20th Annual Mayor’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Program Nov. 22

From press release

Rockford Interfaith Council presents the 20th Annual Mayor’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Program, with the theme “Coming Together… with Gratitude” at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 22, at Fisher Memorial Chapel, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. The program should last 90 minutes.

The program will feature a keynote address by former mayor John McNamara, vice-president of development at Rockford College. Mayor Larry Morrissey is on a trade mission to Italy. Representatives from major faith groups will share Thanksgiving prayers.

Special music will be provided by Womansong Chorale, directed by Roberta Flaherty, Rockford College’s Music Academy, and the Vietnamese Youth Dancers.

People are invited to bring canned goods for local food pantries. A free-will offering will be taken for Rockford Work Camps, which provides volunteer opportunities for nonprofit organizations, and can put large groups to work for up to a week. The Interfaith Work Camp held in October repaired and dry-walled a family’s house.

The event is free and open to the public.

Mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey said, “The City of Rockford is committed to identifying and partnering with faith-based organizations seeking to assist in our mission to provide assistance, guidance and support to the members of our community.”

The Rockford Interfaith Council co-sponsors the Thanksgiving Interfaith program with the Mayor’s Office. They host regular meetings and have representatives from every major faith and many denominations who pray and work for a tolerant community.