Forty years ago, our Jr. High League counselors dragged us up Mountain Street to a white house with a big screened-in porch. It was a yearly ritual about Christmas time. Eventually, the group would gather and we would sing Christmas carols while trying not to laugh inappropriately. The house was a “rest home” for low-income or no income seniors. The highlight of the trip was when one of the residents asked if she could sing a solo. It was the same every year “O Holy Night” and she did her best to bring in the Christ child.

Forty years later, I’m the pastor of this church and low and behold if we shouldn’t get an invitation to remember the seniors of this same “rest home” this Christmas. I know the residents, they are the ones walking up and down Mountain street walking up to the Summit for a cold drink or to buy some cigarettes. During all seasons they will make this trek, some pushing their walkers, but up and back they will come.

This year, let’s give them some of what they really need: socks, gloves, hats scarves, toiletries, puzzles word find books, slippers, holiday cookies, baked goods. Usually what the residents of Pleasant Acres Rest home receive is nothing, including no one singing the carols with them. Maybe there is a few of us who would want to do that as well (Masked of course). Bring your items to church and we’ll make sure they get there.