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Thanksgiving at St. Mark’s
November 22, 2018 @ 9:00 am PST
The public is invited to attend a special service in celebration of Thanksgiving this year at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church located at 2901 Nojoqui Avenue at the corner of Alamo Pintado Avenue in downtown Los Olivos. On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., at St. Mark’s, The Rev. Dr. Randall Day will be leading a special service featuring selected readings and harvest hymns focusing on an opportunity to express gratitude to God for all God’s gifts. The service typically lasts less than an hour. After the service, those who wish are invited to gather for a complimentary reception in Stacy Hall to share fellowship and light refreshments.
The annual Thanksgiving national holiday in the USA is believed to be modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth, Massachusetts and the neighboring Wampanoag Indians; and is particularly rich in legend and symbolism for those of all and any faiths.Day remarked, “The holiday commonly associated with Pilgrims and Native Americans has come to symbolize intercultural peace, opportunities for newcomers and the sanctity of home and family. We are happy to welcome all members of the community as well as area visitors to join us in celebrating all of our blessings this Thanksgiving Day.”
Additionally, Day noted the annual Santa Ynez Valley Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., is being held at Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road in Solvang. This year the service is hosted by the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community. Bethania Lutheran Church and St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley are the other two regular hosts. Other SYV churches and faith groups typically participate in the annual service. According to Day, “Once again, we will join together in offering gratitude from various religious traditions, affirming unity as neighbors in this area as well as citizens of a larger world. All ages and faiths are welcome to attend.”
About St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church: Formed in 1926 and serving the Santa Ynez Valley at its present location in downtown Los Olivos since 1979, St. Mark’s practices a spacious Christianity and welcomes people of all faiths or none. St. Mark’s is a no-fee community center for non-profit groups and community meetings, an arts venue for musical and cultural events, a welcome center for residents and area visitors, and a home to an Episcopal parish. St. Mark’s is also grateful to be home to the area’s Jewish community and its top-flight, non-sectarian professional preschool. Open doors, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, a shady courtyard, gardens, a labyrinth and water for pets are available for visitors and area residents all day, every day at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley. For more information, visit www.SMITV.org