Tis the Season

Tis the SeasonTis the Season

Before the annual Christmas Fair at Peoples is ready, many hours of work before that date are dedicated to designing and developing decorations, sewing knit goods, making candy and food for sale and collecting one time treasures for sale as former treasures become the property of new owners. Young folks and older folks alike participate in this connection with both church community and the community at large.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the longest lasting traditions of Peoples Church, and for many others, is the annual Christmas Fair. Usually held the first weekend of December, this year was no different. Over the years many changes have taken place in what to expect. Themes may change and what is available for sale and to eat has changed as well. Memory serves to say that one of the largest segments of the fair, the greens, no longer is to be found. I remember that many more handmade items such as aprons, and knit goods had a more prominent position at the fair.

There are still some handmade goods available such as hats and mittens that were available at a table set up by Linda and Sally. A number of other handmade items were also to be found at these tables.

Cookies, cakes, pies and scones were featured at the back of Ellis Hall and customers were warmly greeted by Amy and Marlene.

Homemade candies are still a popular table for customers to visit. Becky and Janice could be seen behind that table with help from others like Betty L.

The most prominent foci of today would be the Jewelry table where for many years Doreen, Sharon and Pam would help young and old customers pick some ring, necklace or bracelet out. ,

Trash and Treasure is still one of the most popular and expansive areas of the fair presided over by sisters Betty and Barbara. Joanne and Carolyn could also be found showing and selling merchandise that may be cast aside by someone, yet looked at as treasure by perusers.

It is good to see the table of handmade items that the Pipeline group has created such as candles and Christmas tree balls. Also at another table Aaron was selling his baskets of goodies, and his award winning jams.

Out in the breezeway we found the book tables presided over by Chris and Bobbilynn.

Beside the Jewelry in the center of Ellis Hall one could find a myriad of items that were available for sale and overseen by Carol and Jody and Kathy.

Troop 23 was well represented and several Scouts as well as Troop Leader Lynne represented the Troop that has existed at Peoples almost continuously since 1918. They were selling firestarters, Popcorn and candles.

Certainly the fair could not be complete without snacks and lunch from the kitchen. Brad, our chef in residence, had prepared a variety of foods including fish and corn chowder, chili and sandwiches. Keith was on the scene to assist in the kitchen and Chris presided over what was happening there. Betty L added a female touch to the kitchen crew.

Rosemary and Betsy took turns collecting money for the food and Rosemary was certainly prominent in both setting up and taking down the fair. While we have mentioned most everyone that was engaged in the fair operation we must add Sharie and Dick, and Len and John who also were helpful in setting up and taking down the fair. We were also glad to see that Pastor Tom was on scene to participate in this very vital part of church life.

We should not forget Susan and her efforts to gather in the funds raised and determine the financial success that the Fair usually is.

The success of the fair is determined by the fellowship that is provided to those who work on the fair as well as the number of customers who come through the door. The day was not great as it was snowing and then turned to rain, but the hardy Mainers who were out and about came and brought cheer with them.

While the fair has played an important role in the life of the church for longer than most of us can remember it is only one of the ways to celebrate in this season at Peoples. Come be a part of not just this season, but be a part of the ongoing life of Peoples United Methodist Church throughout the coming years.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.