Community members are invited to the Santa Ynez Valley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community, Bethania Lutheran Church, and St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley, including representatives of Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and other faith communities.

The gathering at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos, will offer thanks from various religious traditions, affirming the community’s unity as grateful neighbors.

“We gather together with our neighbors and friends of all faiths, or of none, to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy in our diverse community. We invite you to join us,” said Rev. Randall Day of St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley.

“Join us as we express gratitude for our community, our interfaith friendships and for the ability to do the work we are blessed to do together, work that makes the world a better place,” said Rabbi Debi Lewis.

A reception in Stacy Hall will follow the service with savory and sweet refreshments from Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Café, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

“In a time of such polarization and struggle in our society, coming together from different backgrounds in gratitude for what we have and what we commit to work towards can be such a meaningful and powerful experience,” said Pastor Chris Brown, Bethania Lutheran Church.

Participants are asked to be vaccinated and to wear a mask while indoors; also, dress warmly as doors and windows will be open for safety, providing plenty of fresh air.

Additionally, all are invited to gather at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley for a simple service at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26. Family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and strangers are invited to begin the celebration of this national holiday and a feast day in the Episcopal Church.

Participatns will come together to for the short service to sing traditional harvest hymns and offer thanks. Simple refreshments will be served in the Common Room after the service/

“Thanksgiving is about gathering together and giving thanks. This service is a special opportunity to observe the heart of the Thanksgiving holiday,” Rev. Day saud.

Direct questions to the St. Mark’s office, 805-688-4454 or visit www.smitv.org.

St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church was formed in 1926 and has served the Santa Ynez Valley at its present location since 1979. For more information, visit www.SMITV.org.