WASHOUGAL — To the unknowing observer, Wednesday evening’s service at St. Anne’s Episcopal church might have looked like any other at first glance. People speaking behind a pulpit. Heads bowed in prayer.
The Thanksgiving Eve service, though, didn’t just focus on Anglican traditions and sermons. People of many faiths gathered in the Washougal church for an interfaith service to give thanks and show unity at a time when the world seems divided.
“We have so much in common. We get really fearful with everything happening,” said the Rev. Jessie Smith, who heads St. Anne’s. “Hopefully, this is a counter to that fear.”
People showed up early to the church, filling the pews and then some, as folding chairs had to be set at the back of the room. Anybody who couldn’t get a seat crowded in the corners.
“We didn’t know how many people were coming because we’ve never done this before,” Smith said. “It’s so exciting to know there’s so much interest.”
Several faith groups shared songs, prayers and words of wisdom during the sermon. Those who attended said they appreciated the chance to make new connections, worship with unfamiliar faces and hear perspectives from other faith groups. It felt particularly timely, given all the news about the Islamic State group and Syrian refugees.
“We’re struggling to come to terms with a world that seems out of control and violent,” said Father Gary Lazzeroni of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Joseph Catholic churches.
Those who demonize certain groups can drown out the voices of tolerance. Coming together as one people of faith, though, creates a unity stronger than those divisive powers, Lazzeroni said.
“Violence and division, fear and despair will not dominate or control us,” he said.
Members of the Islamic Society of Southwest Washington read passages from the Quran that translated to being thankful to God at all times for all he’s created.
Ilyas Siddiqui, of the Islamic Society, said the service was a “bright light” among all the dark things that have happened lately around the world. The Islamic Society is part of an interfaith clergy that puts on an interfaith prayer breakfast in the spring.
“Having so many people come together for the same cause — it’s a wonderful event,” said Sam Robinson of the Chinook Canoe Family. He said he was honored to share songs from his heritage and has previously worked with St. Anne’s doing animal blessings.
At the close of the service, the church collected an offering that will go toward a future program allowing people living in their cars to park in church parking lots.
