Day Of Prayer To Be Held By Union County Interfaith Council

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Residents of all faiths are invited to the Day of Prayer on Thursday, which will feature of speakers and performers from a variety of religions.

The Day of Prayer on Oct. 27 is organized by Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council (UCICC) and Community Access Unlimited (CAU).

Now in its eighth year, the Day of Prayer brings people of different backgrounds together to "meet and build bonds for the betterment of the community," according to the Interfaith Council.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield. Free registration is available on Eventbrite.

This Day of Prayer is the first to be held at a Jewish temple and will feature a variety of speakers and performers from Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Sikh and Buddhist faiths.

“After having worked on several of the past Days of Prayer, this year feels special,” said organizer Rev. Carmine Pernini. “We'll have an artist doing live art during the service, it's our first time hosting the Day of Prayer in a temple, and we'll have musical offerings from more diverse traditions this year! I am really looking forward to sharing these blessings with the community on October 27th.”

Clergy of different faiths will begin the night with an interfaith procession.

Among the faith organizations involved are the Plainfield Center of Islamic Enlightenment, SBI-USA Buddhist Center and Trinity Temple Seventh Day Adventist Church. Artist Julie Marie Seibert will also create a live art piece inspired by the event.

“Temple Emanu-El is excited to be hosting this Day of Prayer for the first time and we hope that it will be an opportunity for the larger community to come together, to worship together and to learn from each other,” said Rabbi Victor Appell.

The goal of the event is to facilitate regular interfaith meetings and build relationships between religious groups.

Community Access Unlimited (CAU) is based in Union County and works statewide to assist people with developmental disabilities and youth at risk to integrate into the community through support services and support coordination. CAU services include housing, education, employment services, behavioral management, advocacy and more.

The event will also include light refreshments afterward for guests to enjoy.