First Presbyterian’s Christmas Festival brings Santa, a manger scene, carols and more to Germantown
-
<p>Nominated Crossing Guard Mary Evans stands with her car decked out as Rudolph at Hermitage and Smick streets in Manayunk. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)</p>
-
<p>Nominated Crossing Guard Mary Evans has been keeping kids safe on the corner of Hermitage and Smick streets in Manayunk for 8 years. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)</p>
-
<p>Nominated Crossing Guard Mary Evans crosses children at the corner of Smick and Hermitage street in Manayunk. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)</p>
-
<p>First Presbyterian's Christmas Eve services will end at midnight so everyone can be home in time to set cookies and milk out for Santa. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>"We want folks to take a break from buying and shift their focus on the spirit of giving," Rev. Porter said. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>Two performers on stage. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>The First Presbyterian Church of Germantown's Christmas festival was designed so people would keep "the meaning of Christmas" fresh in attendees' minds, Rev. Kevin Porter said. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
-
<p>Young and old were invited. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>Outside of the Chelten Avenue church was a manger scene complete with live animals. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
-
<p>The church's Sunday School students performed "Carriers of the Light" for attendees. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>Youths put crayons to paper at the festival. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>And then, the decorations were displayed. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>Christmas decorations were adorned. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>Lily Chandler was ecstatic to meet Santa Claus at last weekend's Christmas Festival at the First Presbyterian Church of Germantown. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
-
<p>One attendee crafted a gingerbread Lincoln Memorial. (Kiera Smalls/for NewsWorks)</p>
Lily Chandler, a three-year-old from Roxborough, jumped for joy when she was asked whether she wanted to take a picture with Santa Claus.
When it was her turn to do so, Lily ran towards Santa to give him a hug before posing for the picture. She also used this opportunity to tell Santa what a good girl she’s been all year. That, and everything she wanted for Christmas.
Lily’s timing was impeccable as children and adults alike reveled in the holiday spirit at the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown’s fourth annual Christmas Festival last weekend.
Something for everyone
There were activities taking place in almost every room of the church.
In one room, it was all about creating gingerbread houses with candy and graham crackers. (One even made a Lincoln Memorial with her ingredients.)
In others, face painting, ornament decorations, creating Christmas cards and a coloring station were available.
Meanwhile, Sunday School students performed a Christmas musical called “Carriers of the Light” which led into Christmas caroling for all.
“We don’t want to lose the meaning of Christmas. We want folks to take a break from buying and shift their focus on the spirit of giving,” said Rev. Kevin Porter. “This event is open to everyone. Anyone who may be disconnected from there families during this time are encouraged to come.”
Included in the festival was a live Nativity scene in the parking lot that was set up to “remind us of the ambiance of that first Christmas in Bethlehem.”
Although the Christmas Festival was free, guests were asked to bring non-perishable food items that would go to the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry’s food cupboard that provides nourishment to community members on a weekly basis.
Rev. Porter said First Presbyterian Church will host a Christmas Eve service ending exactly at 12 a.m. Christmas Day.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Philly-area Democrats use Eagles home opener as an opportunity to push for more SEPTA funding
“We shouldn't have to rely on a gambling company to fund our transit,” Pennsylvania state Rep. Tarik Khan said Wednesday at NRG Station.
6 hours ago
“Ring it On” initiative is designed to improve neighborhoods through activations, beautifications and celebrations.
9 hours ago
FanDuel restores SEPTA express service for Philadelphia Eagles home opener
Subway trains will run as previously scheduled before and after Thursday’s game. The gambling company’s sponsorship will cover free rides home.
10 hours ago