Longboat Key congregations celebrate Thanksgiving

Members from the six local congregations gathered Nov. 21 for the 37th annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service.

  • By Katie Johns
  • | 9:56 p.m. November 21, 2017
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

The Rev. Bill Friederich understands that in a time such as now, fear and anger have taken a stronghold in society.

He told the 450 people at the 37th Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service that with economic instability and terrorism threats, among other hardships throughout the world, now was the time to make gratitude a lifelong commitment.

He called on the present congregants to make the gratitude celebrated on Thanksgiving more of a passion than a day-long celebration.

“Thanksgiving is not just a holiday,” he said. “It can be a way of life if we chose, but there is one obstacle, and that obstacle is us.”

This gratitude began with congregants donating money to this year’s offering, which will be going to Church World Service for hurricane relief.

Friederich, along with seven other clergy members, led the annual interfaith service on Nov. 21 at Christ Church of Longboat Key. The service concluded with refreshments and mingling in Christ Church’s fellowship hall.

The Rev. Eric Scanlan, Monsignor Gerry Finegan, the Rev. David Danner, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman, the Rev. Norm Pritchard, MiMi Horwitz, the Rev. Bill Friederich and the Rev. Kenneth Blyth
The Rev. Eric Scanlan, Monsignor Gerry Finegan, the Rev. David Danner, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman, the Rev. Norm Pritchard, MiMi Horwitz, the Rev. Bill Friederich and the Rev. Kenneth Blyth
The Rev. Norm Pritchard welcomes congregants to the 37th annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service.
The Rev. Norm Pritchard welcomes congregants to the 37th annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service.
The interfaith choir sang throughout the interfaith service.
The interfaith choir sang throughout the interfaith service.
Judy Marsh and Vivian Chester
Judy Marsh and Vivian Chester
Bob VanIten, Marie Watts and Bill Beckmeyer
Bob VanIten, Marie Watts and Bill Beckmeyer
An interfaith choir with members from different congregations and the clergy members lead the service.
An interfaith choir with members from different congregations and the clergy members lead the service.
Monsignor Gerry Finegan of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church reads the scripture during the interfaith service.
Monsignor Gerry Finegan of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church reads the scripture during the interfaith service.
Anne Kelley and Esther Cook
Anne Kelley and Esther Cook
Liz Yerkes and Terry and Nancy Hart
Liz Yerkes and Terry and Nancy Hart
Ruth Meyes and Harold and Sherrie Erisman
Ruth Meyes and Harold and Sherrie Erisman
The Rev. Kenneth Blyth, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman and the Rev. Norm Pritchard sing the benediction song.
The Rev. Kenneth Blyth, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman and the Rev. Norm Pritchard sing the benediction song.
Alexa Masano with grandparents Tom and Sue Reese
Alexa Masano with grandparents Tom and Sue Reese
The Rev. Bill Friederich of Longboat Island Chapel gave this year’s message.
The Rev. Bill Friederich of Longboat Island Chapel gave this year’s message.
Tom Vitro and Alma Cockerham
Tom Vitro and Alma Cockerham
Connie Hilwig and Patty Buck
Connie Hilwig and Patty Buck
Mary Ellen Taggart and Lorena Hayes
Mary Ellen Taggart and Lorena Hayes
Kit Torchia and Niki Muller
Kit Torchia and Niki Muller
Ada Levy, Josie Rivera and Gloria Long
Ada Levy, Josie Rivera and Gloria Long
Marlene Mather, Pat Henry and Midge Pescatello
Marlene Mather, Pat Henry and Midge Pescatello

 

Latest News

From left to right: Chris Vito, Penny Sellers, Dave Boone and Cathy Boone play a game of pickleball at the multipurpose Bayfront Park courts in Longboat Key Friday, Sept. 19.
  • February 9, 2026
New impact fee may replace land acquisition fees
Valor Commons in Manatee County is designed to include a resource center, memorials, walking trails and public event spaces.
  • February 9, 2026
Federal cash streams in for Manatee, Sarasota projects
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
  • February 8, 2026
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content