December is probably our busiest month when it comes to events and celebrations. Because what could be more wonderful than taking time to be with and serve with the ones you love as you celebrate Jesus and his birth? What follows is a compilation of some of the events and celebrations that we’ve enjoyed this month at Eastport Bible Church as well as an invitation for our most beautiful service of the year.
Serving the City 2017
We kicked off the first Sunday in December by driving into New York City with an awesome group of teens who were ready and willing to serve others. We brought lots of warm winter clothing and sack lunches to pass out in one of the local parks.
It’s always a great thing to see teenagers doing great things.
These ones were fearless as they walked through the park handing out hand knit scarves and sweaters from our church’s knitting group, Scarves of Many Colors. They meet on Monday nights all throughout the year to provide these beautiful handmade gifts.
We had a wonderful day of serving and our thanks goes out to our incredible teens as well as everyone in our church and community who donated warm clothing for this event.
Children’s Christmas Celebration
The following Sunday, we held our Children’s Christmas Celebration. This incredible group of Kindergarten through Sixth Grade students helped us share the story of Jesus’ birth to their families and our church congregation.
Most of them came from our Hangtime program. They worked hard each Wednesday to learn the songs and I was so incredibly proud of each one of them.
Jeremy wrapped up our night with a great devotion and afterwards we enjoyed lots of cookies as well as a beautiful birthday cake in honor of Jesus’ birthday.
Youth Group Christmas Party
Our White Elephant Gift Exchange with our Jr. and Sr. High students is one of my favorite nights of the year.
Jeremy rocked his new Christmas Llama sweater and we had a very fun night celebrating with our teens.
Church and Hanukkah
Last week, we had a beautiful Sunday morning church service, complete with an incredible group of adults and students who joined together to play a variety of Christmas songs on their brass instruments.
We enjoyed a special Hanukkah presentation by Joseph Ryan who works with Chosen People Ministries. It was a very educational way to learn more about the history of Hanukkah and Joseph did a great job sharing with our church.
Then, in the evening, we enjoyed our annual Christmas Cantata led by the talented Priscilla Tuttle.
The choir did a wonderful presentation of songs celebrating Christmas and it was a very enjoyable evening for all.
Which leads us to this weekend. With Sunday being Christmas Eve, at Eastport Bible Church we have three different service options for you to choose from. The first is “Christmas Around the World” and it’s happening from 9:30-10:30am. We’ll join together to learn about how some of our missionaries celebrate Christmas in the countries where they serve. Then, in the evening at both 7:00pm and 9:00pm we’ll gather together again for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It’s the most beautiful service of the year and all are welcome!
Christmas is definitely the best time of the year. And if you’re looking for a beautiful way to celebrate, please join us on Sunday for any of our Christmas Eve Services.
Laura Herr Photography 