The Church of the Ascension, 12615 N. Fountain Hills Blvd., will host the community’s 11th annual interfaith Thanksgiving service at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18.

The event will be accompanied by a “Syrian Sweets” bake sale.

The event is sponsored by the Fountain Hills’ Interfaith Alliance, a coalition of local faith communities is “Respect.”

Joining in the celebration will be Jews, Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, Latter Day Saints, Buddhists, Baha’i, Religious Science, and practitioners of other faiths living in and around Fountain Hills.

The service will include music, a time for conversation and an opportunity to reflect on the important work of listening and understanding one another.

The offering will support the National Justice for our Neighbors (njfon.org), a United Methodist outreach that provides legal services for low-income immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

“It’s important to model what it looks like to come together as Americans of different faiths – not despite our differences but because our differences help us foster compassion and understanding,” said New Journey Lutheran pastor Adele Resmer.

Rev. David Felten, pastor at The Fountains United Methodist, commented that, “It’s not Ok to bully and disrespect those who are different than we are, especially in a country that is built on the ideals of equality and fair treatment of all.”

Azra Hussain, executive director of the Islamic Speaker’s Bureau of Arizona, said, “Especially in this day and age, it’s so important for Americans of all faiths to come together and share what we have to be thankful for.”

After the service, refreshments will be served during a time of fellowship and conversation.

For more information about the service call 480-837-7627.