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Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration - A Cobb County Tradition Since 2005

November 16, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

A truly wonderful night!

Watch the 2023 Celebration Livestream HERE.
Timestamp / Link to that moment in the Celebration
33:00   Same Boat
37:15   Choir's first song
48:40   Islamic Call to Prayer by Hassan Faye, Roswell Community Masjid
52:20   1st Reflection by Rev Kristin Lee, East Cobb United Methodist Church and Mechel McKinley Hoffman, Community Activist
1:00:00   2nd Reflection   by Rev Dr Valerie Alexander, First Christian Church: Disciples of Christ and Bishop Rafael Van Dyke, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1:14:10   Youth Message
1:19:22   3rd Reflection by Rabbi Alexandra Shuval-Weiner, Temple Beth Tikvah and Nabile Safdar, Roswell Community Masjid and the Islamic Speakers Bureau
1:31:35   4th Reflection by Rev Sarah Fisher, St. Catherine's Episcopal Church and Minister Daniel James, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
2:06:00   Choir's finale

Did you hear the one about the rabbi, the priest and the imam?

You’re invited to an inspiring and uplifting community Thanksgiving celebration of music and reflection, with a healthy dose of humor. This annual celebration brings together clergy, lay leaders and choirs from more than a dozen different religious beliefs to recognize what they have in common and celebrate our uniqueness.
While we could tell you how positive it is, we create a Wall of Words, a giant poster, that people express their feelings, such as:

My favorite part of the year. It’s always fun and inspirational.
When people of faith work together, anything is possible!
The best evening I’ve had in a long time. Soooo inspirational and loving thoughts.
I’ve sung “Let There Be Peace on Earth” since I was a child but it never had the meaning for me as it did tonight! Let it begin with me!
Thank you for this beautiful gathering of people. Assalamu alaikum!
Cobb Co. is blessed with many paths…One God!

The History of the Ecumenical Celebration

The first celebration was held in 2005 when Temple Kol Emeth's Rabbi Lebow, The Catholic Church of the Transfiguration's Monsignor Patrick Bishop and the Islamic Center of Marietta's Iman Amjad Taufique responded to localized religious strife. The interest and support has grown each year, replacing strife with awareness, friendship and trust. Cobb County awarded Temple Kol Emeth and many participating congregations with the 2010 Creating Community Award.

Every year we "pass the hat" to help those less fortunate.

2020 beneficiaries