Ralf Thiede and Janet Ayers talk during the dinner portion of the celebration at McGill Baptist Church with the Jewish congregation Havurat Olam.

Barbara Thiede greets the crowd before a song.

By Jennifer Pearson

jpearson@inpendenttribune.com

In a world where people are separated by religious beliefs, two Concord congregations have come together to unite for the holidays.

On Dec. 19, McGill Baptist Church hosted its second Christmas and Hanukkah celebration. McGill Baptist and Concord Jewish congregation Havurat Olam came together to celebrate the season in their traditional ways.

"There are lots and lots of groups out there who are more prone to sending a message of exclusiveness and division than there are people, in whatever religious world, sending out messages of hope and tolerance, affection, caring and respect," said Dr. Barbara Thiede, rabbinic intern of Havurat Olam. "And every time we do this, it gives me a personal hope that when we send that message, others can join in and follow that example because every day I wake up, like everybody else on this planet, and I see all the examples of distrust and exclusiveness and people pushing other people away. I truly believe God doesn't need a translator. So God will hear all of our prayers, whether they are said in Jesus' name or whether there said in the name of Adonai. That's why this is important; we meet each other on the same ground and that same ground is our own love of God from whatever tradition we are coming from."

The evening started with a buffet consisting of traditional Christmas and Jewish foods. The Christmas foods included turkey, green beans, sweet potato casserole and pound cake. The Jewish foods included three different kinds of potato pancakes, or latkas, served along with carrot cake. Guests from both churches sat together and enjoyed fellowship and food.

McGill Baptist's Christmas celebration included a hand bell choir, which played traditional Christmas favorites. There were also two young flutists who played traditional Christmas carols. The church also turned down the lights for a harmony duet of "Silent Night."

Pastor Steve Ayers of McGill Baptist Church announced that each congregation would read a story that celebrated their traditions. He read a story about a poverty-stricken family and how one Christmas changed their lives and renewed their faith.

When it was time for the Jewish congregation's entertainment, a small band took the stage led by Dr. Barbara Thiede. The band consisted of two guitarists, a bassist, a djembe, and an accordion. They played many traditional songs, like "Sivivon, sov, sov; sov" and "I Have a Little Dreidel." The band was accompanied by a group of children who sang and danced to the songs. Thiede read a story that was called "Twas the Night Before Hanukkahg."

The evening ended when everyone joined hands, formed a circle, and danced the Hora.'

"This is important because it gives both congregations the chance to model to the greater community how we can respect each other, love each other, and share with each other, and especially in this season of light. That light will pass away the darkness of superstitions, the darkness or prejudice, and the darkness of fear. When we see each other on a night like tonight, just gotta feel right and good," said Pastor Steve Ayers.

• Contact Jennifer Pearson at 704-382-3155