A community potluck dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in Old Chapel is open to Union international students, athletes and other students who have remained on campu
Two celebrations planned around the Thanksgiving holiday will unite the campus community with area religious groups.
On Sunday, Nov. 18, a multifaith service will be celebrated at 3 p.m. in Memorial Chapel. The service combines reflection and tradition from the Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jewish and Hindu congregations from Schenectady County. It is free and open to the public.
“This is a first attempt at what we hope will become a long-standing tradition in Schenectady,” said Viki Brooks-McDonald, campus protestant minister and interfaith chaplain. “Thanksgiving is an American tradition, but these religions are also a part of our landscape. This will be more than just an ecumenical, vanilla-flavored service.”
Area religious leaders will share the meaning of giving thanks from the perspective of their faith. The event is sponsored by the Religious Programs Office and Multifaith Council of Union College, the Schenectady Inner-City Ministry and the Interfaith Community of Schenectady.
Monetary donations will be accepted to benefit food programs in Africa and the food pantry operated by the Schenectady Inner-City Ministry.
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, a community potluck dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Old Chapel. International students at Union, athletes and other students who remain on campus during the semester break are invited to enjoy food and conversation with members of area congregations.
The dinner is sponsored by the Campus Protestant Ministry and area Protestant congregations. Dining Services will provide a turkey. Members of the community are encouraged to bring potluck side dishes and desserts. Each dish should include a note card listing the ingredients, and contributors are asked to consider vegetarian options and avoid pork products.
For more information on the multifaith service or potluck dinner, contact Brooks-McDonald at (518) 388-6618 or at brooksmv@union.edu.