By Betsy Finklea
Several churches participated in the Latta Ministerial Fellowship’s Community Thanksgiving service held on Wednesday, November 20th at the Latta United Methodist Church.
Churches represented from the fellowship included Latta United Methodist Church, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, New Memorial Temple of Christ, New Hope Baptist Church, New Mill Branch Missionary Baptist Church, Weston Chapel AME Church, and Latta Presbyterian Church. Christ Community Church was also represented.
The service began with the prelude and the greeting and welcome by Rev. Lee Phillips of Latta United Methodist Church. The Call To Worship was “Surely The Presence Of The Lord.”
This was followed by the opening prayer by Rev. Rob Pierce of Latta Baptist Church. The congregation then joined in song with the hymn, “We Gather Together.” The psalter, Psalm 136, was led by Rev. Eugen “Buddy” Bach of Latta Presbyterian Church.
During the offering, the Weston Chapel AME Church choir performed. The doxology was played during the dedication of the offering. The offering went to the Latta Ministerial Fellowship to be used to provide shelter and food to the poor in the community. A sharing of blessings was held where people said what they were thankful for and made announcements. The pastoral prayer was led by Rev. Joseph Graham of New Memorial Temple of Christ. The choir anthem was performed by St. John Missionary Baptist Church choir. The scripture lesson, Psalms 106: 1-6, was read by Rev. Leonard Simmons.
Dr. William Walker of St. John Missionary Baptist Church gave the sermon. The scriptural background for the sermon was Psalm 105. His subject was “Thank God For His Goodness.” Dr. Walker said we praise God for who He is, and we thank him for all the wonderful things he does.
After the sermon, the congregation sang the hymn, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.” Rev. Phillips gave the benediction.
