By DEBORAH STAMBLER | Contributing Writer
Rabbi Amy Bernstein greeted approximately 150 people from seven local congregations at Kehillat Israel on Nov. 23 for “A Community Service of Thanksgiving.”
The annual gathering once again brought neighbors, clergy and community members together to celebrate and share in Thanksgiving and reflect on the expression of gratitude across different religions.
This year’s sermon was delivered by a non-clergymember. John Maceri, Executive Director of Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC).
Photo courtesy of KI
Maceri said that thinking about gratitude leads him to a “sense of purpose, a feeling of belonging.”
Poverty, on the other hand, is harder to think about and he spoke eloquently about what they see every day at OPCC.
He highlighted positive changes he’s seen take place in people who come to them for help and expressed thanks for the dedication of the volunteers.
He thanked the clergy present for the opportunity to speak at the service and also for the ongoing support from the Palisades community as OPCC works with the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness.
Maceri spoke about believing in something bigger than ourselves and ended his sermon by saying, “As people of faith, we are called to be hopeful.”
The evening’s offering was given to OPCC with funds earmarked for the PPTFH.
Bernstein talked about everyone’s sacred responsibility to care for the needy in the community.
Live music was provided by choirs from the participating congregations: Community United Methodist Church, Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation, Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, Palisades Lutheran Church, Corpus Christi Church, The Parish of Saint Matthew and The Self-Realization Fellowship.
The choirs were accompanied by Michael Asher.
The service included a reading or greeting from all the clergy present. Reverend Shawn Gendall of Calvary Church emphasized religious devotion as a source of friendship in the community.
Reverend Wayne Walters of the Methodist Church is new to the Palisades and read the Presidential Proclamation.
Brother Ritananda from The Self-Realization Fellowship read from the Bhagavad Gita and quoted Meister Eckhardt by saying, “If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, it will be enough.”
The focus on community continued with a break in the service giving attendees the opportunity to introduce themselves to new people and say hello to old friends.
The Prayer for Unity was led by all the clergy and in traditional fashion, included call and response with congregants.
The Benediction delivered by Monsignor Liam Kidney of Corpus Christi also accentuated connection, unity, faith and a time for congregants to reflect on gratitude.
The warm holiday feeling extended into the reception that immediately followed the service.
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