InterFaith Aurora will hold a Thanksgiving celebration Sunday at New England Congregational Church in Aurora.
The annual “Thanksgiving Celebration of Music and Friendship” is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., and feature songs and reflections from diverse groups throughout the Aufora area to celebrate this year’s theme: Unity Through Diversity, according to a news release giving details of the event.
“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, according to the release.
Prior year recipients were: The Community Fridge in 2022; Simply Destinee in 2021; Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry in 2020; The Neighbor Project in 2019; Jesse Torres Boxing Club in 2018; CASA Kane County in 2017; Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in 2016; and Family Counseling Service of Aurora in 2015.
Participating congregations in this year’s event include: 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; UUA 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 about 25 years. The mission of the organization is based on the common belief that we are all children of God.
For more information on how a congregation can join InterFaith Aurora, contact Tammy Helfrich, tammy@society57.com.