It is that time of year again. The seasons are changing, the leaves are falling and the heater is now more important than the air conditioner. Fall has come, and the Thanksgiving season is upon us.

Wherever you may be, this is a good time of year.

There is so much to do and so much for which we need to prepare. There is Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends, and what would this time of year be without all the food of Thanksgiving?

There are big rivalry football games to be seen this weekend. I know the Egg Bowl takes priority in Mississippi, but for everyone from out of town, there are many other big games, as well.

There are also many things to do in Natchez. There are sights to be seen, stores in which to shop, bargains to be had and events for everyone. So much to do and so little time to do it.

But there is more. This time of year, we need to stop and give thanks. We need to remember the spirit of Thanksgiving and hold on to it. That means we need to slow down, take some time to reflect on life and give thanks for what we have. Even if life is anything but perfect, we can still give thanks for the good that is in our lives.

At 6 p.m. today at Crosspoint Church on Highland Boulevard, the Natchez-Adams County Ministerial Alliance will hold its annual Thanksgiving Community Service.

This is a time when we can come together and give thanks to the Lord for all he has done for us this year. It will be a good time when we can all come together and have fellowship and spiritual enrichment, and it will be a time to help us keep the events of this season in perspective. Also, so that everyone knows, an offering will be taken and all of the money (and I do mean all) will go to Stewpot.

So come one and all and join us in a service of worship. This service is open to everyone regardless of race, age, gender, place of birth, denomination, size, color or any other category by which people are split into groups. Everyone is invited, so let us join together. I will see you at Crosspoint Church tonight.

Richard Wood is Westminster Presbyterian Church pastor.