The recently-revised interfaith organization “Community of Faith of San Joaquin County” invites the public to its 72nd Annual Interfaith Tea in Feb. 20.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, 2 at 1p.m., It is being hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of Stockton, 800 Brookside Road in Stockton.  

For more information, please contact Debra E. Spencer, debraespencer@yahoo.com, the President of the Community of Faith of San Joaquin County

The group has recently expanded to include both the men and women of their faith communities, and gives them all an opportunity to gather together.  The theme for this year is We Gather in Love & Peace.  

The group began with two neighbors who wanted to learn more about each other’s religion:  Annie from Disciples of Christ, a minister’s wife; and Evelyn from the Jewish Temple Israel Sisterhood. They made cookies, had their tea, and learned from each other. From that humble beginning, the group has blossomed into the present day “Community of Faith of San Joaquin County”.  

The following denominations are participating this year:  Buddhist Church of Stockton; Central United Methodist Church; Ebenezer AME Church; Little Flock Baptist Church; Muslim Women of the Central Valley; Saint Bernadette’s Catholic Church; Catholic Church of the Presentation. St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church; Sikhs of Tracy, Stockton, and Lodi; Temple Israel; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; The Salvation Army; and the Unitarian Universalist Church.

The guest speakers for this year’s program will be Elder Douglas Maxfield, an Area Seventy representative from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and Taj Khan, a representative from the Islamic Center of Lodi.  The topic is; God knows and loves each of us.

After the program, the group is invited to meet in the church cultural hall to enjoy sampling from the offerings of each faith group’s food tables, and to explore the different cultures.  This is cherished time that is enjoyed by all, and serves to deepen the respect and friendship felt between members of the various religions. This year’s Interfaith Tea will bring attendees together in unity and love, both for one another and for God. 

 All are welcome to join in this opportunity to gather as brothers and sisters of our great communities.