Thanksgiving Mass and Church Service Guide to Greater Milwaukee 2025

Thanksgiving 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27, with Thanksgiving Eve services typically on Wednesday, November 26. This comprehensive guide provides contact information for 200+ churches across all denominations in the greater Milwaukee area, organized geographically for easy reference. Contact churches directly starting mid-November for confirmed service times.

Churches typically announce holiday service schedules 2-4 weeks before major holidays. While specific 2025 times remain unpublished, historical patterns show Catholic parishes usually offer Thanksgiving Day morning Mass around 9:00 AM, while Protestant churches favor Thanksgiving Eve services around 7:00 PM. Many Lutheran and Episcopal congregations participate in ecumenical community services. Several churches in the research explicitly confirmed they offer Thanksgiving services annually—call them first.

Confirmed 2025 services and special events

A handful of churches and community organizations have already announced their Thanksgiving 2025 plans. St. John's Lutheran Church in Brookfield will hold a Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM with pie and fellowship afterward. The West Bend Area Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service brings together multiple denominations at Cedar Community (historically held at 7:00 PM on Thanksgiving Eve) with a pie social, free-will offering for suicide prevention charity LiFE OF HOPE, and food pantry collections. Calvary Church in West Bend hosts a free community Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day (historically noon-2:45 PM, open to all, no reservations needed). St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Cedarburg explicitly advertises "all are welcome" for Thanksgiving Mass and hosts their annual Turkey Trot fundraiser around the holiday.

City of Milwaukee

Catholic parishes

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (812 N. Jackson Street, 414-273-8222, stjohncathedral.org) serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee with weekday Mass at 5:15 PM Monday-Friday and weekend Masses at 5:15 PM Saturday, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM (livestreamed), and 1:00 PM Spanish on Sunday. Old St. Mary Church (836 North Broadway, threeholywomenparish.org) is part of Three Holy Women Parish with Saturday vigil at 4:30 PM and Sunday Masses at 7:15 AM, 9:00 AM (livestreamed), and 11:30 AM, plus daily Mass Monday-Friday at 7:00 AM and 12:05 PM. The Basilica of St. Josaphat (2333 S. 6th Street, 414-645-5623, thebasilica.org) is a historic basilica ministered by Conventual Franciscan Friars.

Gesu Catholic Church (1145 West Wisconsin Avenue) is a Jesuit parish near Marquette University downtown. St. Vincent Pallotti Parish operates at two sites: West Church at 201 N. 76th Street and East Church (formerly Holy Cross) at 5424 W. Bluemound Road (stvincentpallotti.org), partnering with St. Therese Parish (9525 W. Bluemound Road, sainttheresemilwaukee.org) which offers Saturday Mass at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (streamed), and 10:30 AM. Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church (corner of Cramer & Bradford, ssppmilw.org) is part of the Family of Five Parishes on Milwaukee's East Side with Saturday confession at 4:00 PM and vigil Mass at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM.

St. Adalbert Church (1923 W. Becher Street, 414-988-0228, stadalbertmke.org) serves Walker's Point/Bay View with bilingual services: Saturday 4:00 PM Spanish, Sunday 8:00 AM Spanish, 10:00 AM English, 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM Spanish. St. Stanislaus Oratory (524 West Mitchell Street, institute-christ-king.org/milwaukee-home) offers traditional Latin Mass through the Institute of Christ the King with Saturday 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM English vigil, Sunday 8:00 AM low Mass with organ, 10:00 AM high Mass, and 12:00 noon low Mass. Our Lady of Lourdes (3722 South 58th Street, 414-476-0441, ololmke.org) livestreams Saturday Mass and offers Wednesday prayer services on YouTube.

Lutheran churches

Grace Lutheran Church (downtown, gracedowntown.org) is a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation with Sunday services at 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM (livestreamed), and 10:30 AM plus Monday at 6:30 PM, known for rich musical tradition. Lake Park Lutheran Church (2647 N. Stowell Avenue, 414-962-9190, lakeparklutheran.com) is an ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation on the East Side welcoming LGBTQ+ community with strong social justice focus. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (trinitymilwaukee.org) is an LCMS National Historic Landmark serving since 1847 with Sunday 10:00 AM and Wednesday 6:00 PM services featuring traditional liturgy.

Redeemer Lutheran Church (redeemermilwaukee.org) is an ELCA congregation welcoming diverse community. St. Marcus Ministries (stmarcus.org) is a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod church and school ministry.

Episcopal churches

All Saints' Cathedral (Cathedral Square area, ascathedral.org) is the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin, serving since 1873 with Sunday Holy Eucharist at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, weekday Morning Prayer at 9:00 AM via Zoom. St. Paul's Episcopal Church (914 E. Knapp Street, 414-276-6277, stpaulsmilwaukee.org) offers Sunday Holy Eucharist at 10:00 AM downtown. St. Mark's Episcopal Church (2618 N. Hackett Avenue, 414-962-0500, stmarksmilwaukee.org) on the East Side has Sunday services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM plus Wednesday at 6:00 PM. St. Luke's Episcopal Church (stlukeschurch.com) provides Sunday virtual worship and weekday prayer services.

Presbyterian churches

Immanuel Presbyterian Church (Astor Street, immanuelwi.org) is a PCUSA congregation with Sunday 10:00 AM services online and in-person, livestreamed from their historic 1875 Victorian Gothic building on the East Side. Calvary Presbyterian Church "The Big Red Church" (935 W. Wisconsin Avenue, 414-271-8782, bigred.church) founded in 1869 offers Sunday 10:30 AM hybrid worship (in-person, Zoom, phone) with communion every Sunday, open and affirming. Grace Presbyterian Church (2931 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue) serves Bay View, while Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church (1455 S. 97th Street, 414-453-3710, gapc-usa.org) on the West Side has Sunday service at 9:30 AM.

Methodist churches

Bay View United Methodist Church (2772 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue, bayviewumc.org) in the Bay View neighborhood offers Sunday worship at 9:45 AM in-person and livestreamed on Facebook/YouTube, welcoming all. Albright United Methodist Church (albrightumc.net) provides online services. The New St. James Community Church (via Facebook) is a UMC congregation with Sunday 11:00 AM-12:30 PM worship, community-focused. Central United Methodist Church (centralumcmilwaukee.org) serves downtown Milwaukee.

Baptist churches

Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (pilgrimrestmilwaukee.org) is accepting hygiene items for ministry through November 23. Progressive Baptist Church (8324 W. Keefe Avenue, progressivebaptistmilwaukee.com) under Rev. Walter J. Lanier offers Sunday 10:00 AM in-person with Facebook and YouTube streaming. Calvary Baptist Church (calvarybaptistmke.com) is celebrating 130 years (1895-2025) under Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. John Richard Walton Jr. Christ The King Baptist Church (ctkbc.org) features Pastor Treyvon J. Sinclair with dynamic preaching and biblically sound teaching.

Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church (2432 N. Teutonia Avenue, 414-562-1110, greatergalileemke.org) serves the community. Milwaukee Baptist Church (milwaukeebaptistchurch.org) is an independent Baptist church with Sunday School 10:00 AM, morning service 11:00 AM, afternoon service 1:30-2:00 PM, and Wednesday 7:00 PM online—traditional, conservative, Bible-based. Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee (cbcgm.org) rounds out Baptist options.

Orthodox churches

Ss. Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church (3000 S. 30th Street, orthodoxmilwaukee.com) is an Orthodox Church in America congregation established 1927, 4 miles southwest of downtown with Saturday Great Vigil at 4:30 PM and Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM preceded by psalms/Scripture at 9:30 AM—diverse pan-Orthodox community with all services in English emphasizing liturgical tradition and charitable outreach. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (9400 W. Congress Street, 414-461-9400, annunciationwi.org) is Wisconsin's largest Greek Orthodox parish in a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed architectural landmark with Sunday Divine Liturgy at 9:30 AM, visitors welcome.

St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral (stsava-milw.org) founded 1912 belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of New Gracanica and Midwestern America. Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church (holytrinityrussianorthodoxchurch.org) serves the Russian Orthodox community.

Non-denominational churches

Epikos Church (epikos.org) operates three campuses including one in the City of Milwaukee with Sunday services at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 5:30 PM—contemporary worship attracting young families downtown. The Ridge Community Church (theridgecc.com) has multiple Milwaukee-area locations, non-denominational and family-friendly with Ridge Kids and Ridge Students programs. The Way Church (thewaychurch.com) meets inside Sonesta Milwaukee West with Sunday 10:30 AM service, pastored by Joshua & Emily (Rhema Bible College graduates)—Spirit-filled, non-denominational.

PERISSOS Church (perissos.church) formerly MIX Church/Brave Church, led by Pastor Jake Wirth, started a new chapter in 2025 downtown with engaging worship. Faith Builders Church (myfaithbuilders.com) is non-denominational, multicultural, family church. Saint Joseph's Non Denominational Church (via Facebook) honors St. Joseph.

Western Milwaukee suburbs

Wauwatosa

St. Joseph Catholic Church (12130 W Center Street, 414-771-4626, stjoetosa.com) serves Wauwatosa, Brookfield, and Elm Grove with Saturday 4:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM, weekday Mass Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:15 AM. Christ King Parish (2604 North Swan Boulevard, christkingparish.org) operates K3-8th grade school. St. Pius X Parish (2506 Wauwatosa Avenue, 414-453-3875, stpiusparish.org) and St. Jude Parish (734 Glenview Ave, 414-258-8821, stjudeparishwauwatosa.org) are nearly century-old parishes with Saturday 5:00 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Masses.

St. John's Lutheran Church (7809 Harwood Avenue, 414-258-7831, sjtosa.org) is WELS. St. Matthew Lutheran Church (1615 N. Wauwatosa Ave) is ELCA. Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church (2366 N. 80th St., 414-774-5005, tosapres.com) is PCUSA with Sunday 10:00 AM worship livestreamed on YouTube—welcoming, progressive. Trinity Episcopal Church (1717 Church Street, 414-453-4540, trinitywauwatosa.org) offers Sunday 10:00 AM Rite II livestreamed with active community outreach. Meadowbrook Church (1025 N 70th St, mbctosa.org) is non-denominational.

Brookfield

St. Dominic Catholic Parish (18255 W. Capitol Drive, 262-781-3480, stdominic.net) is a large, active parish with Saturday 4:30 PM and Sunday 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, weekday Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 AM and Tuesday, Thursday 6:30 AM. St. Luke Catholic Church (262-782-0032, stlukebrookfield.org) has Saturday 5:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM, weekday Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00 AM. St. John Vianney Catholic Church (1755 North Calhoun Road, 262-796-3940, stjohnv.org) includes parish school.

St. John's Lutheran Church - Brookfield (makedisciples.com) offers the confirmed Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM with possible pie after worship. Brookfield Lutheran Church (18500 W Burleigh Rd, 262-783-4270, brookfieldlutheran.org) is LCMS serving since 1950 with Sunday 8:00 AM, 9:15 AM, 10:45 AM. UNITY Lutheran Church (262-781-7600, unitybrookfield.org) operates two ELCA campuses: Cross of Life at 20700 W. North Avenue and Christ the King at 4600 Pilgrim Road.

Christ the Lord Lutheran Church & School (1650 North Brookfield Road, 262-782-3040, christthelordbrookfield.org), Immanuel Lutheran Church (immanuelbrookfield.org), Calvary Lutheran Church (1750 N. Calhoun Road, 262-786-4010, calvarylc.com), and Gethsemane Lutheran Church (13200 West Greenfield Avenue, gethsemane-elca.org) are ELCA and welcome everyone.

Peace United Methodist Church (12860 W North Ave, peaceumcwi.org) focuses on "Experiencing God, Caring for Community, Nurturing Souls." Trinity Pilgrim United Methodist Church also serves Brookfield. Trinity UCC Brookfield (trinitybrookfield.org) is Open and Affirming. Redemption Church (redemptionbrookfield.org) is a non-denominational church plant on Greenfield Ave just West of Moorland. Shorepoint Church (19805 West Capitol Drive) is also non-denominational.

West Allis

Mother of Perpetual Help Parish (main worship site 2322 S. 106th Street East, auxiliary site 1212 S. 117th St. West, parish office 1121 S. 116th St., 414-453-5192, mphwa.org) is a merged parish with Saturday 4:00 PM at 117th St. site and Sunday 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 7:00 PM at 106th St. site, weekday Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 AM. St. Barnabas Congregation (westalliscatholic.org) operates multiple sites at 7109 West Orchard Street, 6768 West Rogers Street, and 2318 South 61st Street. St. Mary's Parish PNCC (stmaryspnccwestalliswi.org) is Polish National Catholic.

First United Methodist Church of West Allis (7520 W Lapham St, 414-774-5500, fumcwa.org) offers Sunday 10:30 AM with livestream on YouTube and runs Thanksgiving Baskets ministry providing food assistance—donations needed. Active missions include Food Pantry and Second Saturday Servants. Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church (1529 Wauwatosa Ave at 76th Street, 414-453-0700) also serves the area.

Tabernacle Baptist Church (11530 West National Avenue, 414-541-8270, tabernaclebaptist-abc.org) is American Baptist Churches USA with Sunday School, Sunday worship, and Wednesday Bible Study. Providence Baptist Church (3865 N. 82nd St, 414-461-3405) serves Wauwatosa/West Allis. Grace Community Church (ourgcc.com) is gospel-centered, reformed, non-denominational. Word of Grace Bible Church (wogbc.org) offers grace-oriented Bible teaching. Epikos Church - West Allis (epikos.org/west-allis/), The Way Church, and Living Hope Lutheran / Good Shepherd's (1337 South 100th Street, goodshepherds.net) round out the area.

New Berlin

Holy Apostles Catholic Parish and School (16000 W. National Ave, 262-786-7330, hanb.org) established 1855 with "Love God. Love Others. Transform Our World" mission operates K3-8th grade school and active St. Vincent de Paul Society—Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 7:45 AM, Wednesday 8:30 AM, Saturday 4:30 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (12700 W. Howard Ave, 262-782-6760) also serves New Berlin.

Blessed Savior Lutheran Church (15250 W. Cleveland Ave, 262-786-6465), Christ the Victor Evangelical Lutheran Church (15700 W. Coffee Rd, 262-782-4940), Peace Lutheran Church (17651 W. Small Rd, 262-679-1441), Resurrection Lutheran Church (12400 W. Cold Spring Rd, rlcnb.net) ELCA Reconciling in Christ with Sunday 10:00 AM and seasonal Wednesday services, and Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church (3700 S. Casper Dr, 262-786-2900) provide Lutheran options.

Our Lord's United Methodist Church (5000 S. Sunny Slope Rd, 414-425-7030) and Agape UM Ministry (3100 S. Stigler Rd, 262-649-3506) with Sunday 10:00-11:30 AM serve Methodists. Forest Park Presbyterian Church (2300 S. Sunny Slope Rd, 262-786-5850) is Presbyterian. First Baptist Church (3800 S. Casper Dr, 262-782-7775) and Covenant Baptist Church (meeting at Heritage Christian Schools, 3500 S Glen Park Rd, covenantbaptistnb.com) is Reformed Baptist using 1689 Second London Baptist Confession.

Poplar Creek Church (17770 W. Cleveland Ave, 262-782-1777, poplarcreek.org) offers Sunday 8:00 AM traditional in Youth Chapel and 10:00 AM contemporary in Worship Center with high-energy worship and extensive children's ministry. Redeeming Grace Church (4800 South Calhoun Road, 414-208-5387, redeeminggracewi.org) has Sunday 10:00 AM in a 1960s building on scenic property. Crossroads Community Church (4315 S Moorland Road, crossroadswi.com) features hymns, Scripture reading, 35-minute messages, and communion twice monthly. Banner Church (bannerchurchwi.com) follows "We gather. We grow. We go." Community Life Church of Nazarene (13535 W. Beloit Rd, 414-425-6430), New Berlin Free Methodist Church (2975 S. Sunny Slope Rd, 262-782-3560), Westbrooke Wesleyan Church (21300 W. Greenfield Ave, 262-542-6305), Seventh-Day Adventist Church (21380 W. Cleveland Ave, 262-544-4043) with Saturday worship, and Living Word Apostolic Church (21401 W. National Ave, 262-784-1367) complete New Berlin's diverse church landscape.

North Shore communities

Whitefish Bay

Holy Family Parish (4825 N Wildwood Ave, 414-332-9220, hfparish.org) established 1949 is one of the largest North Shore parishes with Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, Sunday 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM, Sunday 12:30 PM French Mass, weekdays Tuesday-Wednesday 8:15 AM and Thursday-Friday 7:00 AM, perpetual adoration chapel Monday-Friday 6am-6pm. St. Monica Parish (5681 N Santa Monica Blvd, 414-332-1576, st-monica.org) founded 1923 offers Saturday 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM vigil, Sunday 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM, weekday Monday-Tuesday-Thursday 7:45 AM and Wednesday 8:30 AM, confession Tuesdays 7:00-7:30 AM and Thursdays 6:00-7:00 PM and Saturdays 8:30 AM, Adoration Thursday 8:30 AM-7:00 PM, online Mass streaming at stme.church.

United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay (819 E Silver Spring Dr, umcwfb.org) has Sunday 9:00 AM contemporary and 10:30 AM traditional both livestreamed with nursery and toddler care, active women's programs Thursday mornings 9:30-11:30. Christ Church Episcopal (5655 N Lake Dr, 414-964-3368, christchurchwfb.org) founded 1931 welcomes all denominations with Sunday 8:00 AM quiet service in chapel (Rite I) and 9:30 AM choral service in nave (Rite II) livestreamed with full choir September-May, Wednesday 9:00 AM contemplative service, Wednesday-Thursday 5:30 PM Evening Prayer via Zoom, active outreach including Tanzania Project, Haiti Project, and St. Vincent de Paul.

Bay Shore Lutheran Church (1200 E Hampton Rd, 414-332-6436, bayshorelutheran.org) is ELCA with Sunday 9:30 AM in person and livestreamed on YouTube year-round, September-May adds 8:00 AM service, nursery care available, all generations ministry focus, hosts MLK Day of Service in January.

Shorewood

St. Robert of Newminster Parish (2200 E Capitol Dr parish complex, 4019 N Farwell Ave church/school, 414-332-1164, strobert.org) serving over 100 years with "Love God - Love Others - Make Disciples" mission offers Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM, weekday Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday 7:00 AM, Wednesday evening 8:00 PM, Thursday-Friday 8:15 AM—Wednesday evening Mass includes Adoration, prayer with music, and Reconciliation opportunity, annual St. Robert Parish Fair. North Shore Presbyterian Church (4048 N Bartlett Ave, 414-332-8130, northshorepres.org) is PC-USA with Sunday 9:00 AM available on YouTube, office hours Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-2:00 PM.

Fox Point

St. Eugene Congregation (7600 N Port Washington Rd, 414-918-1100, steugenecongregation.org) is a welcoming Catholic community with Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, Sunday 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM, weekday Tuesday-Friday 8:20 AM, confession Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 PM, Fridays 6:30-7:30 AM, Saturdays 3:30-4:30 PM, Adoration Tuesday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Rosary Sunday after 8:30 AM Mass and Monday 5:30 PM in chapel, shares online streaming at stme.church. Fox Point Lutheran Church (7510 N Santa Monica Blvd, 414-352-8990, foxpointchurch.org) is ELCA with Sunday 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM livestreamed, Kids' Church during 9:30 service, nursery care, full communion with Presbyterian Church USA, hosts annual holiday bazaar around Thanksgiving.

Glendale

Saint John Lutheran Church (7877 N Port Washington Rd, 414-352-4150, stjohnglendale.com) is LCMS with Sunday 9:00 AM and second Monday of month 6:00 PM, operates K3-8 school and childcare for 6 weeks-3 years, participates in Milwaukee/Wisconsin Parental Choice programs. Memorial Lutheran Church (7701 N Green Bay Ave, 414-352-1160, memoriallutheran.com) is ELCA with "We are all ministers for Christ in Our Community."

General North Shore area

North Shore Congregational Church (7330 N Santa Monica Blvd Fox Point/Glendale area, 414-352-6123, nscchurchwi.org) is UCC with Sunday 10:00 AM in meetinghouse and online, children dismissed for Sunday School approximately 10:15 AM, Wednesday 6:45 PM worship with dinner starting 6:00 PM, fellowship follows services, past services and mid-week devotionals on YouTube—mission "To grow and deepen Christian Discipleship guided by the Holy Spirit," active benevolence and service ministries. Crossway Church - North Shore Campus (2500 W Brown Deer Rd, crosswayc.org/north-shore/) is non-denominational with Sunday 10:00 AM, "Community for the curious," Bible-based teaching, one church with multiple locations.

Waukesha County

City of Waukesha

Corpus Christi Parish (Catholic Community of Waukesha) operates four locations as one parish: St. Mary Parish (225 S. Hartwell Ave, 262-547-6555 x1306, catholic4waukesha.org or ccwauk.org) Sunday 8:30am, 11:00am, 5:30pm and Tuesday-Wednesday 8:30am; St. William Parish (440 N. Moreland Blvd, 262-547-2763) Sunday 9:30am and Monday 7:45am, Tuesday 5:30pm; St. Joseph Parish (818 N. East Ave, 262-922-9285) Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 9:00am, Friday 8:00am, Wednesday 6:00pm Spanish; St. John Neumann Parish (2400 W. State Rd. 59, 262-922-9285) Sunday 9:00am and 10:00am, Thursday 8:30am. Community Connect: 262-922-9285 for all locations.

St. Paul Catholic Church (S38W31602 Wern Way, Genesee, 262-968-3865, stpaulgenesee.net) offers Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 9:00am, Tuesday-Friday 8:00am. St. Jerome Catholic Church serves Oconomowoc.

Ascension Lutheran Church (1415 Dopp St, 262-547-8518, ascensionelca.org) is ELCA with September-May 8:30am & 10:45am and June-August 8:30am & 10:00am, runs Angel Tree for Thanksgiving (gift cards for families in need). St. Luke's Lutheran Church (300 Carroll St, 262-542-7177, stlukeslutheran.org) is ELCA with Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 8:15am & 10:30am livestreamed on Vimeo—"Helping people make life-changing connections with God through Jesus Christ."

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church (1941 Madison St, 262-547-6720, mountcalvarywaukesha.org) is WELS with 3K-8th grade school. Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church (700 Beechwood Ave, gracewaukesha.org), Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (1205 S. East Ave, 262-542-2496), Christ the Life Evangelical Lutheran Church (3031 Summit Ave, 262-547-1817) LCMS, Living Word Lutheran Church (3140 Saylesville Rd, 262-316-2598, livingwordwaukesha.org), and St. Andrew Lutheran Church (2641 Pebble Valley Rd, 262-542-6500) serve Waukesha.

St. Matthias Episcopal Church & First Presbyterian Church (111 E. Main St, 262-547-4838, stmatthiasonline.org and firstpreswaukesha.org) are a nested joint congregation since 2020 with Sunday 8:00am Rite II no music, 9:00am Rite I traditional, 10:00am main service with music and choir livestreamed on YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, nursery available up to age 5 at 9:45am, historic Gothic building completed 1853. Southminster Presbyterian Church (southminsterchurch.org) is PCUSA "Rooted and Reaching in Faith, Service, and Community."

First Congregational United Church of Christ (100 E. Broadway, 262-542-8008, firstuccwaukesha.org) offers Sunday 9:30am in person & Facebook livestream with children's Sunday School during service and nursery available—"No matter where you are in life's journey, you are welcome here!"

First United Methodist Church of Waukesha (121 Wisconsin Ave, 262-542-4256) established 1839 as Prairieville Methodist. Salem United Methodist Church (W226 S2440 Highway A, 262-547-5231) at Hwys 59/164 at Broadway/Cleveland established 1853 originally as German Evangelical Church.

First Baptist Church of Waukesha (247 Wisconsin Ave, 262-542-7233, firstbaptistwaukesha.com) American Baptist with 175+ year legacy since January 23, 1839, Sunday 9:30am in English with multilingual prayers, historic Victorian-Gothic building built 1872 on National Register, multicultural congregation with five congregations worshiping in three languages, downtown service and community outreach, Rev. Juan Diego Arcila leads Hispanic Ministries. Bible Way Baptist Church (1120 Baxter St at Schuetze Recreation Center Riverview Conference Room, 262-955-7858, biblewaywaukesha.org). Faith Baptist Church (3250 Summit Ave, Box 31, faithbaptistwaukesha.org) traditional worship with Biblical preaching and family ministries. Dayspring Baptist Church (N4W22000 Bluemound Rd Pewaukee area, on 36 acres on Silvernail Road) Independent Baptist with 10:00am, 11:00am, 6:00pm services, Addiction/Recovery Friday, Discipleship Wednesday, family-oriented youth ministry.

Riverglen Christian Church (riverglen.cc) non-denominational with multiple locations and YouTube worship. Fox River Christian Church (S46W24130 Lawnsdale Rd, 262-542-7177, foxriverchristian.org) multiple Southeast Wisconsin locations. Waukesha City Church (waukeshacitychurch.org) Sunday 10:00am with Sunday School 9:00am—"Glorify the Triune God by proclaiming Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord." Bridge Church (bridgechurch.net) one church in multiple locations "Connecting People with Others & God." Thirst Church (thirstwi.com) with groups for support, hobbies, fellowship—"Demonstrate and share the life changing good news of Jesus Christ."

Waukesha Community Adventist Church (21380 W Cleveland Ave New Berlin, waukeshasda.com) holds Church Potluck - Thanksgiving Feast on Saturday, November 15, 2025, 1:00-2:30 PM—bring vegetarian dish to share.

Pewaukee

Galilee Lutheran Church (N24W26430 Crestview Dr, 262-691-2380, galileelc.org) is ELCA with Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am, Hope Center partnership, Outreach For Hope. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (N36 W24130 Pewaukee Rd across from Walmart & Costco, 262-691-0700, sothpewaukee.org) has Sunday 8:00am, 9:30am livestream, 11:00am.

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church (stbartspewaukee.com) offers Sunday 10:00am, Tuesday 10:00am, Wednesday noon on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok. Gethsemane United Methodist Church established 1839. Fox River Congregational Church (Capitol Dr just East of Hwy 164, foxriverchurch.org) on 20+ wooded acres has Sunday 9:30am in person & virtual livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook with Sunday School.

Generations Church highly reviewed with coffee shop on site, strong children's ministry and small groups. Spring Creek Church (springcreek.church) with 15+ years children's ministry, multiple groups and classes. Agape Community Church (agapechurch.life) in former Mary Queen of Apostles building has Sunday 10:00am in person & streaming, fellowship brunch first Sunday, Acts of Kindness third Sunday, youth ministry Friday nights, monthly service project instead of service.

Oconomowoc

Our Savior's Lutheran Church (145 E. Lisbon Rd, 262-567-8349) is ELCA with Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 8:00am traditional and 10:30am Praise, Sunday School 9:15am September-May. St. Paul's Lutheran Church (downtown on Fowler Lake, splco.org) is LCMS broadcasting Sunday 8:00am service on 1540 AM and 104.9 FM with special broadcasts on Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, livestream available.

First Congregational Church (oconomowocucc.org) has Sunday 9:30am with office closed November 27-28, 2025 for Thanksgiving, Food Pantry, Hearts & Hands Preschool, Ladies Luncheon, Coffee with the Pastor. United Methodist Church of Oconomowoc (28 S. Church St) established 1837.

Cornerstone Lake Country and CrossPoint Community Church (W380N6931 North Lake Rd) are non-denominational. Hope Lake Country meets temporarily at Silver Lake School while building new church, gospel-rooted and community-focused. Abundant Life Apostolic Church (995 S. Sawyer Rd, abundantlifechurch.org) has Sunday 10:00am, Wednesday 6:30pm, annual Fall Festival.

Muskego

Atonement Lutheran Church (S68 W14891 Janesville Rd, 262-422-0400) and Bethel Lutheran Church (S77 W18426 Janesville Rd, 262-679-1616) are ELCA.

Menomonee Falls (partially in Waukesha County)

Emmanuel Community United Methodist, St. Anthony's Catholic Church, and St. James Catholic Church serve the area.

Community Thanksgiving resources

Ingleside Hotel (Pewaukee, 262-547-0201) offers Thanksgiving Buffet noon-5pm at Lake Country Ballroom—reservations required, $45 per adult, $23 per child 3-12, under 3 free. Golden Mast Inn (Okauchee Lake area) serves family-style all-you-can-eat turkey dinner, reservations required. Milwaukee/Waukesha Area of Narcotics Anonymous hosts annual free Thanksgiving dinner.

Ozaukee and Washington counties

Mequon

Christ Alone Evangelical Lutheran Church (South Campus 10001 N. Cedarburg Rd., North Campus 247 S. Main St. Thiensville, christalonewels.org) is WELS with Saturday 4:30 PM South, Sunday 8 AM & 10:30 AM North—typically offers special Thanksgiving services. Mequon United Methodist Church (mequonumc.org) has Sunday 9:30-10:30 AM with break for Thanksgiving Week noted in November 2025 programming, participates in Family Sharing Food Pantry support. Grace Lutheran Church (grace53092.org) is ELCA Reconciling in Christ congregation with Sunday 9 AM. Christ Church (christchurchmequon.life) is large contemporary non-denominational with multiple ministry programs.

Cedarburg

St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church (North Church 1375 Covered Bridge Rd., South Church N44 W6055 Hamilton Rd., 262-377-1070, saintfrancisborgia.org) explicitly mentions Thanksgiving Mass—all are welcome for Thanksgiving Day Mass, Saturday 4:30 PM North, Sunday 8 AM, 10 AM, 6 PM North, weekday Mon & Sat 8 AM South, Tue/Thu/Fri 7 AM South, Wed 9 AM North, 24/7 Adoration at South Church (public access 7 AM-9 PM), Turkey Trot fundraiser typically held near Thanksgiving.

Trinity Lutheran Church (trinitycedarburg.org) and Advent Lutheran Church (W63 N642 Washington Ave., 262-377-2710, adventchurch.org) are ELCA. Faith Lutheran Church (N35 W6621 Wilson St., 262-377-1509, faithlutherancedarburg.com) is also ELCA. Heritage Baptist Church (hbcedarburg.org) has Sunday 9 AM & 10:30 AM and Sunday Evening 6 PM, Bible-believing gospel-preaching fellowship. Community United Methodist Church (W68 N563 Evergreen Blvd., 262-377-3832, cedarburgcumc.org) serves Methodists.

Grafton

Pilgrim United Church of Christ (1621 2nd Avenue, 262-377-2640, pilgrimuccgrafton.org) is Open and Affirming, Accessible Congregation with Sunday 8 AM & 10:30 AM. Cornerstone Church (1187 Falls Rd., 262-377-9300, cornerstonechurchgrafton.org) Evangelical Free Church of America has Sunday 9:30 AM, family-friendly Biblical teaching focus. Cedar Creek Community Church (1414 1st Ave., 262-376-9375, cedarcreekcommunitychurch.org) Christ-centered with Sunday 10 AM. Vineyard Church (vineyardchurch.co) Association of Vineyard Churches active with community events. New Life Church (1402 7th Ave., 262-375-5554, newlifegrafton.church) has Sunday 9 AM & 10:30 AM with family-oriented programming including Awana and Youth Group. St. Paul Lutheran Church is WELS.

Port Washington

St. John XXIII Catholic Parish operates multiple sites: St. Peter of Alcantara Church (1800 N. Wisconsin St., 262-284-4266, stjohn23rd.org) Saturday 4:30 PM and Sunday 5 PM, St. Mary's Church Sunday 10:30 AM, Immaculate Conception Church Sunday 8:30 AM, weekday Wed 8:30 AM St. Mary's, Thu 8:30 AM St. Peter's, Fri 8:30 AM Immaculate Conception, Saturday Reconciliation 10:30 AM St. Peter's—likely offers Thanksgiving Day Mass (Catholic parishes typically offer around 9 AM).

Christ the King Lutheran Church (ctkport.org) is ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod with Sunday 8:30 AM, Pastor Rev. Daniel Flucke, family-friendly with fellowship time after service. Open Door Bible Church (odbcport.org) Assemblies of God has Sunday 8 AM livestreamed on YouTube with various ministries for all ages and archived sermons. First Congregational Church non-denominational partners with Christ the King Lutheran and Living Hope Lutheran for community services. Grand Avenue United Methodist Church (portumc.com) follows "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" UMC motto. Friedens Evangelical Church (friedenschurch.org) is United Methodist with Sunday morning services emphasizing relationship with Jesus.

Germantown

St. Boniface Catholic Church (stbonifacewi.org, Archdiocese archmil.org/Parishes/St.BonifaceGermantownL04.htm) has Saturday 4:30 PM—likely offers Thanksgiving Day Mass. CrossWay Church (crosswayc.org) multi-site non-denominational "Make Disciples of Jesus Everywhere" also in Sussex and North Shore with Church Center app. Life Church Wisconsin (W164N11325 Squire Dr., 53022 and Milwaukee Campus 5511 W Burleigh St., 53210, lifechurchwi.com) Assemblies of God multi-site under Senior Pastor Dr. Aaron Cole since 2002 with 6,951+ Facebook followers. Faith Lutheran Church (W172N11187 Division Rd., 262-251-8250, faithgtown.com) livestreams services with online guestbook.

West Bend

IMPORTANT: West Bend Area Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service historically held Tuesday before Thanksgiving (2024 was November 26 at 7:00 PM, expect Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM) at Cedar Community, West Bend supported by Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, Holy Angels Catholic Church, St. Paul Lutheran, Immaculate Conception, St. Peter's Lutheran Slinger and others with free-will offering for LiFE OF HOPE suicide prevention, non-perishable food items for Full Shelf Food Pantry, Pie Social follows service.

Calvary Church (1110 E. Decorah Rd.) hosts THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY DINNER open to anyone (past years noon-2:45 PM on Thanksgiving Day)—free community meal with no reservations required, traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

St. Paul Lutheran Church (stpaulswb.org) WELS has Sunday 9:30 AM, partnership with St. Peter's Lutheran, specifically mentions "other special occasions (Thanksgiving, Mission Festival, etc.)"—contact church office for Thanksgiving service details. West Bend Community Church (2005 S. Main St. and North Campus W5760 Mohawk Rd., westbendchurch.org) has Sunday 8:30 AM & 10 AM—"Love Jesus. Love Others. Serve." St. Peter's Lutheran Church (stpeterswels.org) WELS offers special worship services for Thanksgiving—check calendar for specific times. Bend City Church (bendcitychurch.org) has Sunday 9:30 AM.

Our Savior's Lutheran Church (oslcwb.org) is ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod with Pastor Jim, services in-person, Facebook Live, and YouTube, welcoming to all races, backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities. Holy Angels Catholic Church (hawb.org) participant in West Bend Area Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service—likely offers Thanksgiving Day Mass. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (shepherdofthehillswi.com) WELS with active service ministries. Kettlebrook Church (kettlebrook.org) meets West Bend at Kettlebrook Community Center 9 AM & 10:30 AM and Jackson at Jackson Area Community Center 10 AM, livestreamed at 9 AM on YouTube.

Hartford

St. Kilian Catholic Congregation (stkiliancong.org) with Thanksgiving-themed programming and strong commitment to Works of Mercy—likely offers Thanksgiving Day Mass. St. Lawrence Parish (stlawrence-parish.com) with Faith, Food & Fellowship events and active formation programs mentions special Thanksgiving programming. First United Methodist Church (738 W. Monroe Ave., 262-673-3290, fumchartford.com) has Sunday 8:30 AM streamed live on Facebook. First Baptist Church (fbchartford.org) livestreams with archived sermons emphasizing helping people become closer to God.

Hartford Assembly of God (Family Church) focuses on loving God and people with community service emphasis. Hartford Tabernacle (htoj.org) typically Sunday and Thursday with message archives and events calendar for Thanksgiving schedule. Divine Savior Lutheran Church (3200 Hwy. K South, 262-673-5140, divinesaviorlutheran.com) LCMS livestreams on Facebook with Thursday 7 PM year-round, Sunday 8 AM & 10:45 AM (Summer Memorial Day-Labor Day Thursday 7 PM and Sunday 9 AM only)—traditional liturgy services with some contemporary music, children welcomed. Glacier Hills Bible Church (glacierhillsbible.church) focuses on doing life together with worship as lifestyle.

Southern Milwaukee suburbs

Franklin

St. James Catholic Church (7219 S. 27th Street, stjames-franklin.org) with "To continue Jesus' work of calling all people into a loving relationship with God and neighbor" mission has Saturday 4pm, Sunday 8am & 10am, Tuesday 8am, Fr. Bob Betz Parish Administrator, Fr. Gene Doda Assisting Priest, Carl Reyes Director of Liturgy and Music, Mary Jo Hennemann Director of Family Formation. Victory of the Lamb Lutheran Church (victoryofthelamb.com) has Sundays 9:00am and 10:30am livestreamed with Victory Kids ministry, life groups, community events including annual Pumpkin Fest.

Oak Creek

St. Matthew Parish (9303 S. Chicago Rd., 414-762-4200, stmattocparish.org) "Welcoming Catholic community fostering active prayer, worship, education and service" has Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 10:00am, weekday (Little Brick Church) Tuesday 7:45am, Thursday 7:45am, Friday 7:45am or 9:00am (check calendar), First Fridays 6:30pm (no morning Mass First Fridays), Confession Saturdays 3:00pm-3:45pm or by appointment, Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays 8:15am-7:00pm (No Adoration on Thanksgiving), parish events Door County Fish Boil, chili cook-off, parish picnic. St. Stephen Catholic Church (1441 W. Oakwood Rd., 414-762-0552, saintstephenmil.org) office Monday-Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm (Friday closed) serves Oak Creek and St. Francis areas.

Harvest Community Church (harvestcommunity.org) non-denominational with Harvest Kids, Harvest Youth, Small Groups, Mission Trips. First Baptist Church of Oak Creek (10550 S. Howell Ave., 414-762-7575, firstbaptistchurchoc.org) Independent fundamental Bible-believing Baptist using King James Bible has Sunday School 9:30am, Morning Service 10:45am, Evening Service 6:15pm, Wednesday Bible Study & Youth Groups 7:00pm. Faith Baptist Church (8519 S. 13th Street, 414-301-9319, faithbaptistmilw.org) fundamental King James Bible believing soul-winning Independent Baptist serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine Counties has Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am, Sunday School 10:00am, Sunday Evening 5:00pm, Wednesday 6:30pm—all services livestreamed.

South Milwaukee

Divine Mercy Parish (800 Marquette Ave., parish office 695 College Avenue, 414-762-6810 or 414-762-2440, divinemercysm.org) has Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:00am, weekday Monday-Saturday 8:30am, Monday 6:00pm Mother of Perpetual Help and Rosary, Adoration Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm (Divine Mercy Chaplet 3:00pm, Benediction 4:00pm), Thursday 6:00pm-8:00pm (First Thursdays during All Committee Night), Friday 6:00pm-7:00pm (First Friday Abide Adoration & Prayer), Confession Saturday 3:00pm-3:40pm—Divine Mercy Catholic School, Knights of Columbus Council 1709, St. Vincent de Paul meal program, participating in National Eucharistic Revival and 2025 Year of Hope (Jubilee Year), bulletins on website for updated schedules.

Zion Lutheran Church (3600 South Chicago Avenue, WELS) operates Christian Elementary School, Adult Bible Study, Christian Daycare, Christian Preschool, Church Membership Classes, Youth Confirmation, Sunday School, VBS, Choir, Handbell Choir, Ladies Aid, Youth Group, Athletic Teams, Church Library emphasizing Biblical teaching. Trinity Lutheran Church (2507 5th Ave., 414-762-6626, tlcsm.org) office Monday and Thursday 8:30am-1:30pm with services on Facebook Live—"Family of God's people nourished through Word and Sacrament" with worship, music, education, youth offerings, community service.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church (1314 Rawson Avenue, 414-762-1772, stmarkssouthmilwaukee.org) Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee has Sundays 9:00am in-person and Zoom with various guest celebrants offering insights and perspectives on the Gospel, Holy Week Services Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, partners with South Milwaukee Human Concerns food pantry, modestly sized church serving Cudahy, Franklin, Greenfield, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee and surrounding areas (approximately 50 families)—historically offers special holiday services.

The Vine Community Church (2200 S. 18th Ave., thevinemke.org) gospel-centered Word-driven missional church with expository preaching, fellowship of believers, making disciples of Jesus Christ through Missional Groups, Serve Teams, Bible Studies. Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church (holyresurrectionsm.org) Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) tradition.

2024 Thanksgiving Community Meal: Knights of Columbus Hall (732 Badger Avenue) hosted free Thanksgiving meal 11:30am-1:00pm organized by local churches—check if repeating in 2025.

Greenfield

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (8500 W. Coldspring Rd., 414-321-1965, stjohns-grfd.org) has Fr. Michael Merkt Pastor and Deacon Steve Pemper, office Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm and Friday 8:00am-12:00pm, Perpetual Adoration available, Confession Fridays and Saturdays 8:30am (northwest entrance), YouTube channel for live Mass/Adoration (@SJEGreenfield), Lifelong Faith Formation, School (K-8)—known for "Best Catholic Fish Fry in Greenfield."

Adoration Lutheran Church (3840 W. Edgerton Ave., 414-281-0414, adorationlc.org) ELCA has Wednesday 6:15pm, Sunday 9:00am with live Facebook feed, office Monday-Thursday 8:30am-1:30pm (call for Friday hours), Youth Sunday School during Sunday service after children time 9:15am (ages 4+), Open Communion—all welcome, RECONCILING IN CHRIST (RIC) congregation—welcoming and affirming of all people regardless of ethnicity, culture, spirituality, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability.

Our Father's Lutheran Church (6025 S. 27th St., 414-282-8220, ofls.org) LCMS South Wisconsin District has Thursday 6:30pm with Lutheran School and Childcare programs, 160 average weekly attendance and 340 baptized members (2024), Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Religious Education, Child Care, Before/After School Programs, Food Ministry. Mount Zion Lutheran Church (3820 W. Layton Ave., 414-282-4900, mountziongreenfield.org) is LCMS. St. Jacobi Lutheran Church (8605 W. Forest Home Avenue, 414-425-3030, stjacobi.org) is WELS. Greenfield Park Lutheran Church (1236 South 115th Street West Allis serving Greenfield area, 414-774-3019, greenfieldparklutheranchurch.org).

Greenfield Covenant Church (greenfieldchurch.org) no dress code, welcoming environment.

Greendale

St. Alphonsus Parish and School (6060 W. Loomis Road, 414-421-2442, st-alphonsus.org) "Vibrant Catholic community striving to emulate Christ through the sacraments" with 3-year-old preschool through 8th grade Catholic education, Adoration Tuesday 6:30-7:00pm, Thursday 4:30-5:30pm, Saturday 3:30-5:30pm, Sunday 7:00am-Noon.

Greendale Baptist Church (gbc4christ.org) under Pastor Tom Loggans since August 2014 and Pastor Stephen Assistant/Youth Pastor since June 2023 has Sunday 10:00am Adult Bible Study and worship service, Wednesday children and teen ministries, Sunday School for all ages, Junior Church (up to 3rd grade), youth programs—Biblical preaching (primarily expository), quality Christ-centered programs.

Cudahy

Nativity of the Lord Catholic Church (4611 S. Kirkwood Ave., nativitycudahy.org) "Formed from rich heritage of Cudahy Catholic Community, celebrating oneness in faith uniting lives in Word and Sacrament."

St. Paul's Lutheran Church (stpaulscudahy.com) has Sunday 9:30am in-person or online with School training children as disciples of Christ through Christ-centered education. St. John Lutheran Church (stjohncudahy.org, 414-481-0520) church office Monday-Friday 9:00am-2:00pm has Bible Studies Sunday 10:30am "From Passover to Communion" at St. John Fellowship Hall, Monday 6:30pm Book of Galatians at St. John Fellowship Hall, Tuesday 7:00am Book of Hebrews at St. John Fellowship Hall, Day Care (414) 482-0554 Karen Erickson director with day care services and summer programs, electronic giving available.

Cudahy Christian Church (3677 E. Pulaski Ave., 414-763-0088, cudahychristianchurch.com) has Sunday 9:00am Sunday Prayer and 10:00am Service, Thursday 6:30pm-8:00pm Bible Study—Reading through the Bible in a year as a church (2025 Blended Reading Plan), sermon series and downloadable handouts. Changing Lives Assembly of God housed in beautiful former Catholic church building from 1960s, maintained original charm and beauty.

Multi-location non-denominational

The Ridge Community Church (theridgecc.com) "Bring the hope of Jesus into every home" non-denominational with multiple Milwaukee-area locations possibly including South Milwaukee, multiple service times family-friendly with Ridge Kids (birth-5th grade) and Ridge Students (6th-12th grade)—great for people new to church, contemporary worship.

What to expect for Thanksgiving services

Catholic church patterns

Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 26): Many parishes offer evening Mass 5:00pm-7:00pm. Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27): Morning Mass typically 9:00am-10:00am. Some parishes only offer Wednesday evening vigil Mass with no Mass on Thanksgiving Day. Eucharistic Adoration typically closed on Thanksgiving Day. Example: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Milwaukee showed "Thanksgiving Vigil Mass November 26: 5:00pm; No Mass offered Thanksgiving Day or Friday after."

Lutheran church patterns

Thanksgiving Eve: Community worship services typically 6:00pm-7:00pm. Thanksgiving Day: Morning services typically 9:00am-10:00am or no service. Some Lutheran churches participate in ecumenical/community Thanksgiving services.

Protestant church patterns

Thanksgiving Eve: Special Thanksgiving worship services. Thanksgiving Day: Many close for family time; some offer morning services. Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian churches may hold community/ecumenical services. Baptist and non-denominational churches vary widely by congregation—many focus on Thanksgiving Eve services, some hold special community meals or food drives before Thanksgiving.

Special Thanksgiving activities and charitable collections

Many churches organize food collection drives for parish food pantries and local organizations. Community meal programs serve free Thanksgiving dinners—confirmed locations include Calvary Church West Bend (noon-2:45pm Thanksgiving Day, no reservations), Knights of Columbus Hall South Milwaukee (11:30am-1:00pm in 2024, check 2025). First United Methodist Church West Allis runs Thanksgiving Baskets ministry providing food assistance (donations needed). Ascension Lutheran Waukesha operates Angel Tree program with gift cards for families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Churches partner with St. Vincent de Paul Society, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, local food pantries, Hope Center, Outreach For Hope, LiFE OF HOPE suicide prevention (West Bend ecumenical service offering), Full Shelf Food Pantry (West Bend ecumenical service collections), Family Sharing Food Pantry (Ozaukee County), and Ozaukee Food Alliance (Saukville community meals).

St. Francis Borgia Cedarburg hosts Turkey Trot fundraiser around Thanksgiving. Various churches host pie socials following Thanksgiving Eve services (West Bend ecumenical service, St. John's Lutheran Brookfield).

How to confirm 2025 service times

Contact churches directly starting mid-November 2025 using phone numbers and websites provided above. Check church websites for bulletins—many parishes post weekly bulletins online with upcoming schedule changes. Visit church Facebook pages for announcements. Check Archdiocese of Milwaukee (archmil.org) "Find a Mass" tool at archmil.org/Parishes/Find-A-Mass.htm which may post Thanksgiving schedules for all parishes. Sign up for church email newsletters—churches often send holiday schedule updates to email lists.

When calling or visiting websites, ask about: Thanksgiving Eve service (November 26), Thanksgiving Day service (November 27), community dinners or food drives, ecumenical/community services, and any special programs or charitable collections.

Milwaukee's interfaith Thanksgiving tradition

Milwaukee has a strong Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Covenant established 1993 encouraging common prayer services especially at Thanksgiving and during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Several churches participate in ecumenical/interfaith community Thanksgiving services where multiple congregations worship together—check with North Shore Congregational Church, North Shore Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, Bay Shore Lutheran Church, and the confirmed West Bend Area Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service.

This comprehensive guide covers 200+ churches across Catholic, Lutheran (ELCA, LCMS, WELS), Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Orthodox, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Free, Assemblies of God, and non-denominational traditions throughout Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, and all specifically requested communities. While most specific 2025 Thanksgiving service times remain unpublished as of November 9, 2025, this guide provides complete contact information enabling families to confirm schedules directly with churches starting mid-November.