Christmas Church Walk returns in Mendota

Jennifer Sommer
Posted 12/17/18

MENDOTA – The Mendota Area Ministerial Association sponsored its first Christmas Church Walk in 2014. A second tour was held in 2015. Now the Christmas Church Walk will return on Sunday, Dec. 30 from 1-4 p.m.

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Christmas Church Walk returns in Mendota

Posted

MENDOTA – The Mendota Area Ministerial Association sponsored its first Christmas Church Walk in 2014. A second tour was held in 2015. Now the Christmas Church Walk will return on Sunday, Dec. 30 from 1-4 p.m.

This special holiday event will feature six local churches (listed below), as well as St. Luke’s Chapel inside the Mendota Lutheran Home, the Hume-Carnegie Museum, and Country Chapel.

The tour is an opportunity for the public to get an up-close look at the way each of the participating churches as well as the Hume-Carnegie Museum have been decorated for the holidays. There is no charge to attend.

In addition to the festive holiday décor, visitors will be able to observe the architecture and beautiful stained glass that graces many of the Mendota churches.

The Mendota Museum & Historical Society’s Country Chapel, behind the Breaking the Prairie Museum will feature a decorated tree with handmade religious symbol ornaments made by Mary Lynn Sondgeroth.

Pastor Susan Presley of First Presbyterian Church said their display of decorations has been growing each week leading up to Christmas. Several trees, poinsettias, and a nativity fill the sanctuary. "And there are lots of lights – representing God sending light into the world," she said.

The other churches will be decked out with nativity scenes, decorated Christmas trees and poinsettias, as well, each uniquely different and beautiful.

New to the list of locations this year is Victory Baptist Church and St. Luke's Chapel inside the Mendota Lutheran Home. "We will have a 'roaring fire' via the internet," laughed Chaplain Kent Terry of St. Luke's Chapel.

He praised the wonderful relationship of the pastors in the community. "I am delighted to be a part of this year's Church Walk," he added.

Greeters will be stationed at each location from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 30 to welcome visitors and answer any questions they may have. The Mendota Lutheran Home chapel will be open from 2-4 p.m.

Participating locations include:

* First United Methodist Church, 100 E. Sixth St.;

* Holy Cross Church, 1010 Jefferson St.;

* First Presbyterian Church, 1003 5th St.;

* St. John’s Lutheran Church, 607 10th Ave.;

* Zion United Methodist Church, 808 Jefferson St.;

* Victory Baptist Church, 505 W. 7th Ave.;

* Mendota Lutheran Home Chapel, 500 6th St.;

* Hume-Carnegie Museum, 901 Washington St.; and

* The Country Chapel, behind Breaking the Prairie Museum, 684 8th St.

"Our churches are so beautiful. This is a good opportunity to experience the different churches at Christmas time," said Karen Bock who has helped organized the event.

Maps will be available for a visual reference of church locations. Some of the churches will offer refreshments, as well.