Local Residents Invited to Diverse Thanksgiving and Holiday Season Events

Residents of Hagerstown and the surrounding area have a variety of opportunities to engage in community events and prepare for the holiday season, as detailed in a recent announcement from the Hagerstown Area Religious Council. These events range from interfaith services and community dinners to educational workshops and musical performances, offering something for everyone looking to connect with neighbors and celebrate.

The upcoming events kick off on Saturday, November 15th, with a Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 712 W. Church Street in Hagerstown. This dinner is open to all who wish to attend. On the same day, Benevola United Methodist Church at 19925 Benevola Church Road in Boonsboro will host a Free Women’s Virtual Event titled “Prepare Him Room” from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This event aims to help attendees prepare their hearts and minds for the Christmas season with worship and shared wisdom. Also on November 15th, Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ at 33 Potomac Street in Boonsboro will present “Warriors Among Us” at 3:00 PM, an event dedicated to honoring and celebrating veterans with guest speakers.

The following weekend, Saturday, November 22nd, begins with a Free Community Breakfast at Benevola United Methodist Church from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This breakfast will provide an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors, and attendees can also visit information tables set up by public service organizations and resource groups. Simultaneously, from 10:00 AM, St. John’s Episcopal Church at 101 S. Prospect Street in Hagerstown will host a free workshop for clergy and church musicians titled “The Life-giving Power of Music.” Later that day, at 4:00 PM, Trinity Lutheran Church at 15 Randolph Avenue in Hagerstown will present a free concert, “Bach, Banjos and the Hero’s Journey,” featuring classical music by John Bullard. Donations will be accepted at this concert.

The week culminates with several events leading up to Thanksgiving Day. On Sunday, November 23rd, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Congregation B’Nai Abraham at 53 E. Baltimore Street in Hagerstown will host the HARC Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service. This service, themed “Let’s Give Thanks Together,” will honor diverse faith traditions with music in the first half and a period without instrumental music in the second half. A reception will follow the service, and faith leaders are invited to participate in a final candlelight blessing. A community choir will be featured, with rehearsals beginning at 2:45 PM for those wishing to participate.

On Monday, November 24th, at 7:00 PM, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown at 3245 Cearfoss Pike will host “Stories in the Round: Fanny Crawford.” This event, part of the closing session for their ninth year, will focus on the theme of GRATITUDE and include historical research, personal stories, and tales. The cost is $12 if paid in advance by Monday at 9:00 AM, and $15 at the door. Children 12 years and older are welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader.

Finally, on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th, The Hope Center Rescue Mission at The Trinity Center, 215 W. Church Street in Hagerstown, will host their annual Thanksgiving Feast starting at 11:30 AM. This free buffet will feature traditional Thanksgiving dishes, and no RSVP is required.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from HARC

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