Month: December 2017

Today the columbarium base frame was constructed, and tomorrow the concrete will be poured.

The youth enacted, and the congregation participated in, ‘Twas the Very First Christmas’ Sunday evening December 10.

After a welcome by Rev. Osgood, Mary (Macy Tyson) and Joseph (Miko Stilley), arrived in Bethlehem as the congregation sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”Because of the tax enrollment, there were no accommodations at inns, but Mary and Joseph were allowed to stay in a stable, where Mary gave birth to Jesus.

The Jericho Ringers performed “The Friendly Beasts,” as the animals (Ashleigh Deditch, River Morris and Jaden Hochteil) went to the stable to meet the baby Jesus.

Katie Bennett, violinist, performed “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and Rachel (Christine Beeman) told the story of the angels (Diana Harper, Jillian Stilley) appearing before shepherds, telling them the good news of Jesus’ birth. As she related the shepherds’ (Like Bailey, Jordan Bennett) trip to the stable, the congregation sang “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

The congregation sang, “We Three Kings,” and the innkeeper (John Beeman) told of the wise men’s (Liam McCarthy, Casey Stilley and Marcus Tyson) journey.

The wise men and shepherds kneeled before the new-born King, our Lord and Savior, Jesus, as the congregation sang “Away in a Manger.”

The performance concluded when the cast and congregation together sang “Joy to the World,” and Rev. Osgood offered a closing prayer.

In addition to the performers in the play, Dawn Metts was the pianist, Hanna Metts, Tiffany Bennett and Christine Beeman were the costumers, and Matt Bailey, Parker Watson and Chris Watson built the sets. Thanks go to the CWF women who provided and served the supper before the play and the cookies after the play.

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. –Isaiah 9:6.

Each year, Bethany’s family comes together for the “hanging of the greens,” to celebrate the advent of the birth of our Lord, and Christmas.

It is a busy evening, with quite a bit to do, and the process seems messy, but the result is a beautifully decorated building. The header photo records part of the process, and shows the activity that lasted through the preliminary meal to the dedication of the decorations to the Glory of Christ.

The best things about the Hanging of the Greens are the fellowship, the fun, the sense of accomplishment, and the pride that comes when we look upon what has been accomplished.

None of the photographs in this story show the wonder of the end result; but if you come to Sunday School and Worship Service during Advent and the Christmas season, you will look in awe at the beauty produced by the Lord, through those who participated in the Hanging of the Greens!