Thanksgiving Day is around the corner, and the Kennett Area Ministerium created another meaningful Thanksgiving service with a welcoming invitation to the broader community. This year, Second Baptist Church hosted the event on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm with the theme of the day, “Gratitude for our Senior Saints.”
Churches participating this year were: First Baptist Church; Second Baptist Church. St. Michael Lutheran Church; Episcopal Church of the Advent; and Unionville Presbyterian Church.
Rev Annalie Korengel from Unionville Presbyterian expressed gratitude for having this opportunity to work with other faith communities on this Thanksgiving service. She said, “We believe we are better together and would like this worship time to be a witness of this belief.” Rev Tim Johnson from Church of the Advent said: “Through our Kennett Area Ministerium, we share a collegiality in our work and social activities and build bridges.”
Rev. David Grainson from St. Michael’s Lutheran agreed: “I am thankful for the clergy who are so open and willing to collaborate, despite some real differences, to live out the compassion, mercy, and justice that Jesus calls us to.”
There was music by the Kennett Community Choir, led by Leon Spencer and by First Baptist Church choir accompanied by Chris Wells. The congregational singing was accompanied by Bill Johnson. Five senior citizens, selected by their pastors shared personal messages or were represented by a congregational member and told of their faith journey and practices.
In asking the faith communities pastors, “What are the qualities you were looking for in selecting a community senior saint?” Rev Korengel said, “I chose a senior member who has spent her whole life in Unionville Presbyterian Church. She is a loving, generous, and faithful member. She keeps the history alive of UPC and continues to tell its stories.”
Church of the Advent’s Rev Johnson chose a senior saint for the following qualities: “Faithfulness; generous in every sense of the word; a mentor to many; lives out her faith without fanfare or attention seeking, and she has left an enduring legacy in our community through the After the Bell program.”
Rev Grainson said: “I looked for a senior who not only professes deep faith but lives it out in word and action; a person who embodies the message of the Gospel.”
First Baptist Church’s Rev Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins chose a congregational member, who has served in various capacities for eight decades faithfully showing love and generosity in her work. “She is one of the longest serving members of First Baptist Church.”
Second Baptist Church’s Rev Marvin T. Williams chose his Assistant Pastor, who supports his ministry and brings the congregation together by drawing on their talents and contributions.
In reflecting on the community, Rev Korengel said: “People are so generous here. There are several thriving non-profits that work well with one another as well as the faith communities. Rev Williams said, “We have a great Kennett area community, and we were happy to host the event, which helps build more community.”
Rev Wright-Riggins echoed these sentiments of gratitude for the generous and diverse community. He noted that many of the senior saints continue to be active and engaged as well as welcoming of others to community service.
The Kennett Area Senior Center was the beneficiary of a good will offering at the service. Executive Director, Stephanie D’Amico gave a presentation about the mission and activities at the Center. She said, “The Senior Center is a magical place. There is so much joy being expressed between the members and staff. It is a gathering place where individuals 55 plus receive sustenance while everyone shares their many talents.”
The Story of Kennett – Shaping the future one child at a time” Joan Holliday and Bob George’s book on Kennett may be purchased on Amazon and at the Mushroom Cap. You may contact Joan at: dochollisv@aol.com
Source: Berkshire mont
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