Celebrate Christmas broadcast features 18 local faith partners
Administrator | Dec 16, 2024 | Comments 0
Local communities of faith have partnered with 99.3 County FM radio to present the fifth annual “Celebrate Christmas” broadcast set to air Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m., and again Wednesday, Dec. 25, at noon.
Initially the broadcast offered a Christmas Eve experience during the period of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions but the program was so well-received, it continues, and many of this year’s participating individuals and organizations have been with the program from the outset.
“We embraced the non-denominational project during COVID as a chance to help the community heal and celebrate without anybody feeling like they missed Christmas,” said Craig Mills, 99.3 County FM General Manager. “It’s now become an important local holiday tradition and we cherish the opportunity to work with our local communities of faith to create the program.”
This Christmas, listeners will hear contributions from 18 communities of faith.
“Many churches now have some kind of online worship option, whether it’s a live stream on social media or a website,” said Rev. Cathy Duggan, founder of the project. “But like many parts of rural Ontario, internet in the County isn’t always great. And all churches have at least a few folks in their congregations who just don’t use the internet—period.” And for some, health concerns inhibit in-person attendance.
This year, Rev. Philip Hobbs, of Bloomfield United, is partnering with United Church minister Rev. Aaron Miechkota to co-manage the project. With the support of County FM Production Lead Gage Broderick, the various Celebrate Christmas elements are produced and brought together to produce a Christmas Eve show like no other.
Celebrate Christmas is a curated combination of scripture, carols, and Christmas greetings on behalf of the various congregations. “Coming together in the spirit of community is what Christmas is all about,” said Hobbs.
2024 participating congregations:
Bloomfield United Church
Consecon United Church
Cressy Glenora United
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Friendship United Church
Gilead Fellowship
The HOPE Centre
Picton Free Methodist Church
Picton United Church
Rednersville-Albury Community Church
Picton Salvation Army
Sonrise Christian Academy
South Bay United Church
St. Andrew’s Circle of Friends
St. Andrew’s & St. Philip’s Anglican Churches
St. Gregory’s Catholic Church
St. Mary Magdalene Church
Wellington United Church
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