Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday this past holiday season, so Mounds Park United Methodist Church decided to hold a community brunch in addition to their two regular Christmas Eve services. To get the word out that they were trying something new, the church advertised with flyers, Facebook and by contacting a local news web site.

MPUMC hosts a grocery giveaway once a month, and each participant was personally invited to the Christmas Eve brunch.

On the brunch menu was a variety of egg bakes and treats. The congregation was invited to help, and six families volunteered to make 10 egg bakes. We also asked for brownies, cookies, and candy to be made so we could give everyone a plate of cookies when they left.

A group of older kids (Venture Group) led a short service for attendees. One read the story of the birth of Jesus while others were on stage acting out the scene. After each scene, everyone sang a hymn or carol that was relevant to the scene.

The Christmas Brunch was a great success. Some 81 people came to the brunch (including the families of the kids leading the service). Of the 81 attendees, 22 were from our grocery giveaway. Each family left with a plate of treats, and extra egg bake if they wanted.

The Christmas brunch was such a hit, it might just become an annual event!