November has arrived and thoughts turn to gratitude and thanksgiving.

In the spirit of this season, the Rockmart/Aragon Ministerial Association is sponsoring the annual Thanksgiving service on Sunday, Nov. 18.

First Zion Pastor Patrick Ivey, president of the Ministerial Association, invites the community to share in this service.

He emphasized that many people are familiar with the specifics concerning the establishment of Thanksgiving. He asks the question, “Are we taking the lessons that God is giving us from this?”

Pastor Ivey reminded that Native Americans assisting the colonists to survive is a lesson that everyone needs to consider.

He said that people are to assist each other, aid those that are less fortunate, provide hope to those in despair, and utilize the gifts and resources that God gave, which is similar to the Pilgrims learning how to utilize what was here.

“They were taught to raise wild turkeys (thus, the reason behind one of the main stays of the traditional Thanksgiving meal), corn, pumpkins and more,” he said.

His prayer is that people learn to work together across racial, denominational and political differences for the greater good.

“I look forward to giving God thanks for a year of many blessings and one of those blessings is each of you!” he said.

Rockmart Presbyterian Church will host the service, which will be highlighted by a sermon from Bishop David Braziel. A special choir from First Zion Church is scheduled to give a program of music.

“As we anticipate Thanksgiving Day filled with food and family, we also want to remember the many blessings we receive throughout the year,” said Pastor Maryellen Hittel, Rockmart Presbyterian Church.

She noted the successful community outreach programs of local churches, including the Backpack ministry, food banks, summer lunch program, work to reduce teen pregnancy and others.

Many of these programs have grown out of combined efforts of local churches and volunteers.

“We are able to accomplish much when we join together in service,” Pastor Hittel said.

For more information, call the Presbyterian Church at 770-684-6289.