52nd Annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service Gathers in Gratitude, Online, Nov. 22

BEFORE THE PANDEMIC: The Upper Pascack Valley Interfaith Group meets annually for Thanksgiving services and to support area food pantries. Archive photo via Upper Pascack Valley Interfaith Group on Facebook.

PARK RIDGE, N.J.—You’re invited to the Upper Pascack Valley 52nd Annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. The online event is hosted by Pascack Reformed Church in Park Ridge.

The Rev. Marc A. Stutzel, Christ Lutheran Church, Woodcliff Lake, told Pascack Press that during this pandemic and with rising COVID-19 cases in the area it can be difficult to focus on gratitude right now.

“We are still living through a season of worry, uncertainty, and division that impacts every area of our life. We might, even unintentionally, find ourselves putting up barriers so that we can conserve the limited energy that we have. It’s not easy to reach out during this strange Thanksgiving season,” he said.

He added, “But we can use our traditions and lean into the experiences that a pandemic will not end.”

Clergy and leaders from many different Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith communities will participate. The event will take place online, allowing all to participate safely.

“During worship, we will collect an offering to support the work of the Tri-Boro Food Pantry and Helping Hands Food Pantry in Hillsdale. After the service, a special online conversation about thanksgiving will take place. Let’s gather together to give thanks for our friendship as faith-filled people living in the Pascack Valley,” Stutzel said.

You can view the service by connecting with your participating faith community or finding the group on Facebook. Registration for the follow-up conversation will be posted online as well.