Cocoa and Carols....

Each year, in December, our church has a Children's Christmas Program one Sunday evening. However, it was decided this year that, because of everything else that goes on throughout the fall in our church body, the Children's Christmas Program will become an Easter Program.

However, there was still a family night last Sunday evening (December 13). It was called "Cocoa and Carols."

Before "Cocoa and Carols," there was a children's prelude. Children could perform for the audience -- playing instruments, singing, etc. Luke and I didn't quite make it in time to see all of the children perform. Marc was on "light duty" (with the tech team), and so, he did get to see the children perform.

Our Community Life Group had it planned together; however, it ended up only being two families from our group -- Marc, Luke, and I and the Hershberger Family (Seth, Sarah, Collin, and Natalie).....

The actual "Cocoa and Carols" evening started out with an interactive singing of "The 12 Days of Christmas." (And yes, Jill, that is the back of your head in the front of this photo -- Sorry!)



Pastor Adam asked for or picked volunteers -- 12 of them. Then, each volunteer came up with an action to match the appropriate day in the song.

It was fun singing all together while chuckling at some of the actions. But, I won't chuckle too much. It could've been me on stage :)

Next, a special visitor in a Santa hat (a.k.a. Pastor Dave) came on stage to read the Christmas story to all of the children.



And, by "Christmas Story," I don't mean the story about reindeer or Santa Claus. I mean the true Christmas Story -- found in the Bible. Pastor Dave read the commonly heard one found in the second chapter of Luke.

Lastly, a skit was performed (and the skit was written by a member of the church body). The skit involved interactive singing of Christmas carols. It was a neat way to have everybody sing carols together. The skit starred none other than our friend, Debby. Good Job Debby!



Now, since Luke recently took off walking, he didn't much want to sit through this event. So, since Marc was busy with the lights, I was busy with Luke. He sat really nice through part of the show. Then, I ended up with him in the hall. At least I could still the carols from the hallway!

This first photo was on a post earlier in the week, but since it is a good photo of Luke walking, I'll show it again.



And, he does still spend some time crawling, though each day, the crawling is becoming less and less. This photo was also taken in the church hallway.



After "Cocoa and Carols" was over, everybody got together in our "Fireside Room" in our church for snacks. Everybody was asked to bring a snack to share, and I'm guessing most people did just that. There was a lot of food!



The first annual "Cocoa and Carols" was a fun evening -- at least in our opinion. It was fun because it was a family event which kids and adults alike can enjoy -- even in the hallway which is where I was part of the time. We'll definitely put it on our list to do next year.

If you weren't there, perhaps you can join us next year?????