University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Pastor Judy Stallons greeted a diverse group of parishioners
on the doorstep of Midway United Methodist Church Monday evening, as it hosted
the annual community Thanksgiving service sponsored by the Midway Ministerial
Association.
Members of several different church communities gathered
together to give thanks in light of the holiday season. This service is just
one of several times a year that Midway churches worship together despite their
differences in denomination.
“We do a Martin Luther King worship service, a sunrise
service on Easter, and a peace service for 9/11, and we rotate which church
hosts,” said Stallons.
The Thanksgiving service filled churchgoers with holiday
spirit while also celebrating diversity. The gathering music featured special
guests, siblings Chakrapani and Bhavani Gudlavelleti, performing the national
anthem of India, “Jana Gana Mana,” and India’s national song, “Vande Mataram.”
The Midway University Chorale filled the church with
beautiful melodies, leading the congregation in several hymns throughout the
service.
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| Wright |
Brother Chris Wright, pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, spoke about
something that unites all Christians this holiday season, giving thanks to God.
“Thanksgiving is what flows from our hearts,” he preached.
“It’s not what’s going to be on the table, it’s not Black Friday, it’s not
about the things we will buy.”
Wright’s message was answered with frequent ‘amens’ from the
congregation of about 50 people from various Midway churches. He prompted
several laughs as well when he urged Christians not to shop on Black Friday.
“My wife is already telling me I’m going shopping with her,
and I don’t like shopping,” he smiled, “I don’t think Christians ought to shop
on Black Friday. It’s hard to be a Christian on Black Friday.”
All jokes aside, Wright’s message about giving thanks was
heard and well received.
“Thanksgiving is an opportunity to remember the beautiful
God we serve,” he proclaimed.
While in many small towns people may stay isolated within
their own churches, these community-oriented worship services are just one
example of how Midway stands out from other communities.
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| Stallons |
Stallons, pastor at the Methodist church for five and a half
years, wrote a letter to The Woodford Sun last week, thanking the community of
Midway for the prayers and generosity she received with the recent passing of her
younger sister.
“Somebody brought me a casserole, and you know, they’re not
from my church,” Stallons said in an interview. “Being a pastor, I don’t expect
people from other churches to do that sort of thing. The fact that people from
other churches reached out meant a lot.”
After growing up around various cities in Michigan, Ohio,
and Illinois, the warmth that Stallons received from the Midway community came
as a pleasant surprise to her.
“People from the Christian Church greeted me in
restaurants,” she said. “People from the Presbyterian Church would stop and say
they were praying for me.”
In his message to the congregation, Wright restated the
importance of embracing differences and recognizing the common thread between
all people.
“Part of embracing diversity is being comfortable with
yourself,” said Wright, an African American.
The attendees were clearly comfortable with each other,
exchanging hugs, handshakes, and laughs before and after the worship service.
This culture of accepting others across boundaries brings
support to people in the community during difficult times, and brings joy to
everyone during the holiday season.
Mary Wright of Pilgrim Baptist was especially joyful
following the Thanksgiving service.
“I think these events are wonderful for the community,” she
said. “I would love to see more of it.”
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