Christmas Fun and Fellowship

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Games

Her sparkling eyes shining almost as much as the shimmering golden star costume that she wore, 7 year old Neema skipped down the sanctuary aisle, as she led the wise men to the baby Jesus. True, the wise men were plastic nativity pieces carried by other refugee students who were participating in a re-creation of the Christmas story, beautifully re-told and directed by Rev. Michael Zeigler.  But the joy of Christmas was alive and well as the After School Tutoring program held its annual Christmas party at Epiphany Lutheran Church. 

On Tuesday, December 14, 50 children and 27 volunteers gathered to celebrate the joy of Jesus’ coming.  Dedicated volunteers shuttled sibling and family groups to Epiphany so they could enjoy the evening, which started with crafts, conversations, and creative kids.  While the students enjoyed making candy cane ornaments, fleece hats and scarves, and other crafts, a bouncy ball and some creative young volunteer and refugee teens probably topped the fun during that gathering time.  A well-received dinner including rice, dahl, chicken and naan was generously provided by Umetulisha, and served by hard-working volunteers Marge Schrieber, and Beena, Riona, and Alina Stanish.  Following dinner, the energy level rose as teen volunteer Addie Janssen and her mom, Jennifer, each led active rounds of a group game, aptly named “Train Wreck.”  Marge Schrieber, who watched the games while cleaning up in the kitchen, shared that she “loved watching Addie play with the younger kids. You could see how much those kids loved her.  They hung on her every word -- really listened -- and had so much fun.  Controlled chaos is a thing to behold, especially when you can watch from the kitchen.”   

After the fun, students and volunteers worshiped together in the sanctuary, re-living the Christmas story, and joining the angels to sing praises in hymns and carols.  After thanking their leaders and volunteers, the students were shuttled home, each with a Christmas present, generously provided by Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, and Christ Community Lutheran School.  And even though the Golden Star costume was hanging back in the closet, young Neema’s eyes continued to sparkle, confident that even though she doesn’t see that same star today, she knows the Jesus who it led to.   

By Jennifer Janssen
AST Facilitator, CFNA