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- Annual Inter-Faith Service at the Historic Seaman’s Bethel Planned for New Year’s Eve
Annual Inter-Faith Service at the Historic Seaman’s Bethel Planned for New Year’s Eve
- By New Bedford Mayor's Office
- Published 12/29/2009
- Announcements & Press Releases
New Bedford, Massachusetts - The Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford and Mayor Scott W. Lang invite the community to attend the 10th Annual Community Interfaith Worship Service. It will be held on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2009 at 5 PM at the Seamen’s Bethel, located on 15 Johnny Cake Hill in downtown New Bedford.
This year’s theme is “A Prayer to God, the Source of Hope, to Fill each Citizen with Joy and Peace in 2010.” Speakers include Carl Alves Executive Director of PAACA, Rabbi Raphael Kanter of Tifereth Israel Congregation, and Rev. Paul Wheeler of Trinity Lutheran of Fairhaven. Mayor Scott Lang will bring greetings from the City of New Bedford. Ms. Beverly Cardin of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church will accompany on organ as Mr. George Bailey will lead us in the singing of several beautiful hymns. We are also pleased to have joining us again, Ms. Nicole Rodrigues of His Mercy International Ministries. Rev. David A. Lima, Executive Minister of the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford will be the worship leader.
“It’s been a year of contradictions that comes to an end this Friday evening at midnight, there’s great hope and also a sense of urgency which we can face better together,” said Rev. Lima. “There’s been great struggle with the economy with so many in need of assistance that many of us have not seen at these levels in our lifetime. There are still so many of our young men and women in harm’s way around the world with greater numbers going to help their brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters. At the same time there was a coming together of the faith community to work together on so many levels, to make a difference in our community.”
“As we turn the page on 2009 and look forward to 2010 we do so with expectant hearts. It’s a wonderful community tradition where we begin our observance of the New Year with a time of reflection and inspiration,” continued Rev. Lima. “This is a celebration of hope and thanksgiving, a wonderful opportunity to ask for God’s guidance and blessing through music, singing and prayer. This year with all the challenges in our nation and the world, seeking God is essential for all of us. Come and join us amid the soft lights and Christmas decorations of the historic Seaman’s Bethel for an experience that will lift your spirits and feed your soul.”
Area pastors and clergy are invited to join together in sharing a blessing for our community, which takes place towards the end of the service.
"This is an opportunity for the community to join together in a non-denominational celebration of our city and our spirit. I encourage those who've attended in the past, and those who may be considering joining us for the first time, to participate," said Mayor Scott Lang.
For a full list of City Celebrates New Year’s Eve events visit the AHA! website at http://www.ahanewbedford.org/ or call (508) 996-8253 x 205.
This year’s theme is “A Prayer to God, the Source of Hope, to Fill each Citizen with Joy and Peace in 2010.” Speakers include Carl Alves Executive Director of PAACA, Rabbi Raphael Kanter of Tifereth Israel Congregation, and Rev. Paul Wheeler of Trinity Lutheran of Fairhaven. Mayor Scott Lang will bring greetings from the City of New Bedford. Ms. Beverly Cardin of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church will accompany on organ as Mr. George Bailey will lead us in the singing of several beautiful hymns. We are also pleased to have joining us again, Ms. Nicole Rodrigues of His Mercy International Ministries. Rev. David A. Lima, Executive Minister of the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford will be the worship leader.
“It’s been a year of contradictions that comes to an end this Friday evening at midnight, there’s great hope and also a sense of urgency which we can face better together,” said Rev. Lima. “There’s been great struggle with the economy with so many in need of assistance that many of us have not seen at these levels in our lifetime. There are still so many of our young men and women in harm’s way around the world with greater numbers going to help their brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters. At the same time there was a coming together of the faith community to work together on so many levels, to make a difference in our community.”
“As we turn the page on 2009 and look forward to 2010 we do so with expectant hearts. It’s a wonderful community tradition where we begin our observance of the New Year with a time of reflection and inspiration,” continued Rev. Lima. “This is a celebration of hope and thanksgiving, a wonderful opportunity to ask for God’s guidance and blessing through music, singing and prayer. This year with all the challenges in our nation and the world, seeking God is essential for all of us. Come and join us amid the soft lights and Christmas decorations of the historic Seaman’s Bethel for an experience that will lift your spirits and feed your soul.”
Area pastors and clergy are invited to join together in sharing a blessing for our community, which takes place towards the end of the service.
"This is an opportunity for the community to join together in a non-denominational celebration of our city and our spirit. I encourage those who've attended in the past, and those who may be considering joining us for the first time, to participate," said Mayor Scott Lang.
For a full list of City Celebrates New Year’s Eve events visit the AHA! website at http://www.ahanewbedford.org/ or call (508) 996-8253 x 205.
