emann@pvdemocrat.com —
With the festive season already underway for most in Pauls Valley, once again bringing meaning to the spiritual side of the holidays are area churches.
Among them getting a head start on good will toward men is Pastor Terry Clayton and First Church of God, which is ready to deliver gifts both literal and musical.
Starting with a special party for kids in need on Saturday, Dec. 8, the wrapping alone had to be done a weekend ahead of time and is a part of a community-wide collaboration made possible through the Kings Kids Ministry.
“We’re just being an instrument to help James,” said Clayton, speaking of James Toby, who offers a regular community gathering place for kids downtown. “It’s not just us doing it, it’s the whole community doing it.”
Clayton’s been impressed with how the town and surrounding communities have come together to make sure kids will receive one gift each after getting to each request something. There will also be community support like a free meal from Happy Days as well as pictures with Santa and it is positive environment that never turns down support throughout the whole year.
“We as a church need to show someone cares for them,” said Clayton, noting that many people are hurting this time of the year and may only need a little help or encouragement. “We can meet some needs.”
The church’s events continue on Sunday, Dec. 9 with the children’s Christmas program, “Miracle in the Manger,” where kids regularly involved sing traditional holiday songs, perform skits and invite people to a meal afterward. Clayton’s hope is that a lot of parents who bring kids or have those who attend the weekly evening youth program show up when things start at 10:45 a.m. to see them in what should be an entertaining venue.
Later at about 2 p.m. the church choir will perform their Christmas Cantata, “Silent Night Holy Night,” at the Pauls Valley Care Center. It will be a preview performance of which they will duplicate for the community Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16 at 6 p.m.
“The choir has worked hard on it, has a great storyline,” said Clayton. “Each song has a video presentation behind it.... We’re not only singing the message, we’re showing it.”
The program is basically a multimedia presentation of the life of Jesus as well as the Christmas story told through songs and through slides on a screen behind the choir.
Though Clayton has helped them participate in cantatas before, this is the first time they have put on one like this and anyone who cares to come is invited to share in the holiday spirit.
“We get so busy that the real meaning gets hidden sometimes,” said Clayton, who added how the most important thing always to remember is the season is more about giving than receiving. “This is the best time of year to invite people to our churches.”
To find out how one can support Kings Kids call Toby at 405-238-1885.
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