OLD LYME — The annual Community Service of Thanksgiving, organized by the faith communities of Lyme and Old Lyme, will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23, at Christ the King Church. (This is the first ecumenical service since 2019, because of the pandemic.)
All are welcome to attend this ecumenical service of prayer and song, which will include music led by choir members from First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, and Christ the King Church. Clergy from the various churches will participate, as will lay members and community leaders.
Fr. Joseph Ashe, pastor of Christ the King Church, said that there are two reasons to hold this service: “At this time of year, as we gather with family and friends to share meals and joyous times together, we should take a moment to reflect and give thanks for all the gifts that have been bestowed on us.”
He added, however, “We also need to keep in mind the many people in our world, and right here in southeastern Connecticut, who have no family, no job, no food on the table, or even a roof over their heads, and do what we can to help them.”
To that end, donations of nonperishable foods for the Shoreline Food Pantries will be collected during the service, and a free-will offering will be taken up to benefit the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, to help our neighbors in need.
The 2021 Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service takes place at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme. Everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, is welcome to attend.
Note: Face masks are required in church buildings for any unvaccinated individuals. Hand sanitizer is available for all at the doors.
For more information, visit www.christthekingchurch.net.