Three churches to host Christmas Story Caravan event Dec. 6
Celebrate the wonder of the Christmas Story in an outdoor drive-through experience!
Travel in your car from church to church during the “Christmas Story Caravan” from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. At each of three churches, you'll hear holiday music as part of the Christmas story narrative. Each stop also will offer an opportunity to give to others.
You may start at any church and drive on your own to the others: Batavia United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Church of Geneva, and Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles. This is intended as a drive-through event. Please follow signs and volunteer's instructions at each church. Flyers and other items are intended to be dropped safely into your trunk. If you exit your car, remember to wear your mask and practice social distancing at all times.
At Batavia UMC, the theme is “Rejoice With Hope.” Hear the familiar story of the angel appearing to Mary and enjoy favorite Christmas music. Get the URL for an online Advent calendar where you can open a door every day until Christmas! There will be a bin to safely collect mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, and leggings — in all sizes, which will be donated to local charities. Stop by the church any time from Dec. 7 until Christmas for a photo opportunity with the angel wings banners!
The UMC of Geneva's theme is “Receive God's Love.” It will feature a live nativity with animals and a family, as you hear a recording about the birth of the baby Jesus and Christmas music. Children will receive a Christmas storybook. The Geneva church will collect funds for Heifer International, an organization that works with farmers and communities to end hunger and poverty in 21 countries. Contributions will do things like provide sheep, goats or cows; help with clean water; or assist a small business effort.
At Baker Memorial UMC, the theme is “Share the Light.” Come and remember the story of the shepherd's visit and hear special Christmas music. The luminarias lighting up the lawn will remind us of sharing God's light and love. You can write a prayer to hang on their beautiful Prayer Tree and take home a luminaria kit to make your own! Funds will be collected for missionary Clara Biswas, who works with street kids and their families in Cambodia.
For more information, visit christmasstorycaravan.com.
For directions to each church:
• Batavia United Methodist Church: All activities held at the back of the church. Enter North Water Street from West Wilson, driving south to north.
• United Methodist Church of Geneva: Display will be along Hamilton Street, between Second and Third streets. Parking is available on Hamilton, and in city lots behind and across from the church.
• Baker Memorial United Methodist Church: Activities will be along the Main Street (Route 64) side of the church. Parking is available on Main Street and in the lot just west of the church, entrance off Third Avenue.