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Faiths unite for peace at Thanksgiving service

Photos: Interfaith church service

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Rabbi Janice Garfunkel of Temple Shalom presents a story of peacemaking Tuesday Nov. 24, during an interfaith service for Thanksgiving held at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Staff photo by Barbara J. Perenic

Jews, Muslims, Christians pray, sing together

By Kelly Mori, Staff Writer Updated 1:07 PM Wednesday, November 25, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — When Jeff Mohlman heard about an interfaith Thanksgiving service to be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, he knew it was something he wanted to be a part of.

“This is exactly what we need right now — a service about peace because there is so much injustice and fighting everywhere,” the youth leader for St. Raphael Catholic Church said. “Even in our own backyard ... especially in light of the beating death of the Fairborn High School student at Kent State.”

So on Tuesday Nov. 24, Mohlman and members of St. Raphael’s youth group joined the city’s Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities in giving thanks and pledging to promote the work of peace.

More than 200 people, representing nine local communities of faith, prayed and sang songs of peace, while individuals came to the front to present olive leaves and read peace quotes from historical and religious figures as well as children as young as 10.

Ramona Henry, board president of the Springfield Peace Center, gave an overview of the organization’s initiatives, including the annual peace camp open to area youth. She went on to thank attendees for their support as an offering was taken up for the organization.

Maxine Leventhal, a member of Temple Shalom, said she and her husband attend the service each year.

“We always think it’s a very good thing and our temple is always a part of it,” she said, adding that she thought the turnout was very good.

Mohlman agreed that the service was well worth attending.

“It’s just a different feeling having all these different faiths here represented,” Mohlman said. “Not just the Christian faiths, but all these faiths that gathered today in this same room to talk about one common goal ... peace on earth.

“I think it’s fantastic.“

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.

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Did I pick and choose? Yes, I chose the words of Jesus. You should ask yourself, "Do his words apply all the time? Or do they only apply sometimes?" Which is the truth, and which is falsehood.

May God bless all of you,

"The Messenger"
8:39 PM, 11/26/2009

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PERSIA??! ISN'T THAT WHAT IS NOW IRAN??!

oh brother!
7:42 PM, 11/26/2009

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"Baha'i " sorry for the typo

FYI
7:28 PM, 11/26/2009

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This is the practice of Bahi'i founded in Persia by Bahaullah which often quotes leaders of various faiths calling them "messengers" (including Christ) but by no means acknowledging Christ as part of the Holy Trinity. They believe they are an "evolved" religion.

FYI
7:25 PM, 11/26/2009

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THE COMMENTARY IS A PRETTY GOOD CASE IN POINT AS TO WHY NOT TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF EVENT HELD IN A SUPPOSEDLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH. EACH RELIGIOUS GROUP COULD HAVE THIS ON THE SAME DAY AT THEIR OWN PLACE OF WORSHIP SO IT DOES NOT CLASH WITH THE VERY MEANING OF HAVING 'A PARTICULAR PLACE OF WORSHIP'unless it's a food for the hungry (physical hunger) event, our spiritual needs are usually best addressed by our particular spiritual advisers unless you're studying WORLD RELIGIONS there at your church.

robert
7:05 PM, 11/26/2009

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