PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WORSHIP … Music fills the sanctuary as members of the Faith Community of Evergreen lead the gathering in worship.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Faith Community of Evergreen gathered on Sunday, November 23, for its annual Thanksgiving Celebration, hosted this year at the Metamora United Methodist Church, also known locally as The Farmhouse, located at 3188 State Route 120.
Members and clergy from numerous area congregations came together for an evening centered on gratitude, fellowship, and support for local food assistance programs.
Pastor Amie Brodie, who welcomed attendees and led portions of the service, explained that the event is one of the few moments each year when all of the Evergreen area churches join as a unified community.
She shared that the gathering is both a time of worship and a way to strengthen collaborative efforts that benefit local families.
Pastor Brodie noted that the service supports two community programs. The first is CAST, which stands for Caring and Sharing Together, operated in downtown Metamora.
CAST provides food for residents who are experiencing food insecurity or need assistance with basic grocery needs. The second beneficiary is St. Vincent de Paul, which also works to serve local households.
Pastor Brodie emphasized that the demand for these services has grown as many families continue to face higher grocery prices and ongoing financial strain.
The Thanksgiving service itself featured music, prayer, scripture readings, and shared prayer, all focused on expressing gratitude for daily blessings.
Leaders and members from several area churches participated, continuing a tradition that Pastor Brodie estimates has been taking place for well over ten years.
She shared that maintaining the service at The Farmhouse is important both for community presence and for supporting the missions that rely on it. Pastor Heather Schimmel from Lyons Christian Church assisted with coordinating this year’s program as well.
The Evergreen Faith Community includes congregations such as Ai Union Church, Berkey Congregational Christian Church, East Chesterfield and Winameg Christian Churches, Christ the Word PCA, Faith Lutheran Church, Fulton Union Christian Church, Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Inlet Mennonite Church, Lyons Christian Church, Lyons Unitarian Universalist, Lytton Zion United Church of Christ, and The Metamora United Methodist Church.
The evening concluded with a blessing and an invitation for attendees to continue supporting local food programs throughout the holiday season.