It was the 1970s and across the country an ecumenical movement was springing up among various Christian denominations.

Now, 23 years later that effort continues in east Bellevue among four churches and a Jewish temple. Today, as they have for years, the congregations will come together to renew a covenant among them to, as Covenant Committee member Gary Makowski says, “work cooperatively when we can and help build understanding and trust with each other.”

Tonight, on Thanksgiving Eve, congregations from St. Louise (Roman Catholic), Cross of Christ (Lutheran), Temple B’nai Torah (Reform Jewish), Church of the Resurrection (Episcopal) and Church of the Holy Apostles (Chinese Episcopal) will host an interfaith community prayer service at 7:30 p.m. The event will be hosted at the Temple B’nai Torah, across the street from the Cross of Christ at the intersection of Northeast Fourth Street and 147th Avenue Northeast.

The covenant was begun by St. Louise, Cross of Christ, and Church of the Resurrection. It has been a focal point of the relationship among the congregations, helping foster interfaith unity among the now five groups.

The congregations cooperate in social work, such as helping host Tent City 4 in the past (a homeless encampment currently residing at Bellevue’s First United Methodist Church), and aid each other in events that the other congregations might be hosting by lending parking space and volunteers.

Representatives from each congregation will present a short reflection during the service. Performances will be made by combined choirs from the various congregations as well as members of the St. Louise Hispanic Choir and the Church of the Holy Apostle’s Chinese Drum Choir. In addition to songs from the choirs, scripture will be read by members of the different congregations. The entire service is expected to last until around 9 p.m. with many of the formal activities done by 8:30.

Also during the service, a collection will be made. In past years the recipient of the money raised has been Hopelink, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the homeless, low-income families, and those with disabilities.

This year, the money will go towards purchasing equipment and materials for Hearts and Hammers, an annual one-day event during which participants repair various home which have been pre-selected by Hopelink as homes whose homeowners are physically or financially unable to maintain the homes. Members from each of the congregations plan on participating in this event to benefit the community.

All are welcome to drop by and join the service. Although religion is clearly an important part of this community prayer service, the service’s purpose supersedes a single faith or belief. Instead, Makowski said, “This is a community celebration of our thanks as Americans.”

As for the choice of Thanksgiving Eve instead of Thanksgiving, Makowski remarked, “It helps allow people to come in the calm before the storm of Thanksgiving activities.”

Changlin Li is a student at Interlake High School and an intern with the Bellevue Reporter. He can be reached at 425-453-4270, ext. 5060.