During an East Side Welcome Lunch, a family shared the story of how they came to attend East Side Church.

They needed to find a place to have their children take a photo with Santa. But the options were severely limited because several local businesses had closed the previous year and did not offer Santa photos any longer.

Their search for a photo with Santa finally led them to East Side Church’s Imagine Christmas and a free photo with Santa. Not only were they able to have their children get a photo with Santa, but they were greeted warmly with hot chocolate and were able to walk through a Bethlehem experience like no other.

Fast forward several years later when this family found themselves in crisis. They were struggling in many areas and felt that they needed to find a church. So, they returned to the place where they had found a warm, inviting Christmas experience - East Side Church.

A Christmas Experience is much more than just an event. It is a chance for our church to open wide our doors and invite our neighbors, friends, and families to experience hope. For many, this event is the small seed planted that takes root when crisis comes. This short encounter on a Friday night becomes the place they come when their hearts are broken, and they need that hope again.

Next week, on Thursday, December 5, and Friday, December 6, from 6:00 to 8:00PM, we will host A Christmas Experience. There will again be free professional photos with Santa, horse and wagon rides, and other fun Christmas traditions. There will even be a Christmas Market, so you can do some Christmas shopping and support local vendors. (Please note that some vendors are cash only.)

Of course, events like A Christmas Experience require several people to be involved. And now it is your chance to join the team. Sign up here. Or you can make a financial donation to A Christmas Experience by heading here.

Finally, but most importantly we want to cover this event in prayer. Please join the A Christmas Experience team as we pray that God will use this event to show our community the hope that fills the manger this Christmas.

Invite your friends, families, and neighbors! We can't wait to see you at this year's A Christmas Experience!