Philadelphia SDA

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On December 23rd, the Children's Ministry and Education Departments, along with outgoing First Elder, Sis. Williams, hosted the Reason for the Season Christmas Celebration for children and their families. Almost 100 people attended including approximately 50 children from the church and the community. Party organizer, Sis. Mayne, indicated that church members expressed a desire for a children’s banquet. “I thought it was important that children associate fun, celebration, and gift giving with the biblical story of God’s incarnation rather than the myth of Santa Clause and elves. Children should know that every good gift comes from God.”

At the event, children participated in multiple activities including ornament-making, reproducing the nativity scene, cooperative puzzles, trivia related to the first advent and musical performance. Children all received goodie bags filled with small gifts, and those who excelled at the crafts and games had the opportunity to win unique gifts of their choice. Bro. Williams, in his closing prayer, said “the event exemplified the church’s love for its children”.

Many church members donated gifts and volunteered their time to make the event successful and special for the children. Bro. Robinson of the AV department ensured that the program had media support which was vital as the crowd got larger. Program attendee, Sis. Fowler said, “the event was awesome, I had plans with my son, but when I saw the turnout I stayed to help.” Hospitality coordinator, Sis. Russell, highlighted the good turnout, exclaiming, “I never thought this much food could finish, when you plan these events, you step out on faith because you don’t know how many people will attend”.

The party exemplified church unity as multiple departments and volunteers collaborated to make it a success—all to encourage spiritual growth in their children.

 ©2019  Communications Department - Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church