NORWALK—The coronavirus pandemic couldn’t stop a 40-year-old tradition, as the clergies and choirs of Temple Shalom, United Congregational Church and St. Matthew Parish gathered virtually for an interfaith Thanksgiving celebration of song and worship on the evening of November 24.
“This gathering joins together different faith traditions to both praise God and pray to God. It reminds us that there are good people everywhere, and that we have more that unites us than divides us,” shared Msgr. Orlowski, pastor of St. Matthew Parish.
This tradition in the West Norwalk faith communities began 40 years ago. “It’s a second-to-none gathering that always brings a smile to your face and peace to your heart,” said Monsignor. “It is a marvelous opportunity for people of all faiths to gather to give thanks to our one, true God.”
Rabbi Mark Lipson of Temple Shalom expressed that even though the interfaith community could not all gather in person, they would still be able to create a bridge between faiths through a virtual celebration.
Video footage from past years gatherings featured hits such as, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Reach Out and Touch,” “A Million Dreams “(from the Greatest Showman) and even the combined clergy singing “A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles.
Mayor of Norwalk Harry Rilling and his wife Lucia brought greetings. “We can never lose sight of the important things in our life—our God, family, friends and the faith that will get us through these difficult times,” said Mayor Rilling.
“We are keeping everyone in mind this time of year,” said Lucia Rilling. “We are wishing the best holiday season to all. Let’s hold on to what this time of year means to all of us.”
“In the midst of fear, uncertainty, suffering pain and even death—the question we ask is how do we cope? What is there that we can hold onto? The answer is faith,” said Father Sunil, parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish. “The Word of God offers strength and the courage to remain positive. He tells us to not let our hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. We are the children of hope, our God does not abandon us.”
“The vaccines seem promising, we do see a light at the end of the tunnel,” assured Father Sunil. “While we are in the midst of suffering, we should look to him to give us patience, strength and the ability to endure. Through this interfaith service we ask God for the healing of our world and to send peace upon all his children.”
Members of United Congregational Church shared “A Prayer for the World” and the Southworth Family shared a lovely acoustic song.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when the Temple Shalom Choir gathered over Zoom to sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
“How fortunate we are to live as friends and neighbors and how much we share in common,” said Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar from Temple Shalom. “Creativity teamwork and technology helped us to share this service again even in the most difficult of circumstances.”
