Interfaith United to Host ‘United in Thanksgiving’ Nov. 25 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church

interfaith theme: Gathering as One Humanity

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – For all those who wish to reconnect, Interfaith United presents the 7th Annual United in Thanksgiving, an event emphasizing unity by “Gathering As One Humanity.”

Members from nearly 30 Brevard faith organizations and traditions will come together in an expression of unity and compassion on Monday, November 25, at 7 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 North Riverside Drive in Indialantic. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Believers and seekers of all faiths from the general public are welcome to attend.

The one-hour event will invite attendees to reflect on shared values and the desire for a deeper understanding of others, presented by diverse faith leaders and youth representatives.

Live music will be provided by an interfaith choir, along with piano, string, wind, and percussion instruments. In unison, 45 faith leaders of diverse faith traditions will pray for compassion, unity, and healing.

The event will conclude with all attendees singing, “Draw the Circle Wide.” A complimentary reception of light hors d’oeuvres and desserts will follow.

All who attend are invited to donate a non-perishable food item for families in Brevard. Additional donations to support the work of Interfaith United may be made at InterfaithUnited.com or at the event.

For more information about United in Thanksgiving, call 321-750-4462 or visit InterfaithUnited.com, which will also live stream the event.

During United in Thanksgiving, clergy and speakers representing African Methodist Episcopal, American Baptist, Bahai, Buddhist, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Islamic, Jewish (Conservative), Jewish (Reformed), Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist, and non-denominational faiths will share messages and prayers.

United in Thanksgiving began modestly in 2017, sponsored by three faith communities: Advent Lutheran Church, the Islamic Society of Brevard, and Temple Israel of Brevard. The event grew significantly in its second and third years. The 2024 United in Thanksgiving will include participants from nearly 30 Brevard faith organizations and traditions. This year, the event posits that, as a community, we can “Gather As One Humanity,” countering divisiveness with the ongoing practice of unity.

“More than ever before, we hope that all who attend United in Thanksgiving will be moved to reflect on our common humanity and see that all we share in common is far greater than our differences,” said Barbara Vennman, President of Interfaith United.

“Our closing song is called ‘Draw the Circle Wide.’ My hope is that everyone will be inspired to draw their own circles to be wide and inclusive. We are deeply grateful to Rev. Dr. Rob White and Rev. Darice Dawson for hosting this year’s event at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and for their generous support.”

The interfaith movement has been growing in America since the 1920s. It refers to cooperative, constructive, and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions or spiritual beliefs who come together to promote understanding and acceptance of others.

Originally inclusive of only the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), interfaith groups now include numerous Eastern traditions, humanists, and secularists.

Leadership in Interfaith United is provided by individuals from religions and faith traditions that include Baha’i, Buddhist, Interfaith,  Islam, Judaism, Unitarian Universalist, Roman Catholic, Mormon, Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal and other Christian denominations.

Interfaith United also appreciates VITAS Healthcare’s continued support. Interfaith United members, program speakers, and performers do not necessarily represent the views of individual parishes, congregations, or organizations.

In recent years, the largest public interfaith event on the Space Coast has been United in Thanksgiving, which brings together faith communities and hundreds of local residents to celebrate diversity and cultural sharing.

Donations to support the work of Interfaith United may be made at InterfaithUnited.com, through PAYPAL @interfaithunited, or by mail to Interfaith United, 3318 Cappio Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940

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