Bannertown Baptist Church and its interim pastor, the Rev. Milton Sewell, hosted a special multi-denominational Thanksgiving worship service Wednesday night.

Churches from all denominations were invited to attend, and Dr. David Sparks, pastor of Flat Rock Pentecostal Holiness Church, delivered the sermon. Pastors from other denominations also took part in the service, including Father Erik Kowalski of Holy Angels Catholic Church, who read scripture from 1 Samuel, Chapter 30 and the Rev. Richard Buffkin of Franklin Heights United Methodist Church, who said a prayer.

The Rev. Bob Josey, president of the Mount Airy Ministerial Association, thanked Bannertown Baptist Church for allowing the service to be held in its sanctuary.

“Our way of thinking in the community is that even though we are all of different denominations, we are all Christians worshipping the same God,” Josey said.

Mike Jones, of Bannertown Baptist Church, gave his testimony during the service. He said he didn’t think it was possible to tell all the ways God has moved in his life in only five minutes. He began by reading John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Jones said he was saved at the age of 12 and he couldn’t wait to tell his grandmother. He was baptized in the creek at Sulphur Springs.

“I’m thankful my parents kept me in church. You went regardless. If you had a date on a Wednesday or Sunday night, they were going to church with you,” Jones said.

“I’m a work in progress. I’m thankful for my family and for good health. I’m thankful for a Christian wife who stood with me through thick and thin. I’m thankful God looks over some of the things that I do,” he said ending with the reading of John 3:16 again. “What else do we want or need than that?”

The Bannertown Baptist Church Choir sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and then soloist Jennifer Codella sang “On my knees.”

Sparks gave the sermon for the night, which centered around the story of David in 1 Samuel, Chapters 20 and 30.

“God brought David to this dead-end. He was stripped of everything. He had nobody to turn to. He was alone. God fully intended for David to go through this crisis so he would have to seek answers within himself. God brings us to places when we have to lean on Him,” Sparks said.

“God told David that he was destined for great things. Down deep, you are made of better stuff than you ever dreamed of. Sometimes we don’t understand why things happen, but that’s when God wants us to look inside ourselves and trust in Him.”

Sparks told the congregation that this Thanksgiving will be the best one in their lives.

“There is no reason that Thanksgiving 2009 shouldn’t be the most glorious Thanksgiving we have ever encountered in our lives.”

He said there is a saying that should be placed on every refrigerator door, “God is still in control.”

He continued, “Put away those disparaging feelings and be grateful for His love.”

The closing prayer was led by Evangelist Florence Green of Mt. Nebo Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Jo and Fred Goins, who are members of Bannertown Baptist Church, said they enjoyed the service.

“It was wonderful,” said Jo Goins.

“It was a good diverse group. I thought it worked out well,” Fred Goins said going out the door.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.