Selma and Dallas County will come together Sunday to give thanks through a joint church service.

The annual Thanksgiving service rotates to a different church every year. This year, it will be held at First Baptist Church of Selma.

However, the Rev. Jack Alvey, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, will deliver the sermon. Alvey started at St. Paul’s back in August and was officially installed during a service last Wednesday.

“[First Baptist pastor] Jerry Light asked me to preach at the service. He extended me the invitation as a way to help me connect more with the community of Selma,” Alvey said. “I am very grateful for this opportunity, and this will be my first time to preach in a Baptist church.”

It’s important to take a few moments to reflect and be grateful for what we have, Alvey said.

“Giving thanks reminds us that all of life is a gift. It’s easy to get caught up with all that is wrong with our lives and in the world,” Alvey said. “Giving thanks especially for the small things helps cultivate a grateful and happy heart even in the middle of that is ugly.”

During that through a community service is even more powerful, he said.

“The service gives the community a taste of each church’s particular witness to the Gospel and a reminder that there are many ways to share God’s all-encompassing love,” Alvey said.

The Thanksgiving service will begin at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Selma.