Saying that Christmas looks a bit different this year is an understatement. If you joined us for worship last night, we gathered in our sanctuary wearing masks, of course, unable to sing treasured Christmas hymns.

Thank goodness for our choir director Diane Bellissimo, our organist Richard Harvey, and our choir members who sang a host of beloved Christmas carols keeping the joy of the season alive. Thanks as well to Rev. Dee and Gloria Gilson who joined me in reading the lessons for the evening. From Genesis to the Gospel of John, the Word was revealed bringing the hope that only Christ can bring. I am grateful for those who worked behind the scenes to help organize and usher as well. It yielded a night of pure peace.

But whether you attended the service or not, or if you attended remotely via Zoom, together, as the Congregational Church of Canton — “the good neighbor church in the community” — we embody the love of God: the love that was made manifest this day through the birth of the Christ child.

As crazy as 2020 has been, and as different as this holiday will be for you and yours, please know that you remain in my prayers — prayers I fill with gratitude for having been called by God to be your Pastor.

In the name of our God, Immanuel, I wish you —

Peace & Blessings,

Dr. John Tamilio III, Pastor

The Congregational Church of Canton