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  • A community choir and the First United Methodist Church's praise band led a mixed congregation in worship for the Community Thanksgiving Service. The service is an annual tradistion hosted by the various churches of Duncan's Ministerial Alliance. Megan Bristow/The Duncan Banner.

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  • Dr. Bryan Pain of First Baptist Church delivered the message "Jesus on Thanksgiving" during Sunday's Community Thanksgiving Service, hosted by First United Methodist Church. Megan Bristow/The Duncan Banner.

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November 19, 2012

Congregations comes together to give thanks

Megan Bristow The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — “Many churches, one voice for Christ:” This was the theme of Sunday evening’s Community Thanksgiving Service presented by Duncan Ministerial Alliance and hosted by First United Methodist Church.

In the spirit of the holiday season, the service brought together eight leaders from area churches to deliver Christian teaching to a congregation of mixed denominations.

Besides a welcome message and an offertory prayer by Rev. Greg Tolle of the host church, David Heitner of Good Shepherd Lutheran gave a call to worship. Dan Fletcher of St. Paul’s United Methodist read Psalm 100 to the congregation. Anita Slovak of All Saints Episcopal gave an epistle lesson from 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Arnold Nelson of First Christian Church read Matthew 11:25-30 as a scripture reading and a benediction litany was led by Mikel Araunjo of Stephens United Methodist Church.

The message “Jesus on Thanksgiving” was brought by Dr. Bryan Pain of First Baptist Church.

“It is a delight to share God’s Word with you tonight,” Pain said.

Pain’s message focused on the reasons behind giving thanks and the benefits that can come from relying on Jesus and being thankful.

“Christ welcomes all those who are weary,” he said. “In Christ, the burden is made light.”

A variety of musical talent graced the worship service. Cameron University’s Professor of Music Thomas Labe provided piano accompaniment during the service. A young First United Methodist Church praise band invited the congregation to worship through “Forever” and “Give Thanks.”

The highlight of the musical portion of the service was the songs led by the community choir, made up of members of area churches. The choir sang with the congregation on “Come Ye Thankful People Come” and “We Gather Together” and sang “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name” as special music for the service.

The service not only gave the ministers of the different churches a chance to come together and worship but the service also gave the congregation a chance to catch up with members of other churches that they do not normally see at church every week.

The service was followed up with refreshments and one more shot at shopping at First United Methodist Church’s Holiday Bazaar.

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