Annual Interfaith Service at Grand River Unitarian Congregation

by Jay Moore

12 April, 2026

Grand River Unitarian Congregation held their fourth annual Interfaith service recently. When considering a topic to focus on, the prominent issues surrounding the active war in the Middle East were at the top of the list. We also considered who among us would have a helpful message about this current conflict. The Mennonite tradition has a long history of pacifism and working for peace in the world and our very own Brice Balmer is a respected spokesperson for not only Mennonites but also on behalf of all peace-loving

people.

We asked Brice to deliver a sermon during this service and we suggested this title: “Faith, War and Peace: How Can People of Faith Make the Most Difference?” You can see his sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhWhZ1NjTeQ

Susan Patterson of Grand River Unitarian and a member of the Interfaith Breakfast Committee led the welcome and opening rituals. Fauzia Wafai delivered a reading from the Quran in Arabic. Norm Finkelberg offered a reflective and humourous reading written by a Jew. Jay Moore sang an old anti-war folk song popularized by Pete Seeger. About a dozen people from local interfaith groups were in attendance. It was good to see a few folks joining us from the Interfaith Breakfast Planning Committee,

too. Coffee hour after the service provided a friendly opportunity for Grand River Unitarian people to get to meet and greet members of Interfaith Grand River once again.