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Evergreen Outreach

By Charlene M. Jett
Exactly how does Jesus lead chaos? With leaders like Phyllis Rames, the Rev. Roger Grimmett,  Judy and Bob Varga, and Randy Schukar ("Elfis," dressed in a red and green elf costume). What a GREAT celebration we had at Evergreen Outreach on Monday!   Cookies and oranges all around.  Bob Varga (in a fully furred Santa costume) was passing out candy canes, and his wife, Judy (twinkling in Christmas tree lights and flashing battery-operated lights) was a sight to behold.    Just what we needed for our biggest celebration of the year. It was grand!
We started on an off-key, rather  mousey, "Happy Birthday," which I led. I just cannot sing like Judy. It all came out rather pathetic, but it was sent with best birthday wishes to Randy Dothager, Lori Adams, Tom Petry, Louise Ruth, Ernie Brown, Brenda Reese, Blanch Bobbit, Jimmy Feezel, Jeannie Schlicht, Robert Barber and Shawn Robinson. We even sang for those with January birthdays: Roberta Belwood, Virginia Dotray, Lisa Dulaney, Helen Hawthirne, Donna Smith and Pauline Tedrick.
Grimmett took over (thankfully) and delivered a joyful and powerful message. It was about receiving gifts from Jesus, and being thankful to him. It was not about presents! He was very outspoken that we MUST work at our relationship with God and Jesus. We must be thankful and pray without ceasing. Grimmett doesn't want us to be fearful, but he doesn't want us to be overconfident either. Especially when we are skating on thin ice!
He told us a story about a little boy trying to get food out of his mother's  pantry. The boy said: "Jesus, if you are in there,  please just pass me a can of tomato soup!" We must remember that Jesus is always with us. As it says in the 23rd Psalm: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me."
One of the best ways to be confident of this, is by hanging out with other good Christians. And during the time of Jesus' birth, this is exactly what Mary did – she hung out with Elizabeth, who was also having a miracle baby (John). God provided the perfect companion for Mary. She was able to share her faith with Elizabeth. This sharing made them both extremely strong. We must tell others about this eternal life and believe in our God and his only son – Jesus.
Grimmett prayed with and for all of us, then dismissed us into the grip of the  Christmas party animals – Judy, Bob and Randy.
Though I cannot remember all the great Christmas songs they sang and played for us, suffice it to say that there was so much fun going on that you could easily call it the best party in town. Judy soloed first with "What's Happening in the Barn." She and Randy took turns with songs like "Santa Claus is Coming to Town,"  "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and at least a dozen other songs.
We also did the "Chicken Dance" and "Locomotion" – with the train being led by Santa, while Elfis served as the caboose. These two songs get at least 20 of us up, dancing and  motivating around the room with joyful chaos and carefree singing!  What a show.
The program really deteriorated when Jeannie Schlicht, decided to jump on stage and sit on Santa's lap. While Judy was busy performing, Santa and Jeannie had a REALLY good time. Especially to the tune "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." Riots did not break out, but nearly 100 voices sang this old favorite, and the picture takers had a field day.
Then everyone lined up to have THEIR picture taken with Santa, once Jeannie and Santa straightened everyone out. I'm sorry that we ran out of time, batteries and energy!
The pinochle players were the only ones with any steam left. The games were close, but Richard Kruenegel and Shirley Locke lost two games to Rosamond Hobler and Mary Woolsey.
We honestly need more volunteers to sing, dance, read, pray, entertain, play cards and share their talents with Evergreen Outreach. Even if you only want to contribute 10 minutes, we will take you. This is a volunteer TALENT opportunity! You can show quilts, demonstrate knitting or tell stories. We would love to have you visit us. Contact Phyllis Rames at 283-1209 and request to be put on next year's schedule. Join us!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! And God bless you, every one!
 

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