Last Friday, March 7th, 2026, we shared a beautiful and meaningful evening of fellowship, learning, and hospitality as we welcomed our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith for our Interfaith Iftar Dinner.
We learned together, reflected together, prayed together, and of course, enjoyed a delicious meal in fellowship.
In a time when so many voices in the world seem to invite us to distrust, reject, or even harm one another because of our differences, we made a different choice. We chose to resist that message. Instead of turning against one another, we chose to sit at the same table. Instead of hostility, we chose hospitality. Instead of hurting one another, we chose to break bread together and share the table.
It was wonderful to see the beautiful representation of churches and organizations present that evening, including St. Mark Lutheran Church, St. Mark UMC, Grace Crosswicks AME Church, Pearson Memorial UMC, St. Raphael & Holy Angels, Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County, and of course our own communities of Groveville UMC and Crosswicks UMC.
We are also deeply grateful to our friends from Peace Islands Institute and the Central Jersey Community Center for sponsoring the evening and providing the wonderful meal we shared together. Everything was delicious!
Throughout the evening we learned more about Ramadan, the meaning of Iftar, and about the many ways the Muslim community expresses love for their neighbors through service and social outreach. Around the tables we experienced meaningful conversations among people of different faiths, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, discovering once again how much we can learn from one another.
The evening was made even more special by a beautiful Turkish music performance, and by the spirit of joy and openness that filled the room.
As a gift, we also received a beautiful hand-painted artisan plate, a touching reminder of this memorable evening.
We give thanks to everyone who attended, to the pastors who shared words during the evening, to those who offered presentations, and to our Muslim friends who traveled from near and far to be with us.
And a special thank you to the wonderful volunteers from Groveville UMC, who prepared the space with so much care, love, and creativity.
It was truly a night to remember.
Warmly,
Rev. David Gaitan
