Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Taking Place Sunday Evening

For the first time in many years, Newtown will be holding an Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service. 

With the event being presented by members of the Newtown Clergy Association, there will be representation from many faiths for the special event to be presented at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street.

The service will begin at 7 pm on Sunday, November 20. The Reverend Kathleen E. Adams-Shepherd, pastor of Trinity Church, will deliver the service’s message.

Additional clergy planning to participate in the service include the Reverend Matthew Crebbin and Reverend Janice Touloukian, senior pastor and associate pastor, respectively, from Newtown Congregational Church; Reverend Mel Kawakami, senior pastor, Newtown United Methodist Church; Rabbi Shaul Praver, Rabbi, Congregation Adath Israel; Reverend James Solomon, pastor, New Hope Community Church; Pastor Jack Tanner, minister and elder of Newtown Christian Church; and Monsignor Robert Weiss, pastor, St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church.

John Woodall, a leader from Baha’i Faith of Newtown, will participate, as will the Reverend John A. Satula, assistant to the rector for youth ministries at Trinity, and the Reverend Leo McIlrath, an ecumenical chaplain at The Lutheran Home of Southbury.

Fiona Smith Sutherland, the minister of music for Trinity Church, is organizing the musical presentation for the service. Newtown Congregational Church Organist Philip Crevier will serve as organist. Participating musicians will also include soprano Kate Buesing and Sheila Doherty, on French horn. Both ladies are members of Trinity Church.

Organizers are asking that those who plan to attend bring with them a nonperishable food item for FAITH Food Pantry. In addition, a freewill offering will be collected for The Newtown Fund.

A brief reception will follow the service.

For additional information contact Newtown Congregational Church at 203-426-9024.

Choristers Still Welcome

Ms Smith Sutherland is looking for singers to make up The Newtown Interfaith Thanksgiving Choir for Sunday’s service.

Singers do not need to be part of any choir to participate; all that is needed is a love of singing. Anyone who was unable to attend the two rehearsals that have been held for the event are still welcome to join the final rehearsal planned for Sunday afternoon. Ms Smith Sutherland will be at the Trinity Church Choir Room between 1 and 3 pm.

For more information contact Ms Smith Sutherland at 203-426-9070, extension 11, or musicminister@trinitynewtownct.org.