Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, Baha’is of Aurora, United for Peace, Congregational church of Batavia, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, and New Hope Christian Adventist Church.
InterFaith Aurora, a nonprofit organization, has been in existence for approximately 25 years. Its mission is based on the common belief that we are all children of God. Its mission is sharing and connecting. They believe that building understanding, acceptance, and love within the community helps to transform and heal the world.
For more information on how your congregation can join InterFaith Aurora, contact Tammy Helfrich, tammy@society57.com.