Six Churches Give Thanks

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Gunbarrel hosted a Thanksgiving Eve service Nov. 22, with six area churches participating. The ecumenical service, which has been a tradition for several years for Niwot United Methodist Church, St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church and Valmont Community Presbyterian Church, doubled in size.

This year the service expanded to include participation by Vinelife Church, Harvest Baptist Church, and Shepherd of the Hills. An offering was taken for the benefit of the Association for Community Living (ACL), which enhances the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

Rev. Laura Hehner of Niwot United Methodist gave the message, focusing on a quote from Meister Eckhart, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.”

Music Director Matt Witherow of St. Mary Magdalene led a community choir in an offertory anthem, and pastors Bob Young of Vinelife, Bruce Swinehart of St. Mary Magdalene, Phil Kettering and Janet Kettering of Shepherd of the Hills, Eric Garner of Valmont Presbyterian, Sam Watne of Harvest Baptist, and Chaplain Rich Bledsoe joined Hehner in serving communion to the congregants. Those attending gathered for fellowship and pie following the service.