Community service in Weston (West Virginia) allows faithful residents opportunity to give thanks

“This will allow more people from the community to be involved. To come together and do things together,” the outreach minister said. “This is about stopping to remember and give thanks. We live in such a wonderful country and are very blessed, need to give thanks to the Lord for that.”

Senior Pastor Becky Romanelli, who began at Broad Street United Methodist Church on July 1 after previously serving at Peterstown/Lindside United Methodist Church Shared Ministries, will be the speaker.

“I’m still working on (the sermon), but it will be about what children can teach us about Thanksgiving. I think we can learn a lot from children — sometimes, they make faith understandable so easily because they make it simple,” Romanelli said. “I feel like all charges need to meet together to discuss things to help the community.”

Romanelli has participated in Thanksgiving services nearly every year of her 20 years of service and is preparing for a 20-25 minute message this year. She invited many from her congregation to attend.

“During Thanksgiving, we need to take time to thank the Lord for all that He’s done for us,” Romanelli said. “Not only what He’s done, but what He is doing now and will do in the future.”

Weaver also expected praise and worship to be part of the nearly-hour service. Pastor Bobby Hoover is usual worship leader at Message of Light Tabernacle.

Pastor Hoover said he expects to attend and has invited some of his parishioners as well.

Attendees are asked to bring canned goods or an offering to donate to Our Neighbor’s food and clothing pantry.

“It’s all for a good cause, to give back to the community, and we know that that’s what God wants us to do,” Weaver said.

Last year’s service featured Rev. Allan Burnsworth delivering the Thanksgiving message in front of about 20 people at First Baptist Church in Weston. Burnsworth also delivered a prayer during the National Day of Prayer service in May.

“I’d like to see more people come out,” Weaver said.

Lewis County Christian Alliance, made up of pastors within different faiths in Lewis County, last met Sept. 20 in the Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Hospital conference room. The group of pastors is also responsible for coordinating the annual National Day of Prayer service, which is usually held within the Lewis County Courthouse.