Webster Word

A Message From Your Pastor

Dear Webster family,

Thank you so very much for the generous Christmas presents I received following the Christmas Eve service. These gifts were very much needed, and I will thoroughly enjoy them. I plan to spend my special “spa day” to relax and be refreshed. I look forward to enjoying that day!

This past Advent season gave us a fresh new look at Webster Church. The creative worship services provided by our Music Director, Choir Director and choir members sounded like a professional choral group with a symphony backup. The diaconate led the gathering for the covered dish supper and preparation of the greens on December 8th, and it turned out to be the best attended preparation evening I can remember. Our elders gathered with the young folks as they planned and created the designs, and the families blended together, enjoying each other throughout the evening. On December 10th, when we celebrated the “Hanging of the Greens” worship service, the church was decorated so beautifully, it reflected the dedication of the congregation and the attention to detail. It was plain to see the result of the love that went into this traditional and special service dedicated to the glory of God.

The high point of the Advent season occurred on Christmas Eve when the Christian Ed provided “A Mouse’s Tale, where each child had an opportunity to participate together, where the youth and even the tiniest ones had a their part to share with the congregation. Everyone remarked how much they enjoyed the children’s special service. During that time, we also welcomed two new families into membership on that very special morning. Following the service, the birthday party for Jesus was enjoyed by many generations of family members.

For the first time this year, we enjoyed our service for Christmas Eve at an earlier time, as we watched the sun go down, the music filled the sanctuary, while special candle lights at each window, flickered at sunset. Just at that time, the Christmas concert began with special music and full choir. The service of light brought the sanctuary into complete darkness, while each person held their own candle lit from the Christ candle. What a beautiful sight for all to behold! Then, after the last verse of “Silent Night”, the chandelier lights all came up again for the wonderful singing of “Joy to the World” by the congregation. Our full choir presented the “Hallelujah Chorus” which completed the service on a “high note” of joy for all. I was so happy to see the church almost filled during both services. Many came from long distances, from other faith communities, and from the Webster neighborhood to gather with us to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

Looking forward with eager anticipation, we will celebrate the New Year with the annual meeting and covered dish supper on Friday, January 19 th at 6:00 pm. Then, on January 21, we will bring four family members to the Living Water of baptism, fresh and new in the spirit of Webster Church. Also, on that day, we will prayerfully install new officers for this coming year, encouraging them to lead our congregation with a vision of hope for our future.

I hope and pray that you will continue to enjoy this community of faith, that your spirit will grow more in love with Christ and with us as we journey on together, trusting that the Lord will indeed supply all our needs.

Have a blessed New Year, and may you enjoy good health and happiness as we continue to serve the church in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.