We held two Christmas Eve gatherings over at the First Presbyterian Church building where Vintage Faith Church combined with First Presbyterian Church for the first time. So we had a new church who was birthed a year and 10 months ago in 2004 (VFC) and a church who was birthed I believe close to 100 years ago (First Presb) come together. Overall, the whole thing was wonderful and fun seeing two churches join together like this to worship Jesus and focus on His birth. First Presbyterian Church has a Bell Choir and they played one song during the gathering. I had never before seen a bell choir in my life. However, I instantly became a great bell choir fan. It was fascinating watching them (all wearing white gloves too) and was very beautiful and angelic sounding. Perhaps it is time for a national bell choir revival.
The sanctuary there is beautiful and very "vintage". The pews actually are still are something I am struggling with as they set up such a "face the stage" forced feeling rather than a more communal feeling. So longer term, I'm not sure what we shall do..... but I will say I wish we were moving over there now sooner. The people of First Presbyterian are so incredibly generous and mission focused. It is great getting to know them more. We won't be worshiping over there again until Easter when we move everything we are doing over there. There is a lot of work to do yet in the facilities, sound
, lighting, tech and the whole coffee shop renovation etc. - but it is exciting looking ahead at what will happen next. So many people put such great effort into these first worship gatherings, from parking, to children's ministry, the Mellos and the choir, Eric and the tech team...as well as Cheryl and the Advent Art Gallery that was opened two weeks before and open during the Christmas Eve gatherings. I was amazed at how so many people created such as eclectic Christmas expression of worship in so many ways.
Maybe next year I will be in the bell choir. But I am not sure I want to wear the white gloves. I kept thinking of Michael Jackson with the white gloves. Perhaps if I join the bell choir, they would let me wear black ones. Thanks to LIz for the photos......
