Madison, WI — A coalition of churches across Madison is coming together to host the third annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on Monday, November 25, 2024. The service will be at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave. It will provide an inclusive space for worshippers of diverse Christian traditions to gather in gratitude and fellowship.
The evening begins with a musical prelude at 6:15 pm, followed by a service that brings together Catholic, Evangelical, and mainline Protestant community members. Attendees will have the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving by reflecting on God’s many blessings, reflecting on shared faith in Christ, and supporting those in need within the community.
All participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or make a cash donation to benefit local food pantries. This will help support families across Madison during the holiday season. After the service, there will be a reception where attendees can enjoy light refreshments and fellowship.
“We invite everyone, regardless of denomination, to join us in this celebration of thanks and unity,” said Lead Pastor Lauren Wrightsman of Bethel Lutheran Church. “It’s a wonderful way to unite as a community and support our neighbors in need.”
Service organizer John Schmitz observed that Thanksgiving has long presented an opportunity across America for Christian churches to look beyond sincerely held theology differences, celebrate the basic tenets of our faith, and praise God for His many blessings.
He reflected back on the first Madison Area Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service and how it came about as a result of:
- The example of ecumenical services held annually in several small Southwestern Wisconsin towns and by several churches in Madison.
- The example of the Charismatic Renewal which led Christians from various denominations, filled with the Holy Spirit, to worship side-by-side.
- A brief encounter at the Capitol, for the 2019 National Day of Prayer, with Marcio Sierra Jr. of Lighthouse Church. He shared his desire to bring local Christian leaders together to pray.
- Conversations with and the encouragement of Catholic Bishop Donald Hying in 2021 and later with his Chief of Staff, Dr. Chris McAtee to value and try to enhance ecumenical relationships.
- The example and bonds built via the Collaboration Project’s 2022 “For Dane” initiative.
- A chance meeting and related discussion with like-minded Deacon Mark Zwolski at Our Lady Queen of Peace church in June, 2022. A quick decision by the Queen of Peace staff to embrace and agree to host the initial 2022 service. Mark’s subsequent efforts to structure the worship service.
- Additional essential early support from the Wisconsin Council of Churches, the MP3 group of evangelical pastors, the Catholic Herald, Lighthouse, SS Morris, City Church, Geneva Campus, Bethel Lutheran, St. Cyril and Methodious Orthodox, St. Thomas Aquinas, Westwood, Madison Christian Community and several other churches.
“The dozen or so members of the planning team approached the initial service in 2022 uncertain if our spotty outreach efforts, amidst a resurgence of COVID, would result in many attending,” Schmitz recalled. “We were shocked and pleasantly surprised when approximately 850 flowed in Our Lady Queen of Peace church filled with a spirit of joy, excited to be together, eager to praise God and pray side-by-side. The feedback was extremely positive.”
The 2023 Service was sparked by the previous year’s celebration and a God chance meeting between Schmitz and City Church pastor Andrew Henderson City Church in the SSM Clinic parking lot. Like Queen of Peace the year before, City Church whole-heartedly threw itself into planning and hosting the event, supported a couple of dozen co-sponsors. Approximately 950 people attend.
“As co-organizers Becca Feldhacker (Collaboration Project) and myself looked toward 2024, we sought out a large mainline protestant church,” Schmitz wrote. “That search led us to Bethel Lutheran whose new staff enthusiastically and whole-hearted embraced the vision behind this event, has a large sanctuary and was willing to complete the resources to make it a success. We look forward to coming together to praise God and see what He will do in our lives and in our city.”
Please contact John Schmitz at (608) 695-5801 for further information or email, jjschmitz7@gmail.com