Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church was the host congregation for the Village Interfaith Council Community Thanksgiving Service celebrated at 3:00 PM on November 22, 2011.  Sharing in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday were clergy, choirs, and members of Holy Trinity Episcopal, Christ Lutheran, Community of Joy Lutheran, Unitarian Universalist, and Sacred Heart churches.

After the welcome given by Fr. Bill Elser, Rev. Richard Biega bestowed the greeting to all in attendance.  Fr. Elser recited the Psalm of Thanksgiving, with Reverend Jim Burns, Deacon Wally Gieringer and Reverend Ross Worch presenting readings from scripture.  Reverend Freiheit gave the sermon and Reverend Biega the offering.  In the spirit of sharing, those attending brought nonperishable food for Jackson House.

The combined choirs from each of the participating churches joined their voices in praise and thanksgiving with beautiful renditions of “For the Beauty of the Earth” and “Give Thanks to The Lord”.  After the clergy joined together in offering the final benediction, the combined choirs and congregations sang a heartfelt and moving “America the Beautiful” to conclude the service.

A reception followed in the lower hall with cookies, punch, and Fr. Elser’s homemade ice cream for all who attended.  The treats, conviviality, and opportunity to meet and greet one another provided the perfect conclusion to the 2011 Hot Springs Village Ecumenical Thanksgiving celebration.