On Thursday, Nov. 24, many of us will gather around the tables of family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Two days before the national holiday, we in the Miss-Lou are invited to gather around another table in order to give thanks.

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the Natchez Area Ministerial Alliance will host its annual Community Thanksgiving Service, and all are invited.

We will gather in the parish hall of Trinity Episcopal Church at noon for a brown-bag lunch.

The members of Trinity Church will graciously provide drinks, and all attendees are asked to bring their own lunches.

Following the meal, there will be a short and meaningful worship service in the parish hall.

Bishop Melvin Jackson will bring the sermon, and there will be special music from laity in the Natchez community.

A monetary offering will be received for a local charity. Many thanks are extended to Rev. Richard Wood and Rev. James Brooks for planning this event.

We are also grateful for The Rev. Walton Jones and the hospitality of Trinity Church.

Before we sit down with our families for a meal, is it not appropriate that we gather as God’s family in an attitude of worship?

This coming together of our different denominations and traditions reminds us of what we have in common: a God who loves and cares for us.

We remember that many years ago, God met with disciples around a table for a meal of bread and wine, a meal of sacrificial love.

Will you take time this year to give thanks first for that love, in the company of the family of God?

We hope to see everyone at Trinity Episcopal Church at noon on Tuesday.

Rev. Darian Duckworth is pastor of Grace United Methodist Church and president of the Natchez Area Ministerial Alliance.