From church to church, amen!

AMEN to First UMC, Alice, for adding a Christingle Service to its Advent season. This idea came from England with the new pastor and family. Christingle means “Christ-Light.” An orange is used to represent the goodness of the earth that God created. A red ribbon wrapped around the orange represents Jesus, the salvation of the whole world. A candle in the orange represents Jesus, the light of the world.
  AMEN to Santa Rosa UMC, which brought its family and friends to church Christmas Eve morning. One of these guests played the piano for the service and accompanied a couple who sang “Silent Night” in German.
AMEN to First UMC, Harlingen, for a lovely and heartfelt Christmas Eve candlelight service in which all ages participated. Special music and dramatic monologues were presented by children, youths and adults. The congregants were inspired by the presence of a large group of young adults, including returning college students who participated in the lighting of the Advent candles.
AMEN to St. John UMC, Rio Grande City, for doing an unusual “history” project. The church called it “Filming St. John.” Nearly nine months of activities are to become a DVD available to members, constituents and prospective members.