St. Nick welcomes the neighbourhood

"It was just like the north pole!" one of our young visitors told her mother after experiencing our evening with St. Nick on Friday night. And indeed, the twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, cookies, Christmas music and roaring 'fireplace' made the perfect backdrop for St. Nick, who was enthroned on the bishop's chair while he visited with youngsters (only fitting, as he was the Bishop of Myra about 1,700 years ago).

Parents and grandparents relaxed with mulled apple cider while children crafted with Beth, our children's ministry worker, Other parish elves were on hand to help the young folks at the puzzle table, read them Christmas stories, encourage them to visit with St. Nick, and snap photos of the families in their festive attire. All in all, it was a peaceful evening that was enjoyed by all ages, and offered us the chance to welcome into the church many first-time visitors. For privacy reasons we aren't sharing photos of the kids visiting with Santa - but boy, some lovely shots were taken!

Many thanks to St. Nick and all the elves for this wonderful celebration that anticipated the Feast of St. Nicholas the following day!