Site Administrator posted on January 01, 2011 05:57
The annual Westminster Christmas Homecoming program was held on December 17 and started with keyboard meditation by Bernard and Betty, while a decade of Christmas program pictures flipped across the screen. The pastor welcomed the congregation and the program began.
As usual, a simple script wrapped various presentations into a program. “Pastor Bob”(Del Johnson) was working on his Christmas Day Sermon, but kept getting interrupted by members seeking to hone their music for the Christmas program. “Narrator” Tom Smith also interacted with the harried pastor. Several folks remarked at the quality of the music this year. “Our church truly has a deep bench when it comes to musical talent” said one listener.
“Pastor Bob” was inclined to preach a ‘hellfire and brimstone’ Christmas sermon, but as the narrator worked with him, the rather slow pastor began to see the joy and the gift in ‘Emmanuel, God with us.’ The program climaxed with the Pastor’s close: “Rise up Shepherds. Rise up Wise Men! Rise up ye saints and holy ones, and follow the Savior of the world. He will save you from your sins. He will bring Joy to your Hearts! He is everything! Amen, and Amen.” At that point, the Narrator opined, “There now, Pastor Bob. That’s a message that will knock their socks off.” To the surprise of the congregation, that was the signal for previously cued young people to hurl white pairs of socks through the air at the pastor. And That was the signal for Dr. Marsh to hit the grand introduction to “Angels We Have Heard on High.” “I’ve never used that setting for the organ before” remarked the good doctor. The congregation sang the closing hymn with energy, and enjoyed cookies and milk in the fellowship hall.
Music included many vocalists including Paul & Bernice, Suzanne & Alec, Jan Wall, ‘Circle of Friends,’ Paula Reynolds, Amanda Receiver and ‘3AM.’ Instrumentals included Zeph Edward’s harmonica, Betty and Bernard at the keyboards and Frank Hardy’s violin. Cheryl Smith provided a story.
Thanks to Carl McNeave in the Audio/Visual booth and various accompanists. Cheryl Smith decorated the church, prepared a bulletin board of previous program pictures and nudged performers to the front, and Andee Johnson directed the program. Del Johnson wrote the script. We hope you enjoy the pictures of this joyful and memorable event.