Eastiew Community Church
Eastview Community Church

Families Celebrate Jesus' Birthday Party!

Philip Wiebe - 2007-12-10

What childhood memories do you have of Christmastime? Asking almost anyone this question is a sure-fire way to get a vivid description of what the holiday season entailed in times now past. Christmas, after all, is a special time for most kids. That was the motivation for the very first Family Christmas Party, to celebrate Christmas with the entire family in a way every family member, especially the younger ones, can relate.

Held on the afternoon of Saturday, December 8, the event was jam-packed with things that kids and parents could enjoy together. The party got started at 4:00 pm with some carol singing and two presentations of the Christmas story - one less traditional version known as the Christmas Rewind that many may have seen at this year's Dinner Theatre and one somewhat more traditional version, read by Terrence Wiebe. Then in rolled the big birthday cakes as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.

Family Christmas Party Castle Bouncer

After that, the focus shifted towards the carnival atmosphere centred around the auditorium. With a pair of big bouncers on site (one of which can be seen at right), a face-painting station, fun crafts, party games, and, of course, lots of food, there was something for everyone. A mobilized team of students from Eastview's own Student Ministries helped ensure that everyone was having fun, and by the sounds of laughter and the cacophony of giggles that could be heard throughout the church, that was never in doubt.

More than 275 kids and parents attended the inaugural event, the brainchild of the Eastview Children's Ministry team, and by the sounds of it, it may be the beginning of a new Eastview tradition. When asked about how she felt the event went, Children's Ministry Director Andrea Toews said "It was a thrill to watch families playing together, and taking the opportunity to build community with each other, and with the friends they had brought along. The Children's Ministry team was encouraged in the planning of this event by the willing partnership of the student ministries team, adult worship and drama teams, and a group of willing seniors, who put together and distributed the take-home treat bags."

Of course, the last word goes to the kids. Unfortunately, we were unable to get an interview with any because they were too busy having fun, stuffing their faces, chasing balloons, and likely making lasting Christmas memories of their own. But in a way, that says it all, doesn't it?