Longboat Key residents and visitors of all faiths attended the 29th annual Longboat Key Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service to give thanks for their blessings. Host church for the Nov. 24 service was St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.

Welcoming attendees was the Rev. Gerry Finegan, of St. Mary’s, who expressed pleasure in so many joining together and sharing.

In his message, keynote speaker Rabbi Jonathan Katz said, “Thanksgiving is the one day we speak with one voice and with a common sense of gratitude. But it must be for more than one day.”

He urged that all take time every day to express thanks for their many blessings, including “living on this beautiful island.”

Other clergy taking part were the Rev. Dan Maiden, the Rev. Ken Gill and MiMi Hurwitz, of the Longboat Island Chapel; the Rev. Bruce Porter, of Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian; the Rev. Mark Bernthal, of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church; and the Rev. David Danner, of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church.

The interfaith choir was composed of members of all participating churches and their music directors.
The keynote speaker traditionally designates which organization will benefit from the service collection, and this year it was The Salvation Army.

After the service, the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Women’s Guild served refreshments. Jean Stapleton and Kimmy Hartigan served as chairwomen.

Contact Dora Walters at dwalters@yourobserver.com.
 

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