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Congregations gather in harmony for Interfaith Service

Sixteen congregations from varying faiths and denominations joined in fellowship at First Presbyterian Church Sunday night.


  • By Amanda Morales
  • | 12:11 a.m. November 23, 2015
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Voices raised in song echoed throughout First Presbyterian Church Sunday evening for the Interfaith Service featuring 16 congregations. 

Congregations from different denominations were present to give thanks. The Rev. Glen Hall of First Presbyterian Church was appreciative to all of the faiths represented at the service and considers the service as a chance to build unity throughout the community. 

"In a time with fear where there is such misunderstanding this a great opportunity to gather with our friends and we're building momentum," Bell said. 

Among the contributors to the service was the congregation from Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton. Yusuf Memon led a call to prayer in Arabic and then translated it into English. The opportunity to 

"This means us coming together, praying to that one god that we all worship together as a community," Memon said. 

This year's service focused on music with performances by the individuals and groups including a choir that combined multiple congregations. Offerings for the service will be donated to All Faiths Food Bank. 

Regina Jenkins and Meadow Walker conclude the Interfaith Service on a high note with the Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Gospel Choir.
Regina Jenkins and Meadow Walker conclude the Interfaith Service on a high note with the Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Gospel Choir.
Emma Katz performs during the Interfaith Service Sunday evening at First Presbyterian Church.
Emma Katz performs during the Interfaith Service Sunday evening at First Presbyterian Church.
John Walker from Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Gospel Choir performs on the saxophone
John Walker from Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Gospel Choir performs on the saxophone
Rabbi Jonathan Katz gives the final blessing for the Interfaith Service at First Presbyterian Church.
Rabbi Jonathan Katz gives the final blessing for the Interfaith Service at First Presbyterian Church.
Yusuf Memon performs the call to prayer in Arabic before translating it to English.
Yusuf Memon performs the call to prayer in Arabic before translating it to English.
Hasaan Hares and Susan Garbette
Hasaan Hares and Susan Garbette
Guests were invited to mingle in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
Guests were invited to mingle in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
The theme for the Interfaith Service this year was music and included a multi-denomination choir.
The theme for the Interfaith Service this year was music and included a multi-denomination choir.
Guests filled in the pews for the Interfaith Service Sunday evening at First Presbyterian Church.
Guests filled in the pews for the Interfaith Service Sunday evening at First Presbyterian Church.
Rabbi Michael Werbow with his children Maya, Asher and Lev.
Rabbi Michael Werbow with his children Maya, Asher and Lev.
First Presbyterian Church Rev. Glen Bell with Yusuf Memon, John Walker and Rabbi Jonathan Katz each contributed to the Interfaith Service Sunday evening.
First Presbyterian Church Rev. Glen Bell with Yusuf Memon, John Walker and Rabbi Jonathan Katz each contributed to the Interfaith Service Sunday evening.
Veronica Schoenwolf and Chris Normann perform with choir that included multiple congregations.
Veronica Schoenwolf and Chris Normann perform with choir that included multiple congregations.

 

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