The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

WHILE many around the Bahamas were feasting on a smorgasbord of Thanksgiving dinners or flying over to Florida to shop until they drop, children in the northern district of Long Island came together for their annual Harvest Thanksgiving church service.

Father Chester Burton, guidance counsellor and chaplain for the Glinton’s Primary, Simms Primary and North Long Island High Schools, said the celebrations were “beehives of activity”.

The mid-morning service was held at the St Peter’s Parish Church in Simms, Long Island.

“At 9.30am the stage and altar was set, nicely decorated with canned goods and home-grown garden supplies. Veteran educator Bessie Cooper emceed the service. The morning began with praise and worship by Clevette Brown,” said Father Burton.

He said parents packed the pews of the church just to bask in the radiance of God and to witness their youngsters perform.

Under the theme “Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart”, students from each grade level made their presence during the proceedings.

In his sermon, Father Burton reminded the church that whenever he witnesses the recitations and presentations of young children, it takes him back to his childhood days. He encouraged parents to be aware of the gifts God has graciously bestowed on their children.

He said it has been 10 months since his wife, Coral Patrice, passed away and he gave thanks for his daughter, Chelsey Burton.

“The year that has been an eventful one. Long Island residents witnessed no devastating hurricanes this year; we have so much to be thankful for in our daily lives. I encourage the school community and north end community to minimise the complaining and grip and maximise their appreciation and love for God who has done so much for us not only in Long Island but throughout the Commonwealth; always strive and possess an ‘attitude of gratitude’,” said Father Burton.

The canned items were collected and distributed among the sick and shut-in members of the community.