DANVILLE - Ministering to underprivileged children served as the theme of Sunday's annual Advent gift-giving service sponsored by LARC (Lutheran, Anglican and Roman Catholic) in the beautiful chapel of Maria Hall on the grounds of the Villa of SS Cyril and Methodius.
The 65-minute service, which prepares everyone for the true meaning of Christmas, featured Scripture readings, prayers, inspirational hymns, a homily by the Rev. Alfred Bashore and the presentation of numerous gifts at the base of the altar by children and adults from various Protestant and Catholic churches in the Shamokin area.
Sister Philothea, building administrator at Maria Hall, opened the 2 p.m. service by welcoming and thanking everyone for attending the event, which has been held for many years at the villa and Carmelite Monastery in Elysburg.
Scripture readings followed by brief prayers were offered by the Rev. Christoph Teille, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Elysburg and St. John's Lutheran Church in Danville RD; Deacon Richard Hazzard of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Shamokin; the Rev. Francis Karwacki, pastor of the Church of Our Lady in Mount Carmel, and the Rev. David Byerly, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Shamokin.
The Rev. Ronald Lausch, pastor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, chanted the Gospel taken from John 1:1-18.
Bashore, a well-known reverend from the Shamokin area who is celebrating his 50th year as an ordained minister, delivered a homily that centered on the good works of the Holy Spirit.
"The Holy Spirit does God's work and then leaves," Bashore said. "These gifts represent the Holy Spirit. We are doing what God wants us to do by ministering to children who have difficult times and meeting their needs. That's the joy of today. The Holy Spirit leads us."
The reverend, who serves as pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church, Kulpmont, recalled a luncheon he hosted in the 1960s that brought clergy from different faiths and nuns together for a time of fellowship. "It was wonderful fellowship and there was no debating theology," he said. "Everyone just talked about living their faith. That must be how heaven is."
Following the homily, Silent Night was sung in German, Slovak and English.
As seasonal music played, children and adults from different churches in the Shamokin area presented gifts to the clergy that were added to a pile of presents already in front of the altar. The gifts will serve more than 100 children from the area.
Benediction was offered by the clergy, who then recessed from the chapel.
Music was provided throughout the service by organist Tom Ferrick.
Frank Stoshack, a lay minister from Our Lady of Hope Church in Coal Township, once again served as master of ceremonies for the service.
Other participants included Harry Deitz, lay worship leader with Grace Lutheran Church, and Pamala S. Rhoades of Grace Lutheran Church.
Refreshments were provided in the cafeteria after the service.