Different Faiths Are ‘United in Thanksgiving’ Public Expression of Unity on November 24

Members of the public, of all ages and beliefs, are welcome to attend

BREVARD COUNTY • INDIALANTIC, FLORIDA – More than ever, people are searching for a way back to civility, respect and compassion in a more peaceful world.

For all those who wish to reconnect, Interfaith United presents the 8th Annual United in Thanksgiving, an event that emphasizes unity by “Honoring Loss, Healing & the Power of Love.”

Members from 20 Brevard faith organizations and traditions will come together in an expression of unity and compassion on Monday, November 24, at 7 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 3050 North Highway A1A in Indialantic, 32903.

Members of the public, of all ages and beliefs, are welcome to attend.

The one-hour event will invite attendees to reflect on shared values and the desire for a deeper understanding of others, presented by diverse faith leaders.

Local youth representatives will express their perspectives through their own film on the universal human journey, affirming that despite different paths, we all love, hope, and heal in the same language. Live music will be provided by an interfaith choir, along with piano, string, wind and percussion instruments.

The program theme will shape the event, as faith leaders offer reflections honoring loss, healing, and the power of love. The event will conclude with all those in attendance singing, “Draw the Circle Wide,” followed by a free reception of light hors d’oeuvres and desserts from different traditions. All who attend are invited to donate a non-perishable food item for food-insecure families in Brevard.

Additional donations to support Interfaith United’s work may be made at InterfaithUnited.com or at the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about United in Thanksgiving, call 321-750-4462 or visit InterfaithUnited.com, which will also livestream the event.

United in Thanksgiving began modestly in 2017, sponsored by three faith communities: Advent Lutheran Church, the Islamic Society of Brevard, and Temple Israel of Brevard. The event grew significantly in its second and third years.

The 2025 United in Thanksgiving, presented by Interfaith United, will include participants from 20 Brevard faith organizations and traditions. This year, the event is “Honoring Loss, Healing & the Power of Love,” countering divisiveness with the ongoing practice of unity.

“We are living in a changing and divisive world, where many people are facing individual loss and collective loss in the form of hate speech and attacks on people of faith and places of worship,” said Barbara Vennman, President of Interfaith United.

“United in Thanksgiving is intended to help bring strength and hope and point a way forward toward understanding, peace, and unity. We want this year’s event to be a significant experience that helps build compassion for people who are hurting and whose lives are being impacted. When we reflect on our common humanity, we see that what we have in common is so much greater than our differences.”

Continuing, Ms. Vennman added, “We are deeply grateful to Rev. Scott Circe and the wonderful staff at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community for hosting United in Thanksgiving for a second time and for their generous support.”

The interfaith movement has been growing in America since the 1920s. It refers to cooperative, constructive, and positive interaction among people of different religious traditions or spiritual beliefs who come together to promote understanding and acceptance of others. Originally inclusive of only the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), interfaith groups now include numerous Eastern traditions as well as humanists and secularists.

Leadership in Interfaith United is provided by individuals from belief and faith traditions that include Baha’i, Buddhist, Interfaith, Islam, Judaism, Unitarian Universalist, Roman Catholic, Mormon, Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal, and other philosophical frameworks. Interfaith United also appreciates the continued support of VITAS Healthcare, a major sponsor for this annual event.

Interfaith United members, program speakers, and performers do not necessarily represent the views of individual parishes, congregations, or organizations.

In recent years, the largest public interfaith event on the Space Coast has been United in Thanksgiving, which brings together faith communities and hundreds of residents to appreciate diversity and cultural exchange.

Donations to support the work of Interfaith United may be made at InterfaithUnited.com, through PAYPAL @interfaithunited, or by mail to:
Interfaith United, 3318 Cappio Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS & FAITH COMMUNITIES (does not include all participating organizations)

Advent Lutheran Church
Baha’i Center of Brevard
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community
Humanist Community of the Space Coast
Kashi Ashram
New Shiloh Christian Center
People of Diversity Multi-Faith Community
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community
Suntree United Methodist Church
Temple Israel of Brevard
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Unitarian Universalist Church of Brevard
Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship
Unity of Melbourne
VITAS Healthcare
Volunteers of America – Florida
Individual Contributors

ABOUT INTERFAITH UNITED

Interfaith United is a nonprofit organization of 20 faith and community leaders of diverse faith traditions and practices throughout Brevard County, Florida. As people of faith, members recognize that what they have in common is much greater than their differences. Together, they work to build relationships, create a better understanding of different faiths and traditions, and promote unity as a combined force for service.

Leadership in Interfaith United is drawn from diverse beliefs and faith traditions. Interfaith United also appreciates the support of VITAS Healthcare, a major ongoing sponsor of the annual United in Thanksgiving event.

Interfaith United members do not necessarily represent the views of individual parishes, congregations, or organizations. With combined resources and synergy, Interfaith United seeks to expand outreach events and service initiatives. For more information, visit InterfaithUnited.com.

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