NATCHEZ — On Tuesday evening a devout congregation of followers met at Vidalia United Methodist Church to get an early start on Thanksgiving.

The evening’s service was hosted by the Vidalia Ministerial Alliance to have an opportunity to join in worship before the holiday.

The alliance is comprised of several churches in the area, and approximately 50 people attended Tuesday’s service.

Church member Jimmy Robbins said he attended the service because he appreciates the chance to worship as a community with other churches in the area.

“It’s for the common good of thanksgiving,” he said.

In his sermon the Rev. Leon Zordan compared God’s love to salt.

“A little bit goes a long way,” Zordan said.

Zordan went on to link God’s love to the first Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims sat for a meal with the Native Americans.

“Mankind is also called to thanksgiving to thank God as creator and king,” Zordan said.

In between speakers the congregation sang hymns and shared in Bible passages.

Near the end of the service a group of women left to prepare a small-scale Thanksgiving meal, of cookies and punch, for the congregation.

Tying her apron as she stood near the cookies, Cathy Hibbs, readied for the post-service meal.

Hibbs, like Robbins said she liked the service for its ability to join the community.

“It brings us together, it makes us to come together for thanks-giving and praise,” Hibbs said. “It’s a blessing.”