Willacy churches gather
Nov. 20 for Thanksgiving

Christians from several congregations in Willacy County—including two United Methodist churches from the Southwest Texas Conference and one from the Rio Grande Conference—joined for a community Thanksgiving service Nov. 20 at First UMC, Raymondville.
More than 60 people attended the 7 p.m. service.
A special offering to benefit the Willacy Food Pantry ministry brought in more than $100.
Pastors participating in the service were from United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Wesleyan and Lutheran congregations in Raymondville, Lyford and Willacy County.
Also participating was a chaplain from the federal prison in Raymondville.
“We invited everyone to come share in this Thanksgiving service,” said the Rev. Janna Sandidge Hawes, host pastor and a member of the recently formed Willacy Ministerial Alliance.
That ecumenical alliance sponsored the service.
“The service was bilingual, with some hymns and scriptures in English and Spanish,” Hawes said.
A group of pastors met Nov. 9 at First UMC, Raymondville, to begin the Willacy Ministerial Alliance.