CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Several churches in Cornelius hosted a special community worship on Sunday.

Pastors and choirs from different congregations worshipped together in the Community Thanksgiving Service held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

This year, a Spanish church called "Revive" also took part in the worship with its pastor delivering a sermon in Spanish.

Bethel Presbyterian Church Pastor Thomas Boone said all the participating congregations share their love for God and love for others.

“That pulls all of us Christians together despite our differences on the minor things. We are all together on those two commandments and I think that is the value here,” Boone said.

He added it’s important to be united.

“There is a lot of divisiveness and it’s good to have moments like this where we drop all of that, come together, love God, love our neighbors,” Boone said.

For the first time in the event’s history, parishioners gathered after the service to assemble baskets with Thanksgiving staples for neighbors in need.

"It can draw us into being closer to one another as partners and churches, not only worshipping together once a year but doing mission together,” Boone said.

The participating churches donated the items in the baskets, which will benefit 70 families receiving services from the Neighborhood CARE Center.

The organization’s executive director, Manny Rosado, said as soon as he approached the churches asking for support, they didn’t hesitate to help.  

“By this simple act of kindness and love, it opens a door for them to be able to then start relationships and bridge some of the gaps we have in our community." Rosado said.

The Community Thanksgiving Service is a tradition in Cornelius dating back 25 years.

First Baptist, Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church, Grace Covenant Church, Union Bethel AME Church, Bethel Presbyterian, and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church participated in the service.