SANTA VISITS WPC DURING “CHRISTMAS IN WAYNE”

On a cold, rainy day in December, WPC opened its doors to welcome Santa and Wayne families into the warm connector for hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas cheer! Santa arrived on a fire engine after the Santa Parade through Wayne, and children lined up to sit on his lap and chat. Given the Covid restrictions in recent years, this was the first time some young ones had met Santa, and they had time to warm up to the idea of having a conversation with Santa in the festive and welcoming Connector. The Wayne Business Association (WBA) coordinated the event, bringing decorated Christmas trees donated by Braxton’s, wrapped boxes to put underneath them, and balloons to give to the kids. Mad Anthony’s Café donated the hot chocolate and cookies, and WPC provided Advent Coloring Calendars, Advent Devotionals and ornaments for families to take home. We also had 14 energetic volunteers to help welcome the community into our church. Visitors expressed appreciation for the event, with some noting it was the first time they had been in our church. It was a wonderful opportunity to partner with the WBA to support a community event and engage with our neighbors.

If you would like to join the Church Growth & Evangelism Task Force to help organize similar opportunities to connect with the community, please contact Elizabeth Castleman at epcastleman@earthlink.net.

Poinsettia Tree Set Up

Your Chancel Committee and its elves were very busy decorating our church for the holiday season. Two hundred six thirsty poinsettia plants arrived on the scene the week before Christmas. After a drink and inspection they were off to the Sanctuary for placement in the poinsettia “trees,” staff offices, Connector, and Chapel. The “trees” were carefully assembled with lights and potholders. From that day through the New Year, a member of the Chancel Committee watered and pruned the poinsettias to keep them healthy and attractive. Many thanks to those pictured – Ellie and Janice Mack, Pearson and Susi Bruhns, and Angela Tait. Also other Chancel Committee members Clara Meyers, Joan Spillman, Judie Elliott, Georgia Hogeland, Beth Brake, June Hamilton and Marian Hollinsworth; and committee leaders Angela Tait and Lani Fabere. And big thanks to Bill Gillespie and his team for their annual installation of the spectacular Christmas tree in the Connector! Please contact Angela at taitmaryangela333@gmail.com or Lani at lanifabere@gmail.com if you’d like to help with future decorating efforts.