Newtown Meeting Hosts Interfaith Service of Unity, Peace & Gratitude
On a beautiful autumn afternoon, Newtown Monthly Meeting hosted an Interfaith Service attended by approximately 70 people from almost 20 different denominations, invited by the Newtown Yardley Ministerium. It was originally intended to be an Interfaith Service to Give Thanks, however after the horrific events of October 7th and the ensuing war in the Middle East, it morphed into ‘A Gathering in Unity, Peace and Gratitude.’
The presenters represented different religions and denominations of Christians, Muslims, Jewish and Baha’is. We are grateful that our own Nasser Otmani was there to represent his Muslim faith. His message was powerful in spirit and emotion.
We lit candles to signify the different religions that were present, we sang songs of peace and light and the audience had the opportunity to ring bells to music. People shared heartfelt acknowledgement of the suffering of so many people in the world with an emphasis on the two wars. Refreshments were served, which enhanced the opportunity to meet and greet one another to be strangers no more.
The desire and hope for peace were woven throughout the event, and we concluded with the video, “One Day” to inspire hope and the drive for peace.