PORT TOWNSEND — At the close of Sunday’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, people were asked to say what they were thankful for, and among the thanks offered for friends, family, farmers and religious freedom, one voice said, “A warm welcome to Port Townsend.”
The voice belonged to Randy Rosens, who with spouse Linda Rosens, arrived in Port Townsend four weeks ago.
They came to visit a friend, Rosens said, but after the welcome they received, decided to extend their visit — until next May.
“Even before we hooked up with Sarah, we started meeting people and making connections,” Rosens said, referring to Sarah Rohr.
Making connections was the idea behind the community Thanksgiving service, held Sunday at the Northwest Maritime Center. Sponsored by Interfaith in Action, it focused on a theme of gratitude and the reciprocal nature of living together in community.
“As a community, we are each of us givers and receivers, blessers and the blessed,” said the Rev. Elizabeth Bloch of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, one of the organizers.
The main meeting room at the center, with its windows overlooking Port Townsend Bay, was the perfect place to gather.
As dusk fell over the water, jazz singer Robin Bessier performed “The Universe is Calling,” complete with scat singing echoing the notes of the bass played by John MacElwee.
The children of the Bet Shira Jewish Community clapped and stomped on the floor to the rhythm of “Peace will yet come upon us,” going out into the audience to shake hands and greet people during the chorus, “Salaam, Salaam.”
St. Paul’s Children’s Choir sang a song emphasizing how in everything we do — walking, sleeping, rising, laughing —we are one.
The children also passed out packets of dried corn, then Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith related the tradition of the five kernels — that their first winter in America, the Pilgrims’ supply of food were so meager that each person only got five kernels of corn at dinner.
With the help of the local tribe, they planted corn in the spring, and at the feast celebrating the harvest in next fall, placed five kernels of corn on the table to remind them of their blessings.
Then Douglas-Smith led a blessing for Thanksgiving Day: “May your hearth be gladdened by the laughter of children, by the kinship of clan, by the wisdom of elders, by the memory of souls passing, by the joy of souls yet to be born.”
Among the other highlights was Aimee Kelly and Aimee Ringle, two-thirds of the trio “Songweavers,” weaving their voices in Peter Mercer’s Appalachian-style folk song, “Coming Home,” to Ringle’s accompaniment on guitar.
Everyone spontaneously sang “Amazing Grace” played by Mason Stanculescu on cello, Teren MacLeod on violin and pianist Nan Toby Tyrrell.
Kevin Clark and MacLeod, who had earlier led a Medicine Wheel prayer, stepped forward and hand-drumming for the passing of the yarn.
“Everything sounds better with drumming,” said Lady Liguana, who explained the symbolism and led the weaving chant as the yarn traveled up and down the rows until everyone was connected to the strand.
Laura Martin, who rides her bicycle everywhere, closed the service by leading an a capella singing of the Shaker song, “Simple Gifts,” the words of the chorus: “to turn, turn will be our delight, Til by turning, turning, we come ‘round right” echoing off the floorboards.
Turning in a different direction is what Randy and Linda Rosens have done.
Guided by the Aborigines advice to “know more, need less,” they sold their home in Austin, Texas, and bought a recreational vehicle, which freed them to follow a new path.
Since arriving in Port Townsend last month, they have been volunteering at the Gathering Place and Skookum, nonprofit organizations that provide enrichment activities and employment for people with disabilities.
Rosens said they decided to make Port Townsend their home for the winter because of the warmth and sense of community they felt from day one.
“I’m a full-time volunteer,” Rosens said. “I’m all about being a part of the community.”
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Jennifer Jackson is a freelance writer and photographer living in Port Townsend. To contact her, email jjackson@olypen.com.
