Singing, dancing, rejoicing and a message of thankfulness filled Tuesday night’s Vidalia Ministerial Alliance Thanksgiving Service at the First Assembly of God.

The Rev. Troy Thomas’ reminded those present to not only be thankful for the big things, but also be thankful for all the little things, no matter the situation.

“We are thankful for lots of things … clothing, friends,” Thomas said. “But let’s not forget, if it wasn’t for Jesus, we wouldn’t have these things.”

Thomas stressed to the congregation of close to 75 people from different churches and denominations the importance of being thankful every day, not just on the holidays.

“You have to have a heart of thanksgiving,” Thomas said. “You have to always find a reason to thank God.”

Natchez resident Sheila Smith said the message of being thankful was clear to her.

“We have to be thankful, and I thank God for everything he has done for me,” Smith said. “We shouldn’t wait until this season to show thanks. We should be thankful all of the time.”

The Rev. Larry Shipman, of First Assembly of God, said it was great seeing a diverse group people come together for a common message.

“It is important when everybody starts coming together in fellowship and making new friends,” Shipman said. “It’s nice to see people from different denominations and walks of life come together under one room.”

Thomas being thankful didn’t necessarily mean being happy all of the time but even when life is not going well, thank God for what you do have.

“You must not be prideful, but thankful for God has done for you,” Thomas said. “It’s a bad thing to be unthankful.”

The community also gathered in Natchez Tuesday during lunch for another Thanksgiving service.