Community Thanksgiving service set at care center

For the third year in a row, a Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at the Northern Montana Care Center, where attendees will hear singing puppets, a band comprising local pastors and a message from a new pastor in the area.

The singing puppets are a staple at Community Alliance Church, where congregants are treated to stories and songs by them throughout the year. This year, the puppets will be singing two songs instead of one at the Care Center, Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association Chair Curt Curtis said.

The performing band will include Curtis and Abundant Life Ministries pastors Brian and Vicki Barrows belting out vocals, Community Alliance Pastor Tim Zerger plucking the bass and fellow congregant Jim Potter keeping time on the drums. In addition to vocals, Vicki Barrows may bring percussive bongo drums to accompany the band. Others may be added to the ensemble as Thanksgiving nears, Curtis said.

The songs will be staples everyone will be familiar with, Curtis and Zerger said.

Regarding time to develop cohesion between the musicians, Zerger said the musical outfit will rely on their raw talent.

“We’re just naturally good,” Zerger said, jokingly.

Other harmonious treats during the service will include choirs from St. Jude’s Catholic Church and First Lutheran Church.

Fresh Van Orsdel United Methodist Church pastor Mac McGrew will give the main message during the service. McGrew, who is from Brigham City, Utah, has been in Havre two months, Curtis said.