EVERETT — Everett’s Thanksgiving Celebration is becoming an annual tradition.
Members of different congregations plan to meet, for the third year in a row, the day before Thanksgiving at Snohomish County Flag Plaza to share prayers and music.
The event is sponsored by the Everett pastors network, which includes about 30 different churches, said the Rev. Brian Harpell, a senior pastor at Everett First Baptist Church. The pastors meet monthly to discuss what’s happening in their congregations and to pray for the community.
It can be challenging to bring together local congregations because many churches have a unique philosophy, Harpell said. But the pastors network doesn’t promote denominations or politics.
“Politics are outside of our conversations,” Harpell said. “The only thing we promote is God’s love.”
Different churches may differ in minor points of theology, but their common goal is to serve the community, he said.
The Rev. Gary Ragsdale, pastor of the Word of Truth Christian Center, helped Harpell get the network started. He has long felt the need for churches to work together.
“It will show the community that we are coming together and not just doing our own thing,” he said.
The pastors hope people working at downtown businesses and government agencies will find time during their lunch hour to attend the celebration.
The event features Trinity Lutheran College Touring Ensemble and baritone singer Steve Torrence.
Pastors Alan Dorway of Everett First Presbyterian Church, Bryan Hersey of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishes and Harpell are planning to speak. Ragsdale, Tyrone Garay of the Praise Chapel and U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Carter are expected to say prayers of gratitude. Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452; kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
Thanksgiving Celebration
Join Everett’s Thanksgiving Celebration at noon Nov. 24 at Snohomish County Flag Plaza, 3000 Rockefeller Ave.
Churches interested in joining the pastors network can contact the Rev. Brian Harpell at bharpell@fbc-everett.org or 425-259-9166.
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