Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

The Fallowfield Family Homecoming program on December 18 was a huge success. Six musicians played instruments; one lady performed an interpretive dance; four people read Christmas poems, and 12 volunteers sang. The concert showed the performers’ desire to honor God with their talents. United Methodist Women provided cookies and hot chocolate in the Fellowship Hall afterward.

Fallowfield United Methodist Church carolers sang to shut-ins on December 19. There was no snow, so the trip went smoothly. They went back to the church for hot chocolate and cookies afterward. Everyone had a good time encouraging their neighbors.

Church members lit the white Christ candle on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Fallowfield United Methodist’s Christmas Eve service was at 7:30 p.m. Adamsville Presbyterian Church’s Christmas Eve Service was at 7 p.m., I believe. I’m so sorry for reporting these times incorrectly.

Christmas Eve at Fallowfield United Methodist included reading the stories of Gabriel’s visit to Mary (Luke 1:26-38), and Luke 2:1-14. Luke 2 includes the birth of Christ and the angels’ announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. After the Scripture readings, the congregation took Communion. Then they circled the sanctuary, lit candles, and sang “Silent Night.” It’s hard to top singing “Silent Night” to candlelight on Christmas Eve. God is truly with us when we praise him in this manner.

Christmas morning service at Fallowfield United Methodist radiated Christ’s love. Red Poinsettias decorated the altar. We lit the white Christ candle. The green Christmas tree sparkled. And the Holy Spirit filled the church members with joy. We sang “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “There’s A Song in the Air,” and “Joy to the World.” I love singing Christmas carols with a group.

I mentioned buying locally in my previous column. I hope you chewed on that idea and supported your local businesses. A few new ideas popped into my head after I wrote the column. I didn’t mention the local meat markets, where you can buy gift certificates for loved ones.

And if you’re shopping for kids with January birthdays, check out local toy makers. You can buy durable, American-made toys in the Atlantic community. Remember: when you buy locally, $68 of every $100 spent stays in your local economy.

I have an update on the Fallowfield United Methodist’s Fair Proceeds Distribution. The church donated to 89 charities, including 26 local and international missionaries. We also gave to Life Building Ministries in Cochranton, His Work His Way in Conneaut Lake, Samaritans, Stone United Methodist Church’s Soup Kitchen, Wesbury Nursing Home, Fresh Grounds Coffee House in Greenville, and Wesley Woods Christian Camp.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered at pie bakes and at the fair booth. Your work provides funds that can improve earthly lives and ensure eternal life with Christ.

Speaking of charities, I keep receiving urgent appeals from the Salvation Army in Greenville. They are flooded with needy people. Unemployment in Pennsylvania is at 9%. I’m sure you tossed in a dollar when you saw the kettles and bell ringers at Christmas. But a special gift to the Salvation Army just might feed your neighbors.

There are other worthy charities in our area, of course. The Good Shepherd in Greenville needs peanut butter, tuna fish, diapers, and cereal.

Samaritans in Conneaut Lake and Life Building Ministries in Cochranton would be equally wise choices for a year-end donation.

A word of warning: there is a nasty virus circulating in the Atlantic community. It’s sort of a 24-hour stomach flu combined with a bad cold. Wash your hands! You don’t want this virus. I speak from experience.

The annual Reorganizational Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on January 2 at the East Fallowfield Township Building. This is an important meeting. Township supervisors vote on township officers and report on new or changed laws. I strongly encourage you to come if you are a resident of East Fallowfield Township.

Have a wonderful week. Blessings!