...[T]he evening’s most memorable moment came when four young members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Oshkosh recited some couplets in Urdu. All those in attendance were moved by the faith and poise these girls demonstrated.
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| Children of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community sings on stage at the Grand Opera House for an Interfaith Festival of Gratitude Wednesday, November 27, 2013. [Purchase Image] - via The Northwestern |
Source/Credit: The Northwestern
By Tom Willadsen | December 5, 2013
How good and pleasant it is when sisters and brothers dwell together in unity! So begins Psalm 133, and so began this year’s Interfaith Festival of Gratitude. This was the fourth year that the festival was held at the Grand Opera House. More than 200 people left their kitchen preparations on a chilly evening to learn about some of the religious traditions that call Oshkosh home. Once again more than ten faith communities took the stage. Each one had a literal moment in the spotlight when they could share who they are, what makes them distinct and how they understand gratitude.
I am very thankful to the many, many people who helped make this event a success again this year. The staff at the Grand, especially the lighting and sound folks, did an outstanding job. There were about a half dozen volunteer ushers who made sure everyone got to a seat safely. Joanne Peterson played the piano as those gathered sang, “This is My Song,” and the traditional grand finale, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” I am very grateful to my colleague from First Congregational Church, Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder, who provided some background for each song, and helped lead the singing (not my gift).
Three members of the Eckankar faith shared part of their faith journey. A chorus from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints filled the stage with people of all ages, and filled the auditorium with beautiful music. Father Jim Jugenheimer, pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, offered an original prayer of thanksgiving, which was very moving. Two members of the local Baha’i community described their faith and shared one of their foundational documents that is more than 100 years old.
Pastors Barry Yarbro and Mike Bober led a litany of thanksgiving. From Congregation B’Nai Israel, Ken Friedman shared thoughts on gratitude, while Barbara Kuhn summarized Judaism in five sentences. Pastor Jennifer Czarnota, from the Lutheran tradition explained the new effort in Oshkosh to coordinate agencies who serve needy people to help them achieve self-sufficiency. Jen’s presentation helped raised more than $400 for “The Hub.”
Perhaps the evening’s most memorable moment came when four young members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Oshkosh recited some couplets in Urdu. All those in attendance were moved by the faith and poise these girls demonstrated.
Thank you, again, citizens of Oshkosh, for participating in the year’s Interfaith Festival of Gratitude.
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Northwestern Community Columnist the Rev. Thomas C. Willadsen is pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh. He has lived in Oshkosh since 1999. Email columnists@thenorthwestern.com.
Read original post here: Festival of gratitude celebrated Oshkosh's religious traditions
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