A joint ecumenical Thanksgiving eve worship service is planned for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at Ostmark Lutheran Church.

“Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart” is the theme of this year’s service, jointly sponsored and rotated annually with St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church and St. Matthew’s United Church of Christ, both in Forest City.

A combined choir from the three churches will sing, along with other special music and lay participation. The Rev. Melinda Melhus from Ostmark will preside, assisted by the Rev. Bridgit Haefner of St. Matthew’s. Cindy Knutson of St. Gertrude’s will direct the combined choir and Sandy Brown of Ostmark will play piano and organ for the final time before taking a leave of absence from the position.

Non-perishable items will be collected for area food shelves, along with loose or designated offerings. Pie and fellowship will follow the service.

“We encourage people from throughout the area to take a little time to gather with us to give God thanks and praise for the bounty of our blessings before celebrating the holiday with family and friends,” Melhus said.

Ostmark is 12 miles northeast of Litchfield, off of Highway 24, or 7 1/2 miles southeast of Watkins. For more information or directions, call the church at (320) 693-8450.