The month of December got off to a great start on Sunday. The sanctuary was back to its pre-Covid level of in-person attendees and I’m told there were many joining from home.
Sunday also marked the return of the choir. Sarah Spaeh conducted a group of 14 singers in an advent song. It was a real pleasure to see and hear our choir again. They will perform once more during December and will be warmed up to appear regularly next year under the direction of the new Music Director, Harold Walbert.
The collection of groceries and cleaning products ended very successfully. John See had quite a load to haul to St. Paul’s Food Pantry.
Another great success was the Christmas Angels drive for the children at Shaw Community Center. There were gift tags on the tree in the parlor for 20 children with each child’s name and gift wish. Thanks to our generous congregation, all 20 tags were taken and there will be 20 happy faces of children on Christmas morning.
The Stewardship Committee hosted a well-attended coffee hour in gratitude to all those who have contributed (or soon will) to the Stewardship Campaign for 2023. Stewardship Team Leader, Heidi Moon, reports that we are ahead of where we were at this time last year with pledges but still have a way to go to reach our goal. If you have not already made your pledge, please do so soon so that we can prepare the 2023 budget in advance of the Annual Meeting in January.
The eventful Advent season will continue right up until Christmas. Next Sunday there will be a cookie exchange during coffee hour. So bake up a big batch of your favorite Christmas cookies and be ready to do some wheeling and dealing. If you plan to join in the fun please let Trish McKenzie know. You can reach her at mckenziedc@gmail.com.
Also next Sunday we will have a send-off and thank you celebration for Dan Stokes. Dan was our organist and pianist for several years and more recently has been our principal guest organist and pianist. Dan’s long relationship with our church is deeply appreciated and his talent and cheerful presence will be sorely missed.And there is still more celebrating to come. On Sunday the 18th we will enjoy the annual Christmas pageant presented by the children and youth. The manger, the cast of characters and that faithful old star will be part of the show once again. Children and youth from the congregation as well as guests are invited to participate. This is one of my favorite events of the year at church and holds so many fond memories. I often see young adults each year that I remember as little ones in the pageant.
The celebrations just keep coming. On Christmas Eve we will have our first gathering at church since 2019. This time the service of readings and carols will be held in the sanctuary so that folks at home can participate. Following the service those present will gather ‘round the fire in the parlor for refreshments, conversation, and Merry Christmas wishes. Be sure to be on hand for this one since there will not be a worship service on Christmas day.
So much to look forward to this month. And, when our Stewardship goal is reached, the New Year is full of promise.
Until next time,
Bruce
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