By Linda Elissalde
Bay Vue Methodist Church presented its annual Christmas Eve Service for 2024. As Pastor Valerie Hudson read the Christmas Story, church members pantomimed the well know scripture of Jesus’ birth. Melody and Doug Romero as Mary and Joseph, Angel Gabriel Roy Kinkaid, Shepherds Pat Tinsley and Bunnie Meyer, Angels Fran Griffin, and Elinor Tinsley were excellent at pantomiming the characters. Pastor Valerie played the piano while Bay Vue’s choir led the congregation in Christmas carols. Attendees joined in communion while Lesley Kinkaid sweetly sang,“In the Bleak Midwinter”. Husband Roy accompanied on guitar. The service closed with everyone holding a lighted candle while singing, “Silent Night. Holy Night. All is calm; All is bright”.
Bright is definitely the word for a very young visitor. His eye lit up as he watched actors recreate the Christmas Story. His excitement was contagious. He reacted enthusiastically to the music and quietly took part in communion. The presence of a little child’s joy made this Christmas Eve service extra warm and extra bright.
IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER
Sunday, December 29, was definitely bleak. Electricity was down over the entire peninsula. Weather was chilly. Would anyone show up to a dark church? Yes, indeed they did. Worship Leader Jo Evans brought her pitch pipe and assisted by Kathy Clarkston led the service in worship and song. Carole Chambers provided an uplifting sermon. Elinor Tinsley made sure that the program went out on Facebook. Don Evans and Marcel Elissalde served as ushers, and 30 folk turned up for church service. There was no electricity, but there was definitely power in Bay Vue Methodist Church even IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER!
