Christmas festivities in Coupeville will begin just as soon as December arrives.
On Dec. 1, the annual Greening of Coupeville’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade will light up the town, beginning at 4 p.m.
In addition, Coupeville United Methodist has scheduled several events to help community members get their cheer on.
The annual Coupeville United Methodist Women’s Christmas Bazaar is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 1. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and includes chicken casserole with cranberry jello salad, a roll and a piece of pie for $7. There will be a bakery selection of tasty goodies as well.
Robin Hertlein, a long-time church member, is helping this year’s bazaar run smoothly. About 350 visitors are expected this year.
“I’ve been a member of the Methodist church since I moved here 25 years ago,” she said. “It’s always been a wonderful event for the church and the community. …It helps to raise funds for mission activities in Africa and Nepal. All the funds raised go to the mission support.”
Last year, the group raised over $8,000, according to organizer Kathleen Anderson.
“We made a profit of $8,226,” Anderson said in an email. “We give it all away to various needs that serve women, children and youth, which is the focus of United Methodist Women.”
Groups benefiting from fundraising last year included Pledge to Mission, Atlantic Street Center in Seattle, Tacoma Community House, Ryan’s House in Coupeville, Coupeville Boys and Girls Club and Margie’s House in Oak Harbor.
The Christmas Bazaar has been a long-standing tradition, held each year since 1927, Anderson said. The church itself was formed in 1853.
The Women’s Group creates handmade fresh wreaths the week before the event, and the sewing group and others have been busy all year making quilts and other crafts.
The church is also hosting other Christmas-related events, including Advent Sundays starting on Dec. 2, at the regular 11 a.m. worship service. On Dec. 9, the church’s Handbell Ensemble will help ring in the holidays, providing music to accompany the service.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, the public can attend a Christmas music celebration featuring the choir, “Carols Old, Carols New From Madrigal to Modern.” The 30-voice sanctuary choir will be accompanied by a violinist, pianists and the Handbell Ensemble.
On Christmas Eve, the “Come to the Manger” service will be at 5 p.m. Candlelight service will start at 7 p.m, with seasonal music by the organist, choir and familiar carols sung by the congregation. The service concludes with the singing of “Silent Night.”
The church is located at the corner of North Main and 6th Street. The church website is www.coupevilleumc.com.
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