Thanksgiving, Gratitude Event Set Next Tuesday at Presbyterian Church
Thanksgiving is a time we “we gather together to ask the Lord’s blessings.”
These words from a favorite hymn proclaim the strength and encouragement that are God’s gifts to a community that comes together in His name to offer praise and service, says Rev. Rindy Trouteaud, pastor, Monticello Presbyterian Church (MPC).
Continuing the tradition of beloved fathers and mothers of the faith, the church’s annual Community Thanksgiving Service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Monticello Presbyterian Church, 246 E. Washington Street, Monticello.
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This year’s speaker will be West Georgia College student, Kolby DeGarmo, who will share what she learned to treasure about her country, her community, her church, and her family from the distant shores of Australia.
“I had to leave home to appreciate all the wonderful people and opportunities I had growing up here in Monticello,” says Ms. DeGarmo. “Sometimes God lets you see things from a distance so that you can be grateful for what He’s given you.”
The Monticello Presbyterian Church Bell Choir under the direction of Lisa Kelly will offer musical praise, and this year, an open invitation is extended to all singers in the community to participate in the choir.
“We hope all churches will encourage their choir members to come be a part of our community choir,” says Kathy Sanvidge, the MPC Music Director. Singers of all ages and abilities are asked to come to the church at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday evening before worship begins for a one-time rehearsal.
According to Rev. Trouteaud, “In this time of anxiety and division in our country, Kathy’s lovely vision of voices coming together to praise our Maker and Giver of All Good Gifts is such a powerful and hope-filled witness to God’s intentions for our community and our world.”
Worship will continue in the fellowship hall where everyone can pitch in to assemble 10,000 simple, nutritious meals for the most vulnerable men, women, and children around the world under the guidance of Stop Hunger Now, an ecumenical non-profit ministry with a mission to address dire global poverty and hunger issues.
“Last year over a hundred committed disciples of Jesus Christ packaged a little over 10,000 meals in less than two hours,” says Rev. Nathaniel Long, pastor of the Monticello First United Methodist Church. “People are always asking me how we can teach our children to be grateful. We can talk about gratitude, but doing it speaks louder than words!”
The Stop Hunger Now Gratitude Event is a collaborative effort of the Monticello First Baptist Church, the Monticello First United Methodist Church, and the Monticello Presbyterian Church. “The work of our hands is our prayer,” concludes Dr. Bob Whitmire, Monticello Baptist Church pastor.
