While Christmas is a time to visit with family and friends, it
is also a time to remember Christ and the less fortunate.
Churches across the county celebrated Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day with church services both days.
On Christmas Eve, the First Presbyterian Church and United
Methodist Church both held candlelighting ceremonies. At 7 p.m.,
participants at First Presbyterian met to hear a short message and
the story of Christ. They lit candles and sang hymns. Since parking
is tight, church officials warned beforehand to arrive early since
more than 100 attendees were expected.
While Christmas is a time to visit with family and friends, it is also a time to remember Christ and the less fortunate.
Churches across the county celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with church services both days.
On Christmas Eve, the First Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church both held candlelighting ceremonies. At 7 p.m., participants at First Presbyterian met to hear a short message and the story of Christ. They lit candles and sang hymns. Since parking is tight, church officials warned beforehand to arrive early since more than 100 attendees were expected.
Also, the Presbyterian Church’s nativity scene in front of the church received a visitor Christmas Day – baby Jesus.
The Methodist Church also held their candlelighting ceremony Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. More than 50 guests attended the service, sang Christmas carols and ate dessert.
Members of Sacred Heart and St. Benedict churches met at St. Benedict’s on Christmas Eve for a family Mass at 4:30 p.m. Also, people arrived at 11:30 p.m. to sing carols and a bilingual Mass took place at midnight.
Christmas morning, Mass was held at 9 and 11 a.m.
Mission San Juan Bautista also held services Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. At 4 p.m. Wednesday was a family Mass with Christmas carols at 11 p.m. and a midnight Mass. Christmas Day brought an 8:30 a.m. Mass, a 10 a.m. English-language Mass and noon Spanish-language Mass.
The less fortunate members of the community were treated to a holiday dinner at noon at Sacred Heart School, known as Marley Holte’s annual holiday dinner. Overall this Christmas, including deliveries, an estimated 700 to 800 people consumed the free meals. Many community members also shared their time to volunteer at the dinner.
On the menu was tri-tip, a deviation from the traditional turkey course. Turkey was also served, with smoked and roasted varieties, along with potatoes and other staples of traditional holiday feasts.
All food is donated. A board of directors of 16 community members organize the event every year, as well as a Thanksgiving dinner.
