By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — The Ministerial Alliance will host its annual Community Thanksgiving service Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Community Chapel Church of God on Morgantown Road.

“We are inviting everyone in the community to attend,” the Rev. Bo Swilley said. “This service is open to any and everyone no matter their denomination or any other factor.”

Swilley, who is the lead pastor at Community Chapel, said he is excited to see the attendance this year as two of the guest speakers are not only community leaders, but leaders in their churches.

Natchez Fire Chief Aaron Wesley and Sheriff-elect Travis Patten will each deliver a message during the service. Wesley, who is also an ordained minister and pastor at Greater Robinson Chapel Baptist Church, will speak about the community. Patten, who serves as a deacon at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, will speak about thankfulness.

The alliance hosts this gathering every year as a way to raise money and awareness about the Stewpot and its ministry.

“We will have Amanda Jeansonne from the Stewpot on hand to talk about the work they are doing there,” the Rev. Scott Green said. “She will provide us with a presentation about what their needs are and how we can assist them.”

A love offering will be taken up during the service, but Green, alliance president, did say some churches will approach their congregations Sunday about making a special donation for the Stewpot as many people may be out of town during the week of Thanksgiving.

“Some pastors have mentioned having large numbers of their members out of town, but wanting to contribute,” Green said. “We would like to collect and have all monies together so we can present our collective donation at one time.”

All three pastors spoke about the desire to have this service, and others like it, serve as a way to unify people in the community.

“We are breaking barriers, and we want to continue to see that happen,” Swilley said. “More and more, you see the walls between people coming down and people standing in a united front against the evils in this world.”

“I am so excited and thankful to be a part of this event and a new addition to the alliance,” Wesley said. “I think God is moving upon the Christian people. We are the church.”

Patten, who will be sworn into office next month, is happy to be in attendance in any event supporting unity in the community.

“I am truly thankful to see the evolution of our community,” Patten said. “I see so many wanting peace and unity, county-wide and I am glad to see people stepping up and unifying our community.”

Anyone with questions about the service can contact Swilley at 601-597-2566. Those with questions about the alliance can contact Green at 601-442-3178.