Stanwich Children Perform

Two Christmas Shows

   The congregation enjoyed two special Christmas performances by Stanwich children in December.  The first, ‘Hark

the Herald’, depicted the angels in

heaven getting ready for the birth of the Messiah.  Under the direction of Sunday School coordinator Anitta Tilly, the performers rehearsed every week since September to bring this unique gift to

the congregation.

   The following week, the entire Sunday School participated in the cherished annual tradition of the Christmas Pageant.  The youngest children looked adorable in their fuzzy sheep costumes

as they were led by 2nd and 3rd boys dressed as shepherds, and the 2nd

and 3rd grade girls looked positively angelic in their white robes and halos.  This year had a special appearance by Nathaniel Scarlata as the baby Jesus, accompanied by proud parents Rev.

Mark Bettina Scarlata as Joseph and Mary.  The angel Gabriel, star bearer,

and three teenage wise men singing solos rounded out the cast of this wonderful reenactment of the first Christmas.   View photos>>  

Stanwich Forum

‘Isaiah: A Vision of What Christmas

Is Really About’

   On Saturday morning a group gathered in the Upper Room to hear Rev. Mark Scarlata present a fascinating pre-Christmas exploration of the prophet Isaiah’s texts about the coming Messiah.  Mark led discussions on such questions as ‘Who was Isaiah expecting the Messiah to be?’, ‘What was the impact

he saw the Christ Child having on the entire world?’, and ‘What does Isaiah's vision mean to us about  the meaning of Christmas in our consumer-driven age?’  The forum was one of many special events scheduled during Advent to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.  If you missed the forum, you can

listen online.   

Stanwich Assists Hurricane Relief

   A group of 24 volunteers from Stanwich traveled to New Orleans to repair damage from hurricane Katrina.  Working in partnership with Desire Street, an urban ministry based in New Orleans dedicated to leadership development of inner city youth, the group cleaned out a large facility that

had functioned as a church and school.

In addition, they completely gutted one private home.  Everyone worked diligently and cooperatively amid an overwhelming amount of mold resulting from the flooding and the humid climate of the area. 

   The Stanwich congregation provided additional hurricane relief by setting aside $16,000 from an excess of funds raised

for last year's hurricane relief in Florida, and from our well-digging project in Ethiopia which was completed under budget.

   For more information about Desire Street and how you can help, please visit their

web site at  www.desirestreet.org.

Earl Bryan Celebrates 

25 Years of Music  

    This month noted a milestone in Stanwich history:  beloved music director Earl Bryan reached his 25th year of music ministry. 

To celebrate his faithful service – and his birthday – a joyous celebration was held

in his honor at the home of Rev. Neely and

Rolf Towe.  A crowd of Stanwich members

and friends joined Neely in wishing Earl a

very happy birthday and thanking him for the wonderful gift of music and choir which he has so faithfully given to Stanwich over the years.