What started as a way for the Christian Education committee to connect with Boy Scout Troop 75 during the pandemic, became the start of a new annual CMPC tradition. Supervised by Dave Rose, the scouts created the pathway of 200 luminaries, hand-cut by the Gallagher family. The Property Committee (Tito Baca, Don Kyle, Mike Chapasko, Jeff Orndorff, Josh Gliptis, and Terry Brown) managed the station table set up and the Fellowship Committee and others were there to greet (Theresa Akuoko, Judy Brown, Joyce Danzig) and usher (Tom Trodden, Jackie Jenkins, Craig Nienhuis, Donna Ueckermann, Delores McBirney) to keep walkers distanced.
Over one hundred visitors walked the church grounds that evening. Advent stations were creatively imagined by Julie Nienhuis, Chad Board, Liz Perraud, and Carrie Jenkins with instructions to “Read,” “Pray,” and “Do” for the walkers. The Barham family maintained our campfire and Neil Danzig broadcast Christmas music as backdrop for the walkers. Donna Ueckermann provided the glow sticks and Heather Barham the illuminated balloons to help light the way.
Bob and Shelley Clemens created a donation box and sign for the Howard County Food bank, allowing our Local Mission & Outreach Committee to collect $945 at the event and through the church website. Kathleen Smith created the luminary dedication hand out.
The Advent Luminary Walk was a CMPC GIFT (Generations In Faith Together) event. The weather was delightful, and all participants practiced safe protocols while being able to see and visit with one another in person.
What was said about the event…
It was our pleasure to be able to give back to CMPC! I was there on Saturday to help with the luminaries and the end result was beautiful! I’m glad to hear it was a successful event that you are considering it as an annual tradition.
I just wanted to thank you and your committee once again, for spearheading the wonderful luminary event. It was a beautiful and memorable experience, and all of the stations were so well done. It truly was needed and was enjoyed by all who attended. I loved that it had a local mission component.
I hope it becomes part of a new Advent tradition. It was wonderful!
Very well done. It really helped our family get in the Christmas spirit.
It’s not too late to donate to the Howard County Food Bank through the church’s secure website under “Designated Gifts.” CLICK HERE