Huntley churches host first Christmas celebration banquet

Treating guests like royalty was the theme of the evening Sunday, when Morning Star and The River churches in Huntley hosted their first Christmas celebration banquet at Elgin Community College's University and Business Center Dining Hall.

"Everybody was so thankful; it was a wonderful experience," said Maria Saundle of Morning Star.

Guests included those in the community who might not otherwise enjoy a bountiful Christmas, she said.

Church members served a turkey dinner with all the trimmings on china and linen,and the dinner included musical performances by Morning Star's Ministry of the Arts.

"Every year we hear more heartbreaking stories of families who don't have enough money to pay their bills, let alone be able to afford the extras of Christmas," said the Rev. Stephen Foster, senior pastor and founder of Morning Star and The River.

The church provided additional Christmas help to parents by passing out toys for the children.