A small gathering of a few dozen people in Farmville last Saturday may have taken steps toward increased unity and positive changes in our community.

The event I’m referencing was an interfaith dinner held outside of Kenny’s Healthy Living Emporium on South Main Street.

The outdoor dinner on a pleasant evening contained both good food and good conversation as different people got to connect with each other and learn about other religious faiths.

As someone new to the area, it allowed me to connect with people whom I have not met before, and learn more about what motivates them based on their faith and their involvement in the community.

Patsy Watson, who had organized the Saturday dinner and an interfaith dinner in February, said the goal of the meetings, part of the Farmville Area Ecumential Association, will be to hold a communitywide dinner in September at the Farmer’s Market location on North Street.

She hopes the dinner will bring more awareness about the Farmer’s Market and that increased demand for the market may lead to it expanding its hours.

Witnessing those in attendance embrace both their differences and a common goal was inspiring — an example that we as individuals and a nation could follow.

I was struck by a statement that Patricia Carter, who practices Islam, offered about the event’s attendees.

“We all have something positive to contribute to our communities,” she said.

Rather than being fearful or self-conscious of our differences, I wonder if we could use our diverse beliefs and abilities to continue supporting and building up the Farmville community we live in and love.

Emily Hollingsworth is a staff writer for The Farmville Herald. Her email address is Emily.Hollingsworth@FarmvilleHerald.com.