The Lord surely blessed our hearts at Phillips Mill Baptist Church Sunday, December 18, beginning with good attendance in Sunday School.

In one of the older adult classes, the teacher asked a question, would anyone like to share some Christmas memories. It was a hit topic and quickly tied in with the Christmas story and how things have changed.

The morning worship service began by singing “Arise, Your Light Is Come,” as a call to worship, and the hymn of the month, “Emmanuel,” following the invocation. During the time of welcome and announcements, Henry and Faye Sisson McAvoy were recognized as being married 50 years Sunday. They were presented a gift from the choir by Bes Moore, director. Other hymns were sung, including “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” as the offertory hymn.

The choir presented the cantata, “The Gift Goes On.” Some of the songs in the cantata were “The Gift Goes On,” “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” “His Name will be Called,” How Great Our Joy,” “Oh How Joyful,” “Joy to the World,” “Christmas Star,” “The Presence of Glory,” “Isn’t He?,” “The Rose of Bethlehem,” and “All Rise, with O Come, Let Us Adore Him.”

An invitation was given to anyone who wanted to accept Christ as their Savior as “I Surrender All” was sung. Before the benediction, one of the choir members, Priscilla Johnson (Mrs. Morrison) Maxwell asked to say something. Bubbling with joy, Priscilla brought to everyone’s attention that she and Morrison were proud to be able to say that they had three generations of their family present in the choir, singing the presentation. Both of them, their daughter, Mary Jane Scarborough, and her son, Tyler. And that Henry and Faye who were celebrating their 50th anniversary were in their wedding August 28, 1955, just a few months prior to their marriage. Following the morning service, Henry and Faye were treated with a nice family gathering at The Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington for lunch.

Sunday night, Phillips Mill’s youth and children presented a nativity scene at 6 p.m. directed by Sherrie McAvoy who introduced the characters.

They were, Mary, Rebekah Hubbard; Joseph, Colby Moore; Wisemen, Brandon Domberg, Tyler Scarborough, and Brandon Waller; Angels, Caitlin Mann, Brooke Standard, Lauren Chafin, Shelby Gowen, Miranda Crook, Lindsey Gowen, Hannah Davis, and Hannah Moore; Shepherds, Andrew Echols, Adam Standard, Jacob Hubbard, Charlie McAvoy, Daniel Hackney, and Jacob Newsome.

The benediction was by Pastor Bob Rayner.

Everyone was invited to stay for refreshments in the fellowship hall which was decorated pretty. Tables were covered with white cloths and centered with pretty holly, with lots of red berries from Mr. and Mrs. Dan McAvoy’s yard, and cedar with white candles and red silk poinsettia blooms.

Cherry punch was served from a bowl surrounded with holly, magnolias and poinsettias.

Thanks to all who attended and took part in any way. Special thanks to the ones who got the children’s program together. The food was delicious, especially the “oldtimey tea cakes.” And I guess the punch was good, five gallons went in a hurry along with tea and diet Pepsi. The clean-up crew afterwards did a superb job.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all. Oh! Thanks for the poinsettias. They were beautiful and added so much to the altar decorations, the past two Sundays.