Event dedicated to Place of Grace Rescue Mission
Staff report
Glenwood United Methodist Church is hoping to have an occupancy problem.
It can fit 200, maybe 225 people inside the sanctuary hall but at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, church leaders are hoping for lines out the door as they host a Community Christmas Service. Glenwood UMC is located on County Home Road behind FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham.
The service includes special Christmas music, a Christmas drama, carols. In addition, Pastor Gary Richardson, oversee of Place of Grace Rescue Mission, will deliver the sermon. The service is expected to last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Place of Grace tent ministry leaders recently joined forces with the Richmond County Rescue Mission to form the Place of Grace Rescue Mission.
There also will be a Christmas light show outside of the church — it should, event organizers say, be easy to find the church that evening. The light show is to symbolize that Jesus is the light of the world and that people are called to share his light with everyone.
“This entire service is dedicated to (the) Place of Grace homeless ministry,” officials said in a news release, “and all that they are doing for our community. We are asking that all who attend to please bring one or more items to be donated to the homeless shelter. Possible donation items include non-perishable food items or winter clothing, such as socks, gloves, toboggans or blankets.
Glenwood UMC workers and volunteers have distributed between 40 and 50 letters to “as many churches as possible in Richmond County, explaining what the Community Christmas Service is all about.”
If a church didn’t receive a flier, it’s only because the address on file was not correct or no address could be located.
“We are hoping for a packed house Dec. 23, and an over-abundance of donated items,” church officials said. “This service is for everyone, not just members of the different churches in Richmond County. We want people to bring a friend, a neighbor, family members (or) anyone they want with them to this service. It is open to everyone.”
Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be served in the fellowship hall following the service. Questions should be directed to Pastor Joel Perry by phone at 910-895-9536 or through the church Facebook page.
Sunday, Dec. 21
The church also will host its annual youth Christmas program at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. The light show will also be visible that night.
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