A Festive Advent

Monaca UMC held a variety of Advent activities throughout December:

We “decked the halls” to prepare the church for the season, completed a “Card of Good Cheer” at our booth at Monaca Borough’s Hometown Christmas, caroled at the Beaver County Men’s Shelter, found a peaceful moment at our Quiet Christmas service, collected hats and gloves for local shelters, enjoyed the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival through the Advent Sunday worship services, and celebrated at our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship!

Our “Three Wise Men” (l-r: John Hesser, Denny Houser, and Mike McCullough) setting up the outdoor nativity scene purchased this year in memory of Nancy Beringer. For more photos from Advent decorating, see this post.

Our “Cards of Good Cheer” booth at Monaca’s Hometown Christmas event, where participants were asked to complete a card to be delivered to residents of Brighton Rehab & Wellness, who might not have otherwise received a Christmas card this year. Special thanks to Vera Lovewell, Tina Allen, and Trish Goehring!

The cover image of our caroling songbook. The guests of the Beaver County Men’s Shelter were appreciative of our carolers, joining in with the singing!

Pastor Jim Sands’ message at the Quiet Christmas service focused on how Mary reacted to her surprise pregnancy. Retired Pastor David Vaughn graciously performed two songs that were fitting to the service: a traditional carol and a contemporary song. Participants in the candle-lighting ceremony heard “Mary, Did You Know?” as they lit votives and said a silent prayer at the altar rail.

Our mitten tree was filled with winter hats, gloves, and scarves of different styles, to be donated to the guests of local shelters.

During the Christmas Eve service, kids were invited to come forward and hear about the lighting of the final candles on the Advent wreath and about who is part of the manger scene on the altar.

Thank you to everyone who participated in any (or all!) of these events and activities. Your presence blesses others! We pray that as you participated, that you, too, were blessed by spreading the Good News of our Lord Jesus.

Merry Christmas!