The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes famously tells us that there is a season for everything. As much as we would prefer those things that bring us together to do good would last forever, we know that they do not. It is in a spirit of sadness but also of celebration that the Salem Area Ministers share their decision not to continue with the Community Thanksgiving Service. We are sad that the season for this service seems to have passed but we celebrate all that was done through this service.
The Community Thanksgiving Service was originally organized to raise money for the Salem Food Pantry as a form of thanksgiving. When we gathered together in large numbers, this was a wonderful way to increase the money that was given to the Food Pantry and to worship together with other traditions within our community.
Unfortunately, as attendance at the service has dwindled the amount collected to support the Food Pantry has also gone down. Furthermore, the service itself has become a relic of what once was but is no longer.
Instead of the service, we will all be collecting offerings to go to the Food Pantry, which we believe will increase funding for the Food Pantry. The Salem Area Ministers group will continue to work together to plan new things for our churches to do together, and we will continue to work and worship together during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Easter Sunrise Service. We will also promote each other’s ministries and opportunities to serve together throughout the year.
While the season has passed for this particular service, we affirm together that it is as important now as it has ever been that we are united and working together.
Grace and Peace,
The Salem Area Ministers
