CullmanTimes.com - Cullman, Alabama

Religion

Related Photos

  • Gabriel Pautler and Candace Rosenhoover serve special guests Deacon Dennis Kobs and Father Ray Remke.

    St. B's Thanksgiving Service 1.jpg

  • Students surround Father Michael Deering after lunch are, from left, front row: Isabella Cline, Cailin O’Donnell and Celeste O’Donnell; back row: Danielle O’Donnell, Madison McMahon, Father Michael Deering, Andy Woods, Chris Woods and Nathan Cline.

    St. B's Thanksgiving Service 2.jpg

  • Shown are, from left, front row: Very Rev. Kevin Bazzel of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Birmingham; Sister Mary Vernon Gentle of St. Aloyisus Church, Bessemer; Sister Teresa Walsh of Annunciation Church, Decatur; Deacon Dennis Kobs of Annunciation Church, Decatur; Rev. John O’Donnell, O.S.B. of Sacred Heart Church, Cullman; Rev. Bede Marcy of St. Bernard Abbey, Cullman; Rev. Michael Deering of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Gardendale and St. Henry’s Church Warrior; back row: Rev. Joel Martin, O.S.B., St. Bernard Abbey, Cullman; Rev. Robert Blackwell of Grace Episcopal Church, Cullman; Rev. Etsel Riddle of Oak Level Baptist Church, Cullman; Rev. Mitchell Williams of First United Methodist Church, Cullman; Rev. Patrick Cullen of St. Aloysius Church, Bessemer; Rev. Michael MacMahon of Holy Spirit Church, Huntsville; Rev. Marcus Voss, O.S.B., St. Bernard Abbey, Cullman; Rev. Matthew Carmichael of Daystar Church, Hanceville; Rev. Raymond Remke of Annunciation Church, Decatur.

    St. B's Thanksgiving Service 3.jpg

Discussion

November 19, 2012

Ecumenical Thanksgiving service held at St. Bernard

St. B Prep

CULLMAN — Ministers and Priests of St. Bernard Preparatory School students and staff members were recently invited to participate in the school’s annual Thanksgiving service. Over 40 people who minister to churches in various parts of the country were sent an invitation.

Leading the opening prayer was Rev. Patrick Cullen, pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Bessemer. Scripture readings were given by Rev. Matt Carmichael of Daystar Church in Hanceville, Rev. Etsel Riddle of Oak Level Baptist Church in Cullman, Very Rev. Kevin Bazzel of St. Paul Cathedral in Birmingham, and Deacon Dennis Kobs of Annunciation Church in Decatur. The final prayer was offered by Sr. Teresa Walsh of Annunciation Church in Decatur. Also leading prayers were Rev. Robert Blackwell of Grace Episcopal Church, Cullman, and Rev. Michael Deering of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Gardendale.

Rev. Mitchell Williams of First United Methodist Church delivered a “mouthwatering” homily with a reminder of gifts for which we “oughta” be thankful. Referring to the tornado that hit Cullman on April 27, 2011, Rev. Williams reminded the congregation of how bad things can happen in a community. The Cullman area witnessed heavy damage to homes, churches and businesses. Power was restored within a week, water was still available, and neighbors from other counties assisted in the cleanup. However, Hurricane Sandy is much worse. People are still without power, and the water is becoming less and less, and there are no neighbors who are spared the disaster.

“If we knew today that something of this nature was about to happen, what would be the first thing you would rescue?” Williams asked. “What would become precious to you?”

Williams encouraged all to appreciate the little things in life. “Be thankful for the chance to be happy and to be connected with a God who has blessed you, and loves you.”

After the sermon, students offered prayers of thanksgiving/petition, during which gifts representing the prayers were offered at the altar of the abbey church. Thanks was expressed for the harvest that makes our lives possible, and all creation; the freedom of our country, our armed forces, and elected officials; parents, teachers, and friends; education and wisdom; athletic abilities, people of all faiths, and loved ones who have died.

Music was provided by vocalist, Caitlin Varquez, who was accompanied by Alex Ginas playing the guitar. Dr. Rebecca Whited was the organist and was assisted by trumpeter Alex Ginas.

After the service, Thanksgiving dinner was enjoyed by all in the dining hall.

 

 

Text Only
Religion
Facebook
AP Video
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God' Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com