Awestruck Thanksgiving

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Contributor: Ann Albano

Thanksgiving…it’s my favorite holiday!  I love fall colors, crave the wonderful foods of the season and for me, I find that I spend more quiet time contemplating the many God given blessings in my life.    A relatively new addition to my November traditions (when we are in town) is the Celebration of Gratitude, an event offered by the Interfaith Outreach of Carmel.

I have experienced so much generosity and gratitude at Good Shepherd, that I am inspired to share that with this interfaith group that does so much on behalf of the homeless. All funds raised through our Joining Hands Benefit shop go towards programs in Monterey County who work with the homeless.

This year’s interfaith Thanksgiving celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, November 20th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Carmel Mission. The genesis of this gathering began 10 years ago when a small group of local faith leaders wanted to provide the community with a Thanksgiving event which would bring folks together to honor our different religious/faith traditions while exploring a common and unifying theme of gratitude as inspired by Thanksgiving. I have experienced so much generosity and gratitude at Good Shepherd, that I, personally, am inspired to share that with this interfaith group that does so much on behalf of the homeless.

This year, as you sit in the warm glow of the evening in the historic Carmel Mission, you will have the opportunity to hear beautiful prayers and poems, Native American drumming, dancing, chanting and   witness other expressions of gratitude expressed within diverse faith traditions. Singing once again this year will be the Monterey Peninsula Gospel Community Choir whose voices fill the Mission to the rafters with God inspired music.

You are invited to come and bring family and friends!

While there is no cost, we will be collecting canned goods to offer to the Food Bank.

A dessert reception and a chance to visit will follow in the adjacent hall.

COGS Office