The theme of the 21st annual Interfaith Ministerial Association's Thanksgiving Eve Service at the Seaside Center for Spiritual Living was all about the importance of gratitude in the face of adversity.

"The recession may have taken away our firm foundation," said Rabbi David Frank of Temple Solel. "We may all have less this Thanksgiving, but we are bountiful."

"Blessing is the ability to know joy during difficult times," said the Rev. Laura Ziehl of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Attendee Rachel Fink Parks of La Costa said the theme was particularly appropriate for the new Seaside Center venue since it mirrors a New Thought concept.

"What we put our attention on expands," Parks said.

This year's service was held for the first time at the Seaside Center in Encinitas thanks to its recent renovation, and the main sanctuary was packed to overflowing with newcomers and old-timers looking to experience an interdenominational celebration.

The stage and first few rows of the audience were filled with a variety of religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, New Thought, Bahai, Self-Realization Fellowship and Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.

"It's wonderful having all these different faiths coming together in one place, " said Lynn Adams of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, who was attending the Thanksgiving Eve service for the first time.

Adams said that with everyone spread out, it is sometimes hard to recognize "that we are all more alike than different" and that a gathering in one place makes it easier.

Ten-year-old Rojin Momeni, a member of the Bahai Girls Choir, said she thought the service was "amazing" and that she was excited to get to learn about so many different religions.

The eight girls, ranging in age from 6 to 10, performed a call to worship wearing brightly colored beaded costumes from around the world. Their leader, Paris Rahmanian, said the girls are "very, very dedicated," arriving at church an hour early every week to practice. They have been singing together for two years as a service to the community, visiting shelters and spreading their faith's message of inclusion.

"Bahai is about all religions coming together," said 9-year-old Kimia Yadegari.

"And it doesn't matter if you are a boy or a girl, we are all the same," she said with a smile.

Encinitas Mayor Maggie Houlihan recited President Barack Obama's official Thanksgiving Proclamation and applauded the Interfaith Association for "working together to bring people of all faiths together for the betterment of the community."

One beneficiary is the Community Resource Center, which received the offerings from the evening.

"One of the focuses of the Interfaith Ministerial Association is the acceptance of all religions working toward a common goal ---- helping mankind," said Lauren Pause, director of the resource center.

Pause said she was happy that the center serves as a conduit for that.

"Together, they have more impact than one church at a time," Pause said.