Recognizing that area residential facilities are very busy at Christmas with visitors and special presentations, the elders of Belington Presbyterian thought there was a great opportunity to serve those living in facilities in the area to have some visitation and some fun at a time other than Christmas.
On July 25, for "Christmas in July," members of Belington Presbyterian Church gathered in the chapel of the Good Samaritan Center in Belington wearing a variety of Christmas clothing - including a fully decked-out Christmas Elf (Teri Sandridge).
As the residents gathered, they were greeted by church members, and each resident received a Christmas hat to wear during the celebration. The room was decorated with Christmas decorations, Christmas lights and a Christmas tree covered with tinsel and candy canes. The church members led participants in Christmas carols and then each resident received a Christmas box of goodies brightly wrapped in Christmas paper. The Christmas Elf and other church members then visited each resident not able to come to the chapel with a joyous greeting of "Merry Christmas in July" as they delivered gift boxes to each person remaining in their rooms.
Article Photos
Submitted photo
Members of Belington Presbyterian Church host a ‘Christmas in July’ celebration for residents at the Good Samaritan Center in Belington.
Gathering back in the chapel, the residents heard a reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, and after a few more Christmas carols, punch and Christmas cookies were served. Members said it was a wonderful afternoon celebration.
Belington Presbyterian Church is located on Sturmer Avenue in Belington. All are welcome to worship at 2 p.m. Sundays and attend Bible study at 5 p.m. Wednesdays. The church also serves a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the third Saturday of each month for anyone who would like to come and receive a nutritious lunch.
More information about the church is available by contacting the Rev. Joanne Glaser at 304-669-8279 or presbyjo@gmail.com.
