December 19, 2024
This holiday season, Pastor Mike Plasters had an idea for a new community event for Galilee: a free breakfast for community members where they could stop by, get acquainted with neighbors and church members, have a meal with their family, and get their picture taken with Santa.
Only why stop with Santa?
While Santa Claus is a legendary and much-loved representative of the Christmas spirit, history also tells us about Saint Nicholas of Myra, who some say ol’ Santa modeled himself after. The kids who came to Breakfast with Santa and Saint Nick on Saturday, December 14 got to meet both men and get their pictures taken with one, the other, or both for free.
During breakfast, Children’s Ministry leader Suzi Leftwich read the story of Saint Nicholas to kids. She made sure they all understood that whether we are talking about Santa or Saint Nick or Kris Kringle or whoever, the real meaning of Christmas is the Good News about Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten son who was born on Christmas day.
Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus with their helper, Hunter.
Over 300 people crowded into our gym for the breakfast. This included community members who heard about the event from our advertising or word of mouth. It also included families from both our church and the Spanish-speaking New Life congregation that meets in our facilities on Saturdays.
In addition to enjoying pancakes and sausage, kids decorated Christmas cookies and tried their hand at gingerbread houses.
We were blessed by more than forty volunteers who worked the breakfast or prepared beforehand (or cleaned up after) to make the event run smoothly.
Our special thanks go to Mario Brathwaite, who volunteered his time and his professional photography skills to capture the priceless moments when children met both Santa AND St Nick.
