Tonight we gathered at the lovely home of Bob & Sharyn Halpin for an evening of fellowship and merriment. When the guests arrived, we started with a prayer and a toast with sparkling apple cider and cranberry gingerale. We enjoyed a variety of unique and delicious finger foods and desserts while catching up with old friends and making new ones.

For the gift exchange, each guest brought a wrapped gift. We always say to expect the unexpected, because gifts range from something just for laughs, something nice (but inexpensive), to something someone wants to foist-off (e.g., a pink cowgirl hat) This evening saw a variety of unexpected gifts, but the biggest (literally) surprise was a 60-year old weed whacker!

Tim, Cheryl, and their accomplices transformed the fellowship hall into a delightfully French candle-lit Christmas experience. We enjoyed dressing up and having adult conversations in an elegant atmosphere, all the while dining on roasted chicken, potatoes, asparagus, and fresh garden salad served in a French style.

Tres bon!

Here are some photos of this night of merry

Click one of the small pictures to get a blow-up, then use your arrow keys to step through the larger pictures. Just click on the large picture to see the thumbnails again.

At 8:00–11:00 this morning, the intrepid men of Hanover gathered at the parsonage to prepare firewood for Pastor Rick and Betsy. They are now in good shape for the winter, and even more wood is seasoning for the next year.

From Monday, November 12th to Sunday, November 18th, Hanover was the Operation Christmas Child Relay Station for the local area. Over the week, families and churches delivered more than 750 packed shoeboxes to be relayed to Stafford on Sunday afternoon.

Dozens stayed after the morning worship service to help pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. After a quick meal of pizza and hot dogs,  we packed 300 boxes full of love and Christmas presents for children all over the world. Over the coming week, we packed an additional 25 boxes. Thanks to everyone for your loving work.