THIRD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CERMONY/CHRISKINDLE MARKET HUGE SUCCESS

Bishop Provenzano with a little help from the crowd counted down to push the button to light our tree.

THIRD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CERMONY/CHRISKINDLE MARKET HUGE SUCCESS

More than 325 parishioners, choir members, Early Childhood Center children and parents and local residents  joined together to light the Grace Church Christmas Tree this past Sunday.  The festivities included the combined, Grace Episcopal Church and  St Rose of Lima RC Church Adult Choirs and the choir of the Grace Early Childhood Center.  As the familiar sounds of  “Silent Night” sung by the Adult Choirs filled the air, the children of the Early Childhood Center Choir “signed “ the song.  Some parents were seen shedding a tear to see their young children participate is this festive occasion.

Welcomed by our Rector, Fr. Walter Hillebrand, visiting dignitaries included State Senator Michael Venditto, State Assemblyman Joe Saladino, County Legislator James Kennedy and Town Supervisor John Venditto.  Our special  guest was the Rt. Rev. Lawrence Provenzano, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.  Bishop Provenzano with a little help from the crowd counted down to push the button to light our tree.

The Christkindle Market helped to raise approximately $2,000  for the Church's outreach program by selling wreaths, Christmas greenery and plants, homemade wood and craft items, our famous jams and jellies, and food items including gallons of hot cider and hot chocolate.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped to make this event so special in the life of the greater Massapequa community.  This past Sunday, was the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the celebration of the Holy Christmas season.

(All photos by Ernest Isip)