Pasadena Church to Tackle Political Division at Thanksgiving Eve Service

All Saints Church Pasadena is leveraging its annual Thanksgiving Eve service as a platform for healing political divisions, offering a timely response to national tensions through shared gratitude.

The November 27 service at the historic Episcopal congregation will combine religious and civic traditions with meditation, music, sacred texts, contemporary readings, and communion, designed as a practical step toward bridging political divides.

“In this moment of polarization and division in our nation, calling people together around the common theme of gratitude not only offers food for the soul but a first step for healing relationships challenged by differences that threaten to divide,” says Rev. Canon Susan Russell, Canon for Engagement and Assisting Priest at All Saints Church.

“God, this Thanksgiving, we do not give thanks. We choose it. And we will make thanks, with strong hands and courageous hearts,” adds author Diana Butler Bass, whose words will be featured in the service.

The 7:30 p.m. service will feature meditation by Rev. Russell, musical performances by the Coventry Choir Quartet performing Friedell under Grace Chung’s direction, and Holy Communion. The format is designed to be accessible for both regular congregants and first-time visitors, reflecting the church’s current membership of 3,500 with an average attendance of 429 (2023).

Drawing parallels with American history, Rev. Russell notes Thanksgiving’s role in fostering national unity, from George Washington’s 1789 proclamation following the Constitution’s ratification to Abraham Lincoln’s establishment of the federal holiday during the Civil War.

“Seeing diversity as a blessing rather than as a threat is a core message of both our national Thanksgiving story and our Episcopal faith tradition,” Russell explains. The service will center around “the great thanksgiving” prayer, incorporating both sacred texts and contemporary readings.

The historic Gothic Revival church, constructed in 1923 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features stone from Bouquet Canyon and Vermont slate roofing. Known for its liberal stance and active involvement in social justice issues since its 1882 founding, All Saints continues its tradition of social engagement. The facility is wheelchair accessible with parking available.

“Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith you are welcome at the All Saints table,” says Russell, reflecting the church’s commitment to community building during politically challenging times.

For more information, visit the church’s website at https://allsaints-pas.org/.