Community Thanksgiving Service held

By Shari Harris, Publisher

The Licking Ministerial Alliance held their annual Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday evening, November 23. This year’s host church was Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Pastor Erin McConnell, Licking Pentecostal Holiness Church, welcomed everyone attending the event on behalf of all the members of the Licking Ministerial Alliance. He urged all to not forget about what you have to be thankful for.

“It’s hard to complain when you have praise in your mouth,” Pastor McConnell said.

He recognized the other members of the alliance, Pastor and Mrs. Rob Lilly and the First Baptist Church, Pastor and Mrs. Matt McGuire and Abounding Hope Baptist Church, Pastor and Mrs. Gary Parker and New Life Free Will Baptist Church, Pastor and Mrs. Paul Richardson and Licking Assembly of God, Pastor and Mrs. Brian Callison and Boone Creek Baptist Church, and Pastor and Mrs. John Jordan and Rock Springs Baptist Church. He also thanked Pastor and Mrs. Russ Stigall (former pastor of Boone Creek Baptist Church) for everything they had done to help the alliance.

The opening prayer was given by Pastor Brian Callison, the newest member of the alliance.

Pastor Rob Lilly followed with a scripture. He emphasized the importance of praising God and the consequences of failing to glorify him, quoting two Bible verses. “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalms 50:23, NKJ) He countered this with Romans 1:21, NKJ: “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Pastor Matt McGuire gave the prayer over the offering.

Kathy Hooker was invited to give an update on the Operation Christmas Child donations. She said 1,142 shoeboxes had been packed so far, exceeding the goal of 1,000 set for the community.

Megan Carver was announced as leading the Salvation Army kettle drive efforts in Licking this year. Volunteers are needed to attend the kettle, as an attended kettle will see more donations made than an unattended one. Pastor Russ Stigall said the numbers from last year were down, and funds were depleted in September.

Pastor Gary Parker spoke on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (NKJ) He pointed out that even in the valleys, He can always be thanked for the salvation He has given.

Mrs. Gina Jordan led the congregation in worship music.

Pastor John Jordan stated that for God’s people, every day should be Thanksgiving. History marks the first Thanksgiving between the pilgrims and Native Americans, but he reminded the congregation that the first Thanksgiving could be said to have been in 1440 BC, when God delivered the Israelites from Egypt. He quoted Leviticus 7:11-15, “This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall offer to the Lord: If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil. Besides the cakes, as his offering he shall offer leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offering. And from it he shall offer one cake from each offering as a heave offering to the Lord. It shall belong to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering. The flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offering for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day it is offered. He shall not leave any of it until morning.” (NKJ)

Pastor Jordan emphasized that praises must continue to be given to the Lord, and urged all to not be complacent in giving thanks. He shared the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. He urged the congregation to be like the one who thanked the Lord for his healing, not like the nine who did not. Don’t miss the opportunity to praise Him for everything, he said.

“I’m thankful to God for all He has done,” Pastor Jordan said. “Look for those moments to give thanks to God.”

He ended with Psalms 100:4-5, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” (NKJ)

Pastor Paul Richardson delivered the closing prayer. He reminded the congregation that the holidays are a time of grieving for many who are missing a loved one at this time. He urged anyone needing comfort at this time of the year to turn to God, as he is “the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3) He invited all to attend the Thanksgiving meal at Licking Assembly of God beginning at noon on Thanksgiving Day.

At the conclusion of the service, a meal was served.