Every year in the Miss-Lou, the Thanksgiving gathering does not have to wait until Thursday.

On Tuesday, the Natchez Area Ministerial Alliance will host its annual Community Thanksgiving Service at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church’s Christian Life Center at noon.

While turkey and dressing might not be on the menu, a feast of praise in song, scripture and fellowship will certainly fill us with gratitude. The Rev. John Shonebarger, chaplain at Adams County Correctional Center, will deliver the sermon. Area ministers will participate in leading this service around the theme of “first fruits.”

In years past, the service has taken place on Tuesday evening, but this year finds a new opportunity during the lunch hour.

The service will begin at noon, and all are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Along with the lunch, we ask everyone to bring a canned good for the food pantry at Jefferson Street Church. There will also be a monetary offering taken for Catholic Charities.

Throughout the year, we easily recognize our differences — the beliefs, ideas and doctrines that divide us. As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, let us put aside those divisions.

Let us praise God for God’s bounty. And let us discover the unity of community through worship.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Thanksgiving Tuesday.

The Rev. Darian Duckworth is the minister at Grace United Methodist Church.