Submitted by Leigh Merrifield
Shinnston First United Methodist Church had a very busy day on Saturday, December 6 th – both inside the church as well as outside as the day progressed.
Many volunteers from the church participated in planning and carrying out a new project this year as they hosted a Birthday Party for Jesus that began at 11 a.m. and concluded at 1 p.m. Families from throughout the area were welcome to attend with their children at this ‘no cost’ event, the purpose of which was to remind children that Christmas is truly a celebration of the birth of Jesus and not exclusively the arrival of Santa Claus!
Adela Cortez, who coordinated this occasion, stated, “We were very pleased to have nearly 50 in attendance at this event’s debut, and everyone had an enjoyable time. We took this opportunity to shift the focus of this special holiday to the Nativity rather than what Santa delivers. It was a great introduction for children to learn and enjoy a fun party as well, but all while honoring the birth of our Savior.”
Shinnston FUMC’s Pastor Michael Burge led story time with the children, featuring a story that was related to the true meaning of Christmas. Children ranging in age from 2 to 10 played several games that were led by Candy Fiorito… and even some games were played with parents participating! Numerous prizes were given and children took home wristbands, coloring books, crayons, stickers, and resin replica Nativity scenes to name a few. Mrs. Fiorito’s innovative games also lent to Biblical times; for instance, children were blindfolded and tried to place Jesus in the manger. They also formed teams and tossed rings, trying to land on a deer’s antlers; and herded sheep (cotton balls) by using candy canes as shepherd hooks!
Attendees enjoyed pizza and beverages, and concluded by singing Happy Birthday to Jesus before being served cake and ice cream.
Cortez concluded, “We could not have done this without great involvement and contributions from the people in our congregation. And, lastly, because there are typically gifts brought to a birthday party, gifts of food were generously donated by our church members and even many of the guests, and will be delivered to our local Lord’s Pantry. We were so pleased to carry out three goals: we celebrated the birth of Jesus; the children who came to our church had a wonderful experience; and we will be able to help families in need during this holiday season. Missions accomplished!”
Shinnston has always been noted for attending the community’s Christmas parade regardless of the weather, and this year was no exception! Rev. Burge commented, “The Shinnston Cooperative Parish of the UM Church has handed out free hot cocoa and candy canes in front of our church parsonage on Pike Street downtown for many years now, and despite the frigid temperatures that evening, a crowd gathered. We gave out about 18 gallons of hot cocoa and over 200 candy canes, which affirms that attendance was plentiful.
We set up a tent with a warming fire pit and had a speaker playing Christmas music prior to and following the parade. While traffic progressed slowly following the parade, we walked out into the street and offered trays of cocoa to first responders who brought up the rear of the parade, and treated those stuck in delayed traffic too as they waited to get through town.” Rev. Burge added that he was overwhelmed by the gratitude received from the many people who were served.
“It was our pleasure to be present and to spread some holiday cheer. It is important to go beyond the walls of the church to engage with our community without expecting anything in return.” He concluded, “The activities our church hosted last Saturday was our heartfelt attempt to spread love just as Jesus would do. Giving was just as much a gift for us as it was for those who received.”
