Bronx —

Pastor Johnny Mercado used his special recipe to cook the turkey for Iglesia Emmanuel’s fourth annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner, but didn’t have a chance to eat any of it. He was too busy preparing for one of the most important sermons of his career.

“I’m really excited because today’s a new beginning for our church,” Mercado said.

On the Friday before Thanksgiving, Mercado held the first official service in his congregation’s new home.

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