St. John's UCC Catonsville MD tries something different for Christmas

We tried something new-- and it worked!  Imagine what's possible...  Typically, St. John's has had two or three services in the sanctuary at Christmas Eve, depending on the size of the worshiping congregation.  This year, as a draw to the community, we advertised a new and different service at Overhills Mansion-- in keeping with our goal to continue to use our resources in creative and new ways.

 

St. John's UCC welcomed worshipers over three services on Christmas Eve.  Our 4pm Children's Worship was called "Kings and Colors:"  using a resource by John VanDeLaar, every child went home with a crown to remember Jesus' story and promise.  We continued with our 7pm traditional service that included candlelight and communion, and then tried something new and something old at Overhills Mansion for the 11pm Christmas Eve Worship.

 

As an outreach into the community, for those who love the atmosphere of an old Victorian ballroom decorated for Christmas, or for those who might want a different, more intimate worship setting, St. John's folk moved the late night worship back to Overhills Mansion.  Worshiping here was not a new thing:  this was the place where worshipers gathered 45 years ago when the church first came to Catonsville.  With classical guitar, quiet singing and warm apple cider, the service was intimate and meaningful-- the closing action was to take our candles and come outside singing "Go Tell it on the Mountain", appreciating the stunning view of Baltimore city that is accessible from the height of the mansion.