Hanging of the Greens

Hanging of the Greens

The Chancel is ready

Candles and wreaths

The church service on December 2, 2018 at Peoples Church provided the membership with one of the most interactive services since the same time last year. The date provided us with the first Sunday in the 2018 Advent Season. Seeing so many people and children of various ages participating did signal the first theme of the season which is Hope. The service began with the choir singing the Prelude from the back of the sanctuary. Thirteen people were engaged in that introduction to the service and to the season of Advent.

Paul and Dan figure how
to hang the  wreath

Lay Speaker Dan led us in singing “His Name is Wonderful” followed by “Come Thou Long Expected King” and then “Go Tell It On the Mountain”.

Kit and Randy light the candle
of Hope

It was during the preceding singing that several of the folks, young and old,  brought wreaths to the sides of the church and hangers of bows to the aisle pew sides.

Pastor Tom then explained the purpose and meaning of the Advent Wreath then calling upon  Kit and Randy to tell the story of the first candle, “The Candle of Hope” and then they lit it.

As the choir came forward to sing their anthem the congregation settled in to their seats for this time of musical inspiration.

Dan Betsy and Paul

Barbara and Pastor Tom

The children who usually are excused to Sunday school about this time would not leave today so they would be able to take part in whatever else would be happening. Decorating the Christmas tree just inside the communion rail while the congregation sang, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” then filled the aisles with young and old that either brought their own ornaments or were able to pick from many that had been placed on the rail. Once all who wished to had come forward and the tree was decorated, then the lights were put on with the brightest star at the top of the tree.

The PUMC Choir

Decorating the tree

Pastor Tom’s chosen message for the day was titled “The Chain We Forge in Life” and he linked it to the verses of Luke 19: 1-10.

The wreath a symbol of everlasting Love, Hope, Peace and Joy

More decorations

A meaningful service was felt by all, another spiritual event that makes this season so meaningful to all of us in this inspired community. We look forward to Advent studies and other religious services as well as meeting with old friends and our families knowing that the directions of our lives have been provided us by our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Toys for the Root Celler

The Creche

William adds an animal

Hannah helps

Emily and the Creche

Pastor Tom and the children

A little crowded but finished

William and a pew hanger