City celebrates Thanksgiving in multilingual congregations

Hyderabad: The city’s faithful celebrated Thanksgiving across churches with congregations praying for prosperity and health, giving thanks to the Almighty for guiding their lives. Hindi and Urdu-speaking congregations held their Thanksgiving service at Centenary Methodist Hindustani Church.

Shankutala and Kenneth Dutt, both senior citizens, came from New Zealand to celebrate the big day at the Hindustani Church. Food stalls were set up, with traditional delicacies all disappearing the moment they were placed.

Resident bishop M.A. Daniel delivered the thanks to God with a special song ‘Dhanyawad ke saat Stuthi gaunga he yesu mere khudha’, of gratitude, hummed by the entire congregation.

A Kannada speakers congregation was held on the Hindustani Church premises a day before, with Rev. C.G. Dayanand conducting the service. A fruit basket was also auctioned for '62,000 to S.V. David and his family.

K. Yesudas, the secretary of Centenary Methodist Telugu service, said, “The church was decorated with flowers, fruits and vegetables. The congregation looked bright and well-dressed. Many donated their best crop or cattle to the church, while others gave monetary offerings.”

Reddypogu Raj Kumar, chairman of missions and evangelism, Centenary Methodist Church, said: “Thanksgiving is celebrated world over with equal fervour and euphoria. It conveys the universal feeling of being thankful to God Almighty for his continuous grace in every area of one’s life. India is a multi-lingual, multicultural and a secular country, also popular for its spirituality, God-loving and God-fearing people.”

John Wycliffe, a participant, said, “This Thanksgiving is unlike what that we see in US or Europe. Here, the day is engaged more in prayers and gospel messages, remembering God’s good deeds and being thankful.”