Canton faith leaders unite for interfaith Thanksgiving service
By Guest
Rev. Oliver Agbile and Fr. James Ojo of St. Oscar Romero Church; Rev. Rachel Wildman of Trinity Episcopal; Josh Schreiber, rabbinic/cantorial intern at B’nai Tikvah; Rev. Dr. John Tamilio of the Congregational Church of Canton; and Rev. Thomas Rafferty of St. Oscar Romero (Jan Haughey photo)
Submitted by Jan Haughey
In a revival of a popular pre-COVID holiday tradition, Canton residents of various faiths came together on Sunday evening, November 20, to express their gratitude for one another and affirm the power of community at an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held at the Congregational Church of Canton.
Making its return after a two-year hiatus, the service was organized by Rabbi Leonard Gordon of B’nai Tikvah, Rev. Thomas Rafferty of St. Oscar Romero Parish, Rev. Dr. John Tamilio III of the Congregational Church of Canton, Rev. Dr. Clyde Grubbs of First Parish Unitarian Universalist-Canton, Rabbi David Winship of Temple Beth David of the South Shore, and Rev. Rachel Wildman of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 77 did the presentation of the colors while attendees sang the National Anthem. The evening also featured musical offerings by Congregational Church organist Richard Harvey, B’nai Tikvah rabbinic/cantorial intern Josh Schreiber on guitar, and a powerful rendition of Pepper Choplin’s “We Come to Say Thank You” by an interfaith choir led by Diane Bellissimo of the Congregational Church.
Rev. Wildman, a newcomer to the community since taking over as priest-in-charge at Trinity Episcopal in June, delivered the invocation while Rabbi Winship offered a shared testament reading and Rabbi Gordon recited a reading from the Jewish text.
Lisa Lopez, vice chair of the Canton Select Board, shared a welcome message on behalf of the town and reflected on the need for these types of gatherings, and Rev. Deidre Scott, director of Christian education at the Congregational Church of Canton, did the Call to Offering with all donations earmarked for the Canton Food Pantry.
Fr. Rafferty offered a reflection that emphasized the importance of unity, especially in a time of deep political division and after two-plus years of pandemic-induced separation. Rev. Tamilio followed with a Thanksgiving prayer, and the service concluded with a blessing offered by Schreiber and the clergy.
Everyone then moved to the Fellowship Hall to enjoy fellowship, coffee, cider and delicious desserts. Those who attended are already looking forward to the next Interfaith Service planned for Thanksgiving 2023.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Canton Interfaith Clergy Group is encouraged to email Dr. John Tamilio at pastor@cc-cantonma.org.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=96505
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