UPDATE: Watch the video here…

Thanks be to God! Churches throughout the Madison area will be hosting an Ecumenical Thanksgiving service on Monday evening November 21st at 6:30 PM at Queen of Peace Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. With many different churches involved, this event offers not only a chance to express our thanks to God for our many blessings but also provides an opportunity to demonstrate unity and encouragement for our entire community. ALL are invited.

The event was advanced by a conversation between John Schmitz, lay leader at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Rev. Marcio Sierra, Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Church, who worked together at the For Dane service weekend organized by Collaboration Project. The weekend felt like a breath of fresh air for Schmitz, a catalyst of positive energy and optimism in response to the negativity and division that pervades our society.

Thanksgiving was an obvious opportunity to bring people together and expand the circle of ecumenical goodwill. “We all have so much to be thankful for,” Schmitz said, noting that gratitude is a central principle that crosses boundaries and unites all Christians. Schmitz adds, “I am hoping people, for at least one night, are willing to get together and praise God with their brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Deacon Mark Zwolski at Queen of Peace, along with leaders from a dozen churches, have brought the idea of an ecumenical Thanksgiving service to life and will host the event this year. Organizers have been encouraged by the enthusiasm they have received from a broad range of local church pastors to help promote the event. The service will feature a number of area clergy, diverse music, and liturgy in both English and Spanish.

In addition to the ecumenical service itself, nonperishable items and cash contributions will be collected for area food pantries. A reception for networking and fellowship will follow the service and all are invited and encouraged to attend. “We pray that this effort will glorify God, be a unifying force within the Christian community, and an encouragement to the Madison area,” concludes Schmitz.

More information about the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, including a growing list of co-sponsoring churches, can be found on Facebook. The hope is that this can become an annual community event, uniting Christians across our city. Lighthouse Church has offered to host in 2023. For questions or to request promotional materials, please contact John Schmitz.

List of Co-Sponsoring Churches & Organizations…

Advent Lutheran, Anglican Church of the Messiah, Asbury United Methodist, Bethany United Methodist, Bethel Lutheran Church, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Christ Presbyterian Church, City Church, Collaboration Project, Catholic Diocese of Madison, Community of Hope UCC, Covenant Presbyterian, Geneva Campus Church, Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Life Center Church, Lighthouse Church, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, St. Bernard Catholic Church - Middleton, St. Cyril & Methodius Orthodox Church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, SS Morris Community AME Church

List as of November 3, 2022. With apologies to any churches not named.