Two churches in Wesson are hoping to feed the hungry for Thanksgiving — one with spiritual worship and one with a hot lunch.

On Sunday, Decell Memorial United Methodist Church is opening its doors for a community Thanksgiving service featuring the Ambassadors from Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, Wesson Baptist Church will serve a sit-down holiday feast at noon.

Both events are free and open to the public.

“It would be our honor for you to come and worship with us as a community that is so very thankful for the blessings God has given us,” said the Rev. Brandon Halford of Decell.

The service Sunday begins at 6 p.m.

The Co-Lin choir will perform with Steve Russell accompanying on the piano. Choir Director Christian Scott will sing a special selection, a Moses Hogan arrangement of “Give Me Jesus.”

Scott said the Ambassadors will perform several holiday favorites including a Scandinavian song and a few selections by local composers.

Both Rev. Nelson Santa Ana from Wesson Baptist Church and Pastor Pat McClendon from the Home Seekers Bible Church will offer a word of prayer and community thanksgiving.

Rev. Mike Assink from Beauregard United Methodist Church will give the sermon, which will likely focus on blessings and gratefulness.

An offering will be received during the service, with monies raised donated to the Ambassadors “for offering their time and talents to the community,” Halford said.

While a full Thanksgiving meal isn’t on the menu, Decell is asking those attending to bring snacks to share.

“After the service, we will enjoy a community gathering in the fellowship hall as we snack on our favorite finger foods and nourish our souls through conversation with community, family and friends,” he said.

The church is located at 2022 Hwy. 51 South.

On Thanksgiving Day, the tables will be open at Wesson Baptist Church and families and individuals are invited to come sit, eat and fellowship at a noon lunch.

The goal is to feed folks who don’t have plans for Thanksgiving and want to spend it with others, said Santa Anna, who is the church’s pastor.

The pastor won’t be there Thursday — he has a family commitment in Louisiana — but he’s leaving the carving knife in the capable hands of Sharon Ashley, who has done all the cooking for the event for the past two years.

She also prepares the Wednesday night meals at the church and Santa Anna said she has the reputation as one of the best cooks around.

This will be the third year for the free lunch, and Santa Anna and Ashley are hoping for at least several dozen people to come to the church at noon for a hot meal. Last year about 10 people ate and fellowshipped at the lunch, he said.

“It’s all about eating together,” he said. “We think as a church, part of our responsibility is to love our community. This is a way to show the love of Christ.”

Leftovers are boxed and delivered to others in the community who can use it.

Wesson Baptist is located at 2083 Hwy. 51.