Eastport UMC spreads cheer in unique community event
By Chris Broadwell
With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, many churches held regular fourth Sunday in Advent in the morning and Christmas Eve services later that night. In a heartwarming twist on their usual Sunday morning service, Eastport UMC in Annapolis brought festive cheer directly to the heart of the community with a carol-filled gathering at Oscar's Coffee, a beloved local coffee shop housed in a charming vintage RV.
Instead of pews and hymns, nearly 300 neighbors, dog walkers, and passersby filled the Horn Point Harbor Marina parking lot to join me, my family, and fellow church members in belting out beloved Christmas carols. The joyful event, a collaboration with Oscar's Coffee, offered complimentary coffee from the cozy camper trailer, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
"It was a wonderful, meaningful, and different way to get the community together," said Will Cunha co-owner of Oscar's Coffee.
And different it was! This innovative approach drew a crowd far exceeding expectations, filling the air with familiar melodies and the spirit of the season. To enhance the experience, the church thoughtfully provided booklets containing carol lyrics and QR codes linking to both the church and the coffee shop's information. These, too, quickly found happy homes amongst the enthusiastic crowd.
"We knew it would be fun but the overwhelming turnout and outpouring of joy took us by surprise. It was truly a gift to share such a special moment with our community.
The event resonated deeply with participants, many expressing their delight at being part of something unique and heartwarming. It served as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of tradition, shared experience, and a steaming cup of coffee on a brisk Christmas morning.
Eastport UMC’s Christmas carol gathering at Oscar's Coffee stands as a testament to the transformative potential of stepping outside the usual walls and embracing the diverse spaces within our communities. This festive collaboration between church and coffee shop is sure to inspire other congregations seeking new ways to connect and spread joy during the holiday season and beyond.
And, we already have a few ideas brewing for next Christmas.
It was wonderful to see Eastport UM bring such a joyous event to the community. God's blessings for more such events to share the Good News of God's love for all people.