Liberty-area residents from different faith traditions came together on November 23, 2025, at Hosanna! Lutheran Church in Liberty to share gratitude and fellowship and raise money for those in need.

The annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service drew approximately 150 people and is hosted by the Liberty-Area Ministerial Alliance, a group of local Christian ministers and pastors that help support those in need in the Liberty-area. 

“The thing that impressed me was seeing so many different faiths coming together. We could look and see the kindness and love of everyone,” said Judy Keisling of St. James Catholic Church.

“It was great to hear from each of the different faith leaders,” said Adam Carter of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Doniphan Ward) who appreciated the scripture readings that included some of his favorite scriptures: Psalm 138:1-5.

“It’s a great experience to see all the different religions come together in harmony to worship and express gratitude to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ,” added Paula Carter. “We are each His children, and no matter what our beliefs are, getting together like this helps us build bridges of understanding and respect for one another.”

“We are all one. We’re a community. ‘You’re not alone’ is such a powerful message, especially for young people to hear today,” said Jeanne Greenwald, also of St. James.

Church leaders from Hosanna! Lutheran, Liberty First Presbyterian, Liberty Christian, Community of Christ, Precious Blood Renewal Center, St. James Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all participated in the program.

“It is a joy to gather across traditions tonight. United…by a shared spirit of Thanksgiving,” said Jay Meacham of St. James Catholic Church during the Reflection segment of the service. “We come from different denominations, different neighborhoods, different rhythms of worship and yet here we are. One body, one spirit, one table of gratitude. That alone is a miracle worth celebrating.

“I thank God for you,” he continued. “For your presence here, for your gifts, for the way you show up in your communities for the way you serve, pray, advocate and love…Let us give thanks for the God who is in our midst for the strength we have received in challenging times, for the faith that sustains our communities and for the love that sends us out.”

President Rudi Garcia, counselor in the Missouri Independence Mission Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and president of the Liberty Area Ministerial Alliance, gave the prayer of Thanksgiving during the service, recognizing many blessings, including the gift of Jesus Christ and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross and for his resurrection and grace.

“Seeing all of my dear friends and those from their congregations come together in the spirit of unity and thanksgiving was truly a humbling experience,” President Garcia said. “There is so much that divides us these days, that is so nice we can come together in worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Following the service, those attending gathered for the pie social in the fellowship hall of the church.