Special service offered Sunday

A few days short of the national day of feasting, the community is invited to a special, nondenominational worship service to show thanks for the blessings they’ve received this year.

ACTION Ministries will again host its annual Thanksgiving service at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Conner Mayo AME Church, located at 505 N. Front St.

The hour long plus service will be led by speakers Jeff Neumann, a member of the ACTION board, and Beth Reum, pastor of the Silver Creek/Keeler United Methodist Church.

“Anyone who wants to come and enjoy a gathering of giving thanks is invited,” said Jerri Porter, pastor of the Conner Mayo AME Church and vice-president of ACTION. “That’s the theme of the ceremony, being thankful for what you have.”

There will also be music provided by Neumann and Gerald Hayden, a member of the local church. Many of the leaders with the other ACTION members will be in attendance as well, Porter said.

“It’s a good fellowship to have, as it gives us a chance to hear other pastors we don’t normally hear because we’re preaching to our own congregations every Sunday,” she said.

Last year, the service was held at First United Methodist Church, drawing around 80 people. Organizers for this year’s service — who include Porter, Neumann and Second Baptist Church member Eunice Murray, —have pushed up the time of the service in order to free up visitor’s time in the evening, Porter said.

The Thanksgiving service is one of several special community gatherings the ministry network hosts throughout the year, including a Good Friday service and a special prayer service during the Dowagiac Summer in the City Festival.

“We welcome everyone, it will be a good message and a blessed fellowship,” Porter said. “Just come and join us.”